Tranco reservoir
Hornos, Spain
A long reservoir on the young Guadalquivir, wrapped in pine forest, with swimming spots and wildlife in the surrounding reserve. The road along its shore is one of the prettiest drives in the park.
The El Tranco de Beas reservoir dams the upper Guadalquivir in the Sierra de Segura and lies within the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Natural Park; the village of Hornos de Segura is not far away. The dam was built in 1929 and first filled in 1948; the lake holds 498 million m³ of water, covers about 1,800 ha and lies at roughly 670 m above sea level. On a hill in the water stand the ruins of the Arab-era Bujaraiza castle. Pine woods and olive groves reach down to the shore.
A solar-powered tour boat sails on the lake and, according to a travel magazine, is the only motor vessel allowed. There are two routes of about an hour each: north towards Hornos de Segura and the Chorreón waterfall, and south past the Bujaraiza castle ruins and Pico Banderillas. Check times and availability in advance. Where swimming is permitted, if at all, is something to ask locally at the visitor centre, as we have no reliable information on it.
- Nearest town
- Hornos, Spain
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 38.1600, -2.8000
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, September and December. Hot in July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Spain: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Many former toll motorways are now free; some AP roads still charge. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Camping MontillanaCampsite4 km from Tranco reservoir
- Camping Fuente de la PascualaCampsite12 km from Tranco reservoir
- Camping Llanos de AranceCampsite12 km from Tranco reservoirTentsCaravansWaste disposal
- Camping Chopera de Coto-ríosCampsite13 km from Tranco reservoir
- Camping Cañada CatenaCampsite14 km from Tranco reservoir
- Camping Garrote GordoCampsite17 km from Tranco reservoirCaravans
All campsites in Spain · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Tranco reservoir?
Tranco reservoir is in Hornos, Spain, at GPS 38.1600, -2.8000. It is about 14 km from Coto Ríos.
Can you camp near Tranco reservoir?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Camping Montillana, about 4 km away; within 25 km there are 8 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Tranco reservoir?
Tranco reservoir is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Úbeda, Baeza and the Sierra de Cazorla.
What is there to see near Tranco reservoir?
Places worth a stop nearby: Río Borosa trail (20 km), Castillo de la Yedra (33 km), Plaza Vázquez de Molina (53 km) and Lagunas de Ruidera (90 km).
When is the best time to visit Tranco reservoir?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, September and December. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)