Summer has arrived in full force not only in the capital but throughout the country, and the desire to spend the whole day in the water grows with every heat wave. In Lisbon and the surrounding area, there are several places where you can cool off, but if you’re looking for a great excuse for a weekend getaway or vacation, we have a suggestion in the Central region: a saltwaterpool that’s completely free and heated to 29 degrees.
Located on the sandy shore of Praia da Claridade, across from the Vila Galé Collection Figueira da Foz, this man-made facility is one of the summer’s hottest spots in this region. Opened in 2023, this turquoise “pool” with its inviting temperature is definitely a very Instagrammable spot—which explains the attention it’s been getting on social media.
Goodbye, temperature shocks
Compared to typical ocean swimming spots, this facility has a major advantage: the water is heated using solar panels and a heat pump. This means you can get into the water without experiencing any thermal shock or getting chills, even when the Atlantic insists on leaving us feeling cold from head to toe.
What You Need to Know Before You Go
Since it’s a free and highly appealing attraction, it’s only natural that the area gets crowded, especially during peak season. So, there are a few important things to keep in mind before heading out for a swim.
According to the Figueira da Foz City Council’swebsite, both the Praia da Claridade pool and the similar attraction at Praia de Buarcos have certain rules that swimmers must follow:
- Maximum capacity of 50 people
- 30-minute stay
- Admission is free, but entry is on a first-come, first-served basis
- Swim floats are prohibited , except for arm bands and baby floats
- No balls or rackets allowed
- Smoking, eating, drinking, jumping, or diving into the pool are not permitted.
A sea of attractions nearby
To make the most of what Figueira da Foz has to offer during a visit to the heated pool at Praia da Claridade, explore some of the area’s many attractions. For example, right next door, the Clock Tower is a modernist landmark from the 1940s.
If you prefer a slightly more bohemian atmosphere, head to Bairro Novo, where the casino, outdoor cafés, hotels, and old bourgeois vacation homes create an attractive setting. But don’t stop there. After all, just a short distance away are the Municipal Market, the Santa Catarina Fort, and the historic center.
Also worth mentioning, of course, are the beaches in the municipality of Figueira da Foz, perfect for family vacations or even for surfers. For those who can’t resist the undeniable beauty of nature, there’s a must-see destination in this area— Cabo Mondego, classified as a Natural Monument, located just a few kilometers north of Figueira da Foz.
In short, whether you’re just looking for a warm-water retreat or a family weekend filled with outings, Figueira da Foz offers the best of both worlds. So, do you already know where you’ll be swimming this summer?
Useful Information
Address:Praia da Claridade beach(across from the Vila Galé Collection hotel), Figueira da Foz
Hours: daily, from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; closed for lunch from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Tickets: free
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