Where to Swim in the Pyrenees and Catalonia: The Best Natural Pools, Swimming Holes, and Waterfalls
If this summer you are looking to cool off in an unbeatable natural setting, you can’t miss this guide to some of the most fascinating places to swim in the Pyrenees and in Catalonia. From natural freshwater pools to secret waterfalls, lakes and hidden swimming spots. The rivers of Catalonia hide magical corners where pure, crystal-clear water becomes the perfect remedy against the summer heat.
Sau Reservoir
Swimming at the Sau Reservoir
Just one hour by car from Barcelona, the Sau Reservoir is one of the best places to swim in Catalonia. Located in the Les Guilleries-Savassona Natural Area, this reservoir offers a breathtaking landscape where you can enjoy a refreshing swim surrounded by mountains and forests. Near the Club Nàutic Vic-Sau, where free parking is available (arriving early in summer is recommended), activities such as kayaking, paddle surfing or Aquaslider are organised by local companies like Aquaterraclub.
To enjoy the area at a relaxed pace, we recommend staying at the Hotel Mas Albereda, in Sant Julià de Vilatorta. This beautifully restored century-old farmhouse combines history, elegance and a carefully preserved natural environment. It offers characterful rooms, some with jacuzzi, a swimming pool, gardens and a restaurant run by chef Nandu Jubany, where Catalan cuisine is reinterpreted using local produce. The hotel is also pet-friendly and is located just a few kilometres from the La Foradada waterfall, in Cantonigròs (Guilleries-Savassona Natural Park), a spectacular spot where swimming is not allowed, but the hike is well worth it.
Hotel Mas Albereda, in Sant Julià de Vilatorta, is a historic farmhouse turned into a boutique hotel that combines rustic charm with modern amenities. It offers unique rooms and suites with jacuzzis, set in a rural location between the Montseny and the Pyrenees. Its restaurant, led by chef Nandu Jubany, stands out for its creative Catalan cuisine with local and seasonal products.
Santa Margarida Pool and Can Poeti Pool
Natural pools near Girona
Girona is a privileged base from which to discover some of the most beautiful natural spots in northeastern Catalonia. Its proximity to the Lake of Banyoles and the natural pools of La Garrotxa makes it an excellent starting point for exploring freshwater swimming areas.
Just a few kilometres from the city, the Brugent River valley and the surroundings of Les Planes d’Hostoles, in La Garrotxa, hide some of the best natural pools to swim in Catalonia. Highlights include the Can Poeti Pool and the Santa Margarida Pool, both easily accessible from the village and signposted as part of the Greenways of Catalonia. During summer and public holidays, access is regulated and requires prior booking and a small fee via the Espai Natural Protegit del Brugent website.
The Lake of Banyoles also offers a unique natural setting with several well-prepared swimming areas. La Caseta de Fusta, with free access, and the Club Natació Banyoles, with swimming pool and sports facilities, are among the most popular. For a more relaxed break, Els Banys Vells combines lake views with a terrace ideal for sunset drinks. Walking paths surround the entire lake, with parking available at the Parc de la Draga or along Passeig Darder.
If you are planning to explore both the natural pools and the lake, Girona offers excellent accommodation options. In the city centre, Hotel Carlemany and Hotel Peninsular allow you to discover Girona on foot, close to the historic centre and main attractions. For a quieter stay outside the centre, Hotel Esperit Roca offers a refined and exclusive setting.
The Hotel Carlemany is one of the leading hotels in Girona city centre, located just a few minutes from the Barri Vell and the city’s main cultural, shopping and gastronomic highlights. Its prime location makes it a great choice for couple getaways, family stays, including pets, sports breaks or business trips, with the added convenience of private parking right in the centre.
It offers 90 spacious rooms, all exterior-facing with plenty of natural light, decorated in a modern, functional style to ensure comfort for every kind of stay. Some rooms also feature a bathtub or even an in-room fireplace, adding an extra touch for those looking for a more special experience in Girona.
Gastronomy is another of its highlights. The El Pati Verd restaurant is one of the city’s most appreciated dining spots and an excellent venue for large celebrations and events. Indigo Restaurant serves a fresh, seasonal menu in a contemporary setting, and the Carlemany Cafeteria with its terrace has become a popular meeting point in Girona for both guests and locals.
