The magnificent natural pool that stands on the outskirts of Málaga:

The La Zúa pond, located in the municipality of Cortes de la Frontera in Malaga, stands out as one of the most unique spots in the province of Malaga. This natural site is nestled between two areas of high ecological value: the Los Alcornocales Natural Park and the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park. Its privileged location in the heart of the Serranía de Ronda makes this river pool a reference point for those seeking landscapes of great beauty dominated by water and vegetation.

The natural pool is located in the population center of Cañada del Real Tesoro, also known as Estación de Cortes. Its surroundings, embraced by the lush vegetation of the Guadiaro valley and with nearby train tracks, blend rural essence with natural charm. The pond is framed between the Guadiaro river course and the visible presence of the Líbar massif in the background, offering a landscape of great harmony.

The Guadiaro River, soul of the landscape

The Guadiaro River plays an essential role in shaping this area. As it flows through Cañada del Real Tesoro, the river structures the landscape and gives life to places like the La Zúa pond, formed by an Andalusian-era dam. This hydraulic infrastructure, known as a zúa, is designed to retain water to redirect it to the orchards of the plain through a large irrigation channel that still retains its agricultural function today.

This ancestral use of water for irrigation is a constant in the history of this area of inland Malaga. For centuries, the populations that have inhabited this territory have developed ingenious systems of water capture and distribution, adapted to the topography and local needs. The La Zúa pond is a living testimony to this legacy, which remains fully effective.

Access and surroundings

To reach this enclave, take the A-373 from the center of Cortes de la Frontera towards the district of Cañada del Real Tesoro. Once in the urban area, locate the main street, from which you descend through a small alley—at number 135—that leads to the very course of the Guadiaro. The access is equipped with wooden handrails that guide visitors to the riverbank.

The swimming area is spacious and, except for some sections, does not exceed one and a half meters in depth. The bottom is mostly earthen, which facilitates staying in the water. The esplanade next to the pond is shaded by ash trees and other riverside trees, such as poplars, eucalyptus, and reeds, providing coolness and shelter from the summer heat. From this point, the urban center of Cortes de la Frontera can be clearly seen, framed by the mountainous relief of the Serranía.

Details to consider

Although the place exudes calm and is visually very attractive, it is important to consider some precautions. To access the inside of the pond, you must overcome the small step of the dam, which may require some balance. Although there is a rope hanging from an ash tree for diving into the water, its use involves risks, especially due to the difficulty of access and the maneuver required for the jump. Additionally, the riverside vegetation in some areas is very dense and can be dangerous due to the risk of entanglement.

In the summer months, and especially on weekends, this natural space is frequented by locals, who find in La Zúa an ideal place to cool off and enjoy the surroundings.

Although the pond is located just meters from the boundary of the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, the Guadiaro River acts as a dividing line between the municipalities of Cortes de la Frontera and Benalauría. Thus, La Zúa not only represents an example of historical water use but also a meeting point between municipalities and protected natural spaces. All this makes this corner a place of high ecological, landscape, and historical value, representative of the natural heritage of the province of Malaga.