To survive the summer in Madrid, you need to know what the region has to offer. The capital’s swimming pools provide daily relief, but sometimes that’s not enough; you have to head outside the M30 to find the hidden gems that can help you cope with the 40°C heat, even if it’s just for the weekend.
Among these summer getaways is the Riosequillo recreational area , located in Buitrago de Lozoya, next to the reservoir of the same name, at kilometer 74 of the A-1. The complex opened in 1993 and features a body of water covering approximately 4,500 m², making it one of the largest natural swimming areas in Spain, with a daily capacity of over 2,300 people and spacious grassy areas, shaded spots, sports facilities, and a children’s pool.
The new season kicks off on June 30, with daily hours from Tuesday through Sunday during the peak summer months, following the schedule that has kept the pool open until the end of August in recent years. On weekdays, the facility is open from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., while on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, hours are slightly extended, with opening time moved up to 10:30 a.m. and closing time around 8:30 p.m., to make the most of the daylight hours.
Prices and how to get tickets
Access to Riosequillo is still subject to a fee, with prices varying depending on the day and the visitor’s profile, and tickets available exclusively at the ticket office on a first-come, first-served basis. Approximate rates from recent seasons show a general admission price of around 9 euros from Tuesday to Friday and 14 euros on weekends and holidays, with reduced prices (around 6–10 euros) for children, seniors, people with disabilities, large families, and groups, while children under 3 enter for free.
The Riosequillo complex is, in addition to a massive pool, a full-fledged recreational area designed for spending the day. It features a large main pool, a separate children’s pool, extensive shaded lawn areas, a beach bar/cafeteria, changing rooms, showers, sports areas, and a large free parking lot next to the grounds, about 2 km from the historic center of Buitrago. From there, many visitors take the opportunity to combine a swim with a stroll through the town’s beautiful walled enclosure, which you can visit and return from during the day by showing your admission ticket.
How to get there from Madrid
To get there from the capital, simply take the A-1 toward Burgos and exit at exit 74 ( or 72 on weekends, depending on traffic conditions and signage), then follow the signs for the Riosequillo Recreational Area.
By public transportation, the most common option is to take the Cercanías or Metro to Plaza de Castilla and then catch an intercity bus to Buitrago de Lozoya, from where you can walk (about 20–25 minutes) or take a taxi to the pool.
It’s best to arrive early, especially on Saturdays and Sundays in July and August, and bring your own food and water, although the on-site bar is usually open during swimming hours. Tickets are not sold online: the more than 2,300 daily tickets are sold at the ticket window, and once capacity is reached, access is only allowed when people leave, so planning your trip with a little extra time is almost a must.
