Lake Sanabria Beaches

Lake Sanabria is the largest glacial lake in the Iberian Peninsula, and in summer it works as an inland beach. The Junta lists four beaches: Los Arenales de Vigo–Los Enanos, El Folgoso, Custa Llago and Viquiella, all on the shore, on one side of the ZA-104 road from Puebla de Sanabria to Ribadelago, among oak woods. The water is cold even in August.

Each beach

Los Arenales and El Folgoso are next to each other, in the northern part: you reach them by a turning on the right at kilometre 12 of the ZA-104, about 4 km from Galende by road. Both have a bar, restaurant, toilets and access for people with reduced mobility; Los Arenales also has Braille panels, and at El Folgoso pedalos can be rented in summer. From the side of El Folgoso starts the path that climbs to San Martín de Castañeda.

Custa Llago, about 2 km from Ribadelago, is the large beach and the best equipped: bar, restaurant, kiosk, car park, toilets, 35 tables, boat hire in summer and the boarding point for the environmental cruise on the lake. La Viquiella, a kilometre from Ribadelago, has a bar-restaurant, 37 tables, 10 barbecues and, according to the Zamora Provincial Council's beach catalogue, a Red Cross post in summer. The same catalogue warns that, except on the beaches where it is indicated, there is no lifeguard.

The boat

The catamaran Helios, which leaves from Custa Llago beach, was not taking bookings in autumn 2026 because it was in the shipyard; check at europarques.com or on 980 557 557 before counting on it.

Tips

In July and August there are many people: arrive in the morning or late in the afternoon if you want a spot near the water's edge. With children, choose a beach with services and do not lose sight of the little ones, especially where there is no lifeguard. Ask at the Park House about the swimming and dog rules at each beach.

Outside summer, the beaches are a quiet walk along the shore, among oaks. From Los Enanos starts the lake and monks trail, and from near Custa Llago, the traditional path from Ribadelago to Sotillo, which links up with the Sotillo waterfall. If you are travelling by campervan, see the campervan area in Puebla.