Las Zomas – Lagoon Landscape and Cultural Heritage

Las Zomas brings together a lagoon landscape, geological features and cultural landmarks. The Laguna de las Zomas lies within the municipality of Fuentes (Cuenca) and also defines the northern part of the Complejo Lagunar del río Moscas. Alongside nature, highlights include a signposted interpretive trail and traces of earlier routes. You can tailor your stay to suit different interests, from the formation of the karst landscape to specific architectural details.

Lagoons, sinkholes and a changing landscape

The Laguna de las Zomas covers 9.05 hectares. This area refers to the lagoon, not to the entire lagoon complex. The Complejo Lagunar del río Moscas was designated a micro-reserve in 2010 because of the distinctive nature of its geological processes and its ecological value. The lagoon’s location in the northern part of the complex places it within a larger landscape system.

The Complejo Lagunar del río Moscas has eleven sinkholes, nine of which hold water permanently. The sinkholes are connected underground, forming a lagoon system. The lagoons lie in karst sinkholes: these landforms were created by collapses after groundwater dissolved gypsum and marl. Both the visible bodies of water and the geological processes beneath the surface shape the area.

The landscape changes over the course of the year. Water levels rise especially after rain, so the surroundings look different depending on when you visit. Wildlife watching is another possible focus: grey herons and western marsh harriers can often be spotted in the complex. The combination of karst features, water and birdlife offers several specific points of interest for a visit, although the scenery is not the same in every season.

Getting there and trails in the lagoon area

Las Zomas can be reached via the N-420 towards Teruel. The Complejo Lagunar del río Moscas is open to visitors free of charge at any time throughout the year. As road conditions and access rules may change, check the latest information before setting out.

A signposted interpretive trail follows an out-and-back route approximately 6.4 kilometres long. It runs along easy, well-marked paths and leads to a sinkhole and two of the complex’s most representative lagoons. The distance and route type give you practical guidance for planning your day; the destinations link specific landforms with the lagoons. The interpretive trail is one way to explore the landscape through selected points of interest, while seasonal changes offer a different perspective on the same area.

For a different hiking perspective, there is the PR-CU 87, which initially follows the former medieval route known as the “camino real de Las Zomas a Cañada del Hoyo”. Its historic course gives the trail a different character from the interpretive route through the lagoon complex. If you are interested in the history of routes, this distinction is especially noteworthy: one trail is defined by its destinations in the lagoon area, while the other initially follows an earlier route.

Church, baptismal font and washhouse

Cultural details are also part of the character of Las Zomas. The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción contains a baptismal font. At the Fuente de las Zomas, there is a traditional washhouse with a square floor plan, each side measuring about 2.5 metres. The church and washhouse therefore offer specific architectural points of interest alongside the sweeping forms of the lagoon landscape.

Together, these features offer different ways to explore Las Zomas: the lagoon system reveals the area’s geological and ecological character, the interpretive trail leads to selected points in the landscape, and the PR-CU 87 points to a former medieval route. The baptismal font and washhouse add smaller details of cultural heritage to these perspectives. You can plan your visit around your interests, with a particular focus on karst and water, birdwatching, hiking trails or architectural heritage.

Discover more destinations: Villarrubio, Pineda De Gigüela, Valverde De Júcar, Jabalera, Villar De Olalla, La Alberca De Záncara, Puente De Vadillos, Yémeda.

For the main travel overview: Cuenca.