In Fuentes, discoveries range from natural karst lagoons to the palaeontology of Lo Hueco. There are also walking routes, a circular trail suitable for beginners, and recurring festivals throughout the year. Whether you want to focus your stay more on the landscape, the history of the Earth or local traditions, these different themes give you a practical starting point for planning.

Lagoons, karst and trails around Fuentes

Laguna del Ojo de la Corva is a natural lagoon associated with the karst landscape of the municipality. Laguna Negra is also one of Fuentes’ natural lagoons. Its colour and water volume change over the seasons; these changes have given rise to local legends. The lagoons therefore bring together nature watching and traditional stories, although the two places need not be described in the same way.

A few kilometres from Fuentes lies Torcas del Águila, a geologically interesting natural formation. It is part of routes for active tourism and interpretive hiking. Easy walking routes also lead to the lagoons and the distinctive geological formations of Fuentes. Those looking for a named circular route can try Sendero de las Navas PR-CU 56: it runs through the eastern part of the municipality and is suitable for people who are new to hiking.

Via signposted trails, Sendero de las Navas PR-CU 56 provides access from Fuentes to the lagoons of Cañada del Hoyo and the village of Carboneras de Guadazaón. The mountainous landscape around Fuentes is also suitable for cycling. Hiking and cycling are therefore two different ways to make the landscape the focus of a stay. The source of the Moscas River is also near Fuentes; from there, the river flows on until it joins the Júcar.

Lo Hueco and the history of the dinosaurs

The palaeontological site of Lo Hueco is located in the municipality of Fuentes and is considered one of Europe’s most remarkable fossil sites. Finds include fish, turtles, lizards, crocodiles and dinosaurs from the Late Cretaceous, around 75 million years ago. One stop on the Ruta de los Dinosaurios in Fuentes is called “La Era de los Titanosaurios”; check the latest route information before planning, as route details may be updated.

The Centro de Interpretación de Fuentes is housed in the former town hall on Plaza de la Constitución. Two exhibition rooms display numerous replicas of finds from Lo Hueco; an audiovisual room focuses on the discovery of the site. Admission is free. Check visiting arrangements before you travel so you can plan your visit accordingly.

A replica of the titanosaur “Epi” stands in a park next to the sports pavilion and municipal swimming pool. As the location of this outdoor display may change, check the local information before your visit. Together, the exhibition and the “La Era de los Titanosaurios” stop offer various ways to learn about the finds and the region’s palaeontology.

Traditions and events throughout the year

The history of today’s settlement is also part of Fuentes’ story: its founding is historically linked to the repopulation that followed Alfonso VIII’s conquest of Cuenca in 1177. Recurring festivals offer another way to experience local culture. San Blas is celebrated on 3 February with a traditional bonfire in the village square, where participants throw a log onto the fire.

Mayo a la Virgen is a popular tradition held at midnight on the night of 30 April to 1 May in the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción. The choir and rondalla of Fuentes perform the traditional Mayo with guitars and bandurrias in honour of Our Lady of the Rosary, while local residents sing along to the verses. The festival in honour of Saint Anthony of Padua takes place on the second weekend of June, around 13 June. Sunday events include a Eucharistic celebration and a procession.

The Fiestas in honour of the Virgen del Rosario take place from Friday to Monday on the first weekend of October. The festival includes religious, bull-related, musical and entertainment events. Los Diablotes is another recurring popular celebration in Fuentes, held on 28 December. If a festival is important to your travel plans, check the specific programme for that year locally in advance.

Discover more destinations: Solán De Cabras, Yémeda, Casas De Los Pinos, Arcas, Pozoseco, Valverdejo, Garaballa, Chillarón De Cuenca.

See the full travel overview: Cuenca.