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Madrid's ‘sea’ is once again the great summer refuge less than an hour from the capital
Madrid is once again looking to Pantano de San Juan to escape the heat. Virgen de la Nueva beach has renewed its Blue Flag this summer, consolidating its status as the only inland beach with this distinction in the entire Community.
The recognition confirms something that thousands of people from Madrid already know: it remains one of the most sought-after plans when temperatures rise. Just over an hour from the centre, the area offers safe bathing, supervision and a natural setting that combines water, pine woods and outdoor activities.
The beach maintains key services for those spending the whole day there. Showers, shaded areas, beach bars and separate bathing areas make the place a real alternative to leaving the region during the summer.
The surroundings also stand out for their water-sports offering. Paddleboarding, canoes and authorised boats make the reservoir one of the few places in Madrid where water sets the pace of summer leisure.
Its popularity, however, has consequences. At weekends and during heatwaves, access routes tend to become saturated and authorities reinforce capacity, cleaning and safety controls to avoid problems in the area.
La Virgen de la Nueva thus reinforces its position as Madrid’s great water refuge. In a region without a coast, places like this become an essential part of the routine and plans of thousands of people every summer.