The hotel is also especially popular with cyclists thanks to its bike-friendly facilities, including secure 24-hour bike storage, a workshop, tools, a bike-wash area and suggested routes around the region. A fitness room will be available soon and, for golf lovers, some of the best golf courses in the province are within easy reach.
Hotel Peninsular in Girona, located in the heart of the city, blends history and modernity since 1853. With a prime location just steps from Girona's main attractions, this establishment offers comfortable rooms and services, including a restaurant featuring local cuisine. The hotel is ideal for tourists looking to explore the city and business travelers, with spaces tailored for meetings and events. Additionally, it collaborates with local sports and tourism initiatives, standing out for its hospitality and customer service.
The Hotel Esperit Roca located in Sant Julià de Ramis, offers 360º panoramic views of Girona and the Empordà. Its proximity to Girona and its range of outdoor activities make it an ideal place for both a short getaway and a longer stay.
This 15-room hotel, built with natural materials, is designed to harmonize with its surroundings and provide an exclusive and peaceful space. Created to be extremely comfortable rooms, where you can discover their new gastronomic restaurant, discover their distillery and explore their latest exhibition.
Gorg del Molí dels Murris
Natural pools in La Garrotxa
The Gorg del Molí dels Murris, in Les Planes d’Hostoles, is one of the most photogenic natural pools in La Garrotxa and a highly appreciated spot for summer swimming. Surrounded by lush vegetation and curious limestone formations, this natural corner has been shaped by the waters of the Brugent stream, creating a landscape of great beauty. Access is easy and suitable for all visitors: from the car park next to the village cemetery, a forest track leads to the pool in just a 10-minute walk. During high season, a access ticket is required, valid for all the natural pools in the municipality.
To visit this gorg, we suggest staying at the Hotel La Perla d’Olot, located less than half an hour away by car. This welcoming family-run hotel offers all the comforts needed to explore the natural pools of La Garrotxa and its volcanic natural park. It features spacious air-conditioned rooms, a swimming pool, terrace, garden, children’s area and a delicious restaurant serving local cuisine.
Hotel La Perla d'Olot, located in the heart of Garrotxa, is a family-run establishment that combines a cozy atmosphere with modern facilities.
Ideal for exploring the volcanic nature and the springs of Olot, it offers services such as swimming pool, restaurant, free Wi-Fi, and parking. With comfortable rooms equipped with air conditioning, TV and terrace, the hotel is designed to guarantee a peaceful and pleasant stay for all its visitors, whether for family breaks or business stays.
Route of the 7 Gorgs
Gorg de la Cabana (Vall de Ribes)
Near Ripoll, you will find several spots where you can swim during the summer. One of the most popular is the Route of the 7 Gorgs, which starts in Campdevànol and passes seven spectacular waterfalls. This route is suitable for the whole family and easy to walk, even with young children. The first waterfall, the Gorg de la Cabana, is one of the best-known pools and perfect for a refreshing swim in freshwater. Although parking is paid and prior booking is required, the experience is highly recommended. If you wish to extend your excursion, head to the Fonts del Llobregat, where you can see the source of the Llobregat River. Swimming is not allowed, but the walk is extremely refreshing.
To explore this wonderful region, we recommend staying at the Hotel Els Caçadors, located just 12 minutes from Campdevànol, in Ribes de Freser. This cosy family hotel offers comfortable rooms and a restaurant specialising in local cuisine. From here, you can also take the Núria rack railway, a destination with hiking routes for all levels. In Núria, you will also find the Adventure Park, full of activities designed especially for children.
Els Caçadors is an ecological mountain hotel located in the Catalan Pyrenees, at the gates of the Núria Valley, surprising for its balanced combination of tradition and avant-garde. Both its character as a family hotel and the comfort of its rooms will captivate the guest, who will also be able to enjoy the restaurant service, outdoor jacuzzi, terrace and the Moon Room.
Gorg de la Malatosca
Natural pools in Camprodon
In the Camprodon Valley, in the Ripollès region, several natural pools and gorgs await you to cool off during your summer holidays. One of the most popular is the Gorg de la Malatosca, which can be easily accessed from the recreational area of the Parc de l’Estació de Sant Joan de les Abadesses via a short walk of less than 30 minutes through stunning natural scenery. This spot, which has a picnic area, offers a refreshing swim in crystal-clear waters. Near the medieval village of Beget, in the Salarsa stream, you will find the Basses d’en Correveu (also known as the Gorgs of Beget), natural pools perfect for relaxing and swimming in the heart of the Pyrenees.
