Explore Lake Negratin

We explore the gorgeous Lake Negratin area on a road trip or some of the cool places to visit along this stunning landscape. Use this short guide to highlight some of the lovely vista points, recreational areas, thermal pools and other unique places to visit around the lake area below

Located on the eastern Edge of Granada Province and Almeria is on the largest freshwater lakes of Southern Spain at Lake Negratin, actually a reservoir that was developed with the damming of the lake area. We explore this stunning picturesque spot and highlight some of the must visit attractions in the area.

The lake was formed by the Negratin Dam with the Guadiana Menor River with access to the lake area from the A-315 expressway and offering outdoor nature activities from canoeing, sailng, hiking, dining to even enjoying a nice natural hot springs bath in the Zugar area.

Surrounded by sheer and dramatic cliffs, the lake area is a perfect spot for water lovers and nature activity seekers or just nature loves to enjoy a quiet spot on the banks of the lake area.

Lake Negratin in Granada – gorgeous lake area and views, outdoor recreation and an ancient roman thermal pond to enjoy

How to get to Lake Negratin

Here’s a clear guide on how to get to Lake Negratín (Embalse del Negratín) in Andalusia:

1. By Car (Most Convenient Option)

• Lake Negratín is located in the province of Granada, near the town of Baza (about 15 km away).
• From Granada city: approx. 1.5 hours (100 km) via the A-92 and A-315.
• From Jaén city: approx. 2 hours via the A-44 and A-315.
• From Málaga: approx. 2.5 hours via the A-92.
• Driving is the easiest way, as it allows direct access to viewpoints, picnic areas, and the famous Negratín Hot Springs.

2. By Train

• The nearest train station is in Guadix (around 40 km away) or Granada (100 km away).
• From either station, you would need a car rental or taxi, as there is no direct train service to the lake.

3. By Bus

• Buses run from Granada and other Andalusian cities to Baza.
• From Baza, you’ll need a taxi or rental car to reach the lake, as local public transport is very limited.

4. By Guided Tour

• Some tour companies based in Granada or Jaén offer day trips to Lake Negratín, often combined with a visit to the surrounding Altiplano de Granada region or the cave houses of Guadix.

👉 The most practical way to reach Lake Negratín is by car, since it gives you flexibility to explore not only the reservoir but also the hot springs, viewpoints, and nearby villages.

Hot springs of Zugar – Los Banos de Zugar

One of my favorite places to visit on the edge of Lake Negratin is the hotsprings of Zugar. Located on the southern edge from Lake Negratin and about 9 kilometers from Zugar village. Follow the signs directly to the Avenida de Los Banos to the Banos Termal. You will find a lot of parking next to the restaurant which is open in season.

There is a small charge to enter downhill to the natural pool area which is lovely and the mud from the bottom of the lake is therapeutic and filled with nutrients to experiences. The springs maintain a steady temperature year-round and is in a rustic and natural setting and framed by the local hills and olive groves surrounding the area. Bring your own towels and seating area, find a nice spot to relax and enjoy a fun swim or sun on the beach areas of the hot springs.

 

Lake Negratin water activities

Canoeing and sailing are advertised from the El Negratin Club Nautico, a sailing club with a lake side restaurant located and signposted from the village of Cuevas del Campo. You’ll find the rentals available from the sailing club if you want to be in the water or just enjoy a nice meal at the lake side restaurant with wonderful views of the lake area.

Directions – Follow the A-315 and before Freila, you’ll see a sign for the zona recreativa which is a trace that leads directly to the restaurant and car park area. There is also a caravan camping site available for camping in the area.

Here’s an outline of activies and places to explore in the area with water access

Here’s a detailed outline of the water activities you can enjoy at Lake Negratin along with how to access the main spots:

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Water Activities at Lake Negratin

1. Swimming

• The reservoir has several designated swimming areas with clear, calm water.
• Popular spots:
  • Playa del Negratín (artificial beach near Freila) – sandy shoreline and family-friendly.
  • Zújar hot springs area – combines bathing in warm mineral waters with access to the lake.
• Access:
  • Playa del Negratín is well signposted near Freila; car park and picnic areas available.
  • The Zújar spa area is reached through the town of Zújar, with roads leading down to the thermal baths and lake shore.

