18.03.2023.
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The natural wonders across Europe scatter in their abundant charm and unexpected destinations. Whether leading through the wonderful hikes or pretty beaches, these natural pools can be your source of travel inspiration.
From turquoise to emerald, the colours of Europe’s natural pools are the divine invitation to enjoy local beauties. Bringing a way to discover hidden gems in the refreshing power of nature, the advantages of finding natural pools are numeral. It can be their thermal richness or admiring incredible beaches.
This collection takes you closer to almost 20 breathtaking natural pools all over Europe by collaborating with amazing travel bloggers.
Bagni San Filippo, Tuscany, Italy- contributed by myself
Nestled in the gorgeous Tuscanian area of Val d’Orcia, Bagni San Filippo represents a precious local treasure. Their artistic charm perfectly describes the name of the main attraction- La Balena Bianca (White Whale). The greenish colours of the almost icy waterfall belong to its sulfurous nature. Sometimes it even turns redish colours due to the winter rains.
A fantastic alternative to the popular Saturnia, Bagni San Filippo offers free use at the entrance of the lovely forest.
The water is warmest at the first pools after which you’ll find the marvelous Balena Bianca. If you continue walking further in the forest trail, you’ll see Fosso Bianco. These set of pools lie close to the spa hotel with their outdoor pools.
At the thermal baths, there are no facilities, but in the village, you can visit shop and few restaurants.
How to reach & where to stay
The village of Bagni San Filippo stretches about 60 km south of Siena. It’s a fantastic refreshment if you’re exploring the marvelous Val d’Orcia. Having a day trip to Bagni San Filippo will let you discover the nearby Bagni Vignoni. It’s a small town where you can see the pool with the thermal water at its main square. Bagni Vignoni is a perfect place to base yourself and enjoy spa treasure in the wonderful ADLER Spa Resort THERMAE.
Saturnia Hot Springs, Italy- contributed by Trisha from Try Wandering More
Saturnia Hot Springs, or Cascate del Mulino, is a cascading hot spring with gorgeous milky blue water set against Tuscany’s rolling hills in Italy. Its picture-perfect setting will take your breath away. The mineral-rich water in the spring is perfect for a warm soak, no matter the season. The hot spring maintains its rustic setting because the development around it is minimal. There is no entry charge to visit the spring. Also, it is open 24 hours a day, so you can spend as long as you want in the area and even visit multiple times.
If you have some time free in Saturnia, visit the Fattoria La Maliosa Winery for wine tasting. You can make a reservation on their website.
How to reach & where to stay
The Saturnia Thermal Spring is 146 km from Rome and 197 km from Florence. The best way to get here is by renting a car from either of these two cities.
Though it is possible to visit the hot spring on a day trip, I highly recommend staying one night in a hotel nearby. Visit the hot spring early in the morning to avoid the mid-day crowd and day trippers.
Cascale Terre Rosse, located just 3.6 km away, is an excellent bed and breakfast with splendid views.
Giola, Greece- contributed by Goya from Goya Galeotta
Nestled in the south of Thassos, Greece, the Giola Natural Pool is a thing of beauty that is sure to leave you breathless. Known as “Aphrodite’s Tear,” this natural rocky pool is a marvel of nature, carved out of rocks over millions of years.
What makes Giola truly special is the unique rock formation that separates it from the sea, creating a secluded haven for swimmers. The height of these rocks can reach up to 8 meters, providing an exhilarating diving spot (for the daring ones!) into the crystal-clear waters. The area around Giola is just as enchanting, with beautiful Thassos beaches such as Psili Ammos, and attractions such as the Monastery of Archangel Thassos close by.
How to reach & where to stay
Getting to Giola is part of the adventure. To reach there, you will need to drive east from Potos or south from Limenas until you reach Astris. From there, take the signposted dirt road, park in the designated area, and follow the footpath for a few hundred meters to the pool.
While there are a few 3 to 5-star hotels in the vicinity, the area is predominantly surrounded by charming holiday rentals, offering a more authentic experience of Greek island life. Alternatively, you could choose to stay in the vibrant centre of Limenas, where A for Art Design Hotel is a popular choice for visitors who appreciate luxury. From there, it’s a simple and scenic drive down to the breathtaking Giola Natural Pool.
