The Peña del Águila Reservoir, also known as the Villar del Rey Dam, is a lake formed by a dam on the Zapatón River at a narrow point in the Sierra del Águila mountain range, in the province of Badajoz, Extremadura. The first dam was built in 1890 with a capacity of 18 hm³, which was insufficient to meet the growing needs of Badajoz, and in 1986 a new dam was inaugurated that covers the old one, increasing the capacity to 130 hm³ and the surface area to 1,274 hectares. Its fairly clear waters are used to supply drinking water to Badajoz and nearby towns, irrigate 5,000 hectares, and generate 14.4 GWh of electricity annually. From the observation point, one can admire a landscape of unparalleled beauty, with banks that are largely accessible (except near the dam and at two specific points) and a large number of rocks that make passage difficult. The area is exceptional for its tranquility: you can walk for kilometers along the shore without encountering anyone—a rare privilege these days. In the surrounding area, you can spot all six species of eagles found on the Iberian Peninsula: golden eagle, Bonelli’s eagle, booted eagle, short-toed eagle, osprey, and imperial eagle. The reservoir holds significant historical and ecological importance: it has supplied drinking water to Badajoz for nearly a century. Although it is not officially designated as a protected area, its scenic and biological value ensures its inclusion in nature tourism guides for Extremadura. The best time to visit is from spring to fall, when the water level remains between 80 and 110 hm³, making it easy to walk along the shores.
