10 natural swimming pools in Barcelona that might surprise you

Summer in Catalonia is synonymous with sun, dynamism, and an incessant desire for freshness. Although the beaches of the Barcelona coastline and the coves of the Costa Brava usually steal the summer spotlight, the interior of the province of Barcelona and its areas of direct influence guard a fascinating secret: a network of natural pools, swimming holes (known locally as gorgs), waterfalls, and streams of dazzling scenic beauty.

These river environments, patiently sculpted by water over millennia, establish themselves in this year 2026 as the ideal escape valve for those who wish to temporarily flee the asphalt, breathe fresh air, and rediscover nature in its most primitive state. They are spots that transmit a profound sense of tranquility, relaxation, and disconnection, becoming the perfect destination whether you travel solo, as a couple, or as a family, since most offer accessible trails with low topographical difficulty.

From the HCC Hotels blog, we show you 10 natural pools in and around Barcelona, detailing their secrets and the heritage wealth that surrounds each inland oasis. Dare to discover them!

1. La Riera de Merlès: A protected biological corridor

The Merlès Valley is, without a doubt, one of the most privileged and best-preserved ecological sanctuaries in the Catalan geography. Upon entering this mountainous area, people can see that the environment has hardly undergone any human modifications, keeping a high-value forest landscape intact. The river that gives its name to the place, the Riera de Merlès, is born in the lush Catllaràs mountain range and meanders drawing the natural border of three counties: Bages, Osona, and Berguedà.

Along its river course, water erosion on the limestone has modeled an endless succession of deep pools, crystal-clear water channels, and small waterfalls perfect for bathing on the hottest days of summer. The upper pools are characterized by exceptional purity, surrounded by Scots pine and oak forests where a rich biodiversity lives, including otters, grey herons, and waterfowl.

Besides cooling off, this space is a magnificent setting for family hiking. The trail that runs parallel to the stream offers multiple routes of low technical difficulty and zero elevation gain, ideal for walking in complete safety while discovering old medieval stone bridges and disused flour mills.

• Location: Municipality of Santa Maria de Merlès (Berguedà). 1 hour and 15 minutes from Barcelona.
• Equipment and services: Regulated parking areas at specific points and environmental informative signage. It has no commercial services in order to preserve the wild environment.
• Local tip: Being a protected space of high ecological fragility, it is essential not to leave the marked paths and avoid the use of chemical sunscreens before entering the water, opting for biodegradable creams that do not alter the river’s amphibian fauna.

2. Els Gorgs del Riu Tenes and the monumental complex of Sant Miquel del Fai

Nestled in the imposing natural space of the Cingles de Bertí, the Tenes River valley constitutes one of the most spectacular geological formations in the province of Barcelona. The action of the water has excavated deep limestone canyons and gorges where the vertical stone walls are dressed in exuberant vegetation.

It is essential to remember that, for reasons of strict environmental conservation and safety due to falling rocks, bathing in the riverbed of this stretch of the Tenes River is permanently prohibited by park authorities. However, this decree does not detract an iota from the excursion’s appeal. Designing a hiking route along its banks allows you to contemplate an imposing succession of emerald green natural lakes and monumental waterfalls that take your breath away.

The main trail, perfectly conditioned, advances sinuously along the riverbank until reaching the impressive Benedictine Monastery of Sant Miquel del Fai. This architectural complex from the 10th century is built directly under an immense hanging rock, flanked by the spectacular waterfall of the Rossinyol River and a stalactite cave that fascinates curious minds of all ages.

• Location: Sant Feliu de Codines / Bigues i Riells (Vallès Oriental). 50 minutes from Barcelona.
• Equipment and services: Interpretation center, public toilets, designated picnic areas, and panoramic viewpoints.
• Local tip: Access to the historic site of Sant Miquel del Fai has strict capacity controls. It is advisable to check the opening hours and reserve free invitations through the official website of the Barcelona Provincial Council before embarking on the trip.

3. La Foradada de Cantonigròs: A fairytale waterfall

The Osona region is a land of legends, medieval villages frozen in time, mystical morning fogs, and steep topography of great beauty. Near the picturesque colonial towns of Rupit i Pruit, you will find one of the most iconic, photographed, and dazzling natural wonders in Catalonia: La Foradada de Cantonigròs.