The Thermal Lake of Heviz, Hungary- contributed by Rich from RJOnTour.com
The thermal lake of Heviz in Hungary is a great place to visit for a relax or swim with nature. Heviz Thermal lake is the largest swimmable thermal lake in the world. There is a small entrance fee to enter the lake, which includes lockers and sun loungers.
The lake is pretty unique as it is swimmable throughout the year, including during the cold weather of winter. Heviz lake is also pretty impressive during autumn when the leaves are changing colour. The waters are said to have health benefits and great for relaxation. The lake has various places to enter, including a pier with steps.
In the water, there are waterlilies, unique plants and some wildlife too. The water is rather deep, with depths ranging from 2 metres to 39 metres. Many visitors hire or bring their own floats to help with relaxing in the water.
How to reach & where to stay
To reach the site, you need to catch a bus from Keszthely, a city on the shores of the epic Lake Balaton. Taking the bus from Budapest, the capital is another option.
For a break from swimming, there are some bars for drinks and lunch out overlooking the lake. Menus includes Hungarian favourites, including goulash. There are lots of spa hotels near Lake Heviz, including the luxury four-star Hotel Carbona Thermal Spa.
Tblisi sulphur bath houses, Georgia- contributed by Suzanne Hooker from Suzanne Wanders Delhi
Tblisi, the lovely capital city of the country of Georgia, is well known for its sulphur hot springs. The springs were first discovered in the 5th century, and the name Tblisi means ‘warm place.’
At one time Tblisi had more than 60 bath houses, but now there are less than a dozen. The majority of these are in the historic Abanotubani area. This is one of the most picturesque parts of Tblisi, with a deep gorge running down the middle and bath houses on either side. The baths are instantly recognizable by the brick domes of the roofs.
Which bath house to choose in Tbilisi
No matter what your budget, there’s a bath house to suit you. From the luxurious Chreli-Abano (Orbeliani Baths), to the more budget friendly No. 5 Sulphur Bathhouse, you’ll find the perfect one. Most bath houses offer a mix of private and segregated public bathing rooms. Public rooms are great for a real cultural immersion. Private rooms are a good for couples that don’t want to bath separately. I highly recommend you get the kisi scrub – a vigorous rub down with a rough mitt and soapy drenching after. It’s the best part!
Tbilisi’s bath houses are more utilitarian than super luxury spa experiences, but it’s one of the best cultural experiences you can have while visiting Georgia. They’re also reasonably priced and fantastic in the cooler months.
How to reach & where to stay
The bath houses are near a number of Tblisi sites, like the Narikala Fortress and the Median Bazaar. They’re centrally located in Tblisi, you can walk there from practically anywhere in the city. The nearest metro station is Avlabari on the Red Line.
To be close to the bath houses, stay at Boutique Hotel Manufactura. It’s a charming boutique hotel just 10 minutes’ walk from Abanotubani.
Reykjadalur natural spring pools, Iceland- contributed by Lavina D’Souza from Continent Hop
Hidden within Iceland’s wild landscapes, the hot springs of Reykjadalur offer a secluded spot for anyone looking to soak in naturally heated waters. A brief but picturesque walk from Hveragerði, the path to these springs presents stunning scenery of lush valleys and lively geothermal areas. This hike, about an hour long, is equally captivating and part of the charm of reaching the springs themselves.
Reykjadalur stands out for its pristine natural backdrop. It is a must-have in your Iceland 6 days itinerary. Encircled by lush landscapes and the gentle sound of flowing rivers, it offers bathers a serene retreat. The river’s water temperature changes from place to place, so everyone can pick the perfect spot to relax, from nicely warm to wonderfully hot. Along the path to the pools, you’ll witness Iceland’s untouched beauty, including mud pots that bubble and small geysers that erupt right beside the trail.
How to reach & where to stay
Reaching Reykjadalur is easy. It takes 45 minutes from Reykjavik to reach Hveragerði, the starting location for the trek. Directions to the trailhead are clearly marked at the town’s edge.
The Frost and Fire Hotel in Hveragerði is a cosy place to stay with beautiful views of the geothermal scenery for people who want to stay close. Iceland’s thermal experiences are like no other, and the hotel has volcanic hot pools that make them even better. For Europe’s best natural pools, Reykjadalur’s natural beauty and inviting accommodations are must-sees.
