Swimming in Spain! Pools, Rivers, & Reservoirs

It’s time to splash into summer and go swimming in Spain! Why not cool down in the public swimming pools or natural freshwater locations; beautiful lakes, natural pools, reservoirs, and rivers. Keep on reading for more swimming options near you in Almuñécar, in the Costa Tropical, or a little day trip away!

Table of Contents

Summer Swimming in Spain (Costa Tropical & beyond)

This is a great resource for you to discover a variety of locations to splash around, cool down, or just go for a swim!

On our map below, you may click on the upper left for the legend, click on the upper right to make full screen.
Green icons – natural freshwater swimming
Blue icons – public pool for lap swimming
Pink icons – public pools with free play swimming
Yellow icon – the local waterpark

Summer Swimming in Spain (Costa Tropical & beyond)

The Mediterranean Sea!

Of course, we won’t forget to mention the big beautiful blue Mediterranean Sea as the top place to go swimming in Spain. There is more than 19km of coastline, the Almuñécar Beaches are the perfect option for swimming all year long. That said, sometimes it is fun to discover a nice pool of fresh water on a hike along the river or go for a day trip to Las Alpujarras or the reservoir. This time we will tell you all about the nearby public swimming pools, rivers, natural pools, wild swimming, and maybe even a few hotel pools!

Public Swimming Pools

Many of the public swimming pools are only open for the summer months, typically mid-June through the first week of September. Some are only open in July and August.

Piscina municipal de Almuñécar Municipal pool

This is an indoor pool, located next to the “José María García” municipal pavilion on the San Cristóbal side of town. All of the anti-Covid-19 protocols and measures will be followed. You must wear a swim cap and have indoor pool sandals. There is a fee for use, with rates for residents and non-residents. Open for lap swimming all year by reservation only.
As of March 2021, the public schedule is: Monday to Friday: 9:00 -13:00, 16:00 – 21:00 and Saturdays: 10:00 – 13:00
tel: + 34 958 635 926
Almuñécar Municipal Swimming Pool

Piscina Urb. Las Palomas – La Herradura

This large pool is set in the urbanization of Las Palomas on the west side of La Herradura. There is a 25m pool, children’s pool, a large grass area, a snack bar, and some shade areas too. It is open every day in the summer from 11: 00-19: 00 and there is a fee for use. Here is their website and current updates on their Facebook profile.

Calle los Ninos, Urban. Las Palomas
18697 La Herradura, Almunecar, Granada
piscinaslaspalomas@gmail.com
tel: + 34 657 525 017

Piscina municipal de Otivar

Otivar has a nice little outdoor pool, open in the summer season. Contact the Ayuntamiento de Otivar for more information.
Calle Atocha, 9, 18698 Otívar, Granada
July – August (Tuesday – Sunday)

Piscina municipal de Jete

Contact the Ayuntamiento de Jete for more information. It is usually open in July and August.
Tuesday to Saturday 16:30 – 20:30 and Sunday 12:00 – 20:30, Monday Closed
Calle Viñilla, 44, 18699 Jete, Granada

Piscina municipal de Lentegí

July – August 12:00 – 14:00, 16:30 – 20:30
Contact the Ayuntamiento de Lentegí for more information.
Calle Francisco Ruiz Aneas, 15, 18699 Lentegí

Piscina municipal de Ítrabo

This is a nice public pool and it is free for residents and as of 2019, it was also free for non-residents.
For more information ask at the Ayuntamiento de Ítrabo.
It is usually open July – August (Monday – Saturday) 16:30 – 20:30.
Calle Cuesta Era, 72, 18612 Ítrabo

Piscina municipal José Vinuesa Tentor de Motril

Offering competitions, lap swim, free swim, and swimming lessons. Parts of it are open all year.
Read the brochure for more information, times and prices. Open Monday – Friday 08:00 – 22:00
Avd. De Ntra. Señora de la Cabeza sn. 18600 Motril
Information and registration at the office of the Municipal Sports Pavilion. Office Hours from Monday to Friday from 10:00- 14:00
tel: + 34 958 824 530
email: sports@motril.es

Piscina Municipal Motril

Offering swimming in lanes for laps.
Cañada Motril, 14, 18600 Motril, Granada
tel: + 34 608 548 532
pool@motril.es

Piscina municipal de Vélez de Benaudalla

Offering swim lessons, free swim, aqua gym, and more.
Open Monday – Friday 11:00 – 13:30, 16:00 – 20:00 and Saturday/Sunday 12:00 – 20:00
There is a small fee for nonresident use, half-day or full-day.
Contact the Ayuntamiento de Vélez de Benaudalla for more information

Piscina Y Pabellón Cubiertos de Nerja

A covered indoor pool and Spa room (sauna, cold water pool, jacuzzi), open all year.
Visit the Nerja municipality website for location, all activities available, and photos
Monday to Friday: 08:00 – 22:00, Saturday: 09:00 – 20:00, and Sunday: 09:00 – 13:00
Check here for more up-to-date facility information and hours, due to covid measures.
tel: + 34 951 322 085

Piscina municipal de Frigiliana

There is a snack bar called Splash to purchase food and drink. There is a fee for entry.
The Municipal pool opening hours are:
June 11:00 – 21:00 and September 11:00 – 20:00
July and August:

Swimming Lessons: Monday to Friday 10.00 – 13.00, 19:00 – 21:00
Public swimming: Monday-Friday 13.00 – 19.00
Saturday and Sunday 11.00 – 20.00