The spot owes its name to a spectacular limestone rock structure that features an immense circular hole naturally carved into the mountain wall. Through this cavity, the Riera de les Gorgues plunges in a waterfall about 15 meters high, forming an immense and deep natural pool at the bottom of a shady hollow. The effect of the sun’s rays filtering through the hole in the rock at midday generates a play of light and golden reflections on the water that seems extracted directly from a fairytale.

Access to the site is via a beautiful walking excursion of approximately 30 minutes from the town of Cantonigròs. The trail features sections of steep descent over wet stone, so it is recommended to make the journey paying attention to footwear.

• Location: Cantonigròs, Municipality of L’Esquirol (Osona). 1 hour and 30 minutes from Barcelona.
• Equipment and services: Access control point in high season, recycling bins at the beginning of the trail, and designated parking in the village.
• Local tip: To guarantee the conservation of this fragile ecosystem, the City Council regulates capacity during the months of July and August through a symbolic ecotourism conservation fee (approximately €2). It is a perfect natural pool to visit also in spring, when the waterfall’s flow shows its maximum splendor.

4. El Gorg Negre de Gualba: The gloomy heart of Montseny

The Montseny Natural Park, cataloged as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, is one of the most beloved, visited, and majestic mountainous spaces in Catalonia. Its physiognomy is dominated by immense beech and holm oak forests that dye the slopes a special color that changes with every season of the year. In the depths of its valleys, the water flows with unprecedented freshness thanks to the thaw and the copious high mountain rains.

In the course of the Riera de Gualba hides the Gorg Negre, an extremely mysterious and deep natural pool, surrounded by local legends about witches and ancient covens. The waters that nourish this pool descend with force from the peaks of the massif, guaranteeing an ideal cool temperature to reactivate circulation and combat the summer heat on the most torrid days.

The itinerary to reach the Gorg Negre starts next to a point of great romantic charm: La Font dels Enamorats. From there, the trail advances under the pleasant shade of centennial trees, allowing people to hear the continuous murmur of the water and enjoy a significantly cooler microclimate than that of the surrounding plains.

• Location: Gualba (Vallès Oriental). 1 hour from Barcelona.
• Equipment and services: Excellent signage integrating park routes, parking areas in the urban center, and traditional Catalan cuisine restaurants in the vicinity.
• Local tip: Take a thin jacket or a light windbreaker with you in your backpack. Due to the dense vegetation of the beech forest and the canyon’s natural shade, the ambient temperature at Gorg Negre can be noticeably low, even in the middle of July.

5. El Gorg del Pare and the idyllic medieval surroundings of Mura

The Sant Llorenç del Munt i l’Obac Natural Park, located a short distance from the Catalan capital, is a paradise of reddish rock, steep crags, and Mediterranean holm oak forests highly frequented by mountain hiking enthusiasts. Protected in one of its most lush valleys sits Mura, a charming cobblestone village that preserves intact its medieval physiognomy of narrow alleys and stone squares.

The route towards the Gorg del Pare begins in the historic center of the municipality itself, following a low technical difficulty interpretative trail that advances parallel to the stream bed. After a pleasant walk surrounded by riparian vegetation, a shadowy and magical-looking corner is reached. Here, a series of successive waterfalls slide over rock walls covered in dense moss, going to die in a beautiful pool of calm waters.

It is an ideal space to spend a field day with the family, combining mild sports practice with the historical and cultural learning offered by Mura’s Romanesque architecture and its old medieval flour mills.

• Location: Mura (Bages). 1 hour from Barcelona.
• Equipment and services: Tourist information center in Mura, public toilets in the village, regulated municipal parking, and drinking water fountains.
• Local tip: Mura is an extremely popular town on weekends. To secure a spot in the regulated municipal car parks, it is highly advisable to arrive before 9:30 am or use the integrated public transport systems that connect with the nearby city of Manresa.

6. The Pools of the Riera de Pontons: The secret of the wine lands

The Alt Penedès is world-renowned for its endless landscapes of vineyards, its prestigious wineries, and its deep-rooted oenological culture, but in its highest mountainous borders it hides river secrets of great beauty. In the vicinity of the municipality of Pontons, the highest in the region, the Riera de Pontons excavates a shady gorge where small oases of clean water spring up.

Along this river stretch, the limestone rock has facilitated the appearance of medium-sized pools and remarkably calm waters, sheltered from the sun by a thick canopy of poplars, willows, and ash trees. It is an excellent alternative for people who wish to combine a day of wine tourism through the Penedès wineries with a refreshing and silent bath, far from the usual tourist routes on the coast.

