Iberdrola España takes part in the launch of the new Víllora footpath, highlighting the heritage value of the Lucas de Urquijo hydroelectric power station

The company is strengthening its century-long connection with the Cabriel river area, where the Lucas de Urquijo hydroelectric power station continues to contribute to the region’s landscape and energy heritage

Hydroelectric power

Group of people posing outdoors in front of a mountainous landscape with vegetation and a blue sky with clouds.

Víllora - Las Chorreras del Cabriel footpath

Iberdrola España has participated in the launch of the new PR-CU 120 “Víllora – Las Chorreras del Cabriel” trail by providing the land required for the development of this interpretive route. Promoted by the Government of Castilla-La Mancha, the initiative aims to improve access to, management of and environmental awareness around one of the most iconic natural sites in the province of Cuenca.

The opening ceremony, held in Víllora – Los Picarchuelos near Las Chorreras del Cabriel, was led by José Ignacio Benito Culebras, provincial delegate for Sustainable Development, and José Ramón Ubiedo Cerqueira, mayor of Víllora. Also attending were mayors and councillors from Enguídanos, Cardenete, Garaballa and Carboneras de Guadazaón; Miguel Ángel Cubillo Cañego, director of the Hiking Department at the Castile-La Mancha Mountain Sports Federation; Nuria Cardo Maeso, from Protected Areas at the Regional Government of Castilla-La Mancha; Sofía Fernández, from the Cabriel International Biological Research Centre; Miguel Ángel Rubio, from the Cabriel Valley Biosphere Reserve; and representatives from Iberdrola España, including Óscar Narros, the company’s institutional delegate in Castilla-La Mancha, and David Rodríguez, head of the Júcar-Turia production centre. The event also included an optional guided walk along the viewpoint section of the trail.

The project has been funded by the regional government, through the Regional Ministry of Sustainable Development, with a €100,000 grant awarded to Víllora Town Council as part of initiatives linked to the Cabriel Valley and Upper Turia Biosphere Reserves. Iberdrola España’s contribution consisted of making the land required for the project available.

The delegate for Sustainable Development said the initiative “allows us to showcase one of the most distinctive natural environments in the province of Cuenca, while also creating new opportunities for sustainable tourism and for the development of municipalities in the Serranía Baja”. He also underlined that projects such as this reflect the Government of Castilla-La Mancha’s commitment to “protecting natural heritage, enhancing the tourism value of our villages and creating opportunities in rural areas”.

The new route links the municipality with the Las Chorreras del Cabriel Natural Monument, an area of outstanding scenic, geological and environmental value in the Serranía Baja region of Cuenca. The 14-kilometre trail leads to several viewpoints, including the Las Chorreras Viewpoint, Los Gancheros Viewpoint and Orón Viewpoint, all offering spectacular views over the Cabriel river valley.

Through this initiative, Iberdrola España reinforces its commitment to the communities where it operates and to a management model that combines energy generation, environmental protection and local development. The company has maintained close ties to the area for more than a century through the Lucas de Urquijo hydroelectric power station.

The transfer of land for the new footpath forms part of Iberdrola España’s long-standing relationship with the Cabriel river area and supports an initiative designed to regulate visitor access, promote nature tourism and raise awareness of this unique landscape. Víllora Town Council described the project as “a firm commitment to enhancing natural heritage, promoting nature tourism and encouraging environmental awareness in the Cabriel river area”.

Iberdrola España also stressed the importance of collaboration with public authorities to ensure that areas linked to hydropower generation can create social, environmental and tourism value for local communities. In this case, the initiative improves the connection between Víllora and Las Chorreras del Cabriel, strengthening the area’s appeal as a nature destination while encouraging more sustainable and environmentally respectful tourism.

The project is particularly important for the province of Cuenca because it addresses shared priorities such as revitalising rural communities, protecting natural heritage and creating new opportunities for residents and visitors alike. The collaboration between Víllora Town Council, Iberdrola España, the Regional Government of Castilla-La Mancha and Cuenca Provincial Council has made it possible to work together around one of the Serranía Baja’s most valuable environmental sites.

The Lucas de Urquijo hydroelectric power station, the oldest in Spain

Iberdrola España has maintained a presence in this rural part of Cuenca for more than 111 years through the historic Lucas de Urquijo hydroelectric power station, better known as Salto de Víllora. Designed in a historicist architectural style, the building blends seamlessly into its surroundings, reflecting respect for the natural environment while serving as both a source of clean, renewable energy and a key economic driver for the region.

With this land transfer, Iberdrola España once again demonstrates its commitment to an energy transition that not only advances renewable energy generation, but also supports sustainable local development, the conservation of natural resources and the creation of opportunities in rural areas.

Iberdrola España takes part in the launch of the new Víllora footpath, highlighting the heritage value of the Lucas de Urquijo hydroelectric power station

Iberdrola España takes part in the launch of the new Víllora footpath, highlighting the heritage value of the Lucas de Urquijo hydroelectric power station

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