8 outdoor swimming pools in Barcelona

CEM Parc de la Ciutadella

Located on the edge of the Ciutadella park, the CEM Parc de la Ciutadella municipal gym has a decking area, complete with an open air pool and sun loungers. A day entry also allows you to use all the facilities, including the gym, indoor and outdoor pools. Given its central location, the pool is easily reached on foot, by bus (H14, 39) or metro (L4, Barceloneta). Adults €15.06, children aged 6-18 €7, children under 6 free. 

Club Natació Atlètic Barceloneta

A Barcelona classic, the seafront Club Natació Atlètic-Barcelona in the Barceloneta was founded in 1913. The club is accessed directly from the Sant Sebastià beach in Barceloneta, a 15-minute walk from Barceloneta metro station (L4), and can also be reached by bus (39, V15). There are two outdoor pools, one for serious lengths and the other for children and general cooling off. Relax on a sun lounger with one smug eye on the crowded beach just over the fence. Adults €12.53, children aged 4-10 €7.11, children under 3 €3.77.

Piscina Municipal de Montjuïc

The 25-metre pool and diving pools at the Piscina Municipal de Montjuïc were built for the diving events of the 1992 Olympics. There are no sun loungers and only a small kiosk on-site to buy refreshments, so bring something to lie on and your own snacks. It can be reached via the Montjuïc Funicular or by bus (55). It’s not plush but has spectacular panoramic city views. Adults €6.50. Children 6-14 €4.50. 

Piscines Bernat Picornell

A little further up the mountain from the Piscina Municipal de Montjuïc, the Piscines Bernat Picornell were built in the Seventies for the European swimming championships and refurbished for the 1992 Olympics. There are two 50-metre pools, one inside and the other open air. Day entry also gives you access to all facilities including the gym, jacuzzi and sauna. Adults €11.90, over 65s €7.30, young adults aged 15-24 €8, children aged 6-14 €7.30, under 5s free.

Jardins de la Torre de les Aigües

Torre de les Aigües is a great place for kids (and parents) to let off some steam. Known as the ‘Eixample beach’, the Torre de les Aigües offers a knee-high pool to splash in and a sandy play area. This is one of just a few public spaces located within the interior courtyards of the Eixample urban blocks, which was the original use outlined by engineer Ildefons Cerdà in his 19th-century masterplan for the area. The pool surrounds a brick water tower, dating from 1882, and is shallow—ideal for young children. The space, however, is limited to a maximum capacity of 200 people. Lifeguards are present and there are showers and toilet facilities. There are benches but no sun loungers, so pack a thick towel. The pool is accessed via an alleyway from Carrer de Roger de Llúria. Entry €1.55. Babies under one, free.

Club Natació Catalunya

The Club Natació Catalunya is not to be missed. Its indoor area features a lap pool, two child-friendly pools. The outdoor area boasts a lawn with sun chairs and umbrellas, with an additional pool for laps and a lane designated for leisure. Adults €11.85. Children and over 64s €7.55.

Eurofitness Can Dragó

Eurofitness Can Dragó is a 35,000 square metre facility with two climatised, indoor lap pools and an impressive outdoor area. The outdoor space is decorated with palm trees and features a large family pool. Adults €8.07. Children 6-14 years €5.62, 0-5 years €2.28.

Parc de la Creueta del Coll

CLOSED IN 2018.

Parc de la Creueta del Coll is an urban oasis, home to a lake that transforms into a shallow pool in the summer. Add in a grassy area and some palm trees and you pretty much have a slice of heaven on a sticky summer’s day. Entry €2.35.

Fòrum Bathing Area

If sand is your main stress at the beach, you can enjoy the sea at this enclosed area of the Mediterranean next to Parc del Fòrum without getting sand stuck between your toes. Quieter than all the surrounding beaches, access to the water is via steps that lead directly from the paved surroundings, overlooked by a giant photovoltaic plate. The water itself is deep and suitable for diving, whilst the size of the pool, 350 metres long by 30 metres wide, allows for some serious swimming.

Ideal for people with disabilities or reduced mobility, the bathing area is equipped with a hydraulic chair, a section designed for wheelchair use and a bathing support service. Other facilities include showers, toilets and a lifeguard service, and both the Diagonal Mar shopping centre and Rambla del Prim are within walking distance. The area is a little isolated but can be accessed by bus (H16), tram and metro (L4, Selva de Mar).