When the high temperatures arrive in Madrid we all dream of a refreshing getaway. It is true that in the capital there is no shortage of swimming pools. Nowadays, practically all urbanisations have swimming pools. The city also has a large number of municipal and private swimming pools. But what about a A different, more fun dip in the middle of nature?
Just a few kilometres from Madrid you will find natural pools and reservoirs where you can spend a day in the heart of nature and cool off. Because, yes, we are going to find the freshest water in the Region. We will show you what the region has to offer, where to find them, how to get there, whether they are free or not, and the services they offer. Now you have plans for a cooler summer: grab your towel, put on your swimming costume and come with us because let's go to the best beaches in Madrid!
Natural swimming pools in Madrid where you can swim
Pools, waterfalls and natural pools in the heart of the Madrid mountains. The only downside is the saturation of people during weekends in July and August. Try to avoid these days and enjoy your swim during the week.
Las Presillas in Rascafría
These are the natural pools in the El Paular Valley. Las Presillas are divided into three bathing areas, within the course of the river Lozoya.
It is a recreational area that also has green meadows and a beach bar to eat. A great plan to spend with family or friends during the summer months in the Community of Madrid. You can also go for walks all year round; it has areas equipped for children.
How to get to Las Presillas in Rascafría
From Madrid take the A1 until km 69. Take the turn-off to Rascafría, M-604 until km 28.600. You pass through several towns such as Lozoya, Pinilla del Valle, Alameda del Valle, Rascafría and the Monastery of El Paular.
Access
It is free of charge.
Parking is not. The car costs 9 € and 4 € for motorbikes. If you arrive early, you can leave your car in unpaid areas before reaching the recreation area.
Open daily from 10am to 9pm. The summer season lasts until mid-September.
Las Berceas in Cercedilla
It is the closest thing to the urban swimming pools we know. Its waters come from the streams in the area, but they have some chemical treatment.
They are inside the recreational area of Las Dehesas, in the Fuenfría valley, in the heart of the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park.
A huge space of 755 m2 in which you can find two large swimming pools surrounded by wild pine trees, bars, picnic areas, toilets, changing rooms, infirmary, grassy areas for sunbathing, car park and even a multi-adventure park. The capacity of this recreational area is 3,571 people.
Attention! Animals are not allowed in the swimming pool area.
How to get to Las Berceas
The address is Carretera de Fuenfría, M-966 km. 3.9, in Cercedilla.
By car, It can be accessed from Madrid via the A-6 or the Carretera de Colmenar M-607.
It can also be reached by public transport.
- Bus. From the Moncloa interchange. Line 684.
- Suburban train. Line C-8b Madrid-Segovia.
The Cercedilla Town Hall has made buses available to bathers, which leave from the town centre and drop you off at the recreational area. They run on weekends and public holidays, from 30 June to 26 August.
Access
You have to pay to enjoy these natural pools.
Adults (14-64 years): €6 on weekdays and €7 on weekends and public holidays.
Children and the over 65s: 4€
Las Berceas are open from 22 June to 2 September. From 10 am to 8 pm.
Riosequillo in Buitrago de Lozoya
With 4,500 m2 and a capacity of 2,000 people, is the largest natural pool in Spain. It has a multitude of services and activities The park has sports courts, playgrounds, wooded areas, picnic areas, cafeteria, restaurant, changing rooms, toilets, infirmary and even a botanical garden surrounded by a spectacular natural environment for hiking.
How to get there
Take the A1 until exit 74, towards Buitrago de Lozoya. At a roundabout you will see a sign for the Riosequillo recreation area. There you will see a car park.
You can also get there by public transport.
BusLine 191 departing from Plaza de Castilla.
Access
There is a fee for access to these pools.
Adults: 3 € on weekends and €2.50 on weekdays.
Children, pensioners, the unemployed, large families and the disabled: 1,50€
It is open to the public from the end of June to 5 September (depending on the season). Tuesday to Friday: 11.30 am to 8.30 pm. Sundays and public holidays: 11.00 am to 9.00 pm. On Monday is closed.
Pozas de la Puebla
Spectacular corner of natural pools to refresh yourself. Its cold waters come from the thawing of several streams. They are also known as the Pozas de Berrueco. They are surrounded by a lot of vegetation. They are not very well known and, therefore, very much appreciated by those who come here to soak in the hot summer months. If you are looking for peace and quiet and a swim in the middle of nature, come here.
