It sure gets hot during summer in Madrid. Without doubt one of the drawbacks of visiting Madrid at this time of year is the lack of beach time. There are plenty of parks, shady plazas and rooftop terraces to help cope with the heat. I like to escape the scorching 35+ Madrid temperatures by going swimming.
There are actually quite a few great places to go swimming in Madrid so if you are visiting the city during summer and don’t have access to a pool at your accommodation don’t worry. Head to one of these great spots to have a dip, do a few lengths or just splash around.
Each of the below options for where to go swimming in Madrid are within easy reach of the city centre and are either free to access or reasonably priced.
Outdoor public pools in Madrid
Lago in Casa de Campo
Just past the Lake in the south east corner of Casa de Campo park is the Lago public swimming pool. It’s located just behind the Lago metro station. For €5 entrance you can access two large outdoor pools and a children’s splash pool. There are lifeguards on patrol, benches and tables for having picnics and large clean changing areas.
Nearest metro: Lago (line 10)
Francos Rodriguez near Tetuan
North of the city not far from the Real Madrid football stadium is another big public outdoor pool. Surrounded by trees with a lovely grassy sunbathing area, it’s a very relaxing spot to spend the afternoon. Adult access costs €4.50 and you can pay extra to leave your clothes or valuables behind the desk. Local children do have swimming club here but the pool is huge so there is plenty of room. There is a café onsite so you can grab lunch or after swim drinks.
Nearest metro: Francos Rodriguez (line 7)
Rooftop bar and hotel pools for swimming in Madrid
Gymage behind Gran Via
Located on Plaza Soledad Torres Acosta above the gym is a secret bar and pool area. It can get pretty lively in the evening but during the day it’s a chilled-out rooftop playing smooth music. Entry is free but they will expect you to buy a drink or two. Access to use the gym facilities costs €10 for a day pass.
Nearest metro: Gran Via (line 1 & 5) or Callao (line 5 & 3)
Emperador Hotel near Callao
A grand hotel right in the centre of the city that has impressive views from its rooftop pool. The pool is larger than most hotel pools and you can enjoy the views over some of Madrid most famous landmarks. Loungers, hammocks, a snack bar and restaurant mean you can easily spend all day here. Access for non-hotel guests Monday-Thursday is €40 and on the weekend €55. You will need to pay extra for access to the rooftop restaurant.
Nearest metro: Santo Domingo (line 2) or Callao (line 5 & 3)
Room Mate Oscar Hotel in Chueca
A chic and chilled out roof terrace and pool area. Great views of the city, awesome cocktail menu and crisp white lounge beds to relax on. It’s pretty pricey compared to the public pools but very luxurious. The pool club package for non-hotel guests includes a sunbed, towel, locker and welcome glass of champagne. Access costs €35 Monday-Thursday, on weekends it’s €35 for half day and €60 for full day. Email ahead to make a reservation for the pool club.
Nearest metro: Chueca (line 5) or Gran Via (line 1 & 5)
Photo credit: Room Mate Hotels
Natural lakes and rivers for swimming in Madrid
For a swim is fresh water and natural surroundings you can head outside the city centre to the nearby lakes and rivers. You will need to drive to each of these locations.
Alberche
Just 1-hour drive from Madrid is the secret oasis Alberche which has a river-side beach. Lie back on the sand and swim in the cool waters surrounded by trees. It’s a very popular spot for locals to flock in the summer holidays as the shallow pools are great for children to safely splash around in. Entrance is free but parking on the weekend costs €5.
La Pedriza
The national park between Madrid and Segovia is a great place to hike and hunt for natural water pools. It’s a 45 minute drive to Manzares el Real, where you can park and hike the trails from there up la Pedriza. Pack a lunch as there are no cafes or shops once you leave the town as you will be totally immersed in the natural park.
Las Precillas
A large recreational area near Rascafria where the Loyoza river has been divided into swimming pools surrounded by grass. There are facilities such as picnic tables, a café kiosk, bins and toilets. You can drive there in 80 minutes and a bus service runs in the summer from Plaza Castilla in Madrid to Rascafría. Entrance is free but parking costs €9.
Photo credit: Madrid Sensations
I hope this article on where to go swimming in Madrid has been helpful. If you are heading to the city during summer and need a place to cool off be sure to check out one of these locations.
Have you been swimming in Madrid? Where did you go? Tell us all about it in the comments box below.
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