Some people cannot imagine their holiday without going to the beach for a swim and then letting the sunshine dry them off as they relax on the sand, especially with the heat we’re expecting this year. But far away from the most popular beaches, more and more people are opting for lesser-known destinations, such as natural swimming pools, both in the sea and in rivers and lakes.
So, why not try something different once in a while? We invite you to discover these places where you can enjoy a refreshing dip to combat the heat in an incomparable natural setting. Get your bikini or boardshorts out because we’re off on a trip round the continent to visit some of the most incredible natural swimming pools in Europe.
Natural swimming pools in Spain
Spain is one of the European countries with the largest number of ponds, lakes and natural swimming pools, both on the coast and in its inland river system, so it is not surprising that many of them are included year after year amongst the most spectacular in Europe. Today we’re going to take a look at some of the best natural swimming pools in Spain.
1. El Charco Azul (El Hierro)
The waters of the Canary Island of El Hierro are some of the clearest you can find anywhere, especially if you decide to take a swim in the blue pool known as El Charco Azul. This natural swimming pool is located in the municipality of Frontera overlooking the immensity of the Atlantic Ocean. A truly spectacular and unforgettable bathing experience.
2. Garganta de los Infiernos (Cáceres)
The natural swimming pools of this beauty spot in Cáceres form part of the Sierra de Gredos Nature Reserve. You can visit these river pools after following a pleasant hiking trail through the surrounding area. Don’t be fooled by its name, the “Gorge of Hell”, a swim in its waters will make you feel like you’re in heaven.
3. Fuentes del Algar (Altea)
A short distance from the resort town of Altea you can find these natural swimming pools stretching out over a kilometre and a half along the bed of the river Algar. With their waterfalls and river wells you can enjoy a quieter day’s bathing than at the beach. But don’t forget your flip flops.
4. El Caletón (Garachico)
The coastlines of the Canary Islands are full of natural swimming pools, but El Caletón, in the town of Garachico in Tenerife, is especially charming. It owes its completely organic form to the solidification of the lava from the eruption of the Trevejo volcano in 1706.
5. Chorreras del Cabriel (Cuenca)
Waterfalls, cascades, caves and river wells of a brilliant emerald green are waiting to offer you a spectacular river bathing experience in Cuenca. Sometimes you don’t have to visit the coast to enjoy one of nature’s most beautiful bathing spots.
Natural swimming pools in Portugal
Portugal is another European country that offers a wide variety of natural swimming pools where you can relax and have a dip.
6. Loriga natural swimming pool
This spectacular natural infinity pool is located in a glacial valley in Serra da Estrela Natural Park. Its waters are constantly renewed by mountains springs, creating a magical natural environment for a day of relaxation.
7. Pego do Inferno
The Algarve is known for its spectacular beaches. But this area of Portugal is also home to the Pego do Inferno lagoon, in the town of Tavira, where you can bathe under a spectacular waterfall of vibrant green water.
8. Porto Moniz
The island of Madeira is one of Portugal’s greatest natural gems, so it is no surprise that it is also home to some of its best natural swimming pools, including Porto Moniz. Shaped by volcanic rocks, like the Canary Islands, its water is from the sea.
9. Seixal
Also in Madeira and also of volcanic origins like the rest of the island, Seixal is one of the best-known natural swimming pools. Its transparent waters and beautiful countryside captivate everyone who visits and, what’s more, it is not far from quiet beaches like Praia da Laje and Praia do Porto do Seixal.
Natural swimming pools in France
Enjoying France’s natural swimming pools can be as relaxing as bathing in the French Riviera. Get your bathing suit, towel and some sandals and let’s see some of the sights in our neighbouring country!
10. Lake Annecy natural swimming pools
The French consider them to be among the best natural swimming pools in Europe because their water is the purest in the continent. This lake located close to the Swiss border is home to natural lagoons and beaches, where you can also enjoy water sports.
11. Granville natural swimming pool
The unique environment of Mont Saint-Michel Bay is home to this seawater natural swimming pool, where you can enjoy a relaxing dip when the water surrounding this fortified town is at low tide.
12. Verdon Gorge
The south of France is home to one of Europe’s most spectacular river canyons, where after enjoying water sports like kayaking to discover its impressive scenery, you can enjoy a relaxing and refreshing dip in its green water.
Natural swimming pools in Italy
Italy’s beauty is undeniable and this also extends to its countryside and the numerous natural swimming pools to be found along the length and breadth of the country.
13. Terme di Saturnia
Considered to be among the most beautiful in the world, the Terme di Saturnia are staggered natural swimming pools nestled in a spectacular natural setting. But take into account that these waters are hotter than those you might find anywhere else, because they are hot springs.
14. La Grotta de la Poesia
The region of Apulia is home to the gem known as the “Poetry Cave”. It not only offers rocky scenery of such beauty that it leaves you breathless, but invites you to bathe in the blue waters of the Adriatic filling this natural swimming pool.
15. Piscina di Venere
This natural swimming pool named in honour of Venus fills with water from the sea at high tide. A magical enclave on the island of Sicily to enjoy an experience worthy of the gods.
Natural swimming pools in Germany
It might not have the beaches of islands like the Balearics or Corsica, but Germany also offers spectacular bathing at some of its best natural swimming pools.
16. Lake Pulvermaar
Considered to be one of the largest natural swimming pools in Germany and also one of its most spectacular, this volcanic crater full of water surrounded by forest is very deep and invites you to enjoy a swim in a wild setting in full comfort.
17. Lake Constance
The natural bathing sites sprinkled along the coast of Lake Constance, one of Europe’s largest, offer a unique experience surrounded by a spectacular mountain panorama. Enjoy its waters as you breathe in the immensity of the Alps and the purest of air.
Other natural swimming pools in Europe
We could talk for hours about all the natural swimming pools, lakes and river wells where you can bathe this summer, but to avoid making your choice any more difficult, we’ll just add a few more to the list.
18. Fairy Pools (Scotland)
Scotland is known to be a magical land that is full of legends, and this is clearly in evidence at the Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye. These natural swimming pools are the country’s most striking and undoubtedly some of the most beautiful in Europe. It is said that their cold waters promise timeless beauty to those who bathe in them.
19. Giola (Greece)
The Giola natural swimming pool, on the Greek island of Tasos, not only possesses other-world beauty, but also makes you forget about everything else when you enter its waters of a green to rival that of the purest of emeralds.
20. Krka Waterfalls (Croatia)
Although Croatia’s beaches have in recent years become some of the most popular in Europe, the truth is that Croatia has much more to offer than beach tourism. An example is the Krka Waterfalls, whose turquoise waters invite you to disconnect, get away from it all and let yourself be captivated by the constant movement of the falling water.
Europe’s natural swimming pools are the perfect destination for a uniquely refreshing summer. Discover these hidden paradises and enjoy a dip in incomparable natural environments. Get out your swimsuit and your flip flops and go on an adventure!
