Europe’s Largest Man-Made Beach To Open Near Madrid This Summer
Visitors to Madrid will get to experience the largest man-made beach in Europe this summer. Located in the town of Alovera, 50 km (31 mi) from the capital city, this artificial beach will be the best place to suntan and cool off during the heat of summer.
Alovera Beach, Madrid – largest man-made beach in Europe
Being in the center of Spain, the capital city of Madrid gets steamy hot in the summer months. So much so, that Madrileños tend to flock to the Costa del Sol or Costa de la Luz for a little refreshment. However, thanks to the creation of Alovera Beach, residents and tourists will get to enjoy the beach experience – all within a short drive from Madrid.
The new man-made beach has been in the making for some time. However, like so many projects, it was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the construction of the largest man-made beach in Europe is now nearing completion.
The artificial beach lies in the town of Alovera, in Guadalajara province, just 50 km (31 mi) from the heart of Madrid. Meanwhile, it has been constructed in the old part of town and is expected to be ready for visitors in the summer of 2023.
What will Alovera Beach offer?
The completed complex will be on two levels, with the first being the access level, with parking for 1,000 cars. It will also house the access plaza, a central plaza and other main buildings, including a shop, restaurants, changing rooms, bathrooms and a fitness and medical center.
On the lower level, the complex will offer an events area, as well as a garden area and a large lagoon. Connecting the two is the sandy artificial beach, with fun water slides to enjoy.
Promoters believe that between 250,000 and 400,000 tourists and residents will visit the new attraction each year. Meanwhile, an initial entrance fee of €10 (US$11) per person will be charged. However, separate charges will be made inside the complex for the use of its various activities.
Other man-made beaches
The Spanish company Grupo Rayet is involved in the project alongside Crystal Lagoons, a company specializing in artificial beaches around the world. Similar projects have already been completed in Chile, Dubai, Egypt, Jordan, Mexico, Panama, Peru and Saudi Arabia.
Moreover, the company developed a similar man-made beach in Casares in the province of Andalucia. That complex offers plenty of parking and water sports, including surfing, sailing, zip lining and children’s pools, plus various restaurants.
Water savings at artificial beaches
The maximum depth of the lagoon will be 2.5 m (8 ft) and will only be filled once in its lifetime. Developers have introduced anti-evaporation technology to avoid loss of water through evaporation. Meanwhile, the filtration system will constantly clean and regenerate the water and will require fewer chemical additives than standard filtration. This way, the man-made beach’s lagoon will use half as much water as the irrigation of a park or golf course.
According to Larazon, an added benefit will be the creation of more than 300 direct or indirect jobs for the locals at Alovera Beach.