Encoro de Abegondo-Cecebre

Encoro de Abegondo-Cecebre is a reservoir in Galicia, near the city of A Coruña, formed at the confluence of the Mero and Barcés rivers. It was built in 1975 to supply drinking water to A Coruña, and its waters flow onward into the neighboring Cecebre reservoir. The reservoir sits on the shared boundary of five municipalities — Abegondo, Betanzos, Cambre, Carral, and Oza dos Ríos — about twenty minutes from downtown A Coruña.

Why visit this reservoir?

The area around the reservoir is far more than water infrastructure. Covering more than 490 hectares, it belongs to the Natura 2000 network: it was designated a Site of Community Importance in 2004 and has been a Special Area of Conservation since 2014. That combination makes the surroundings of the encoro one of the more valuable natural sites in the A Coruña region, blending a practical water-supply role with habitat protection.

What wildlife lives around the reservoir?

The variety of species here is striking for a site so close to a major city. Ornithologists have recorded more than 200 bird species, making it a notable spot for birdwatching in Galicia. The wetlands and waters around the reservoir are also home to at least seven reptile species and eleven amphibian species. Among mammals, visitors may come across signs of otters, badgers, and even wildcats, which points to a healthy local ecosystem.

What does the reservoir basin look like?

Water depth varies across the reservoir — averaging around six meters, with the deepest points reaching up to fifteen meters. Where the rivers flow into the reservoir, marshy backwaters have formed, with flood-prone meadows and woodlands of significant ecological value that serve as natural habitat for many of the species mentioned above.

Who is this destination for?

Encoro de Abegondo-Cecebre is aimed mainly at people looking for nature close to the city — walkers, birdwatchers, and anyone curious to see how a water-supply reservoir coexists with a protected natural area. Its proximity to A Coruña means a visit can fit into just a few hours without planning a full day trip, while still offering a real sense of distance from urban life.

Frequently asked questions

What is Encoro de Abegondo-Cecebre used for? The reservoir supplies drinking water to A Coruña and its surroundings, and its water also feeds the nearby Cecebre reservoir.

When was the reservoir built? It was built in 1975 on the Mero and Barcés rivers.

Is the area around the reservoir protected? Yes, it has been protected as a Site of Community Importance since 2004 and as a Special Area of Conservation since 2014, as part of the Natura 2000 network.

What animals can be found here? Mainly more than 200 bird species, along with otters, badgers, wildcats, and reptiles and amphibians living in the wetland areas.

How deep is the reservoir? Average depth is around six meters, with a maximum depth of about fifteen meters.