Natural inland beaches have that charm of a summer oasis that’s so essential during Madrid’s summer. Our region has something for everyone if you know where to look. From municipal swimming pools to rooftop pools on some buildings right in the heart of the capital, to the options we’re focusing on here: reservoirs, rivers, and natural pools that make summer more bearable for Madrileños thanks to inland beaches and natural swimming spots.
Here’s a refreshing selection of spots to take a dip, with a special focus on swimming areas in the region authorized by the Community of Madrid. Also, keep in mind that the official swimming season for the Community of Madrid runs from May 15 to September 15. You can check water quality and whether a location is suitable for swimming on this website.
Las Presillas
Deep in the El Paular Valley, Las Presillas consists of three large natural pools formed in the Lozoya River’s bed, surrounded by pine trees and grassy meadows, with views of the Peñalara peak. Access on foot is free and open to the public, and swimming is permitted only in the three designated pools; the only cost is parking, which is about €20 per day during peak season.
They’re open in the summer, roughly from May 15 to September 15, with general hours from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The recreational area features picnic tables, a snack bar, restrooms, and marked trails, making it ideal for spending the whole day. You can get there by car via the A-1 and M-604 (km 28.6) or by bus from Plaza Castilla to Rascafría, followed by a walk to the swimming area.
Virgen de la Nueva
Just 50 km from the capital lies the San Juan Reservoir , one of four areas designated as suitable for swimming by the Community of Madrid. Its 14 km of “beaches” are a favorite summer destination for Madrileños, so you’ll need to get there early to find a spot. Its best-known beach is Virgen de la Nueva, which has retained its Blue Flag status for yet another year.
The reservoir also features a recreational area, La Lancha del Yelmo, where you can enjoy water sports; it’s equipped with tables and a snack bar.
El Muro
Without leaving the San Juan reservoir, the other beach where swimming is permitted is El Muro. The other permitted swimming area within the same region isn’t as well-known or famous as Virgen de la Nueva, but perhaps for that very reason, it’s less crowded. Additionally, the Community of Madrid rates the water quality as excellent in the annual sampling tests it conducts.
Dogs are also allowed to swim here, in case you don’t want to go to a pool specifically for them.
This sandy area formed by the confluence of the Alberche and Perales rivers is one of those “beaches”—in the sense closest to the term that Madrid allows.
The shallow water makes this an ideal spot to visit with children, and the setting—surrounded by forest—is spectacular. Dogs are also allowed, as long as they are kept on a leash. It’s another area designated by the Community of Madrid as suitable for swimming.
Natural Pools in Cercedilla
The Natural Pools of Cercedilla are another must-visit spot during the summer season for Madrileños. Although they were originally completely natural, their waters are less “wild” now that they’re treated with chlorine.
It offers amenities such as a first-aid station, a bar, picnic areas (in case you bring your own food), and restrooms. It’s located about 60 km from the capital, and admission is €9 on weekdays, €12 on holidays, and €5 and €7 for children under 14 and adults over 65, respectively. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and it’s open from June 14 through the end of August.
In the municipality of Estremera, 60 km from Madrid, lies Estremera Beach, also known as the Los Villares river beach. Recognized as a suitable swimming area by the Community of Madrid, it also offers various amenities and is equipped to host a range of water activities. And a bonus for those with four-legged friends in the family: pets are allowed.
Riosequillo Natural Pool
Located in Buitrago de Lozoya, it is fed by water from the Riosequillo Reservoir. The area is equipped with all kinds of amenities (beach bar, sports courts, a children’s play area, recreation and rest areas, changing rooms…), making it ideal for spending the whole day without worrying about anything other than enjoying a swim and the surrounding views. Admission costs €9 on weekdays and €14 on weekends for adults; these prices are reduced to €6 and €10, respectively, for children and seniors over 65.
This pool is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. from June 14 through September 1.
Hoya Encavera de Lozoya
It’s located in a lush, green setting with pools and rocky areas, just 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 over the river and follow the signs to reach the reservoir dam or, heading in the opposite direction, walk to the Congosto Bridge, an impressive structure whose origin is uncertain: it’s thought to be either Roman or medieval.
An hour and a half from Madrid lies the Bolarque Reservoir in Guadalajara. In addition to swimming, this inland beach offers canoeing and other water sports. However, it differs significantly from the rest: there’s an admission fee. It costs €10 any day of the week, and they only accept cash.
There’s a beach bar, and you can rent kayaks on-site to explore the area and visit spots like the Cueva de las Tortugas. A perfect weekend getaway just 100 kilometers from Madrid.