Although the sea off the beaches of Lisbon and the surrounding area is quite calm, there are still people who prefer to keep a safe distance, taking advantage of other ways to cool off during the summer, such as swimming pools, the luxury pools at some hotels, or water parks. But do these people know what ocean pools are?
It’s true that some of these places are missing a very important “ingredient” —saltwater—which leaves that briny feeling clinging to your body after every dip. It feels so good!
Ocean pools are filled—either mechanically or naturally—with saltwater, which is why they’re usually located by the sea, offering an experience that combines the safety of a pool with the feeling of being in the ocean.
We went in search of the best saltwater pools you can enjoy in Lisbon or near the city.
Located on Estrada do Guincho, the Arriba Guincho ocean pool stands out not only for its water sourced from the nearby ocean but also for its terrace, which is the perfect retreat if you want to relax and make the most of this summer.
What’s also incredible about this spot is the Sintra Mountains serving as a backdrop to your vacation, with the vast ocean stretching out before you.
And no, you won’t encounter the famous Guincho gales, since the Arriba ocean pool is sheltered from the wind, offering you a more pleasant experience.
As for the terrace, highlights include light meals such as salads, open-faced sandwiches, bowls, desserts, and, of course, the delicious artisanal ice creams from Casa do Marquês.
The village of Azenhas do Mar is one of the picture-perfect scenes in the municipality of Sintra, with its little white houses cascading down the cliff to the sea.
Down below there’s a small sandy area—sometimes very tiny or even nonexistent— where dips are always guaranteed in the natural ocean pool.
When the sea conditions are perfect, it’s truly a spectacular place to be, with a fascinating and unforgettable landscape.
Praia das Avencas is one of our favorite beaches along the Cascais coastline, and to get there, you’ll need to get off at the Parede train station—if you’re taking public transportation, of course.
At high tide, it’s one of the smallest beaches along the coast, but at low tide, it’s one of our favorite spots to enjoy one of the largest ocean pools in Lisbon, which forms on one side of the sandy beach.
Oeiras Ocean Pool
Located next to the marina, with the sea right beside it, this is one of the most popular pools in Greater Lisbon.
It features a children’s area and a VIP section, as well as lounge chairs that will keep you relaxed for hours on end. It also has a modern, very comfortable bar.
During the off-season, through the end of June and in September, the pool is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., while in July and August, it’s open from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Arribas Pool
This is one of the largest saltwater ocean pools in Europe! Yes, the water comes directly from the sea, so it’s not the warmest (between 19°C and 24°C), but at least there’s plenty of room here for dives and laps.
Plus, the view of the ocean and Praia Grande (Sintra) is incredible— perfect for photos and for… making your friends jealous.
Oh! And there’s also a bar, as well as changing rooms and lockers, which always come in handy.
Prices vary depending on the time of year and how long you stay in the pool.
Praia das Maçãs
Praia das Maçãs is one of the most popular beaches in Sintra, and it’s also in this area where you can take a dip in the region’s famous saltwater pool.
It’s located in a beachfront resort that features two ocean pools with the taste of the sea.
In addition to various amenities, such as a bar and restaurant, it also features water slides and a surfboard area, where the little ones have fun until it’s almost nighttime.
Built right next to the Cascais seawall, this pool draws on the saltwater from the sea, which crashes against its walls every day.
The pool is named after a former president of the Estoril Coast Tourism Board, and here you’ll find a great way to bathe in the saltwater— and sometimes cold water —of this part of Greater Lisbon.
This is one of the largest ocean pools, measuring 50 meters in length. Admission is also free; you just have to go early to secure a spot.
It also features a terrace with bar and restaurant service.