Where to stay near Camprodon? We suggest three excellent options for an unforgettable Pyrenees getaway. In Llanars, near Camprodon, you will find the Hotel Spa El Grèvol, a charming mountain hotel ideal for a weekend escape. Further north, in Setcases, Hotel La Coma combines rural character with amenities such as a swimming pool, spa and large gardens designed for relaxation and leisure. And in Molló, Hotel Calitxó stands in the heart of the high mountains, offering first-class facilities surrounded by nature.
Hotel Grèvol Spa, in Camprodon-Llanars, blends stone and wood to seamlessly integrate into the Camprodon Valley. Its cozy rooms with stunning views make it the perfect destination for a romantic, family, or relaxing getaway.
Its Spa Center features a water area, massages, and treatments for complete relaxation. Additionally, the Grèvol Restaurant, recognized as a "Gastronomic Hotel," is a benchmark in Catalan cuisine with exceptional service.
Hotel La Coma is located in the heart of the Pyrenees, in Setcases, a picturesque village in the Camprodon Valley, in the province of Girona. With a privileged location at 1,279 meters above sea level, the hotel offers a unique natural environment surrounded by mountains, forests and rivers, ideal for a family getaway or a romantic stay. Close to the Vallter 2000 ski resort, the hotel is perfect for winter sports enthusiasts, as well as activities such as hiking, fishing, golf and horse riding.
The hotel has 22 rooms spread over three floors, as well as independent apartments in the center of the village. In addition, it offers a wide range of services that include a SPA with heated pool and sauna, an outdoor pool for the summer months, a gym with views, and a play area for the little ones. The hotel's restaurant stands out for its traditional Catalan cuisine, made with fresh and local products from the Camprodon valley.
Surrounded by nature, Hotel Calitxó offers comfortable rooms and spacious suites in a peaceful and family-friendly atmosphere. The hotel features cozy lounges, a welcoming bar-café, and a restaurant where you can enjoy the finest seasonal products.
Natural surroundings make it an ideal destination for outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, and horseback riding, as well as mountain sports like climbing, skiing, and snowshoeing.
Gorgs de Salenys
Natural pools on the Costa Brava
The Gorg de Salenys, located in Santa Cristina d'Aro, in the very heart of the Costa Brava and the Gavarres massif, is a small crystal-clear natural pool carved by the Salenys stream. To reach it, you must follow a signposted route of around 10 km, which runs along trails, bridges, walkways and a few sections of via ferrata. Although the route is suitable for experienced hikers, caution is recommended and it is advisable to check water conditions before planning your visit.
If you plan to explore the Costa Brava and visit the Gorg de Salenys, in S'Agaró you will discover two hotels that will surprise you. Hotel Sant Pol, located right in front of Sant Pol beach, offers sea-view rooms and a high-quality restaurant. Meanwhile, the S'Agaró Hotel Spa & Wellness combines relaxation and comfort thanks to its swimming pool and spa.
The Hotel Sant Pol is located in Sant Feliu de Guíxols, right in front of Sant Pol Beach, on the Costa Brava. It has 22 rooms, all of them with a terrace, of which 12 have wonderful views of the Sant Pol bay, and five are called superior because they have a large whirlpool bathtub. All of them equipped, among other services, with air conditioning, heating, satellite TV, free Internet access (WIFI), safe, direct telephone, minibar and full bathroom with hairdryer.
Due to its location, right in front of the beach, the Hotel is presented as a place of charm with privileged views, in addition to offering an exceptional location for lovers of the beach and water sports. Likewise, due to its proximity to the Green Routes and the Via Ferrata, it makes it a good stopover for cyclists, hikers, and people who like to climb, with the added bonus of being able to enjoy views near the sea very appreciated.
In the hotel restaurant you can enjoy cuisine specializing in rice, fish and seafood. It is a Restaurant with great tradition in the area and has large rooms for banquets or business meetings.
The nature and good climate of S'Agaró guarantee the customer of the Hotel S'Agaró Wellness & Spa, a warm stay, while its wide gastronomic offer makes it appropriate for both family and professional celebrations. Its facilities, suitable for seminars and presentations, make it ideal for business actions.
