Cool off at one of our top 5 open-air pools in Barcelona
Fancy a swim al fresco, but without braving the beach? Have no fear – Barcelona has some pretty amazing outdoor pools!
Open-air pools in Barcelona: the sporty one, Club Natació Atlètic
The Club Natació Atlètic de la Barceloneta pool, on Sant Sebastià beach, is one of Barcelona’s best. Surrounded by palm trees and with plenty of deckchairs for a spot of sunbathing, it also boasts a view of the sea!
- NB: the pool is more oriented toward “serious” rather than recreational swimming.
Why?
For its ideal location
How much? Adults: around 13 euros; children aged 4-10: around 7 euros; under 3s: less than 4 euros
When? Every day. Monday-Friday 6.30am – 11pm, Saturday 7am – 11pm, Sunday 8am – 5pm (October to May) or 8am – 8pm (May to September)
Where? Plaza del Mar (Barceloneta)
- Métro: Barceloneta (L4)
- Bus: 17, 39, 64
Open-air pools in Barcelona: the impressive one, the Montjuïc pools
The Montjuïc facility boasts two large pools, and is best-known as the venue for the diving events at the 1992 Olympics. The Montjuïc site is now open to the public, allowing even non-Olympians like us to enjoy the two legendary pools overlooking the city.
As the pools were created for the Olympics, there is a grandstand, but very little space for sunbathing around the pools.
Why? For its spectacular views over Barcelona
How much? Adults: around 7 euros; under 5s: free; children aged 6-14 and over-65s: around 5 euros
When? 29th June – 2nd September, Monday to Sunday, 11am – 6.30 pm
Where? Avinguda de Miramar, 31 (Montjuïc)
- Métro: Plaça Espanya (L1, L3), then take the escalators on Avinguda María Cristina.
- Bus: 55, 150 y 13
- Funicular: from Paral·lel, for the price of a normal public transport ticket
Open-air pools in Barcelona: the big one, Can Dragó lake
The pool at Can Dragó is the biggest in Barcelona, earning it the title of “lake”. With a surface area of almost 3000 m2, you’re bound to find space to swim!
The pool is surrounded by lawned areas, and is ideal for children, with a maximum depth of 1.3 m (4’3″).
Why? For comfort
How much? Around 7 euros
When? In summer, every day 10.30am – 7.30pm
Where? Rossel i Porcel, 7 (Sant Andreu)
- Métro: Sant Andreu (L1)
- Bus: 36, 62, 96, 97, 104, 132
Open-air pools in Barcelona: the salty one, the Fòrum bathing area
The Fòrum bathing area is a shallow salt-water pool facing the sea. It is particularly suitable for disabled swimmers. For more information, see the “disabled swimmers” paragraph of our article on Barcelona beaches.
Why? For the salt water
How much? Free
When? All year round
Where? Parc del Fòrum (Sant Martí)
- Métro: El Maresme-Fòrum (L4)
- Bus: 7, 36, 41, 141
- Tram: Selva de Mar ou El Maresme-Fòrum (T4)
