The landscape around Las Zomas takes centre stage, its features shaped by the interplay of water and rock. Laguna de las Zomas lies within the municipality of Fuentes (Cuenca), covers 9.05 hectares and is located in the northern part of the Complejo Lagunar del río Moscas. A baptismal font in the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción and a washhouse at the Fuente de las Zomas also give your stay a local cultural dimension.

Karst, Water and Protected Status

The lagoons lie in karst sinkholes. They formed when groundwater dissolved gypsum and marl, causing the ground to collapse. The sinkholes are connected underground and form a lagoon system. The Complejo Lagunar del río Moscas has eleven sinkholes in total, nine of which hold water year-round. The individual pools are therefore part of an interconnected underground whole rather than standing alone.

The area's distinctive geology and ecological value led to its designation as a micro-reserve in 2010. At the same time, the landscape changes over the course of the year. Water levels rise, especially after rain. Nature lovers can therefore pay attention both to the geological formations and to the changing waterscape. Grey herons and western marsh harriers can also often be spotted in the Complejo Lagunar del río Moscas.

Trails and Historical Traces

The interpretive trail in the Complejo Lagunar del río Moscas is an out-and-back route approximately 6.4 kilometres long. It leads to a sinkhole and two of the area's most representative lagoons. The route follows easy, well-signposted paths. Its approximate length and clear out-and-back layout provide a practical basis for planning your own walk.

The PR-CU 87 walking trail offers a historical connection: its first stretch follows the former medieval route known as the “camino real de Las Zomas a Cañada del Hoyo”. The old route's name thus remains part of today's trail. Those interested in both nature and history will find different points of interest along the paths: geological formations and lagoons on the one hand, and a former route with a name passed down through history on the other.

Church and Water Infrastructure

The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción in Las Zomas has a baptismal font. At the Fuente de las Zomas stands a square washhouse with sides measuring approximately 2.5 metres. These two features belong to different local settings: the baptismal font is part of the church, while the washhouse is at the Fuente. Its square shape and approximate dimensions give you a concrete sense of the structure without confusing it with the much larger lagoon landscape.

Getting There and Visiting

Las Zomas can be reached via the N-420 towards Teruel. The Complejo Lagunar del río Moscas is open to visitors year-round, at any time. As road conditions and access rules may change, check the latest information before setting out. This lets you combine the journey with a visit to the lagoons without mistaking the specific route details for a walking time or a fixed daily itinerary.

Discover more destinations: Talayuelas, La Frontera, Villaescusa De Haro, Yémeda, Casas De Fernando Alonso, Villanueva De La Jara, Villamayor De Santiago, Mota Del Cuervo

For the main travel overview: Cuenca.