In the Community of Madrid, the scarcity of authorized swimming areas means that every summer spots like the San Juan Reservoir become overcrowded, and alternatives such as the one offered by the Alberche River—50 kilometers from Madrid—are gaining popularity. Just a little farther away—95.2 km, a trip of just over an hour from the capital— the Zorita de los Canes River Park, in the province of Guadalajara, is a getaway worth considering to beat the heat.
Although it has been less than a decade since its opening—in 2018— it has already become a must-visit summer destination for residents of the municipality of Zorita de los Canes. Not only that: it is one of the best-known river beaches in Castilla-La Mancha and, according to its tourism website, “is especially well-suited for families with children.”
The area, located on the banks of the Tagus River, has everything you need to spend a summer day that the whole family will enjoy: a supervised swimming area, 1,400 square meters of lawn, picnic areas, umbrellas, swings, and shaded areas.
Water sports also take center stage at this river park, with options for kayaking and other river-based activities.
Hours and Admission Fees for the Zorita de los Canes River Park
This river park is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and between June 15 and September 15, admission is subject to the following fees:
- General admission: €10 on weekends, holidays, and long weekends, and €6 on weekdays.
- Children’s admission (ages 3–11): €6 on weekends, holidays, and long weekends, and €4 on weekdays.
- Children under 3: free admission.
- Admission for pre-booked groups of more than 20 children under 12: 4 €.
- Admission with pre-arranged companies for groups of more than 20 adults: 6 €.
For discounted tickets, according to the Zorita de los Canes City Council, visitors must present an ID card to verify the child’s age. Otherwise, the general admission rate will apply.
Residents of Zorita de los Canes are exempt from paying the admission fee—they must present their certificate or proof of registration dated within the last 3 months along with their ID card.
In addition, both visitors to the Recópolis Archaeological Park and customers of the town’s canoe rental service, hotels, rural guesthouses, and restaurant (who make a minimum purchase per person) will receive a 50% discount on the general and children’s admission fees on weekends and holidays.
