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17. La Clara Glacial Lake

At the end of the last Ice Age, thousands of years ago, the glaciers covering the Segundera and Porto mountain ranges began to retreat. Where the ice carved deep hollows, numerous mountain lakes were left behind, creating some of the most spectacular and best-preserved landscapes in Alta Sanabria.

The municipality of Porto contains one of the most important groups of glacial lakes in north-western Iberia. Among them are the lakes of Lacillo, Clara, Piatorta, Pedriña, Camposagrado, Aguas Cernidas, Patos and Fueyo Grande, many of which are included in the Castile and León Wetlands Catalogue.

Clara Lake is one of the best known due to its size, depth and excellent state of conservation. Its clear waters provide habitat for species adapted to harsh mountain conditions, including the Iberian newt, while its shores support a wide variety of plants and small aquatic organisms.

Lacillo Lake, located on the Segundera Plateau, is remarkable for its impressive glacial cirque and the distinctive “Ollo de Sapo” rocks, characterised by large feldspar and bluish quartz crystals.

Estas lagunas constituyen un valioso patrimonio geológico, ecológico y paisajístico que permite comprender la enorme huella que dejaron los glaciares en las montañas de Porto.