Lying in the heart of Spain, Madrid doesn’t have a coastline so it has had to come up with some clever substitutes for families to while away the long hot summers. Going to the swimming pool during the summer months has become an integral part of life for los madrileños. The most popular pools are the city municipal pools which all have good facilities but the towns in the surrounding area also offer amazing natural pools, las piscinas naturales, that provide a unique bathing experience. Most places are open mid June to mid September but it is best to call or check individual websites for details.
Municipal Pools
The Parque Deportivo Puerta del Hierro is one of the city’s biggest sport parks. With over 300,000 square metres of green you can play golf, paddle, rugby or tennis, do athletics or archery, and even go canoeing. It’s well-known for its outdoor pool, which, at over 130 metres long, is one of the largest in Europe. In summer it’s full of families who want to get away from the sweltering centre of town for a refreshing day out. There’s a grassy area, changing rooms and a children’s pool.
Ctra. de La Coruña, km 7, 28040 Madrid
Telephone: 913 768 680
In this sports centre you can practice almost any sport you can imagine: football, handball, basketball, skating, beach volleyball, tennis, water polo, swimming, gymnastics . Its facilities occupy more than 70,000 square metres. In summer, the two 50 metre pools and children’s pool attract families and groups of friends that come for a swim with the iconic Four Towers in the background or to cool off in the shade.
Av. de Monforte de Lemos 13, 28029 Madrid
Telephone: 913 147 943
Metro: Begoña / Barrio del Pilar
This is one of the most popular pools in Madrid. It has a fun ambience once inside but be warned – be prepared to queue. This pool is located in Casa de Campo park and gives less of an urban feel than the other municipal pools because it is surrounded by greenery. This pool is not centrally located but the extra journey time is worth it for a more relaxing atmosphere and the feeling of escaping from the stifling city heat.
Better known as the Piscina de Lago it boasts a 50 metre pool, a 33 metre pool and a children’s pool with plenty of space around them all. There’s also a 25 metre indoor pool. It has traditionally been frequented by young people and is also known as a popular gay spot though in more recent years straight couples as well as families with children have been using the facilities.
Paseo Puerta del Angel 7, 28011 Madrid
Telephone: 914 630 050 / 914 649 889
Metro: El Lago / Puerta del Ángel
This is a great swimming pool with plenty of grass area to lay down on. There is also a separate pool for children learning to swim. This pool is situated in a residential neighbourhood but is close to the University, so you’ll find a mix of both families and young adults.
Calle Numancia 1, 28039 Madrid
Telephone: 914 599 987
Metro: Francos Rodríguez
A popular pool located in the centre of the city where you can also enjoy a picnic. Good cafe on site for snacks and they also have picnic tables if you bring your own food. A good choice for week days but weekends can often be overcrowded.
Calle Arganda 25, 28005 Madrid
Telephone: 914 732 491
Metro: Acacias / Embajadores / Pirámides
This swimming pool is located in the south of the city. The best thing about it is its size – the pool itself is huge and the surrounding grass is extensive so even if it’s busy you will find somewhere to stretch out. The restaurant serves Spanish and Paraguayan cuisine.
Av. del General Fanjul 14, 28044 Madrid
Telephone: 917 062 868
Metro: Aluche
Renfe: Fanjul / Las Aguilas
Water Parks
This summer favourite is among the biggest water parks in Europe. Among its main attractions are the wave pools and huge water slides. Amongst the water mazes, hanging bridges, waterfalls, rapids, boats and shallow pools you will find something for everyone. There are also playgrounds, picnic areas, mini-golf and cafes if you want to stay out of the water. There can be a long queues so it recommended to get there early.
Avenida de la Dehesa, s/n, 28691 Villanueva de la Cañada
Telephone: 918 156 933
www.villanueva.aquopolis.es
Rides fall in to 2 categories at this water park: high excitement for those that like an adrenaline rush and moderate for the less adventurous. There is also a designated children’s area with attractions suitable for the very young designed to unleash their energy, test their agility and develop their imagination.
Ctra. Nacional II, Km 15.5, 28830 San Fernando de Henares
Telephone: 916 731 031
http://san-fernando.aquopolis.es
Luxury Pools
No post about swimming pools in Madrid would be complete without mentioning this luxury pool in the centre of Madrid on Gran Via. Here you will experience four-star luxury with magnificent views of the city. If you are looking to treat yourself it is well worth a visit – but perhaps best to leave the kids at home!
Gran Via 53, 28013 Madrid
Telephone: 915 472 800
www.emperadorhotel.com
Natural Pools
The natural pools at Cercedilla are very popular as they are the closest natural pools to the city and the easiest to get to. The pools here are treated with chlorine. They are nestled in the beautiful scenery of the Sierra Guadarrama and offer a relaxed environment with wonderful views. Facilities include parking, changing rooms, a bar and an information centre. It is also a popular hiking destination.
How to get there:
By car – A6 until Guadarrama then take the M-621 Cercadilla road and then the M-966 to Las Dehesas
By bus – 684 from metro Moncloa to Cercedilla
By train – Cercanias C-8 which leaves every hour from Atocha and Chamartin
Telephone: tourist office – 918 523 704
Price: weekdays 5,50€ and weekends 6,50€, children and elderly 3,50€
In Buitrago de Lozoya, 74km from Madrid you will find a beautiful natural park where you can bath in the clear, fresh water pools created from water piped from the reservoirs and enjoy the magnificent views of the Sierra Guadarrama. Here you will also find a recreation area with large grass lawns, sunshades, a children’s play area, changing facilities and a bar along with walking areas and facilities for practicing basketball, football, pétanque and biking, among other sports.
How to get there:
By car – A1 towards Burgos and take exit 74 towards Buitrago. Then follow signs for ‘Embalse de Riosequillo – Area recreation’
By bus – from Plaza Castilla to Buitrago and ask the driver where to get off.
Telephone: 912 932 047
Price: 4€ for adults and 2€ for children
In the unique setting of the Valle del Lozoya, 94km from Madrid you will find the 3 natural pools of Rascafría. Here you can take a dip in the fresh water and relax in the the large green meadows with the most incredible views of Peñalara Peak in the background.
How to get there:
By car – A1 towards Lozoyuela and then take M604 to Rascafría
By bus – 194 from Plaza Castilla
Telephone: 918 691 804
Price: entrance to the pools is free but parking is 5€
Leave a Reply