Natural swimming is all about getting back to basics. It’s not about how you look, or what you’re wearing—it’s about the experience of being in nature, and connecting with it. When you swim in a natural pool, there’s no chlorine to dry out your skin, no filters to cleanse the water—just pure, simple nature.
Natural swimming spots are plentiful and easy to find in Spain, and they’re a great alternative to public beaches if you’re looking for something more serene. Just grab your Schengen visa from Canada, and get packing for your Mediterranean adventure.
Lake Negratín, Granada
Lake Negratín is a lake located on the border between Granada and Almeria. It’s a popular tourist attraction and one of the largest freshwater lakes in the region.
The lake is surrounded by mountains and hills that are covered with trees and forests. The water itself is crystal clear, showing all shades of blue depending on the time of day.
Embalse del Guadalhorce, Málaga
The Embalse del Guadalhorce is a reservoir and park located in the Málaga province of southern Spain. It was built in the early 20th century to provide water for the city of Málaga.
The reservoir is perfect for swimming and sunbathing, as well as hiking and biking. There are also fun activities like wildlife watching and fishing.
Fuentes de Algar, Alicante
Fuentes de Algar are a series of natural waterfalls located just 15 kilometers from Benidorm in Alicante. There is a route which takes visitors 1.5 kilometers around the river.
The waterfalls are a series of cascades that descend from a height of about 20 meters to form a pool at the bottom. The pool is surrounded by vegetation and ferns, and can be reached via a flight of stairs near the entrance to the park.
Riera de Merlès, Barcelona
The Riera de Merlès is a small river that runs through the province of Barcelona, near the towns of Ripollès, Berguedà, Osona, and el Bages. It’s one of Barcelona’s most beloved features and is often used as a meeting place for locals to hang out and enjoy the sunshine.
The waters are smooth enough for children, and there’s also small waterfalls to jump from for the more adventurous visitors.
Poza del Gorg Blau, Girona
Poza del Gorg Blau is a beautiful spot located in the region of La Garrotxa in Girona. It’s a natural pool which can be found in the Gorg Blau reservoir.
It’s one of the biggest lakes in the area, and it’s surrounded by trees, so you can sit on its banks and soak up the sun.
Poza de los Patos, Nerja
Poza de los Patos is a beautiful natural swimming pool in the south of Spain, on the Costa del Sol. It’s unknown to tourists so a visit to this pool is a great way to get off the beaten track and in some peace and quiet.
The pool is surrounded by beautiful forest and mountains, and the water there is crystal clear and warm.
Pozas de Mougás, Galicia
Pozas de Mougás is an area with a number of pools and waterfalls, formed over time by rivers. The pools are nestled in the heart of Galicia, a region known for its vast natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
You need to hike a bit to get there, but it really is worth the effort. The best time to visit is during rainy season, to see the waterfalls at their full potential.
Acebo Pools, Cáceres
The Acebo natural pools are located in the province of Cáceres. They are one of the most important attractions in this region and are located just 2 kilometers from the village of Acebo.
The pools are surrounded by very beautiful landscapes with huge rocks and waterfalls that give them a unique look. There’s even a bar and restaurant if you want to grab lunch or a drink during your visit.
Beceite Lagoons, Teruel
Beceite Lagoons is a natural swimming pool, located in the region of Maestrazgo—a popular area among hikers in the area.
This is a great option to get away from the hustle and bustle during your trip, as the area is still not well known to tourists.