Access to the main pools is done comfortably through short walks from the rest areas of the local road, making it a very suitable option for elderly people or families with small children.

• Location: Pontons (Alt Penedès). 1 hour and 10 minutes from Barcelona.
• Equipment and services: Signage of short-distance trails (PR) and rural parking areas.
• Local tip: After enjoying the bath, take advantage of the afternoon to visit the nearby fortified old town of Torrelles de Foix or have a guided tasting of organic white wines of the Xarel·lo variety in one of the small artisanal wineries in the area.

7. El Toll del Vidre: The paradise of crystalline waters in Els Ports

Although it is formally located in the southern lands of Catalonia, on the border with the province of Tarragona, the Toll del Vidre deserves an honorable mention on its own merits in any monograph of natural pools in Barcelona thanks to the absolute purity of its waters. Located in the spectacular and untamed Els Ports Natural Park, this spot is an ode to wild geography.

The Algars River has sculpted at this point an immense basin of polished, white limestone rock, crowned by a waterfall in the shape of a natural slide. The name of the place (Glass Pool) lives up to reality: the clarity of the water is so extreme that, regardless of the depth of the stretch, it is possible to observe the pebbles on the bottom and the fish with a sharpness identical to that of a glass aquarium.

The surroundings are bordered by steep walls where black pines of impossible shapes grow and where it is common to spot specimens of Iberian ibex grazing on the crags. It has access via a forest track suitable for walkers and mountain bikers.

• Location: Arnes (Terra Alta). About 2 hours and 30 minutes from Barcelona (Ideal for a weekend getaway).
• Equipment and services: Controlled parking area at the entrances of the forest track, natural park signage, and areas with natural shade.
• Local tip: The Toll del Vidre features a submerged natural rock bench that works as a natural jacuzzi under the waterfall. Bring a diving mask and water shoes to fully enjoy the underwater exploration of the pool’s rocky walls.

8. El Gorg de la Malatosca: The witches’ cave in the Ripollès

In the highlands of the Catalan pre-Pyrenees, following the historic route that links the towns of Ripoll and Camprodon, lies Sant Joan de les Abadesses, a town with a great medieval past linked to its famous Romanesque monastery. On its outskirts, following the path of the old railway line now converted into a bike path (Ruta del Ferro i del Carbó), springs the Gorg de la Malatosca.

This corner is a setting loaded with mysticism and popular Pyrenean mythology. Local tradition states that this pool was the meeting epicenter for the witches of the region, a place where they celebrated their magical rituals sheltered by a large cave hidden behind a curtain of water. Legends aside, the spot stands out for a slender and clean waterfall that plunges into a deep pool of emerald green waters, surrounded by giant ferns and Atlantic riparian vegetation.

It is an extraordinary oasis of freshness for people who take bicycle routes along the greenway, offering the ideal stopping point to rest, have a snack in the shade, and enjoy an invigorating bath in mountain waters of alpine purity.

• Location: Sant Joan de les Abadesses (Ripollès). 1 hour and 30 minutes from Barcelona.
• Equipment and services: Direct access from the paved bike lane of the Ruta del Ferro, informative panels about local legends, and wooden benches for resting.
• Local tip: Access from the bike lane is perfectly signposted and requires just a 5-minute walk down a wooden staircase. Combine this excursion with a cultural visit to the Monastery of Sant Joan de les Abadesses to complete an excellent day of nature and medieval history.

9. The Pools of the Riera de Sadernes: The jewel of the Alta Garrotxa

The Alta Garrotxa is an immense Space of Natural Interest characterized by a broken landscape of deep valleys, grey limestone cliffs, and dense vegetation of Mediterranean holm oak and oak forests. Taking the town of Sadernes as a base of operations, the Sant Aniol stream unfurls one of the most highly sought-after, spectacular, and beautiful river canyons in all of Catalonia.

Along the riverbed, hikers discover monumental pools of vivid and intense turquoise blue waters that seem extracted from tropical latitudes, highlighting the famous Gorg Blau and the Salt de Brull. These are large natural pools in Barcelona, surrounded by immense vertical stone walls highly appreciated also by people who practice sport climbing and canyoning.

The classic itinerary requires taking a hiking route of moderate intensity on foot from the Sadernes parking lot, advancing along shaded dirt tracks that cross wooden suspension bridges and Romanesque hermitages hidden among the trees.

