It’s one of the most vibrant and popular capitals Europe has to offer, but – come the summer time – Madrid becomes so hot that even the native Madrileños flee the city to take refuge by the coastline. But that exodus doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit! Madrid is absolutely flushed with inner-city pools, canals and sunbathing spots. Here’s our pick of the best…
Public swimming pools
Madrid’s busy Casa de Campo swimming pool. © JasonParis
Lying at the heart of the country, Madrid doesn’t have a coastline, let alone pristine beaches. So it’s had to come up with some clever substitutes. The most popular are its many municipal city pools, all of which have good facilities. They are open from the last weekend in May through to early September. The most central pools are those at the sports centres Canal Isabel II and Casa de Campo. The former contains an Olympic-sized pool and a kids’ pool. The latter has one indoor pool, two outdoor pools, a library, and grassy areas. The upper pool in Casa de Campo is a popular cruising area for gays. For those who like to go au naturel, the public pool in Barrio del Pilar has a nudist area. Don’t forget the sunscreen!
Rooftop pools
Sunset at Room Mate Oscar’s charming rooftop pool. © Room Mate Hotels
If you’re willing to splurge, two Madrid hotels have swanky rooftop pools. Enjoy absolutely divine views from beside the Emperador Hotel‘s pool, or sip on a cocktail at the rooftop bar and pool area in Chueca’s Room Mate Oscar.
Relax Andalusian style…
Madrid’s historic Hammam Al Ándulus Arab baths. © Turismo Madrid
They might be a bit warmer than your sun-kissed skin would like, but these exclusive Arab baths are so irresistible that, upon visiting, your worries will just wash away. Situated on top of a century-old well in the vibrant Almudena district, The Hammam Al Ándalus features both hot and cold pools, a steam room and world class masseuses. Sure, it’s one of the more pricey dips you can take in the capital, but you’re unlikely to find another inner-city spot so rich in Spanish history yet so close to an otherworldly paradise.
Swimming holes in La Pedriza
Reflection of a girl about to dip into the Manzanares River.
If the scorching city is too hot to handle, you can always opt to leave town and head to the gorgeous, crystal clear swimming holes of the Río Manzanares in La Pedriza, a rocky wilderness beloved by Madrid’s hikers and climbers in the foothills of the Sierra de Guadarrama. La Pedriza is easy to get to; catch the green interurban bus 724 from Plaza de Castilla to Manzanares el Real, a 45-minute trip. Once you’re in Manzanares, follow Avenida de La Pedriza uphill along the river about 3 km until you reach the park. The further you venture along the river, the better chance you’ll have of bathing in solitude.
City parks
Madrid Rio Park beach. © NoPhoto
Like so many cities, come the first warm sunny day of the year, sunbathers rush to the green landscape of Madrid’s parks. There’s plenty of grass to be had in the city’s Retiro district, and even an artificial lake where you can hire a rowboat if you want to work up a sweat. Another hotspot where water becomes a main attraction is the Arganzuela Park, featuring a trio of oval-shaped waterside enclosures, including a refreshing shallow pool and a squirting water jets feature. Beyond the water-filled fun, there’s lots of sun loungers dotted around where you can just relax and treat yourself to a siesta.
