Legal and free alternatives to Cantera de las Descargas for downloading digital books

Why did the Cantera de las Descargas disappear and what can we learn from it?

Quarry of Downloads became one of the most complete online libraries for downloading ebooks in Spanish and other languages.. Its catalog featured thousands of titles, from contemporary literature to world classics, covering genres as varied as romance novels, science fiction, self-help, and technical books. However, as has happened with many other similar websites, it was shut down due to issues related to the Copyright, pressure from regulatory bodies and the constant change in regulations regarding the downloading and distribution of books in digital format.

This phenomenon is not new and has affected large-scale international projects, such as Z-Library o ePubLibre, which have also faced blockages or closures. Despite these obstacles, digital reading enthusiasts still have access to a wide range of legal platforms, virtual libraries and specialized sites, some of which continue to be completely free, with catalogs of thousands of titles in different languages ​​and formats (PDF, ePub, mobi, HTML, etc.).

Related article:

Where to find free and legal ebooks in ePub: a complete and updated guide

The most recommended alternatives to Quarry of the Downloads

Below, we present an extensive list of the most notable platforms, websites and projects for Download, read, and discover free e-booksIn each one you will find an explanation detailed of its operation, requirements, advantages and differentiating features, so you can choose the option that best suits your preferences.

1. Free Books XYZ

XYZ Free Books It is the replacement designed by the developers of Cantera de las Descargas, maintaining the philosophy of offering free access to a varied and easy-to-use library. This portal stands out for its minimalist interface and a powerful search engine that lets you find books by title, author, or genre. You can download ebooks in different formats (ePub, PDF, mobi) without any complications.

• Search by author, title or keyword.
• Special section for popular genres such as romance and erotica.
• Side panel with organized categories to explore what's new.
• Completely free and no registration required.

It is worth noting that Free Books XYZ also includes a section of petitions, where users can suggest titles or authors to incorporate into future updates, and a comment system to comment on or recommend works.

Related article:

The 30 best alternatives to Todotorrents: a comprehensive and updated guide

2. Epubgratis

Epubgratis It is one of the longest-running and best-reputed alternatives. Its catalogue far exceeds the 34.000 free digital books, focusing especially on Spanish-language literature. You can download titles in ePub format without registering, although if you choose to create an account, you'll have access to exclusive titles and advanced features.

• Direct download of books without registration.
• Collection of books classified by genre, author and year of publication.
• Option to join the community and access exclusive books.
• Easy search and constant updating of your library.

The website also has Tutorials to help users convert ebook formats depending on the device they'll be reading on (Kindle, iPad, Android, etc.), and a notification system to stay up-to-date on new releases.

3. Espaebook

If you're looking for catalog of more than 50.000 books in Spanish of all genres, Espaebook is a standout option. The website requires free registration, but in return offers a highly curated user experience and access to best-selling titles, literary classics, new releases, and works by independent authors. All books can be downloaded in various formats, and it has specific sections for new releases, the most downloaded, and the titles most talked about by users.

• Updated collection of over 50.000 free books.
• Wide variety of genres and authors.
• Registration is required, but creating an account is simple and secure.

4. Manybooks

Manybooks It is an international digital library with more than 33.000 free books. Although a large part of its collection is in English, it also includes titles in Spanish and other languages. You can filter books by category or subject and download them in different formats (PDF, ePub, mobi, HTML, RTF, among others). An interesting feature is the ability to read books directly from the web without downloading them, a useful feature for those who read on other devices or don't want to accumulate files.

• Read online or download in your preferred format.
• Multilingual collection (English, Spanish, German, French, etc.).
• Powerful filters to find books by genre, author, or popularity.
• No registration required to access main content.

5. Lectulandia

Lectuland It is one of the most widely used book download platforms in the Spanish-speaking world. Its catalog is updated periodically and exceeds 30.000 books in Spanish between novels, essays, manuals, science fiction or young adult literature. The website stands out for its organizational members in by genre, author, series, and popularity, as well as its clear and user-friendly interface, similar to a mobile app store (making it easy to navigate on any device). Registration is required, which is also free.