• Location: Sadernes, Municipality of Sales de Llierca (Garrotxa). 1 hour and 40 minutes from Barcelona.
• Equipment and services: Large regulated municipal parking in Sadernes, park ecotourism information point, public toilets at the start, and a camping-restaurant at the base.
• Local tip: In order to avoid overcrowding and protect the river ecosystem, vehicle access to the forest track is strictly prohibited during the spring and summer months. It is mandatory to book a parking space in Sadernes in advance through the official web platform of the Alta Garrotxa Consortium before visiting.

10. Les Fonts del Llobregat: The birth of Barcelona’s great river

To conclude this journey through the inland water paradises, we travel to the peaks of the Berguedà region, specifically to the beautiful mountain village of Castellar de n’Hug. It is here where Barcelona’s backbone river is born: the Llobregat River.

The Fonts del Llobregat constitute a nature spectacle of the highest technical and visual level. The water springs directly from the bowels of the mountain’s limestone rock in the form of immense singing and torrential waterfalls, loaded with white foam and an overflowing energy. Although bathing is restricted at the source itself to preserve the purity of the supply sources, the stretch immediately below the river outlines streams and natural pools in a setting of alpine meadows of great beauty.

The trail that descends from Castellar de n’Hug to the springs is perfectly conditioned with stone stairs, high-security wooden railings, and bridges, making it a classic, comfortable, and highly rewarding excursion for people of all ages.

• Location: Castellar de n’Hug (Berguedà). 1 hour and 45 minutes from Barcelona.
• Equipment and services: Adapted itinerary with safety railings, botanical and geological interpretative panels, municipal parking lots at the start, public toilets, and a varied offer of mountain restaurants in the village.
• Local tip: Do not leave Castellar de n’Hug without trying their famous artisanal giant croissants, famous throughout the region, and visiting the Asland Cement Museum in the nearby center of Clot del Moro, connected by the historic Cement Train.

Summary table of natural pools in Barcelona and river environments

To facilitate the planning of your rural excursions, below we present a summary table with the fundamental practical data of location, distance, and accessibility level of each spot:

Logistics and decalogue of good practices during your visit to the natural pools in Barcelona

Enjoying inland natural pools in Barcelona is a privilege that requires, on the part of all users, a high dose of civil responsibility, ecological respect, and civic-mindedness. To ensure personal safety and the health of river ecosystems this summer of 2026, we suggest you follow these essential guidelines:

1. Use technical river footwear (water shoes): Riverbeds and natural pools are made up of slippery stones, algae, and rocks worn down by erosion. Avoid the use of loose flip-flops in the water and opt for closed aquatic shoes with non-slip rubber soles to prevent accidental falls or cuts.
2. Inform yourself about the water flow and meteorology: In mountain environments, local summer storms can suddenly discharge a large volume of water at the headwaters of rivers, causing sudden rises in flow in a matter of minutes. Always check the Meteocat weather forecasts before entering river canyons or gorges.
3. Respect ecosystems and local fauna: The pools are home to species that are highly sensitive to the chemical alteration of waters, such as Pyrenean newts, salamanders, and tadpoles of native frogs. Avoid abruptly stirring up sand bottoms, never build artificial dams with stones from the shore (it alters fish spawning), and do not use soaps or shampoos in the river.
4. Plan your rest with HCC Hotels: After an intense day of hiking in the mountains, discovering monumental waterfalls, and immersing yourself in the freshness of the inland stream coves, the body appreciates returning to the comfort of the urban environment. Our hotels are strategically located and designed with high standards of comfort to ensure excellent rest, offering top-tier services to recover energy and plan your next adventure discovering the geography of Catalonia. Enjoy the freshness of nature!

Setting out to discover the natural pools in Barcelona and its surroundings is the most authentic way to connect with the wildest and most refreshing Catalonia. These temples of water prove that you do not need to travel thousands of kilometers or limit yourself to the coast to find an oasis in the warmest months of the year. Each waterfall and each pool invites you to trade the rush for the murmur of the currents and the freshness of the mountain.

We encourage you to plan your route in advance, verify the need for parking reservations in protected areas, and pack a good dose of respect for nature in your backpack. After an unforgettable day exploring these fairytale spots, we will be waiting for you at HCC Hotels to offer you the rest and comfort you deserve. Get your hiking boots and swimsuit ready, and set out to discover these hidden treasures!