Nine natural beauty spots to hit refresh on the summer (and not a beach in sight)
After an unusually fresh June, it was only inevitable that July would roar in with all the blistering heat of a self-respecting Spanish summer. Cue a scramble for the beaches, swimming pools, lakes and ponds, as Lycra-clad bathers sought relief from the sweltering sun. If you love to travel and get off the beaten track, come with us for a reviving tour of nature’s own splash pools, and discover scenery that will knock your sandals off.
#1 Gorg Blau river pool (Girona)
In the picturesque county of La Garrotxa lies Sadernes, home to one of the most extraordinary river pools in Catalonia. Known for its spectacular waterfall, it’s one of the region’s most breathtaking natural marvels. To get there, we must take an enchanting route, steeped in legend and surrounded by the wonders of nature.
#2 Las pozas de las Charcas Verdes (Cáceres)
Amid a tumble or rocks and vegetation, we stumble upon a series of translucent pools punctuating the Ambroz River at Hervás. It’s a true natural oasis, and a magical spot to revive a wilting spirit and take in the ravishing scenery. Implausibly clear, its waters take on an emerald gleam that is best seen from the highest point of the approaching trail.
#3 Charco Azul de Chulilla (Valencia)
A sparkling gem between the gorges of the River Turia, in the heart of Los Calderones Natural Park. Cradled among canyons and gullies, this turquoise pool was formed by a Roman dam built to irrigate ancient orchards. Today, with its stunning jetty, it’s one of the most photographed spots in inland Valencia.
#4 Gulpiyuri (Asturias)
An intriguing natural phenomenon, at a diminutive 50 metres Gulpiyuri is claimed as Spain’s smallest beach, probably one of the smallest in the world. Strictly speaking, it is not a beach at all — its seawater wells up from a subterranean crevasse — but let’s not quibble. A remarkable geological and scenic phenomenon and one of Spain’s protected Natural Monuments, you’ll find it on the edge of the municipality of Llanes.
#5 Fontcalda natural thermal pool (Tarragona)
The healing, mineral-rich waters of this natural thermal pool offer a blissful outdoor spa experience, within splashing distance of the 14th-century Santuario de La Fontcalda in Grandesa. It’s the perfect way to soothe the mind after a visit to nearby Corbera, site of the gruelling Battle of the Ebro. Its springs emerge at a balmy 28°C — making for a relaxing soak as you gaze upon misty mountains and listen to the murmuring of the Canaletes River.
#6 Chorreras del Cabriel natural pool (Cuenca)
Winding its way through the municipalities of Enguídanos and Villora, the Cabriel River has carved a magnificent natural landscape. A land of waterfalls, cascades and blue-green lagoons, it’s a popular destination for hikers, watersports enthusiasts and nature lovers — especially bird-watchers.
#7 Los Pilones en la Garganta de los Infiernos (Cáceres)
Deep in the Jerte Valley, flanked by the Sierra de Gredos, we find this spectacular pond system: no less than thirteen pools scooped out by water erosion acting on the granite substrate. Water babies of all ages will fall in love with this natural water park, bejewelled with glinting rock slides and diaphanous waterfalls.
#8 Pozas de Mougás (Pontevedra)
In the Sierra de Groba’s western foothills, by the historic town of Oia, a braid of streams unfurls towards the sea, creating astonishing waterfalls and natural pools like the Pozas de Bugalleira, Lourezá and Pozo do Arco.
#9 Pozas de Matarraña (Teruel)
If you ever find yourself in Matarraña, in the heart of “Spanish Tuscany”, this glassy skein of natural pools is a must-see. El Salt, Font de la Rabosa, La Assut and Las Pesqueras are some of the evocatively named waterholes making up this natural playground of rocks, waterfalls and plunge pools, where you can delight in one of nature’s most exhilarating pleasures: the al fresco dip.
