The natural inland beaches have the charm of a summer oasis so necessary in Madrid’s summer. Our region has solutions for everything if you know where to look. From municipal pools to those that occupy the rooftops of some buildings in the heart of the capital, through the options that occupy us here: marshes, rivers and pools that make the summer more bearable to the Madrilenians thanks to indoor beaches and natural pools.
This is a refreshing selection of places to take a dip, with special attention to the bathing areas in the region allowed by the Community of Madrid. Also, keep in mind that the official bathing season for the CAM is from May 15 to September 15. The quality of the water and whether it is suitable for bathing can be checked on this website.
1. Las Presillas
Las Presillas are natural pools located in Rascafría, 80 km from Madrid, in the Valley of El Paular. This enclave of the Sierra de Guadarrama, from which you can enjoy stunning views, houses three pools surrounded by pine trees. It has a lawn area for sunbathing or picnics and has toilets, kiosk and picnic tables.
Access is free and free on foot, and if you move in a private vehicle, the price of parking is 9 €. You can visit the pools every day from 10 am to 9 pm. In the surroundings it is also worth visiting the Recreational Area La Isla and the Monastery of El Paular.
📍Location: Rascafría, Community of Madrid. To get there from Madrid you have to go from the A-1, turning off towards Lozoyuela, and then take the M-604.
2. Virgen de la Nueva
Just 50 km from the capital is the reservoir of San Juan, one of the four areas declared suitable for bathing by the Community of Madrid. Its 14 km of “beaches” are one of the favorite destinations of the Madrileños in summer, so to find a place it is necessary to get up early. Its best known beach is the Virgen de la Nueva, which maintains its blue flag for another year.
The reservoir also has a recreational area, the Lancha del Yelmo, where you can practice water sports and is equipped with tables and kiosk.
📍Location: San Martín de Valdeiglesias. It is accessed via the M-501, popularly known as the “road of the marshes”.
3. The Wall
Without leaving the San Juan reservoir, the other beach where bathing is allowed is El Muro. The other permitted bathing area within the same area does not have the recognition and fame of Virgen de la Nueva, but may be for that reason is less crowded. In addition, the Community of Madrid rates the water quality as excellent in the annual sampling tests.
Dog bathing is also allowed here, in case you do not want to go to a special pool for them.
📍Location: San Martín de Valdeiglesias. It is accessed through the M-501, popularly known as the “road of the marshes”.
4. Alberche Beach
This sandy area formed by the confluence of the rivers Alberche and Perales is one of those “beaches” in the closest sense of the term that Madrid allows.
The shallow water makes it an ideal area to go with children and the place, surrounded by forest, is spectacular. It also allows entry with dogs, as long as they are not loose. It is another of the areas considered by the Community of Madrid as suitable for bathing.
📍Location: Aldea del Fresno. It is reached first by taking the A-5 and then the M-507. It can also be reached by public transport from Príncipe Pío with buses 541, 545, 547 and 548.
5. Natural Pools of Cercedilla
The Natural Pools of Cercedilla are another of the essential stops of the summer season for the Madrilenians. Although they were originally completely natural, their waters are less “wild” as they are treated with chlorine.
It has services such as infirmary, bar, picnic areas if you bring your own food or toilets. It is located about 60 km from the capital and the rates are 9 € on weekdays, 12 € on holidays and 5 € and 7 € for children under 14 and over 65. Its opening hours are from 10 am to 8 pm, and it is open from June 14 until the end of August.
📍Location: Cercedilla. To get there take the A-6 towards Guadarrama, from there take the road to Cercedilla and then to Las Dehesas.
6. Estremera Beach
In the municipality of Estremera, 60 km from Madrid, is the beach of Estremera or fluvial beach of Los Villares. Recognized as a suitable bathing area by the Community of Madrid, it also has different services and is prepared to host various water activities. And an extra point in favor of those who have four-legged friends in the family: it allows access with animals.
📍Location: Estremera. It can be reached by the A-3, taking exit 68 towards the M-241.
7. Natural pool of Riosequillo
It is located in Buitrago de Lozoya and receives water from the Riosequillo reservoir. The area is equipped with all kinds of services (beach bar, sports courts, children’s area, recreation and rest areas, changing rooms…), making it ideal to spend the whole day without worrying about anything but enjoying the bath and the views of the surroundings. Access costs 9 € on weekdays and 14 € on weekends for adults, a price that is reduced to 6 € and 10 € respectively in the case of children and over 65.
This pool is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. from June 14 to September 1.
📍Location: Buitrago de Lozoya. To get there by car: A1 until exit 74, towards Buitrago de Lozoya. By public transport: Bus 191.
8. Hoya Encavera de Lozoya
It is located in a place of abundant vegetation with pools and rocky areas, a few meters from the Pinilla dam. The area has a small parking lot that costs 5€ next to the recreational area. Once there, you can cross the red bridge that crosses the river and follow the signs to reach the dam of the reservoir or, taking the opposite direction, reach the Congosto bridge, an impressive construction whose origin is uncertain: it is thought to be Roman or medieval.
📍Location: Lozoya. To get there, take the M-604 and at kilometer 12 take the detour to the Embalse de la Pinilla.
9. Bolarque Beach
An hour and a half from Madrid is the Bolarque reservoir, in Guadalajara. In addition to taking a swim, in this inland beach you can do canoe routes and other water sports. Although it has an important difference with respect to the rest: it is paid. It costs 10 € any day of the week and only cash is accepted.
There is a beach bar and there is the possibility of renting kayaks on site with which to tour the area and visit places like the turtle cave. A great weekend plan 100 kilometers from Madrid.
📍Location: Guadalajara. 130 kilometers from the center of Madrid.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DO8qtin10Tc
As the summer goes into summer and the temperature rises, weekends in the capital are better in the outskirts. You don’t have to go far away to lower the temperature and run the water, the marshes and rivers of Madrid become essential every summer.