Construction has officially begun on Alovera Beach, the aquatic leisure complex set to feature one of Spain's largest artificial lagoons and become a reality in less than two years.
On 21 October, the project's revised design was formally approved, and construction is expected to continue until March 2028. The facilities are scheduled to open in the summer of that year, 11 years after they were first unveiled.
The project was first announced in late 2017 by the developer Rayet, but its implementation has faced repeated delays. One of the main setbacks came in 2023, when Alovera Town Council rejected the developer's initial proposal on the grounds that it did not meet the technical requirements of the tender. This decision triggered an administrative dispute between the two parties and led to a new tendering process, prolonging uncertainty around the project and increasing the planned investment from approximately €15.6 million to €29 million.
In addition to these administrative challenges, the initiative has attracted criticism from environmental groups over the water consumption required to maintain an artificial lagoon in an area affected by recurring droughts.
Having overcome these obstacles and secured the backing of Alovera Town Council, along with favourable reports from the Regional Government of Castilla-La Mancha, the Mancomunidad de Aguas del Sorbe (MAS) and the Tagus River Basin Authority (CHT), the business group led by Félix Abánades López has received the green light to begin construction of the water leisure park. Located around 30 minutes from Madrid, the complex will cover a total area of 104,000 m².
The development will include a 21,000 m² lagoon with crystal-clear water and a 16,000 m² white-sand beach, alongside areas dedicated to leisure, sport, dining and events.
Specifically, Alovera Beach will offer dedicated areas for children and adults, as well as water-based activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking and aqua fitness, together with beach sports including beach volleyball and padel. The complex will also feature a wide range of dining options, including an à la carte restaurant, fast-food outlets, terraces, a waterfront beach bar and food trucks operated by well-known brands.
To ensure year-round activity, Alovera Beach will allocate a substantial area to events and celebrations, with capacity for more than 4,000 people. The venue will be able to host shows, presentations, corporate events and other gatherings.
The complex will also include a separate building of more than 1,000 m², featuring a panoramic terrace overlooking the lagoon. Specifically designed for celebrations and private events, it will have its own access and parking area with approximately 1,100 spaces, allowing it to operate independently of the rest of the site.
In terms of connections, the complex will be accessible via the A-2 and R-2 motorways. Public transport access will include connections through the C-2 and C-8 commuter rail lines via Azuqueca de Henares station, as well as intercity bus services linking Madrid and Guadalajara.
"Thanks to its strategic location in the Henares Corridor and its proximity to Madrid, the project aims to strengthen the leisure offering of the Guadalajara-Madrid axis and establish itself as a major visitor attraction, contributing to the economic, tourism and social development of both Alovera and the wider corridor. In addition, Alovera Beach will have the capacity to host events, shows, gatherings and celebrations throughout the year, both indoors and outdoors," said the Rayet Group.