2. Kayaking & Canoeing

• Calm waters make it ideal for paddling and exploring the inlets.
• Rentals: Available seasonally at the Playa del Negratín and some local tour operators around Cuevas del Campo.
• Access:
  • Best accessed from Playa del Negratín or smaller coves near Cuevas del Campo. Parking is nearby, with easy water entry.

3. Paddleboarding

• Increasingly popular due to the reservoir’s still surface.
• Boards can sometimes be rented near the artificial beach area or brought along independently.
• Access:
  • Playa del Negratín offers the easiest launch point with wide, shallow entry.

4. Fishing

• The lake is stocked with carp, barbel, and black bass.
• Requires a fishing permit from Andalusian authorities.
• Access:
  • Anglers often use quieter stretches on the western and southern shores, reachable by dirt tracks from Cuevas del Campo and Zújar.

5. Boating (Non-Motorized)

• Small rowboats and pedal boats are allowed in some parts of the reservoir.
• Motorized boats are generally restricted to preserve the natural setting.
• Access:
  • Best near Playa del Negratín or through local outfitters around Freila and Cuevas del Campo.

 

Here’s an outline of the best viewpoints around Lake Negratin in Andalusia and how to reach them:

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1. Mirador del Negratín (Main Viewpoint)

• Location: On the northern side of the lake near the road to Cuevas del Campo.
• Highlights: Panoramic views of the turquoise waters, surrounding badlands, and distant Sierra Nevada peaks.
• Access: Easily reached by car via A-315; small parking area available.

2. Mirador del Embalse (Dam Viewpoint)

• Location: Close to the Negratín Dam at the eastern end of the reservoir.
• Highlights: Great vantage point of the dam structure, sweeping lake views, and contrasting landscapes of farmland and desert hills.
• Access: Accessible by car from Freila or Zújar, following signs to the dam.

3. Viewpoints near Zújar Hilltop

• Location: Around the town of Zújar, perched above the southern edge of the lake.
• Highlights: Elevated views over the reservoir and the rugged landscape; ideal at sunset.
• Access: Drive up through Zújar town; some viewpoints are walkable from central streets.

4. Badlands Ridges (near Cuevas del Campo)

• Location: Western side of the reservoir, near Cuevas del Campo.
• Highlights: Scenic contrast of eroded badlands, ochre cliffs, and lake waters.
• Access: Requires a short hike from unpaved tracks off A-315; best for those comfortable with off-road paths.

5. Hot Springs Area Viewpoint (Baños de Zújar)

• Location: Near the thermal baths on the southern shore.
• Highlights: Views of the lake from a lower angle, framed by natural rock formations; peaceful and less crowded.
• Access: Reachable by car via Zújar; short walk down to the hot springs area.

 

Where to eat around Lake Negratin

You’ll find a variety of local eateries and mom and pop style venues to nicer fine dining venues around the lake area to capture those excellent views and enjoy your time here. Here’s what you can find that’s good to eat in the area below:

Here’s an outline of good places to eat around Lake Negratín (Embalse del Negratín), what to try, price ranges, addresses and websites where available. If you like, I can map these so you can pick based on where you’ll be staying.

