Top natural pools in Malaga

Malaga is a province with a great variety of landscapes and climates. It has mountains, valleys, rivers and beaches. It also has some of the most beautiful natural pools in Spain.

In this article, we will show you some of the best natural pools in Malaga. You will discover where they are, how to get there and what to do there. You will also learn about their history, culture and environment. The natural pools of Malaga are a hidden treasure. They are not very well known by tourists, but they are very popular among locals. They are perfect for escaping from the heat and enjoying nature.

Are you ready to discover these wonderful places? Then grab your swimsuit, your sunscreen and your camera. And let’s go to the natural pools of Malaga!

Turtle Lake in Marbella

Many tourists visit Marbella but are unaware of the natural paradise that surrounds it. Lago de las Tortugas is a beautiful place situated very close to Puerto Banus.

There is a car park and picnic tables under the shade, if you want to spend a picnic day with the family. It is possible to see turtles, fish and ducks in the water. Children will have a great time playing in the water or in the playground.

There is a small, picturesque dock at the site.

Lago de las Tortugas is located near Nueva Andalucía, very close to the AP-7 motorway. To get there you have to head towards Puerto Banus and from there head north; it is about 11 minutes drive from the marina.

Map: https://goo.gl/maps/ZoRLn9iwWHYfdJeS6

Reservoir at El Chorro, Malaga

Do you like nature and adventure? Then you should visit El Chorro. It is a tourist destination with stunning natural surroundings. It is perfect for hiking and climbing enthusiasts. But El Chorro has more to offer. It also has a natural swimming pool in Malaga. It is a place where you can cool off and have fun in the water. You can swim, sunbathe or relax on the shore.

You can rent canoes, pedal boats and take part in numerous other activities.

The natural swimming pool of El Chorro is located near the Guadalhorce reservoir. It has clear and calm water and a sandy bottom. It is surrounded by trees and rocks that create a beautiful scenery.

The way there is pretty on rural roads. You will enjoy the scenery and the fresh air. We can take you if you want. It’s not too far from here.

Go on A-357 to Ardales. It’s a nice town with a castle and a reservoir. Then take MA-5403 to El Chorro. It’s a famous gorge with a walkway and a dam.

Map: https://goo.gl/maps/A9jYorjbXfMUMgXa9

Ermita y de la Llana pond in Jimera de Libar

In the municipality of Jimera de Líbar, you will not only have access to beautiful hiking routes but you can also find some places where you can go swimming if the weather is nice.

To get to both, we must first go to Jimera de Líbar:

• Charca de la Ermita: Park the vehicle in Jimera de Libar and continue on foot to the other side of the railway track, after the tunnel. The bathing place is situated above the railway station.(Map: https://goo.gl/maps/gtLY6o2GfzCHxQ918)
• Charca de la Llana: To get there, turn left after reaching Jimera de Líbar and pass the railway track until river Guadiario; follow the path parallel to the river for about 1 kilometre. There is place to park the car.(Map: https://goo.gl/maps/d9mgrczpCZoR5aQq9)

The bathing area is shallow and has tables and chairs made from logs and rocks for lounging in the shade.

It is a place of special enjoyment for children, although we must keep an eye on them; either by small currents or by a small rope that allows them to swing into the water. If you don’t feel like driving, we’ll take you there.

Charco de las Viñas in Ojén, near Marbella

Those who visit it highlight the charm of the place and recommend it during the summer, to cool off and spend a nice day. If you are looking for natural pools in Malaga and you are in Marbella, this may probably be one of your first choices.

To get there you must go to Ojén, a charming village near Marbella, which you can visit before or after a refreshing dip in the waters of this Charco de las Viñas pond.

Map: https://goo.gl/maps/kKVhSkTtGLYUQzYQ6

Dique de El Burgo

This dam with irrigation water allows us to enjoy a place to swim, because when we move away from the shore the water is quite deep. It is therefore not recommended for children, unless they are older and can manage well in the water.

There are those who venture to jump off the dyke, a practice we cannot recommend.

To get there we must go to El Burgo, a village in Malaga located on the A-366 road that takes us to Ronda from Malaga. Take the lane signposted to Sierra de las Nieves and Gran Senda for about 2.5 kilometres, until you reach a place where you can leave your car.

