Laguna del Cerrato

Laguna del Cerrato is a small, seasonal karst lagoon located right off the road between Priego and Alcantud, in the municipality of Alcantud, Cuenca province (Castilla-La Mancha). Fed entirely by underground water, it fills and empties unpredictably, making it one of the more unusual hydrological features of this part of the Serranía Alta de Cuenca.

How do you get to Laguna del Cerrato?

The lagoon sits on the left-hand side of the road coming from Priego, just before you reach the village of Alcantud itself, which stands at roughly 851 meters above sea level in the Serranía Alta de Cuenca. The approach winds through the mountain roads typical of Cuenca province. A car is the practical way to get here, driving in via Priego from Cuenca city — there's no regular public transport serving this stretch, so plan your own transport.

What will you find there?

Don't expect a permanent lake: Laguna del Cerrato can stay dry for long stretches and only fills after substantial rainfall. The surrounding terrain is classic Serranía Alta de Cuenca country — limestone outcrops and Mediterranean scrub. Nearby, in the dehesa (traditional grazing meadow) of Alcantud, sits another small lagoon, Los Ojos de Alcantud, which pairs well with a visit here as part of the same walk. A further draw in the area is the Hoz de Alcantud, a gorge cut by the Guadiela river, framed by steep limestone walls.

When should you visit to catch it with water?

Because the lagoon depends solely on groundwater and rainfall, seeing it full is a matter of timing and luck. Your best chances come after prolonged, heavy rain, typically in autumn or spring. In summer it usually dries out completely — but the surrounding landscape, including the Hoz de Alcantud gorge and the Sierra de la Bienvenida ridges, remains worth exploring on foot year-round, water or no water.

Frequently asked questions

Does Laguna del Cerrato always have water? No. It's a seasonal, groundwater-fed lagoon that can stay dry for long periods and only fills after heavy rainfall.

How do I reach Laguna del Cerrato? By car is easiest, along the road from Priego toward Alcantud — the lagoon is on the left, just before the village.

What else is worth seeing near Alcantud? The Hoz de Alcantud gorge, carved by the Guadiela river, and a second, smaller lagoon called Los Ojos de Alcantud in the nearby dehesa.

What's the elevation of Alcantud? The village sits at about 851 meters above sea level, within the Serranía Alta de Cuenca range.