Piscina pública Lanjarón

Open from 11:00 – 20:00 in the summer months and the cost is 2 euros.
Read more about covid measures.
Camino Capilla, 18420 Lanjarón, Granada

Camping & Hotel Swimming Pools

Hotel Salobreña Suites

The pool is open every day from 11:00 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 20:00. We have the Chiringo open and in the summer three is the Grill. Both hotel customers and people who come to eat may spend a day in the pool.
Ctra. Málaga, Carr. De Almería, Km 323, 18680 Salobreña
+34 958 610 261

Camping El Balcón de Pitres swimming pool

This is a campground with cabins, bungalows and other accommodation and if you are staying here, the pool is included in the price. If you are not staying on the premises, the price is 4€ and 2€ for children. A nice way to spend your day hanging out by the pool in La Alpujarra. Open from mid-June to mid-September, weather permitting. Here is their website.
Crta. Orgiva-Ugijar, Km 51, 18414 Pitres, Granada
tel: + 34-958 766 111

Pools Not Available to the Public

The following hotels have been asked if they are open to the public for a fee or purchase of goods. Their reply was that their pools are exclusive for overnight Hotel guests only. We are providing you with this information, so you don’t need to bother them with questions.

Hotel Helios, Almuñécar
Hotel Victoria Playa, Almuñécar
Hotel Ibérico, Castell de Ferro
Best Western, Salobreña

Natural Pools, Rivers, & Reservoirs

You not only have the sea as a natural place to take a dip but there are several freshwater choices for swimming in Spain. We will share a few that aren’t too far away, for a nice day trip. The beauty of natural water sources is that they don’t have summer-only hours! You can go throughout the year, but it is most refreshing in the summer months.

Junta de Los Rios – Otivar

Junta de Los Rios translates as ‘the joining of the rivers.’ The rivers Rio Verde and Rio Negro meet to form waterfalls and crystal, clear pools in which you can bathe. It is located just outside of Otivar, about 30 minutes from Almuñécar. You will need a car to access and be prepared for a little hike as well. Read more about how to access and what to expect, with a video too!

Thermal Baths and natural pools at Alhama de Granada

After you have explored the town and had some lunch, you may want to make your way to the thermal baths, located just on the outskirts of town. There are free public baths along the river but be warned they aren’t always kept litter-free. You can just stop and take a quick dip if you are continuing on to the reservoir on the same day, or stay a bit longer at the spa hotel for the night.

Embalse de los Bermejales (Los Bermejales Reservoir)

Almuñécar is a wonderful place to live and to visit, but don’t be afraid to go a little off of the beaten track and explore the nearby mountains, countryside, and the Granada hills. Within just an hour of Almuñécar, there is so much to do and see. We have decided to create a 3-day itinerary to help you to get out and explore! Each stop on the route can also be done as a day trip from Almuñécar, but why not take your time and soak it all in? Of course, this will be flexible for you to add or remove days, so it is just a guide for you to follow and customize as you like, Read about the Los Bermejales Reservoir and the Alhama de Granada.

References for more locations on wild swimming

Natural pools and hikes within Malaga

Malaga Web has several great options for hikes and walks with the extra special treat of being able to stop and enjoy a dip in some refreshing water. Take caution when hiking in the heat of summer, but they also offer tips and advice on time of day and gear to bring with you.
Read more about the 13 hikes by ponds, rivers, and natural pools.

Wild swimming in Andalucía

Wild swimming is just a different term from swimming in natural environments, rather than man-made. There are several locations listed here, which are all good for a day trip or overnight trip from our Costa Tropical.
Read more about wild swimming in reservoirs, lakes, rivers, and more in Andalucía.

Explore the province of Granada!

There is so much to see in the province of Granada and most of the locations listed in this article are within a 30 minute to two hours drive from Almuñécar. It is a great way to keep the kids active and entertained and have a refreshing dip in cool waters. Some of the locations have been mentioned previously in this article, but you may enjoy a different perspective.

The Crisp Clear waters of La Alpujarra

The Alpujarra is an area very rich in water, both for its springs or hot springs, as well as for its rivers, laundries, and fountains, a symbol of La Alpujarra. And with the arrival of summer and the heat, it is always good to know that we have somewhere near to take a dip and cool off from the intense heat. The Alpujarra as we said is a mountain area closely linked to water, so here are some of the best rivers in Granada to bathe, both for its beauty and its purity. Of course, they are mountain rivers, so the water is rather cold.
Read more about the various options for freshwater fun.

20 Amazing Locations in Andalucía!

Read through these 20 great locations to experience lakes, pools, reservoirs, or inland beaches where you can take a dip in freshwater. Again, some may have been listed previously, but each other has a different take on what you may experience.
The photo below is just a quick trip to Nerja!

Monachil – a great place to chill

Escape to the Sierra Nevada mountains and experience a day trip from Almuñécar to Monachil. A unique hiking experience through a narrow canyon, on top of a narrow cement wall, and over several hanging bridges. A place to cool down from the heat at one of the many water holes along the river. Read more about the hiking in Monachil.

Waterpark, Wave Pools, Slides, & More

Of course, we can’t forget to mention our local waterpark, Aqua Tropic! This saltwater fun park is full of plenty of options to enjoy a wet day out. There are several waterslides, a wave pool, splash play areas for the little ones, a snack shack, a game area, and more.
Visit their website for hours and ticket information.