With the summer weather becoming increasingly more evident, time spent outdoors and in the sun is turning into more of a daily ritual. Catalan summertime weather is warm and sunny, with endless days of cloudless skies. Constant days spent bathing on the beach can leave you feeling hot and bothered, so what better a way to cool down and refresh than by visiting one of Barcelona’s very own outdoor swimming pools or water parks?
Pools
CEM Parc de la Ciutadella
The rooftop pool of Ciutadella Municipal Sports Centre is located right next to the beautiful and luscious Parc Ciutadella. The pool is calm and inviting, an ideal location to relax during those long summer days. Entrance will cover you for the full day, allowing access to all the club’s facilities.
Passeig de Circumvallació, 1.
Transport: Metro Ciutadella / Jaume
Club Natació Atlètic Barceloneta
The location of this all-inclusive sports club couldn’t be better if it tried. Located centrally on Barceloneta beach, Club Natació Atlètic boasts enviable views of the glistening Mediterranean, a blissful solarium, two outdoor pools, and an indoor pool, making it the perfect place to spend lazy summer days soaking in the gleaming sun.
Plaça del Mar
Transport: Metro Barceloneta
Llac de Can Dragó
The biggest pool in Barcelona, this huge man-made lake offers an oasis of serenity for the locals of the Nou Barris. As well as this, the big grassy area offers a place to relax, read, sunbathe, play and generally relax.
Rosselló i Porcel, 7-11.
Transport: Metro Sant Andreu / Llucmajor/ Fabra i Puig
Piscina Municipal de Montjuïc
Quite simply boasting THE most incredible panoramic view of the city, the Piscina Municipal on the top of Montjuïc is well worth the climb. The Olympic swimming pool is only open for the summer months of July and August, and there are no deck chairs so be sure to bring a towel to lie on.
Miramar, 31.
Transport: Metro Plaça España / Funicular up Montjuïc from Parallel metro.
Torre de les Aigües
The Torre de les Aigües provided water to some of the first homes built in Exiample back in the 19th century; now it has been converted into an outdoor pool and small park. A dreamy relief from the sweltering sun and summer heat, the Torre is perfect to come with all the family.
Roger de Llúria, 56.
Transport: Metro Girona/ Tetuan/ Passeig de Gracia
Llac de la Creueta de la Coll
Boasting bountiful green spaces, luscious lawns, a pool located in a former quarry, parasols, hammocks, ping pong tables and even canoes, the Parc de la Creueta de la Coll, situated in the Gracia district, simply has it all. A day spent here will certainly replenish and revive…
Passeig de la Mare de Déu del Coll, 77
Transport: Metro Penitents/ El Coll | La Teixonera
Leaving the city far behind you, nestled in Collserola Park, Can Caralleu boasts two swimming pools and a beautiful grassy area in the shade of the luscious pine trees – an ideal location for a picnic.
Esports, 2-8. Sarrià-Sant Gervasi
Transport: Overground train Reina Elisenda
Water parks
Illa FantasiaOffering a fun day out for the whole family, this aqua complex boasts a wave pool, rapids, water games, and a pirate themed maze, among the 22 water based attractions and 3 huge swimming pools. The large park, picnic and BBQ area also gives you the option to relax and refuel throughout the day. Only a half an hour train ride from Barcelona, this entertaining day out is well worth the ride.
Fincas Mas Brassó, s/n, 08339 Vilassar de Dalt.
Transport: 30 min overground train to Premia de Mar – then free shuttle bus.
(Full feature article on Illa Fantasia here)
Water world – Parc Aquàtic de Lloret de Mar
Another fantastic family-friendly water park for a fun-filled day out whilst staying in Barcelona. Complete with a wide variety of rides, from wave pools to rapid rivers, there are enough attractions for both children and adults alike. Alongside this, you’ll find restaurants, a pancake house, picnic areas and pine forests, in which you can relax and soak in the luscious Catalonian surroundings.
Ctra. de Videres, km 1,2, 17310 Lloret de Mar, Girona
Transport: best to hire car for the day, or take a train to Girona and then a bus to the park.
Port AventuraA seaside theme park complete with restaurants, roller coasters and waterslides, Port Aventura boasts an entire world of fun at your fingertips. The Port Aventura Caribe Aquatic Park , with over 34,000m squared of water-based attractions, offers a vast array of themed beaches, enviable slides and rapids, wave pools and paradise parks. Whatever the age, this water world is fun, entertaining and energetic.
Av. de l’Alcade Pere Molas, km 2, 43840 Vila-Seca, Tarragona.
Transport: train from Passeig de Gracia to Port Aventura.