La Rierada Waterfall (Molins de Rei)
Rivers to swim in near Barcelona
If you are looking for waterfalls near Barcelona, the Parc Natural de Collserola is one of the best options close to the city. Just minutes from the centre, this vast green lung hides surprising places such as the Riera de Vallvidrera, with small natural pools and waterfalls to cool off this summer.
One of the most popular spots is the Salt de la Rierada, a nearly five-metre waterfall located in the neighbourhood of La Rierada (Molins de Rei), reachable via an easy, shaded hiking route of around one hour. The Pantà de Vallvidrera and the Font de la Budellera are also great options for an excursion near Barcelona.
Access to the waterfall is free, no booking is required, and it can be reached easily by public transport (FGC to Baixador de Vallvidrera) or by car, with nearby parking. It is one of the best excursions to do with young children, and it can even be done with a stroller.
Hotel Boutique Torre Barcelona is located right in the heart of Parc Natural de Collserola, just 15 minutes from Barcelona city centre, offering the perfect combination of nature and proximity to the city. This stately home, listed since 1932, provides a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by nature and is pet-friendly, making it an excellent option for visiting Salt de la Rierada with your pet.
Hotel Boutique Torre Barcelona, located in Valldoreix, right in the heart of the Collserola Park, 10 minutes from the city center of Barcelona. It is a stately home cataloged in 1932, heritage site, house converted into a small hotel. It is a place of disconnection, surrounded by a large garden, and tranquility.
It has nine rooms, each with unique features and a distinctive character. All rooms are exterior, decorated with neutral colors, in accordance with the modernist personality of the house.
The rooms have the names of the trees that are in the garden, a tribute to the vegetation of the area.
Its philosophy is to offer clients, disconnect, flee agglomerations and seek tranquility, surrounded by nature.
The hotel is respectful of the energy consumption and the environment. Soaps and shampoos are ecological,
Enjoy breakfast with local products, fresh and mostly organic, with a very Italian personality, sausages and cheeses from the area to the buffet.
The proximity to Barcelona is ideal for hiking in the Collserola and Tibidabo park, or visit the most emblematic places in Barcelona.
La Cerdanya and La Seu d’Urgell
Where to swim in La Cerdanya
With one foot in Catalonia and the other in France, La Cerdanya is a distinctive area with its own personality, full of charming villages and family-friendly activities.
What to do in La Cerdanya in summer? You can go horse riding, row on Lake Puigcerdà, visit Pyrenean villages on the historic Yellow Train, take a quad route, play golf, hike… all surrounded by a landscape that feels a bit like Switzerland, with meadows dotted with cows and tall, green mountains.
Don’t miss the excursion from Meranges to the Malniu lake. It is a very easy walking route in the Catalan Pyrenees, taking about half an hour, and lets you enjoy one of the most charming lakes in Catalonia where you can swim in the Pyrenees.
Where to swim in La Seu d’Urgell
Located in the heart of the Pyrenees, La Seu d’Urgell gives you access to a privileged environment with multiple natural pools. Just half an hour by car, the Coll de Nargó pools invite you to take a refreshing dip among rocks and forests.
In the town itself, the Parc Olímpic del Segre allows you to practise rafting, canoeing or hydrospeed all year round. It is also a top area for canyoning, an active and exciting way to explore mountain rivers and swim in their pools. For calmer or more scenic routes, you can head into the protected areas of Cadí-Moixeró or l’Alt Pirineu, with trails and high-mountain views.
If you want to explore both La Cerdanya and La Seu d’Urgell and their surroundings, we recommend Hotel El Monegal, located in the peaceful Vall de Lord. This former farmhouse turned into a fantastic mountain hotel enjoys a privileged location for travelling between both destinations. Surrounded by nature and offering friendly, family-style hospitality, it is the ideal place to rest after a day of routes, natural pools and Pyrenean landscapes.
Placed in an emblematic pre-Pyrenean valley, Lord’s valley, only 1 km. away from Sant Llorenç de Morunys, lays El Monegal, a refurbished Catalan farmhouse turned into a 10-room hotel where to give pleasure to the senses. The hotel offers a familiar treatment and extreme attention to detail, as well as an exquisite cuisine for the more demanding gourmets.
Still want more mountain experiences? Discover the best hotels in the Pyrenees.