Secret Lagoon Geothermal Pool, Iceland- contributed by Alexa Meisler from 52 Perfect Days
The Secret Lagoon (also known as Gamla Laugin) is one of many natural geothermal hot springs in Iceland. This spouting geyser is a more local experience and a much quieter alternative to the infamous Blue Lagoon.
It’s located in the town of Fludir, just a bit over an hour’s drive from Reykjavik. Once you arrive, they require you to shower off in the gender-separated locker rooms—it’s a local custom and helps keep the waters pristine. I recommend you grab a water, soda or Icelandic beer from the bar and then slowly immerse yourself into the warm, healing waters.
The temperature of the lagoon stays nice and toasty at 38-40°C all year round, making it perfect for a truly relaxing experience.
How to reach & where to stay
You can easily join a day tour from Reykjavik, like the Hot Golden Circle Tour, or rent a car and go at your own pace. While you’re in the area, don’t miss nearby hot springs like Vaðmálahver, Básahver, and Litli Geysir, as well as sights like Gullfoss waterfall and Kerid Crater Lake.
If you’re looking for nearby hotels, Icelandair Hotel Fludir and Brekkugerdi Guesthouse are both great options.
Versazca Valley, Switzerland- contributed by Zoe from Together In Switzerland
Located in the Verzasca Valley of the Ticino canton in Switzerland is the stunning crystal clear waters of the Versazca river. This is such a special place among locals as all year round the waters flow with a clear turquoise colour. From the river, there are many natural pool areas that you can bathe in. The water is ice cold from the mountains, but during Summer it’s the best place to be!
For the adventurous types, you can even (carefully!) jump off the historical Ponte dei Salti bridge. This is a medieval stone pedestrian bridge that lets bathers, hikers and locals cross the river to their stone houses.
How to reach & where to stay
To visit the valley, by car it’s possible but with ample parking. We highly suggest taking the local bus. There are stops all along the valley, with the main area for visitors being at ‘Lavertezzo, Paese’ village bus stop. Get off at any along the river and you can walk along until you find the perfect bathing spot.
For a night or more, the valley has a few B&Bs depending on your needs. But we suggest staying in the Hotel la Palma au Lac situated in the city of Locarno.
Poll na bPéist, Inishmore, Ireland- contributed by Jenny from Travel Ireland Today
Pol na bPéist also known as The Wormhole, is a natural pool on Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands off Ireland’s west coast. Despite its man-made appearance, it’s a remarkable pool, seemingly carved from the limestone bedrock by time and rough weather. Serving as a playground for both locals and tourists, Poll na bPéist is a fantastic place to let them enjoy the thrill of cliff diving.
Pol na bPéist has only recently gained international acclaim as a cliff diving hotspot. Hosting the Red Bull cliff diving World Series in 2017 exploded its popularity. What makes this natural pool truly special, however, is its untouched rugged beauty and remote location.
How to reach & where to stay
Indeed, the journey to this secluded gem involves a bit of adventure! First, you’ll need to make it to Inishmore island, by ferry or plane. Then, because there are no cars on the island, you’ll need to rent a bike for the day. Most tourists do a 17km loop around the southern part of Inishmore. To reach The Wormhole, cycling gets you close, but a 20-minute walk is necessary for the final leg. The route is marked by red arrows. Be careful on the way, as you will go through uneven terrain and slippery rocks.
The pool and its access can be dangerous as it is located on the edge of cliffs, so make sure the weather allows it and the tides are not too high. Be aware of jellyfish also in the summer.
For those planning to stay overnight on the island instead of a day trip from Galway, Inis Mor Glamping is a cozy glamping site, with stunning views of the Atlantic, that serves as the perfect base for exploring Inishmore.
Fairy Pools, Isle of Sky, Scotland- contributed by Jess from Uprooted Traveler
The picturesque pools in Scotland, the Fairy Pools in the Isle of Skye offer some of the most dramatic scenery.
The pools are found along a popular hiking trail, aptly called the Fairy Pools, which wind along the River Brittle. Wandering through the lush green hills of Scotland, you will get a fantastic scenery passing through the seemingly countless waterfalls. As you climb higher along the pathway, the views of the surrounding Cuillin Mountains will get more and more spectacular. These cascades spill down rocky cliffsides into plunge pools, which are filled with clear and turquoise water.
About swimming & where to stay
You’re welcome to swim in these beautiful pools, but be prepared—the water is definitely on the chillier side! However, if you luck out with an unseasonably warm day on the Isle of Skye, the cold water will be the perfect way to cool down from your hike.
