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Ten incredible natural swimming spots in Spain

The Local Spain
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Ten incredible natural swimming spots in Spain
Chorreras del Cabriel in Cuenca province (central-eastern Spain) isn't in the list below but is just as impressive as some of the other natural swimming pools in the country. Photo: Antonio López/Pixabay

The Local has rounded up ten amazing natural pools in Spain where you can take a dip without having to risk the crowds at the pool or secure a socially distanced spot on the beach.

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Spain has a vast array of beautiful piscinas naturales and charcas spread over its territory and islands, some tucked away in mountain ranges, others just a stone's throw away from the jam-packed playas

Here's our top ten favourites swimming spots in Spain.

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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. 

Cool down in Spain's inland Castilla-La Manca region by having a dip in the Lagunas de Ruidera Natural Park. Photo: Marcos Molina/Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

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.

natural swimming pools spain

Want to know what it feels like to swim inside a cave? Photo: Sreuland/Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

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La Pedriza, Madrid

Just one hour's drive from Madrid near the town of Manzanares El Real, this is where madrileños in the know go to escape the heat and cool off with a dip in the cool fresh waters of Madrid's river.  A series of natural rock pools just perfect for jumping into. 
 
Photo: Nicolas Vigier/Flickr
 
 
 
 
Less than an hour's drive north-west of Malaga and a world away from the bustling Costa del Sol is this reservoir. With it's soft sandy banks this is a great place for swimming, kayaking and enjoying nature.
 
Embalse del Conde de Guadalhorce
You don't have to go to the coast to find turquoise waters in Spain. Photo: Malopez21/Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

 

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. 

natural swimming pools spain

Garganta de los Infiernos is the perfect place to cool down in during summer in Extremadura. Photo: Jesusccastillo/Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

 

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.

natural swimming pool spain

Do go chasing waterfalls at this beautiful spot in Alicante province. Photo: MarthaReLi/Pixabay

 

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. 

natural swimming pools galicia

Ourense may not be on the Galician coastline but you can still enjoy a relaxing warm dip in the city. Photo: Zarateman/Wikipedia (public domain)

 

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.

Incredible views of the Zahara de la Sierra lake. Photo: laurentgraphiste/Pixabay

 

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.

Whether it's sailing or swimming, the Pantano de San Juan is a fantastic summer getaway for people in the Spanish capital. Photo: Lematraductores/Pixabay

 

 

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[email protected] 2020/07/22 17:12
I'm confused....aren't some of these places closed or "prohibited" because of Covid restrictions on freshwater swimming?

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