How to get there
These pools are about 95 km from Madrid. Take the A1 towards Burgos until exit 76. Take the turn-off to the right to join the M-137 towards Gandulla-Montejo de la Sierra. Continue along this road until you reach the village of Prádena del Rincón, then turn right onto the M-130 until you reach the village of Prádena del Rincón. Puebla de la Sierra. There we will see the signs that lead us to the pools.
Access
Access is free of charge. As there are several different pools, find the one you like best and dive in!
Pozas de la Angostura in Rascafría
They can be found along the course of the river Lozoya as it passes through La Angostura. A refreshing bath, among pines, oaks, birches and waterfalls. These pools are deeper than others that can be found in the mountains of Madrid, so be careful and be cautious!
How to get there
Take the M-604 road from Rascafría to the Cotos pass. At kilometre 32.4 there is a forest track closed to traffic that gives direct access to these pools in half an hour. You have to go over the Angostura stone bridge.
Access
It is free of charge.
Pozas de Aguilón in Rascafría
You will enjoy your bathing at an altitude of over 1,300 metres, In the middle of nature and in another of the tributaries of the river Lozoya. But it is only suitable for those who like hiking in the sierra because the route to these pools is 6 km long.
How to get there
From Madrid you have to go to the village of Rascafría on the A1 until km 69 and take the turn-off to this village. Then take the M-604 to km 28.600. Leave the car parked at the monastery of El Paular. The route, which is signposted, starts from the bridge of El Perdón and you will reach the Arroyo del Aguilón, about two hours' walk. Here you will find two waterfalls, 200 metres apart, with several pools where you can take a dip.
Access
Access to the monastery of El Paular is by car. Here you will find free parking But during the summer months, get up early, otherwise you'll have to leave your car a long way away.
El Hervidero waterfall in San Agustín de Guadalix
In the Guadalix river, a tributary of the Jarama river, it is formed a double waterfall, called Charco el Hervidero. In this spectacular setting you will find another summer bathing spot not far from Madrid. Surrounded by junipers, poplars, poplars, alders and willows, you will find several pools with waters that come from the Morcuera mountain range.
How to get there
To get there by car to San Agustín de Guadalix, take the A-1 towards Burgos until exit 34, and then take the turnoff to San Agustín/M-104/ Colmenar Viejo.
By bus: From Plaza de Castilla, line 191 takes you to San Agustín.
Access
It is free and free of charge. This route starts in the village of San Agustín de Guadalix and is 13 km long, about 4 and a half hours walking, with a difference in altitude of 200 metres.
Marshes
Also located in the Community of Madrid, they are another of the places where we can take a dip during the hot summer months.
San Juan reservoir at San Martín de Valdeiglesias
It is popularly known as the beach of Madrid and there is a reason for that.
It is only 50 km from Madrid. It is a protected area with important species such as black vultures, Iberian and Bonelli's eagles, black storks and eagle owls. The water in this reservoir comes from one of the tributaries of the Tagus and the Cofio. It has about 14 km of beach and is the only reservoir in the region where bathing is allowed. It has several beaches, in one of them, Virgen de la Nueva, has flown the blue flag for its bathing quality.. You can also enjoy water sports activities such as sailing, canoeing or pedal boats. There are restaurants with menus or sandwiches if you prefer not to bring your own food.
How to get there
The San Juan reservoir is located in San Martín de Valdeiglesias and Pelayos de la Presa, one hour and twenty minutes from Madrid.
If you go by car, froms from the A-5 and the M-501.
By bus: Take line 551 from Príncipe Pío
Access
Access is free of charge. There are several places where you can leave your car. There are about 500 parking spaces, distributed along the accesses to the beaches known as El Muro, Pelayos de la Presa or Virgen de la Nueva. But if you don't arrive early, you'll run out of parking.
Picadas Reservoir in Pelayos de la Presa
It is located in the Picadas reservoir recreational area. This is a natural swimming pool that is very popular in July and August. The area is prepared for barbecues and has picnic areas and several restaurants nearby. It is possible to practise various sports such as canoeing and in some areas fishing is allowed.
How to get there
Take the Extremadura road to Navalcarnero, then take the M-507 to Aldea del Fresno and three kilometres further on there is a turn-off to Rincón de los Canchos.
Access
It is free and free of charge.