Beyond the Fairy Pools, the Isle of Skye is known for its dramatic scenery, like the Old Man of Storr or the Quiraing. Its adorable population of Highland cows and quaint inns is also fascinating.
For example, the historic Cuillin Hills Hotel is located in the adorable fishing village of Portree and is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a getaway to the Scottish Highlands.
Poça da Dona Beija, Azores, Portugal- contributed by Amber from Amber Everywhere
Poça da Dona Beija is a collection of five pools with natural spring water on São Miguel island in the Azores, a Portuguese archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean. Four of the pools are 39 °C and the fifth is 28 °C, but each one has been designed with a slightly different aesthetic in mind. One pool has a waterfall feature, while another feels like a private jacuzzi.
The most memorable part of Poça da Dona Beija is the small creek that runs between the pools, creating a jungle-like effect with the surrounding greenery.
When to visit & where to stay
You can visit the pools 365 days per year, so they’re open even if you decide to visit the Azores in January. One ticket buys access to all of the pools for a set amount of time, so you can try all five pools if you’d like. Because of the high levels of sulfur in the water, you’ll want to wear a dark colored bathing suit when you visit.
Stay nearby in the nearby Hotel Vale Verde for an affordable, comfortable spot just a short walk from Poça da Dona Beija. The hot springs are best enjoyed after a long hike on one of the nearby trails in the Praia de Lagoa do Fogo nature reserve. You can also explore the incredible gardens, gentle trails, and thermal baths in the nearby Parque Terra Nostra.
Azenhas do Mar, Portugal- contributed by Marga from Discover Portugal
Azenhas do Mar is one of the prettiest coastal towns in Portugal. It’s nestled on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in Sintra. Azenhas do Mar means Watermills of the Sea, and you can still find remnants of watermill stones in town.
Azenhas do Mar is a sleepy town, but the biggest highlight is the natural pool and beach. With high tide, the rocky pool fills up with fresh seawater, which, even in summer, can be refreshingly cold. The town itself has a lovely restaurant and several pretty houses. Azenhas do Mar is close to Sintra Cascais Natural Park, which is perfect for hiking. Sintra town is also very close, and you can find famous sights like Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira here. The coastal town is a beautiful place for a relaxing beach holiday in Portugal.
How to reach & where to stay
You can quickly get to Azenhas do Mar from Lisbon by car, but there are also excursions to the town. It takes around 50 minutes from the Portuguese capital.
But the best way to enjoy the Sintra coast is by staying overnight. Chalet O Amorzinho is an incredible place with ocean views.
Doca Do Cavacas, Madeira, contributed by Kylie from Between England and Everywhere
One of the best natural pools in Europe is Doca Do Cavacas natural pools in Funchal, Madeira. They are located along the pedestrianised Promenade do Lido in the hotel district of the city. Here you’ll find lots of different accommodation options.
As they are natural pools that are filled with ocean water, crabs and fish can be found in them. The pools are uneven, so care needs to be taken when getting in and out of them. Even though there are stairs carved into the rock, they can get slippery! They are deep in areas too. It is best to be a strong swimmer as the floor can suddenly slope away unexpectedly. There is also a ladder for direct access into the sea, which is popular for cliff jumping.
How to reach & about the facilities
These rocky pools are bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on one side and towering cliffs on the other. This does mean that you will need to walk down a steep path to reach them. Alternatively, pass through the Túnel das Poças do Gomes from Praia Formosa.
The ‘Piscinas Naturais’ have an entrance fee, with sun loungers and umbrella rentals costing a little extra. There are not many shaded areas, so keep this in mind if visiting on a hot day. Other facilities include toilets, showers, and a bar, serving a range of drinks.
Porto Moniz, Madeira- contributed by Tamara from My Elated Odyssey
If you’re looking for some of the best natural pools in Europe, visit the Porto Moniz natural pools in Madeira! These are the most popular natural pools on the Portuguese island, and it’s no surprise why!
The Porto Moniz pools were formed millions of years ago by volcanic activity. When an eruption occurred, the volcanic lava went into the Atlantic Ocean, cooling into the natural pools of today.
