A reservoir at the gateway to the sierra
The Sichar Reservoir, also known as Pantà del Sitjar in Valencian, was built in 1960 on the Mijares river to regulate irrigation for the farmland of the Plana de Castellón. With 317 hectares of surface area and a capacity of around 49 hm³, it is the largest body of fresh water in the municipality of Onda and forms part of the basin managed by the Júcar River Confederation.
The immediate surroundings: Aleppo pine forests and the inland sierras rising in the background: have made it the most popular day-trip destination for Onda residents. In high season visitors arrive from across the province and from Valencia city. The reservoir extends into the municipality of Ribesalbes, and on its quieter banks it is common to spot tortoises and fish in the shallow water.
Onda Beach and the recreation area
The popular name for the main access point to the reservoir is Playa de Onda (Onda Beach): a flat strip along the water with parking just a few metres from the edge and picnic shelters under the pines with tables, benches, a paellero (an open-air hearth for cooking paella) and barbecues. This is the reference point for a family day out, bringing dogs (pets are usually allowed in more secluded areas) and setting up a base for other activities.
The reservoir bed is stony, so water shoes or specific aquatic footwear are recommended. The water level varies considerably depending on the time of year and irrigation cycles, which can affect both water quality and the zones accessible for swimming.
Regulations on swimming and barbecue use may change depending on the season or water conditions. Check the latest information at Onda Turisme's website or call the Tourist Info office on 964 60 28 55 before planning your visit.
Kayak and water activities
The most popular activity at Sichar is kayaking. Several outdoor activity companies are based at the reservoir itself and offer both free rental and guided tours. Trips typically last between one and a half and two and a half hours, with indicative prices from around €15 to €30 per person depending on duration and format. Some companies also organise full-moon night outings, which are very popular in summer.
Alongside kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding is another common option. From the water you can see small islands that emerge when the reservoir level drops, adding extra interest to the route.
Kayak, SUP, hiking, canyoning and climbing. Guided tours on the Sichar, full-moon night outings and activities for groups and families.
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Over 10 years operating at the Sichar and Serra d'Espadà. Kayak, via ferrata, canyoning, equipment hire and training. Official licence TA-92-CS.
View full listingThe Sichar viewpoint
Above the reservoir there is a viewpoint popularly known as "the sofa viewpoint", because at some point someone installed a sofa there to take in the views. It is reached via a path from the recreation area and offers an elevated perspective over the water with the sierras in the background: it is one of the most photographed spots around Onda. It is not a technical route, but comfortable footwear and water are advisable.
Routes from the reservoir
The Sichar is the starting point or destination of several routes. For mountain biking, it is the end point of the Onda – Sichar linear route (8.3 km), the most accessible of Onda Turisme's four official mountain-bike routes: a forest track with little elevation change, suitable for any level. On foot, the Onda – Embalse del Sichar route on Wikiloc follows the perimeter of the reservoir, linking rural paths with views of the water.
The surroundings connect with the Mijares river corridor, which flows downstream through Ribesalbes and links up with a network of riverside paths heading east. For more options, the mountain-bike routes guide documents all four official routes with elevation, distance and profile.