A quiet lake with a wild side.

Hidden in the green hills of Nueva Andalucía, Lago de las Tortugas is a small reservoir with a long story. Built in 1890, this artificial lake was once called Embalse Nuevo de El Ángel. Together with its twin, Embalse Viejo, it provided water for sugarcane and cereal fields in the old farming colony of El Ángel.

Today, it’s a peaceful escape for locals and visitors in Marbella.

A wetland in the middle of the forest

Between pine trees and Mediterranean scrub

The lake sits in a natural basin surrounded by native forest. On rainy years, the water level stays high and allows wetland plants like tamarisk and cattails to grow along its banks. These plants aren’t just pretty. They also shelter birds, insects, and the lake’s namesake – the native Spanish pond turtle.

Yes, there are actual turtles here.

A hotspot for birdwatchers

And for anyone who enjoys a quiet walk

Look up, and you might see a booted eagle or a buzzard circling overhead. Along the shore, mallards, coots, and herons quietly go about their day. In the trees, bright yellow orioles and green woodpeckers flash between branches.

Don’t forget your binoculars.

Life below the surface

And just above it too

Lago de las Tortugas is also home to amphibians and reptiles. The Iberian green frog croaks from the reeds, while water snakes glide between lily pads. If you’re patient, you might spot a kingfisher diving for fish.

Yes, that blue blur really was a bird.

Insects in action

Tiny wings, big presence

Dragonflies steal the show here. From the bold Orthetrum to the fast Sympetrum, these insects hover and dart all around the water. They play an important role in the local ecosystem – and look pretty good doing it.

They’re the lake’s smallest but flashiest visitors.

(c) photo and source: turismo.marbella.es