The El Atazar dam is a double-curvature arch dam, the first of its kind built in Spain.
The reservoir covers an area that included the former village of El Atazar, which was partially relocated during the dam's construction in the early 1970s.
The reservoir's water level is subject to significant seasonal fluctuations, which alter the visible landscape of the surrounding shoreline.
The water stored here accounts for nearly half of the total reservoir capacity within the Community of Madrid.
The Lozoya River, which feeds the reservoir, is the primary source of drinking water for the city of Madrid.
The Mirador embalse de El Atazar is a scenic viewpoint providing an expansive vantage point over the largest reservoir in the Community of Madrid. Located near the village of Patones, the site overlooks the 1,072-hectare El Atazar dam which impounds the waters of the Lozoya River. The reservoir plays a critical role in the regional water supply system, holding approximately 425 cubic hectometers of water. The viewpoint area is part of the Sierra Norte de Madrid, characterized by slate-rich geological formations and Mediterranean scrubland. Visitors can observe the contrast between the deep blue water and the surrounding rugged, arid terrain of the Sierra de Ayllón. The area is notable for its birdwatching opportunities, specifically for species associated with aquatic ecosystems and cliff-nesting raptors.
The highest point of the wooden railing overlooking the main expanse of the reservoir.
Bring binoculars for birdwatching and spotting distant shoreline features.
Check local meteorological reports before departure as the open exposure makes the site highly susceptible to strong winds.
Combine this visit with a trip to the nearby Patones de Arriba, known for its traditional black-slate architecture.
Do not attempt to access the water's edge directly from the viewpoint, as the slopes are steep and the terrain is unstable.
