Rascafría, Natural swimming pools in Rascafría, Spain.
Rascafría clips are three natural pools carved by a river in the foothills of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains. The water collects in deep sections between rocks and vegetation, with each pool offering different depths and temperatures depending on water flow.
Local people have used this river section for swimming and cooling off for generations. Rascafría municipality later organized the area to improve safety and manage visitor access.
This location represents a deeply rooted Spanish tradition of river-based summer recreation, serving as a community gathering place where families and visitors maintain customs of outdoor leisure and social interaction.
Access is free but parking requires payment, and rules include no alcohol, pets, or loud music. Morning visits and weekday trips tend to be less crowded than summer weekends.
Visitors can watch the water flow wildly between rocks before becoming calm in the pools below. This creates several distinct swimming experiences in one location.
Location: Castilla y León - Comunidad de Madrid
Location: Comunidad de Madrid
Address: M-604, 8, 28740 Rascafría, Madrid, Spain
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 09:00-21:00
Phone: +34918691804
Website: https://rascafria.org
GPS coordinates: 40.87329,-3.88917
Latest update: December 6, 2025 19:00
Spain is home to a great variety of natural swimming pools, river pools and coastal formations perfect for cooling off during the hot season. These spots are spread all over the country and provide crystal-clear water surrounded by mountains, forests or volcanic rocks. From freshwater pools in lush valleys to unique saltwater basins on the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, this collection brings together some of the most inviting places to experience authentic outdoor swimming in Spain.
Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso
10.1 km
Peñalara
6.2 km
Monasterio de El Paular
1.7 km
Cascadas del Purgatorio
3.6 km
Pinilla Reservoir
10.3 km
Risco de los Claveles
5.7 km
Puente del Perdón
1.5 km
Circo de Peñalara
6.9 km
Archaeological site of Los Calveros
8.8 km
Arboreto Giner de los Ríos
1.7 km
Asómate de Hoyos
7.5 km
Chorrera de Mojonavalle
8.8 km
Chorro Grande
8.2 km
Sierra Norte de Guadarrama Natural Park
9.4 km
Cabeza Mediana
3.5 km
Loma de Pandasco
8.2 km
Cambrones River Boilers
10.1 km
Church of San Andrés Apóstol
3.7 km
Center for visitors of Puente del Perdón, Rascafría
1.7 km
Church of San Salvador
11.9 km
Royal Gardens of La Granja de San Ildefonso
10 km
Church of San Miguel
8.5 km
Church of Santa Marina
6.2 km
Royal Collegiate of the Holy Trinity
10.1 km
Town hall of Lozoya
11.9 km
Town hall of Rascafría
3.5 km
Miraflores de la Sierra reservoir
9.6 km
Peñalara 1993©
6.2 kmReviews
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