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Restaurant	Location & Access	What to Try / Food Style	Price (Avg per person)	Address & Hours / Website
Restaurante El Náutico	On the dam end of Lake Negratín, in Cuevas del Campo. Scenic views of the lake & mountains.	Spanish / Mediterranean. Seafood, grilled meats, octopus are often mentioned. Good place for lunch overlooking the water.	~ €20-30 per person for a mid-meal. For more elaborate dinners or special dishes it may run higher.	Calle de la Presa del Negratín 1, 18813 Cuevas del Campo, Andalusia, Spain ). Usually open for lunch midday; closed on some weekdays.
Restaurante / Restaurante “Los Baños” (Baños de Zújar)	Near Zújar, in the thermal baths area (“Baños de Zújar”) beside Lake Negratín. Good place if combining food + soaking in hot springs.	Simple Spanish fare, local dishes, salads, seafood, with views over the pool / lake. Good for relaxed meals.	Drinks + light meal might be under €10-15; full meals maybe €15-25 depending on dish.	Avda. Los Baños, Km. 7, 18811 Zújar, Granada, Spain. Hotel & Restaurant Balneario de Zújar also operates there. Website: Balneario de Zújar (Hotel & Spa) (Balneario de Zújar Granada)
Gastrobar La Almazara	In the village of Zújar. Good if you are staying in Zújar or passing through after lake-side time.	Tapas, grilled meats, seafood, platters. Try pulpo a la brasa (grilled octopus), croquetas, perhaps a good burger or local specialties. (Menuweb – Restaurant & Menus)	Quite reasonable: light tapas or small main courses often €8-15; more elaborate meals may go toward 20-25 € or a bit more. (Menuweb – Restaurant & Menus)	Calle Nogales 34, 18811, Zújar, Spain. Phone: +34 649 341 083. Website: Gastrobar La Almazara business site & menu in English. (Menuweb – Restaurant & Menus)
Other options	– There are picnic spots & small kiosks near the beaches of Freila (Playa de Freila) and zones of swimming along the lake, where snacks / drinks are sold. – “Cortijo del Cura” in Freila by the lake shore has a restaurant-table set up; good for simple, cheap meals and relaxing by water.	Expect simple, rustic food: sandwiches, small fish, local cheeses, salads, cold drinks. Good for lunch.	Costs low: €5-15 depending on what you order and how much service.	Locations tend to be rural; check signage from nearby villages (Freila, Zújar, Cuevas del Campo). No strong formal websites for most; best to check local listings or ask once in area.

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Foods & dishes you should try

• Pulpo a la brasa (grilled octopus) — popular at places like Náutico and La Almazara.
• Tapas — local tapas are almost everywhere. Complimentary tapas with drinks are often offered in Zújar bars. (Casa Bella Teepees)
• Jamón ibérico / cured meats & cheeses — paired with local bread and olive oil.
• Seafood — though this is inland, many restaurants do fresh fish dishes or seafood rice dishes.
• Grilled meats — local lamb, pork, etc.
• Seasonal/local produce — like olives, tomato salads, peppers, local mushrooms if in season.

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Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Great scenery + meal with views (lake, mountains, sunsets)	Some restaurants are closed on certain days (often Mondays), or only open for lunch. Always check. E.g. El Náutico is closed some weekdays.
You can combine food with hot springs (Baños de Zújar)	Access roads can be rough; some rural roads need a car.
Reasonable prices for Spain, especially for what you get (views, ambiance)	Fewer high-end options; rustic setting means simpler service and sometimes less choice.
Local food + tapas culture makes exploring fun (small bites, varied tastes)	Language may be a barrier in more rural places; menus sometimes only in Spanish.

 

Further reading – Visiting Granada Province and other regions

Check out these other posts to visiting the region for more inspiration

Explore Renaissance Ubeda, Spain

Almeria Alcazaba

Things to do in Almeria

Visit to Baza in Granada Province

One day in Lorca

Malaga to Murcia, Spain

One day in Murcia, Spain

Granada to Murcia, Spain

Things to do in Granada

One day in Granada

Conclusion to visiting Negratin Lake area

A visit to Lake Negratin is more than just a stop at a reservoir—it’s an experience that blends rugged natural scenery, unique badlands, soothing hot springs, and wide-open Andalusian skies. Whether you come for the panoramic viewpoints, a quiet day of relaxation, or a bit of outdoor adventure, the area rewards travelers with a mix of tranquility and discovery. If you’re exploring Granada province or the wider Altiplano region, make sure to set aside time for Negratin—it’s a destination that will leave you with lasting impressions and plenty of reasons to return.

About author – Noel Morata

After relocating from the United States to Andalusia in 2024, I’ve made it my mission to discover every corner of Spain. Based just east of Granada, I’ve spent over 12 months exploring Andalusia province and the rest of Spain, including multiple extended visits to Granada throughout different seasons. My background in Spanish cultural studies and years of residence and exploring all of Spain have given me unique insight into the region’s historical significance, local customs, and culinary traditions.

I regularly update my guides with the latest information gathered through personal visits and relationships with local tourism officials, always seeking what’s new and exciting in each destination. As a self-proclaimed foodie, I’m passionate about discovering authentic local markets and regional specialties.