Next summer, Algodonales will have a watersports zone, a further area offering accommodation in log cabins, a picnic area and a recreational zone next to the Zahara-El Gastor reservoir, which will enable visitor to enjoy this area of landscape importance in the northern part of Cadiz province.

This announcement was made by the first deputy chairman of the Cadiz Provincial Council and Delegate for the Environment, Juan Román, who expressed his satisfaction with the progress being made in the environment recovery work at the "La Puente” recreational zone, located on the right bank of the reservoir.

The work, which should be completed in spring, is divided into four large blocks. Over 600,000 euros will be spend on improving access, building a hostel, a watersports zone and a picnic area in this exceptional spot as the reservoir is surrounded by mountains, overlooked by the village of Zahara de la Sierra with its medieval castle.

A ramp, an extension of the existing access road, will be built to launch and pull out canoes and dinghies. A floating pontoon, which will be reached by a wooden gangplank, will also be anchored in the reservoir.

One of the most important parts of the project is the setting up of a cabin park, where prefabricated log cabins will be able to accommodate up to 84 people. This zone will also have interior paths, electrical installation using solar panels, solar equipment to produce hot water and landscaped areas.

The picnic area will have tables, barbecues, waste paper basked and a leisure area with an archery range.

The zone will also have three fishing points so fishing enthusiasts can enjoy the outstanding coarse fishing for carp, barb, bogue and black bass. The deep, oxygen-rich waters of the reservoir are mainly fed by the streams running off the Grazalema mountain range.

The plan also includes improving access to this recreational zone, as the old road is submerged under the water of the reservoir.

The project is part of the Protection and Regeneration of the Natural Environment Plan (Feder Funds 2000-2006) that is being implemented by Cadiz Provincial Council's Department of the Environment and is being financed by the European Regional Development Fund and by Cadiz Provincial Council.

Juan Román stressed that the project will also result in parallel rural-tourist services and the zone will play an important role "marking a before and after in the town".

The zone is in a very interesting location due to its proximity to the natural park of Grazalema and the towns of Algodonales and Zahara de la Sierra.