Other activities in and around Porto Moniz include levada hikes and exploring miradouros. Levada da Ribeira da Janela is one of the best hikes, providing sweeping views of the landscape. On the other hand, Miradouro Ilheus da Ribeira da Janela is one of the best viewpoints to witness on Madeira!
Why to visit Porto Moniz
There are several reasons why the Porto Moniz pools are the most visited on the island. These include the fact that they are Madeira’s largest, the water is crystal-clear, and there are surrounding facilities and walkways.
Another factor setting these pools apart is the large, crushing waves that meet the pools and surrounding rocks. Note that the waves can get dangerous throughout the day, and the pools may close. While this may be unfortunate, it is done to ensure your safety.
How to reach & where to stay
You can reach Porto Moniz by rental car, taxi, or bus. The Rodoeste operator can help you reach the pools if you go by bus.
Aqua Natura Bay is one of the best hotels in Porto Moniz. It has two pools, ocean views, and a spa.
Agaete, Gran Canaria- contributed by Joanna from The World In My Pocket
Gran Canaria is one of the most beautiful islands in the Canary archipelago. Belonging to Spain, Gran Canaria receives less visitors than its neighbours, Tenerife and Lanzarote, which makes it more authentic. One of the best places to visit in Gran Canaria is Agaete, in the northeast of the island. Here, you will find the amazing natural pools carved inside the volcanic rocks by the power of the ocean water.
The natural pools are among the best things to do in Agaete. They are free of charge, and you can go swim in them at any time. The water is cold, as it comes straight from the ocean, so keep this in mind. The pools have no facilities, so come dressed for swimming. Make sure to wear proper shoes, as the rocks can be sharp but also slippery. Getting into the pools is easy, as there are man-made stairs in each of them.
How to reach & where to stay
Getting to Agaete from Las Palmas, the capital of Gran Canaria, is very easy. You can either hire a car and drive for 30 minutes, or take the public bus, which takes just less than one hour.
A great hotel to stay at, when you visit Agaete, is Roca Negra, which is built into the rocks. The natural pools are a short 5 minutes walk from the hotel, with direct access from the pool area.
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Such dreamy locations, I’d love to go to all of them. I really want to travel more this year.
Beautiful natural pools. I wish I can visit these pools in the future. Thank you for sharing.
These are all beautiful locations for these natural pools across Europe. I would love to visit the Saturnia Hot Springs, it looks so picturesque x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
These all look absolutely stunning! Fairy Pools is currently top of my list, along with the Iceland geothermal pool. Thank you for these fab suggestions x
Wow all these are truly incredible. If I could teleport, I would visit every single one 🙂
Wishing to visit them all immediately 😂😍
Beautiful locations!
So many wonderful places to enjoy the water! I would love to visit them all as they look so inviting. There is a seawater pool where I used to live in the UK and reading this reminded me of going there as a child!
I love experiencing natural water pools. I have a number of them near me in Australia and I visit some hot springs near me in Melbourne, monthly. So invigorating and I always come home relaxed and happy. Looking forward to experiencing some when I get back to Europe so thanks for sharing these amazing places.
I love hiking to a destination, so this is right up my alley. I am saving your post for the next time I am in Europe!
So many beautiful destinations to choose from! I’ve been to a few but got even more travel inspiration now!
Fairy Pools look so beautiful. I hope one day not only to see them with my own eyes, but also to enjoy a swim. Thanks for sharing!
Wow – all these places are so breathtaking! Definitely putting Tuscany on my bucket list.
I have visited some of these, but saving this so that I can visit more of them. I also really enjoyed the many natural pools on Tenerife earlier this year. They would be a great addition for anyone interested in natural pools.
Tuscany pools look amazing as well as Madeira pools. I also loved the ones in Pamukkale in Turkey. These are just so much better than indoor pools
The one in tuscany and the secret lagoon in Iceland are top of my list!
Really love a relaxing dip in a lake or pool after a long day hiking.
Really love a relaxing dip in a lake or pool after a long day hiking.
Beautiful locations, there is something for every hiker and fellow wanderer here.
– L
Oh my goodness! The pictures of these locations are beautiful. I am going to Greece this summer so I am going to have to see if I have time to make a pitstop in the one you mentioned to be located there. I appreciated you also provided places to stay in each area and how to get there.
We would love to visit so many of these natural pools in Europe. And find such amazing settings too! Nice to know there are a mix of luxury choices and ones ment for relaxing. A lovely mix of spots to highlight.