There are those who are from the sea and those who are from the mountains. If you are one of the latter, you will surely be sick of being told that the beach is better because you can swim. However, those who say this do not know all the opportunities that the mountains offer us.
So dust off your xiruques, grab your backpack and don’t forget your towel and swimsuit, because we bring you the best natural pools near Barcelona to spend a wonderful summer day.
The Gorg del Pare
The Parc Natural de Sant Llorenç del Munt has a beautiful corner to let yourself go and forget about everything in the middle of nature. From the park, we recommend the Gorg del Pare, a small waterfall where you can relax very close to the Font de L’Escolà.
📍 Vallès Occidental- Bages
Merlès stream
Between Osona and Berguedà there is another small natural paradise, the small waterfalls of the Riera de Merlès and the relaxation of its waters. To take a bath here is to feel nature in all its being. You only need to see this photo to make us jump the adventurous spirit. Hard to hold back, isn’t it?
📍 The Lluçanès
Gorgs del Riu Tenes
The Tenes river, in Sant Miquel del Fai, has several gorges that we can visit, and why be content with only one if we can make a small excursion for all of them? This becomes the best plan for those who are looking for a more active plan, but, at the same time, quiet and relaxed.
📍 Vallès Oriental
The Gorg de les Donzelles
Looking at the picture, it looks like a place out of fairy tales, and popular legends tell that dones d’aigua, female characters from Catalan mythology, live here. In addition, it is said that here they tried to kidnap some maidens, hence the name, but, finally, the kidnappers were defeated. You can find it near Sant Quirze Safaja, in Moianès. Don’t forget your camera, because you are going to take a lot of pictures, so be warned!
📍Vallès Oriental
The Gorg Negre
The Parc Natural del Montseny gives us this little corner, which can be reached following the Riera de Gualba. It is the Gorg Negre that gets all the attention of the visitor, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Catalonia. The best thing about the place? To lie down, close your eyes and let the sound of falling water do the rest.
📍 Vallès Oriental
The Gorg de la Sort
The Font Dels Enamorats is the starting point of a small route through the Riera de Martinet and we do not know what is better, if the beginning or the end of the road. Because it is undeniable that the fountain has a particular charm, as well as the waterfall.
📍Osona
Gorg de Can Poeti
The region of La Garrotxa is, perhaps, one of the most impressive of Catalonia, a land of volcanoes with beautiful landscapes and excursions, but also of gorgs and natural pools. The Gorg de Can Poeti formerly served as a source of power for a mill and now we can take a refreshing swim in it. Of course, in high season you have to book a visit, as its location and ease of access by car make it a very popular destination.
📍La Garrotxa
Timbarro Salt
Very close to Sarrià de Dalt, in Girona, we find this beautiful natural pool with a waterfall. To get there, we recommend a small circular route, just 6 kilometers that starts from the village, so it will be easy to park the car.
Around the gorg you have enough space to put the towel and deploy all your camp to spend the day. Undoubtedly, an easily accessible and very comfortable place to take refuge from the heat for long hours.
📍Girona
Fontcalda
Fontcalda is an open-air thermal spa in the province of Tarragona. Its waters carry calcium chloride and carbonate, magnesium sulfate and sodium chloride, and gush at 28 degrees, ideal for curative baths. The source is in a rest area of Gandesa, and next to a sanctuary of the s. XIV where in summer masses are still celebrated.
📍Gandesa, Tarragona
Pedret Bridge
Can you imagine taking a dip under a medieval bridge from the 13th century? 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, landscape and a perfect plan to escape the heat without stepping on the beach.
📍Berga
Natural pools with children
Because the little ones also deserve to enjoy, we have prepared a parallel guide with the best natural pools and waterfalls, easily accessible, to go with children. The routes are less than 5 kilometers and are near Barcelona.