The golden summer weather is back and undoubtedly there are many refreshing options to enjoy the Portuguese summer, whether at the beach or the pool.
However, there is something so special about visiting saltwater pools, which are dotted around Portugal. Let’s dive into some of them!
Ribeira do Paul, Covilhã
The natural pool of Ribeira do Paul, in Covilhã radiates tranquillity. This river beach incorporates several natural pools that extend along the river above as well as waterfalls. This natural pool’s crystal-clear water is always running, and is about three meters deep. Additionally, there is a sandy beach that makes up the river beach of Ribeira do Paul, with space for picnics along the sides and the area benefits from a small bar. It is important to note that there is no surveillance, even during bathing season so be careful with the youngest members of the family but it is idyllic nonetheless.
Ançã, Cantanhede
This natural pool is located in the small village of Ançã in Cantanhede, boasting crystal clear water and a relaxing atmosphere, it is home to numerous visits during the summer. The river pool is fed by the flow of the Ançã Fountain and is inserted in the centre of the village of Ançã. Most wonderfully, this pool is surveyed by a lifeguard daily during the bathing season, so it is great for families, additionally, it had different sections of depth so it is well adapted for children.
Poço Azul, Serra da Estrela
Poço Azul is located in the Peneda Gerês National Park, where the six-meter-deep natural pool is surrounded by a stunning landscape where the mountains and greenery meet. The natural pool boasts crystal waters and allows you to have refreshing swims on summer days. Despite being called Poço Azul, the water is emerald green rather than blue but it is famed for being one of the most beautiful in the heart of the Serra do Gerês.
For those visiting the protected area of Poço Azul, you can park at Cascata do Arado and then hike for two hours via an unofficial but signposted footpath. This walk is challenging but well worth the effort as Poço Azul is one of the best kept gems of the national park, but please make sure to wear good walking shoes and plenty of water and food.
Penedo Furado, Vila de Rei
The municipality of Vila de Rei is home to the peaceful river beach of Penedo Furado, surrounded by paradisical waterfalls and gorgeous panoramic views of the landscape of the Miradoura, it is not a surprise that is sought after by many tourists. Another great thing is that the Penedo Furado has a great walkway route making it easily accessible for the whole family and the views are famed as being the most mystical in the region. This beach despite being immersed right in the centre of nature, offers visitors, a bar, parking and a children’s playground so you can soak up the surrounding landscape with your loved ones.
Porto Moniz, Ilha da Madeira
Heading away from the mainland, why not visit the enchanting island of Madeira, and more specifically the village of Porto Moniz. This location is privileged with natural pools of volcanic origin, which are honestly breathtaking. These natural pools have crystal clear sea water and are incredibly photo worthy as they boast panoramic views of the coast and cliffs. It comes as no surprise that these natural pools attract thousands of national and international visitors all year round. Most wonderfully, they have been enhanced for bathers, with changing rooms, a children’s playground, sun loungers and there is the presence of lifeguards throughout the year making it wonderful for all ages. The pools are open all year round and easily accessible between 9 am and 5 pm during the winter and 9 am and 7 pm during the summer. The pools are free for children aged three and under and are three euros for bathers.
Poça Simão Dias, Açores
Poça Simão Dias is one of the best kept secrets of the Azores. Located, more precisely, on the island of São Jorge, this Azorean pool is known to leave tourists enchanted at first sight. “It’s incredible”: this is the most frequent comment from visitors when they arrive at the place.
The natural pool is part of Fajã do Ouvidor, a small flat area between the ocean and the mountains. The name comes from the fact that one of the main owners of the fajã was Valério Lopes de Azevedo, known as Ouvidor do Capitão do Donatário. In 1948, the locals opened a path from the lookout point to the fajã and so it is relatively easy to visit Poça Simão Dias.
Once you get down the road and reach the far end of Fajã do Ouvidor, there are a few trails. One of them has a view to the top of an escarpment and the other is a path through rocks and boulders, which lasts about ten minutes, and takes visitors to the area near the water.
The landscape is stunning not only because of the size of the basalt cliffs, very high and with protruding rocks, but also because of the contrast between the black color of the stone and the clear blue of the water.
Azenhas do Mar, Sintra
The natural pool is fed by the water of a stream and is filtered by the sea when the breaking waves also go “swimming” in the pool. It is part of one of the most beautiful and famous picture postcards of the Sintra region: Azenhas do Mar.
Next to the sea, at the end of the cliff, the calm tone of the natural pool, delimited by a wall that protects it from the force of the sea, contrasts with the agitation of the waves.
Source: The Portugal News