“Six Of The Best” Madrid Open Air Summer Pools
“Six of the Best” Open Air Pools
The arrival of the summer heat every year reminds Madrileños and tourists alike that the one thing the city lacks is a beach. For those without a private pool, finding somewhere to cool down and enjoy the heat can be a challenge. However, there are plenty of options, ranging from the 22 public pools to private pools for more privacy. As part of Madrid Metropolitan’s “six of the best” series, we present you with our six favourite open-air pools in Madrid for you to go to enjoy the heat!
Centro Deportivo Municipal Vicente del Bosque
In this sports centre you can do pretty much any sport imaginable from football to tennis to water polo. With 70,000 square metres of land, you are guaranteed to enjoy a visit here. Aside from their sport pitches, they also have two 50-metre pools and a children’s pool, which are perfect for families and groups of friends who want somewhere to swim underneath the beautiful summer heat. It is located beside the “cuatro torres” (4 towers) which serve as a beautiful backdrop to the pool. There are also plenty of shade areas to sit back and relax in when you’re finished swimming!
Avenida de Monforte de Lemos 13, 28029, Madrid
Parque Deportivo Puerta del Hierro
This is one of the biggest pools in Madrid at 130 meters long, and even up there with the biggest in Europe! All in all, it is 800 metres squared, perfect for you to swim in and feel like you have your own personal space. It is one of the most beautiful and valued pools by locals given its size and the range of activities on offer, for example, soccer pitches, rugby pitches and even canoeing facilities. In summertime it is filled with families who have come to have a refreshing day. It also has a kid pool perfect for families with young children.
Ctra. de la Coruna, KM 7, 28040, Madrid
Universidad Complutense de Madrid
This is one of the most highly visited pools in summertime, not only for its huge pools, but also because it is surrounded by trees and grass. While during the school term this area is reserved for students, in summertime it opens its doors to the public, for just €5. It has such a great atmosphere, filled with groups of people enjoying the summer feeling. They also have diving boards of various heights, perfect for those who want to learn a new skill!! The location is great, just a few minutes’ walk from Moncloa metro station, so if you live centrally, this pool will be great for you!
Calle de Obispo Trejo, s/n, 28040, Madrid
BEACH CLUB HOTEL EMPERADOR
This hotel pool makes the list due to the great views of Gran Vía, as well as the fact that it gets less busy than the cheaper, public pools. They have opened their doors to the public this summer, charging 50 euro to visit, with opening hours from 10am to 9pm and there is no limit on how long you stay for. They have a ‘sky bar’ with wonderful cocktails, sangria, and beers, and also offer yoga classes and an outdoor cinema! If you are a Madrileño who wants to feel like you’re on holiday for a day, or a tourist who wants to enjoy a more private pool with great views, Beach Club pool is for you.
C/ Gran Via, 53, 28013, Madrid
Gymage Lounge Resort
This private pool makes our list for so many reasons … It is located in trendy Malasaña, it is cool, it has a bar, but most importantly, it is super affordable. A day pass will cost just 15-euro Monday to Friday, and 21 euro on the weekend. Enjoying a mojito on the poolside on the terrace before going into the pool for a dip is the perfect way to spend an afternoon in the summer. They serve food as well in their restaurant, and are open late, meaning you can watch the beautiful Madrid sunset while lounging in the pool with friends.
Calle de la Luna, 2, 28004, Madrid
Piscinas del Canal de Isabel II
We finish our list with another public pool, which has an Olympic size swimming pool as well as a children’s pool, perfect for everyone, from families looking to bathe to swimmers looking for somewhere outdoors to train. On the weekends it tends to be very busy, with almost a carnival atmosphere. Adding to the holiday feel, they have a bar and restaurant so you can get a bite to eat and a refreshing drink during your time there. Everyone is in great spirits, and it does a great job of making you feel you have gone on holidays, even if you might live super near! It is located in the Chamberí district and is the most central public pool in Madrid.
Av. de Filipinas, 54, 28003, Madrid
James Ansel