Barcelona’s natural swimming pools are the perfect spots for switching off from urban life. Just a few miles outside the busy city centre, these outdoor havens are where you can get back to nature, cool off on warm sunny days and enjoy all the fantastic landscapes the region has to offer.
These oases of calm ooze tranquillity, relaxation and disconnection, making them the perfect alternatives for those travelling alone, as a couple or even with children, as they’re easy to access and will be no trouble for the little ones. If you’re looking to discover the best natural pools closest to Barcelona, here are four of our favourites.
1. La Riera de Merlès, a natural paradise
Without doubt, Valle de Merlès is one place that’s definitely worth visiting thanks to its rich biodiversity. Nestled in the mountainous region of the Catalan capital, the environment is stunning and has hardly been touched by humans over the centuries. Similarly, the river from which the valley takes its name – Riera de Merlès – flows from the Catllaras mountain range and runs through three regions: Bages, Osona and Berguedà. This particular stretch of river is perfect for bathing, so make sure you don’t leave your swimming gear behind!
This spectacular environment is also perfect for enjoying activities in nature in Barcelona, given the range of wonderful hiking trails, all of them low difficulty, making it one of the best activities for exploring the city as a family. The charm of each trail is very different, but undeniable.
2. Els Gorgs del Riu Tenes and its surroundings
Another of Barcelona’s most charming natural pools is Gorgs del Riu Tenes, which you’ll find within the Cingles de Bertí nature reserve. Swimming in the rivers is currently prohibited, but you’ll still be able to discover all the charm of the surrounding area. The best way to explore is to follow the river until you reach the lakes and waterfalls, a spectacular spot guaranteed to enchant every visitor. Following the banks of the Riu Tenes also means you’ll eventually reach the Sant Miquel del Fai Benedictine Monastery, an incredible place in a setting that truly captivates with its vast and overwhelming beauty.
3. Charming natural pools in Barcelona: La Foradada de Cantonigròs
If you’re also thinking about trying your hand at some activities in nature, perhaps exploring some medieval villages, following the rivers and soaking up all the stunning natural landscapes, we recommend you head over to Osona, an unmissable region thanks to its medieval villages in the form of Rupit i Pruit. You’ll also find one of the most spectacular natural pools in Barcelona here, between Cantonigròs and the well‑known Foradada.
It’s the ideal place to visit in summer to cool off with a refreshing dip, although the landscapes are so stunning, any day of the year would be a good day to visit! Thanks to the fact the pool is built into the side of the rock, it takes the form of a beautiful waterfall, like something out of a fairytale. To get here, it’s about a half an hour’s walk from the town of Cantonigròs.
4. One of the most popular natural pools in Barcelona: Gorg Negre
The route to Gorg de la Sort can be found within Montseny Nature Reserve, one of the most visited places in Cataluña, and for very good reason! The entire area is filled with beech trees, which gives the whole setting a unique colour, especially in the autumn months, but also throughout the year.
It’s also the perfect place for a swim when the heat is at its most intense, as the water flows with some serious force in Montseny in the summer, so natural pools are created everywhere, which are perfect for bathing, as is the case with Gorg Negre and the Gualba river. As soon as you start walking the trail at the starting point, you’ll be able to see the Font Dels Enamorats springs, just another reason to visit this wonderful site.
