Some people prefer the sea, and others prefer the mountains. If you’re one of the latter, you’re probably sick of hearing that the beach is better because you can go swimming there. However, anyone who says this simply doesn’t know all the opportunities the mountains have to offer.
So dust off your xiruques, grab your backpack, and don’t forget your towel and swimsuit—we’ve rounded up the best natural pools near Barcelona for you to enjoy a wonderful summer day.
El Gorg del Pare
The Sant Llorenç del Munt Natural Park has a beautiful spot where you can let yourself go and forget about everything while surrounded by nature. Our favorite spot in the park is the Gorg del Pare, a small waterfall where you can relax, located very close to the Font de L’Escolà.
📍 Vallès Occidental–Bages
Riera de Merlès
Between Osona and Berguedà lies another little natural paradise: the small waterfalls of the Riera de Merlès and the soothing waters. Taking a dip here means feeling nature with your whole being. Just looking at this photo is enough to awaken your spirit of adventure. It’s hard to resist, isn’t it?
📍 El Lluçanès
Gorgs del Riu Tenes
The Tenes stream, in Sant Miquel del Fai, has several gorgs you can visit—and why settle for just one when you can take a short hike to explore them all? This is the perfect plan for those looking for something a little more active, yet peaceful and relaxing at the same time.
📍 Vallès Oriental
El Gorg de les Donzelles
Looking at the picture, it seems like a place straight out of a fairy tale, and indeed, popular legends say that “dones d’aigua”—female characters from Catalan mythology—live here. It’s also said that some maidens were once kidnapped here—hence the name—but in the end, the kidnappers were defeated. You can find it near Sant Quirze Safaja, in the Moianès region. Don’t forget your camera—you’re going to take quite a few photos. You’ve been warned!
📍Vallès Oriental
El Gorg Negre
The Montseny Natural Park treats us to this little hidden gem, which you can reach by following the Riera de Gualba. It’s the Gorg Negre that captures visitors’ attention—one of the most beautiful waterfalls in all of Catalonia. The best part? Lie back, close your eyes, and let the sound of the falling water do the rest.
📍 Vallès Oriental
El Gorg de la Sort
La Font Dels Enamorats is the starting point of a short trail through the Riera de Martinet, and we can’t decide which is better—the beginning or the end of the trail. Because there’s no denying that the spring has a special charm, just like the waterfall.
📍Osona
Gorg de Can Poeti
The Garrotxa region is perhaps one of the most impressive in Catalonia—a land of volcanoes with beautiful landscapes and hiking trails, but also home to gorgs and natural pools. The Gorg de Can Poeti once served as a water source for a mill, and now we can take a refreshing dip there. Keep in mind, though, that during peak season you’ll need to make a reservation, as its location and easy access by car make it a very popular destination.
📍La Garrotxa
Salt del Timbarro
Very close to Sarrià de Dalt, in Girona, you’ll find this beautiful natural pool with a waterfall. To get there, we recommend taking a short circular hike—just 6 kilometers—that starts from the village, so it’ll be easy to park your car.
Around the pool, there’s plenty of space to lay out your towel and set up camp for the day. It’s definitely an easily accessible and very comfortable spot to escape the heat for hours on end.
📍Girona
Fontcalda
La Fontcalda is an open-air thermal spa in the province of Tarragona. Its waters contain chloride, calcium carbonate, magnesium sulfate, and sodium chloride, and they flow at a temperature of 28 degrees, ideal for therapeutic baths. The spring is located in a recreational area in Gandesa, next to a 14th-century sanctuary where Masses are still celebrated in the summer.
📍Gandesa, Tarragona
Pont de Pedret
Can you imagine taking a dip under a 13th-century medieval bridge? In Berguedà, the Llobregat River forms natural pools of turquoise water that look like something out of a fairy tale. The Pont de Pedret has it all: history, scenery, and the perfect way to escape the heat without setting foot on the beach.
📍Berga
El Gorg de la Malatosca
Very close to Sant Joan de les Abadesses, we find a spot shrouded in mystery and local legends. Also popularly known as the Gorg de les Bruixes (the witches’ well), it’s said that this place was a gathering spot for magical beings who held covens on full moon nights.
Mythology aside, the reality is that you’ll find a spectacular waterfall plunging powerfully into a deep, clear, and incredibly photogenic pool. The entire area is surrounded by a lush, green forest that looks like something straight out of a fairy tale. It’s the perfect spot to cool off after a hike along the Ruta del Ferro i del Carbó.
