July has already begun, and with it, the start of the long-awaited holidays for many. The sea or the mountains are the most common destinations we have been dreaming about all year round. As the departure date approaches, our minds fill with images, plans and experiences to look forward to.. But there is one moment that always stands out above all: that first dip. Whether at the pool, the beach, the river or a lake, here are some of the most iconic places to enjoy that well-deserved break.

Who said Teruel didn't have a beach? Just 3 kilometres from the small village of Valbona, the reservoir of the same name has earned the title of "the beach of Teruel". In the heart of nature and with sandy areas ideal for spreading out your towel, it's a great place to cool off without having to go to the coast.

This quiet, family-friendly spot is perfect for a good swim, a picnic in the shade of its picnic area or to spend the day with a dip, swings and adventures in canoeing or paddle surfing. It is also a popular spot for angling enthusiasts, thanks to its calm waters and landscapes that invite you to relax.

Whether as a couple, with friends or with the little ones, the Valbona reservoir is a great way to start the summer with that first well-deserved dip.

But this reservoir is not the only place to cool off in Teruel, the Arquillo de San Blas reservoir, is another area where you can take that long-awaited dip. It is just 10 kilometres from the Parador de Teruel, a beautiful palace on the outskirts of the city. Inspired by the Mudejar art that gives the capital of Teruel its identity, this accommodation combines history, relaxation and all the comforts for a perfect getaway.

Here you can stroll through the gardens, take another dip in the swimming pool, play a game of tennis or watch the kids enjoy themselves in the children's playground. And, of course, you can sit at the table and savour the exquisite local gastronomy in its restaurant, where the flavours of Aragon shine with their own light.

The Parador is also the ideal starting point for exploring a city full of charm: the Mudejar Towers, the Mausoleum of the Lovers of Teruel, the cathedral of Santa María de Mediavilla or the fascinating Dinópolis, for those travelling with the family. And if you feel like getting lost in villages with history and picture postcard landscapes, Albarracín, Mora de Rubielos and the Tortajada lagoon await you just a few kilometres away.

BOOK AT THE PARADOR DE TERUEL

Imagine taking your first dip of the summer in a lake of glacial origin, surrounded by mountains, forests and natural beaches. This is Lake Sanabria, the largest natural lake in the Iberian Peninsula and one of the most beautiful in Europe. A magical place that was formed more than 100,000 years ago and is now a paradise for lovers of nature, tranquillity and, of course, a good swim.

Covering an area of more than 300 hectares, the lake has several beaches where bathing is allowed. The beaches of. The beaches of Custa Llago and Viquiella, in the west, have fine sand and every amenity. At the south-eastern end, Los Enanos, El Pato and El Folgoso, are ideal for spending the day with a dip, grassy areas and leafy trees.

A unique way to explore the lake is by canoe, gliding over its crystal-clear waters and discovering spots such as the Isla de Las Moras or the underwater stone cut in front of Custa Llago.

After a day paddling a canoe, discovering hidden islands and taking a dip in the glacial waters of Lake Sanabria, it's time to slow down and let yourself be pampered. The perfect place? The Parador de Puebla de Sanabria, just a five-minute drive from the lake, but secluded enough to envelop you in peace and views.

This stone building, with the charm of old roadside inns and 21st century comfort, is surrounded by gardens, a swimming pool to keep you cool and a padel tennis court.

And when you feel like a stroll, just look out over Puebla de Sanabria, a medieval gem of cobbled streets, stone houses with flowery balconies and a castle with breathtaking views. Climb the keep and discover the Fortifications Interpretation Centre... or simply gaze at the horizon. Because in Sanabria, even stopping feels like a plan.

BOOKING AT THE PARADOR DE PUEBLA DE SANABRIA

After months of dreaming of the sea, it's finally time to set foot on the sand, stick your parasol in and jump into the water. And Mojácar is the perfect place to do it. This jewel of Almeria offers 8 kilometres of coastline with beaches to suit all tastes: quiet, lively, accessible, family-friendly, with water sports, beach bars.... You choose!

If you are looking for total comfort and to be just a stone's throw from your hotel, Playa de la Piedra Villazar es tu opción. Junto al Parador de Mojácar, is your option. Next to the Parador de Mojácar, with a Blue Flag, this family beach is ideal to spend the day without worrying about anything: it has lifeguards, adapted access, showers, swings for children, hammock rental and even amphibious chairs. All overlooked by a large rock that gives its name to the beach.

Fancy a livelier atmosphere? Then head to El Cantal beach, popular with those looking to combine swimming with a bit of socialising. Here you'll find everything from water sports and beach volleyball to cocktail bars where evenings are spent with your feet in the sand.

And if walking along the shore is more your thing, don't miss Cueva del Lobo Beach, with its long promenade, calm waters for the little ones and all the facilities imaginable.

After a day of sun, salt and dips on the beaches of Mojácar, there’s nothing like letting yourself be carried away by the tranquillity of the Parador de Mojácar, one of the most complete and high-end accommodations on the coast of Almería. Here, the Mediterranean is more than just a landscape: it’s your room-mate.

Just a few steps from the shore, this Parador combines relaxation with picture postcard views. Its rooms overlook the sea and its well-tended gardens, and from the pool or balcony you can watch the sun slowly set over the water. For a day of relaxation, drop into the wellness area, with a sauna, treatments and spaces designed to put your body and mind into total holiday mode.

It is the ideal destination for getaways as well as for family trips, couples or friends. It has a children's area, gym, solarium and a dream swimming pool, as well as a building for conventions and celebrations. All framed in spectacular natural surroundings, between the interior of the Sierra de Cabrera and the unspoilt beaches of the Cabo de Gata Natural Park.

BOOKING AT THE PARADOR DE MOJÁCAR

And to finish this aquatic tour... we dive into one of the most stunning spots of the Galician coast. Because yes, the last dip of the summer is not on the beach, but in an infinity pool that seems to float on the Atlantic. Welcome to the Parador de Costa da Morte, in Muxía, where the sea comes in through the windows and the scenery is everywhere.

Its outdoor swimming pool, modern, elegant and suspended over Lourido Beach, offers one of the most memorable experiences of the trip. From there, the horizon merges with the water and, when you take a dip, you have the sensation of being inside the ocean itself. And if your body demands more, the Parador has a spa, jacuzzi, sauna, heated pool and wellness area to completely get away from the world.

The interior design is inspired by Galician nature: wood, stone, organic shapes and a serene atmosphere that invites you to slow down and take a deep breath. It is the ideal place to let the tide take you away... without leaving your deckchair.

But if you decide to explore, the Costa da Morte is full of treasures: Monte Pindo, the mystical Cape Fisterra, the impressive Ézaro Waterfall and the Camiño dos Faros, a hiking route that winds between cliffs, beaches and legendary lighthouses. Here culture is experienced through the fishing net makers (redeiras), the goose neck barnacle collectors (percebeiros), the ancestral traditions and the tales of shipwrecks that still echo in the wind.

BOOKING AT THE PARADOR DE COSTA DA MORTE