Map: https://goo.gl/maps/sxfmFj4M7MRbJeDk6

Duck ford in the Chillar River

This pool is located in a protected area of the Natural Park of Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama. Being a well-known tourist attraction in Nerja, it is quite popular during the summer months. Many prefer to visit during the less popular months, or alternatively on a daily day at a time that avoids most of the other hikers.

Between the outward and return journey we will walk a total of about 16 kilometres, so it is not a route recommended for everyone, although it is well worth it if you can manage it. Along the way, you’ll be walking along the river itself, with 20-metre-high walls on either side, so it’s advisable to wear shoes that are waterproof and that will prevent you from slipping on the rocks, as well as waterproof protection for any electronic devices you might be carrying.

In short, it is a spectacular landscape although it requires some sacrifice and the pool is not large. If you are looking for natural pools in Malaga and you also like hiking, this is a highly recommended place. When it suits you we can take you back home from Nerja if you like.

Map: https://goo.gl/maps/TXf6E8KMmXx9KFFN7

Charco del Moro pond in Cortés de la Frontera

In the Natural Park of Los Alcornocales, a protected area, is the Charco del Moro. This pool receives water from the Guadiaro River and is located in Cortés de la Frontera.

The location of this pool between vertical walls up to 100 metres high is impressive, and even more so as the railway line has managed to adapt to it with a vertiginous layout. A landscape that has taken thousands of years to form and where we will find vultures flying over our heads.

Once we move away from the shore the depth is important, and it also receives a flow of very cold groundwater, which is indicated. Special care should therefore be taken when swimming here, as tiredness and the cold water current could play a dirty trick on us.

To get there, head towards El Colmenar and the Cañón de las Buitreras Natural Monument; or if you prefer, we can take you there and all you have to worry about is enjoying the day.

Map: https://goo.gl/maps/mfsWfaQ5hfqwmJZ69

Pond of Pontón Alto in Tolox

This is a popular swimming area, especially during the summer months. To get there you only have to walk about 1 kilometre along the track, with the Rio Grande river on your left.

In addition to this pool, we will pass by the old ruins of the San Eugenio light factory and other pools where you can enjoy a refreshing swim.

To get there, take the Alozaina direction and from there the Ronda road towards Coín. After the 46th kilometre we will see a turn off onto a track, which we follow and try to park on any widening of the track, reach the pools or go on to the San Augusto light factory, where there is an esplanade where we can leave the car.

The shortest way is from Marbella, although you can easily get there from anywhere in the province. Or if you prefer, we can take you there and bring you back when it suits you best.

Map: https://goo.gl/maps/YNMV4hqjXDN8Vfrm8

These and many more natural pools in Malaga

We can take you anywhere you choose, the possibilities are endless in Malaga:

You can discover many more incredible places and natural environments in Malaga: https://www.malaga.es/en/turismo/naturaleza/tp-53/ds-0/nature

There are many more natural pools in Malaga, if you share this article we will keep updating it with more places to visit.

Other natural swimming pools near Malaga in Andalusia

If you feel like exploring further away and you do not have enough with the natural pools in Malaga, we suggest other places where you can swim and enjoy the wonderful scenery of Andalusia. If you’re up for it, we’ll provide you with transport.

Natural pool of Trévelez in Granada

It is a pool formed by the thawing of the Sierra Nevada and is located in the municipality of Trevélez, the highest in Spain. The natural pool of Trevélez is located in the Rio Grande, has a very cold temperature and is surrounded by rocks. It is a very popular place with locals and visitors who want to cool off in summer.

Natural swimming pools of Bolonia in Cádiz

The natural pools of Bolonia are rocky coves that fill with sea water at low tide. They are located in the eastern part of the beach of Bolonia, in Cádiz, and are also called Baños de Claudia. To reach them you have to walk about 4 km along a path from the beach. They are a very nice and quiet place to enjoy the bathing and the landscape.

To get to the natural pools of Bolonia you have to walk about 4 km along a path from the beach of Bolonia. You can also drive to the end of the road that runs parallel to the coast and then walk a few kilometres along the beach.

The history of the natural pools of Bolonia dates back to Roman times, when the city of Baelo Claudia was built near the beach. It is said that the pools were the private baths of Claudia, a Roman woman who lived in the city and had great political and social influence. The rocks that form the pools are the result of the erosion of the sea over the cliffs.

Don’t forget that we can take you wherever you choose, just contact us or book a transfer in Malaga. We have vehicles adapted to all space requirements.