• Constantly growing catalog with featured titles on the cover.
• Updated with the latest works and most-read books of the week and month.
• Offers downloads in ePub and PDF formats.
• Registration is required to access the download.

Related article:

The best alternatives to Series Papaya to watch free and legal series and movies online.

6. Bajaepub and Bajaebooks

Another solid alternative with a wide variety of titles is bajaepub (o Bajaebooks), which offers a catalogue of more than 45.000 digital books, mostly in Spanish, including new releases and many of the most recognized global bestsellers. Registration is mandatory, but the process is simple and will give you access to both the latest books and tutorials on how to convert files (from ePub to PDF, Mobi, or Kindle, for example).

• Downloads available after free registration.
• Search panel by author, title or genre.
• Tutorials and help section for users.
• Frequent catalog updates.

Related article:

How to download YouTube videos: methods, programs, and legal advice

7. PlanetaLibro.net

PlanetBook.net It is a project with a similar approach to digital public libraries, with more than 9.000 public domain works (copyright free) and organized by genre, author, and most searched books. You can read online or download in PDF, ePub, and other formats, without the need to create an account. Its interface is simple but effective, adapted to both computers and mobile phones and tablets. The absence of registration and intrusive advertising makes it a highly appreciated site for those seeking classic and free readings.

• Catalog focused on public domain works.
• No registration or personal data required.
• Online reading or direct download options.
• Recommendations of featured books and classic authors.

8. PDF-Books.com

For those who prefer the pure PDF format, PDF-Books.com It is one of the best solutions, with a collection that exceeds the 5.000 titles distributed in categories such as short stories, novels, drama, science, history and many more. No registration required and the download is completely free. You can search by author, genre or title and the interface is intuitive for both experienced readers and those new to digital reading.

• Powerful internal search engine to quickly locate books.
• A variety of genres and themes, from children's literature to philosophical essays.
• Immediate access to books without the need for personal data.
• Community of writers and fans providing recommendations.

Related article:

How to Download Nubico eBooks and Magazines for Free on Android: Complete Guide and Alternatives for Your Digital Library

9. Gansoypulpo.com

Gansoypulpo.com is an independent, non-profit, open-access publisher that offers a selection of free books in Spanish, especially in ePub format. Although the variety is smaller compared to other alternatives, the site stands out for its commitment to quality edition and the publication of works of cultural and literary interest. No registration required and allows immediate downloading, as well as online reading of available titles.

• Select collection of books in Spanish.
• Fast download and no registration required.
• Search engine to locate titles and authors.

Related article:

The Best VPNs for Android: The Ultimate Guide with All the Options, Risks, and Tips for 2025 and Beyond

10. Europeana.eu

Europeana.eu It is one of the leading European projects in the digitalization and dissemination of the continent's cultural heritage. Its vast Library includes books, videos, images, 3D objects and audio files, most of which are from public domain. It has an advanced search engine that makes it easy to find content in different languages, including Spanish. The catalog exceeds 50 million works, ideal for students, researchers and lovers of classical and contemporary European literature.

• Unique collection of royalty-free content.
• Multimedia materials to learn and enjoy beyond written literature.
• Advanced search by topic or document type.

11. Libroteca.net

Bookstore.net focuses on classic literature and audiobooks, adding more than 200 audiobook suggestions and an extensive library of royalty-free works. Ideal for those who want to download or listen to books by great authors at no cost and without having to create an account. It has a daily download limit (40 jobs) but offers a very positive experience to those seeking variety and quality in the public domain.

• Extensive catalog of audiobooks and classic texts.
• Free access and no registration required.
• Daily limit to prevent system overload and ensure access.

Related article:

The definitive and updated guide to the best Telegram channels: Topics, operation, security, and tips to get the most out of them.

12. Bubok.es

Bubok.es has established itself as a Spanish self-publishing publisher, expanding its digital library with free and paid titles. The books cover every imaginable category, and users can easily filter by price, author, genre, or popularity. Registration is required to download, and it also allows authors to publish their own works. A valuable option for readers and writers looking to discover independent talent and alternative titles to those available from major publishers.

