Here's our top ten favourites swimming spots in Spain.
Lagunas de Ruidera Natural Park, Castilla–La Mancha.
A collection of fifteen lakes set within a natural park in the plains of La Mancha. Natural waterfalls, crisp, clear turquoise waters in an area rich in flora and fauna.
Charco Azul. El Hierro, Canary Islands
Created naturally by flowing lava, these fresh water turquoise pools offer protection from the crashing waves of the open sea just beyond the rocks. Charco Azul is one of dozens if not hundreds of natural pools dotted along the volcanic coastline of the eight Canary Islands.
La Pedriza, Madrid
Photo: Nicolas Vigier/Flickr
Garganta de los Infiernos, Extremadura
These rock pools are at the far western end of the Sierra de Gredos mountain range in Spain's Cáceres province. Just the right spot to cool down after a hike.
Vía Verde de la Terra Alta, Catalonia
A 24 km stretch of cycling track south of Tarragona in Catalonia, this forms part of Spain's network of Vias Verdes (green ways), disused railway lines which have been revamped as natural trails.
On the Vía Verde de la Terra Alta you can take a break from cycling for a refreshing dip in the Canaleta River, which runs alongside the route.
Photo: Calafellvalo/Flickr
Fuentes del Algar, Alicante
When you get fed up of fighting for a space on the beach in Benidorm, head inland for the tranquility of these natural springs. Undoubtedly one of the jewels of the Alicante province.
Termas A Chavasqueira, Galicia
These free thermal baths are in the city of Ourense. A series of natural hot pools on the banks of the River Miño.
Zahara de la Sierra, Cádiz province, Andalusia
A reservoir beneath the beautiful Andalusian town of Zahara de la Sierra. Swimming in its cool waters while staring up at the white washed houses clinging to the hilltop crowned by a Moorish castle would be unforgettable.
Pantano de San Juan, Madrid
The Madrid region was awarded a blue flag for its stunning Virgen de la Nueva beach on the San Juan reservoir.
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