The Community of Madrid’s natural pools are the perfect way to beat the heat when the mercury rises. These natural spaces—where you can plunge into crisp, clear waters—are located just outside the Spanish capital. Put simply, they’re a great way to make those hot summer days bearable when the coastline is so far away.
Most of these natural pools are located in spots of outstanding natural beauty, and many offer a range of services and facilities that allow you to spend the whole day there, such as food and drink kiosks and picnic areas. This means that you can spend the whole day by the pool without having to leave at lunchtime.
What are the best natural pools close to Madrid? The most popular natural pools are Las Presillas, in Rascafría; Las Berceas, in Cercedilla; the San Juan Reservoir, in San Martín de Valdeiglesias; the Picadas Reservoir, in Pelayos de la Presa; the Los Villares Riverside Beach, in Estremera; and the Riosequillo Recreation Area, located just outside of Buitrago de Lozoya. This article will tell you precisely why they’re so popular.
Las Presillas (Rascafría)
Located 80 kilometres outside Madrid in the municipality of Rascafría, the Las Presillas natural pools are immersed in a stunning natural setting in the El Paular Valley. This privileged spot on the Sierra de Guadarrama has three separate pools, all of which are surrounded by pine trees. It also has a grassy area which is perfect for sunbathing. Las Presillas also has toilets, wooden tables and a food and drinks kiosk, making it a good place for an improvised picnic.
The pools are open every day from 10 AM to 9 PM. While the pools are free to use, visitors should note that there’s a car parking fee. You could combine your trip to Las Presillas with a visit to the La Isla Recreation Area or El Paular Monastery.
San Juan Reservoir
Located 50 kilometres outside Madrid and close to the municipality of San Martín de Valdeiglesias, the San Juan Reservoir boasts 14 different “beaches”. It is one of the most popular day-trip destinations among Madrid’s residents during the hot summer months, so we recommend getting there nice and early to secure the perfect spot ahead of a day spent in and out of the water. Its most famous “beach” is the one called Playa de la Virgen de la Nueva, which has Blue Flag certification. The nearby El Muro and La Lancha del Yelmo recreation areas are also very popular, offering kiosks, picnic areas and the chance to practice a range of water sports.
Picadas Reservoir (Pelayos de la Presa)
Built in 1952 on the course of the Alberche River, the Picadas Reservoir is located in the foothills of the Sierra de Gredos mountain range. The reservoir spans 92 hectares next to the natural site known as Las Picadas, from which it gets its name. Besides being used for swimming, it is also used to generate energy and water for the Community of Madrid and the Toledo province. Its stunning natural surroundings, characterised by a dense forest of pine trees, have turned it into a popular recreation area. Fishing is permitted in the La Depuradora recreation area to the right of the reservoir, just off the M-501 motorway.
Riosequillo Recreation Area
This recreation area in the municipality of Buitrago de Lozoya has a large pool that is filled with water from the Riosequillo Reservoir. It boasts a comprehensive range of services including a chiringuito bar-restaurant, multi-sport courts, a children’s play area, other recreation and relaxation areas, changing rooms and toilets, etc. This makes it a versatile destination for a day-trip from Madrid, where you can take a pleasant dip while enjoying spectacular views of the nearby mountains. From mid-June through August, the site is open from Tuesday to Sunday between the hours of 11 AM and 8 PM. Each visitor will need to pay a small fee to access the pool.
Las Berceas
These natural pools are located in the Las Berceas Recreation Park in the Fuenfría Valley, just outside of Cercedilla. A trip to Las Berceas is considered a great way to avoid the sweltering summer heat of the city. In fact, these are some of the most famous natural pools in the wider Community of Madrid. This 30-hectare site has picnic areas, changing rooms, showers, toilets, a bar area, a first-aid service, a grassy sunbathing area, two huge swimming pools flanked by wild pine trees and a tree-top adventure park. The site is wheelchair-accessible and has a capacity for 1,750 people. While food and drink can be brought in, pets are not allowed on-site. A free shuttle bus service operates from the Cercedilla town centre on weekends and public holidays during the months of July and August.
Estremera Riverside Beach
The Los Villares Riverside Beach—most commonly referred to as the “Playa de Estremera”—is located in the municipality of the same name, just 60 kilometres outside the Spanish capital. Popular in the summer months, these pools offer a wide range of services conceived to make your visit as easy as possible. You’ll also be able to try your hand at a range of water-based activities. Unlike some of the other natural pools mentioned above, pets are allowed on-site.