• Self-publishing platform for new authors.
• Collection of free and low-cost titles.
• Advanced search and filter system to find books of interest.

13. Dominiopublico.es

Dominiopublico.es offers a completely free platform dedicated to public domain books, movies, and music in multiple languages. Its strength lies in the variety of formats and alphabetical organization by author. Although it doesn't have a search engine, it guides readers through detailed lists and also allows for discovery works in English, Portuguese, German, Latin or Swedish.

• Large database with books in Spanish and other languages.
• Access to multimedia content (movies and music) in addition to books.
• No registration required and download is instant.

14. Wikisource.org

Wikisource is the free library project of the Wikimedia Foundation, with more than 100.000 texts in Spanish (and many more in other languages). It requires no registration and allows both downloading and online reading of original and historical works, organized by title, author, or genre. Its active community ensures the constantly updated and access to complete and verified texts, ideal for researchers and teachers.

• Expanding multilingual free library.
• Multiple search by author, title or genre.
• 100% original and copyright-free texts.

15. Libros-gratis.info

Free-books.info is a search engine specializing in free digital books, compiling links to titles in PDF, ePub, mobi, and other formats. It features a highly efficient search engine and thematic listings, making it easy to browse through tens of thousands of titles. books on all topics imaginable and with access free of charge and no need to register.

• Smart search engine to locate any book available online.
• Wide variety of formats compatible with all devices.
• Sections dedicated to ebooks, novels, children's literature, etc.

16. Lektu

Lektu It is a hybrid platform that combines Free books, paid books, and paid titles. Its catalog includes ebooks, audiobooks, comics, and podcasts, and allows independent authors and emerging publishers to easily publish and promote their work. To access certain free books, Lektu requires a "social payment" (sharing the book on social media), which has contributed to the site's popularity. It has sections for tendencies, new releases and the most downloaded titles.

• Wide selection of free and paid ebooks and audiobooks.
• Innovative social payment system.
• Direct download and customizable user panel after registration.

17. Amazon Kindle (Kindle Unlimited and independent authors)

Amazon Kindle offers a wide selection of free books in the Kindle section, in addition to its service Kindle unlimited For those looking for unlimited reading through a monthly subscription. In addition to free books, many independent authors offer free titles to promote themselves. Amazon's catalog is vast and includes books in both Spanish and other languages, with the option to filter by genre and audience rating.

• Free books section updated regularly.
• Read on any device with the Kindle app.
• Option to purchase, download, or access via subscription.

18 Google Play Books

Google Play Books combines the possibility of purchasing e-books and Download hundreds of free titles completely legally, as it has rights agreements with the authors and publishers themselves. Books of Self Help, novels, comics, and public domain works. You can read online or download to your mobile device, tablet, or computer in ePub or PDF format. The app allows you to manage your library, bookmark pages, and sync your reading progress.

• Legal and secure platform for digital reading.
• Library synchronized with your Google account.
• Download in multiple formats for all devices.

19. Apple Books

Apple books is Apple's offering for iPhone, iPad, and Mac users, offering a section of free books (novels, classics, comics, manga) in Spanish, English, and other languages. In addition to online reading and downloading, it allows you to organize your digital library, add notes and favorites, and subscribe to newsletters to receive recommendations.

• Access to thousands of free books certified by publishers and authors.
• Full synchronization across all Apple devices.
• Design adapted for comfortable and efficient reading from any screen.

20 Gutenberg Project

Gutenberg Project is the world's leading provider of digitized public domain books. Thanks to the work of thousands of volunteers, it offers more than 60.000 books in multiple languages, open access. The texts can be read online or downloaded in ePub, Mobi, or HTML formats, and focus primarily on classic literature and works whose copyright has expired. No account creation is required and it is ideal for casual readers as well as for students, teachers, and researchers.

• Global catalog in constant expansion.
• Download in various free formats for any digital reader.
• Organization by author, title, language and genre.