Although the sea on 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 or the water amusement parks. But do these people know what ocean pools are?
It’s true that these places lack a very important “ingredient”: salt water, which leaves you with that brine clinging to your body after each dive. It’s so good!
Ocean pools are filled – mechanically or naturally – with salt water and are therefore usually located by the sea, offering an experience that combines the safety of a swimming pool with the sensation of being in the ocean .
We went in search of the best saltwater pools that you can enjoy in Lisbon or close to the city.
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Azenhas do Mar
The village of Azenhas do Mar is one of the illustrated postcards of the municipality of Sintra, with its little white houses descending from the cliff to the sea.
Below there is a small sandy beach, sometimes very small or even non-existent, where dives are always guaranteed in the natural ocean pool.
When the sea conditions are right, it really is a spectacular place to be , with a fascinating and unforgettable landscape.
Avencas Beach
Praia das Avencas is part of the cascais Line beaches that we like the most and, to get there, you have to stop at the Parede train station, if you’re taking public transport, of course.
When the tide is high it’s one of the smallest beaches on the line, but when it’s low it’s one of our favorite stops to enjoy one of the largest ocean pools in Lisbon,, which forms on one side of the beach.
Oeiras Ocean Swimming Pool
Next to the marina, with the sea right next to it, this is one of the most popular pools in Greater Lisbon.
It has an area for children and a VIP area, as well as sun loungers that will keep you relaxed for many hours. It also has a modern, very comfortable bar.
In the low season, until the end of June and in September, the pool is open between 10am and 7pm, while in July and August, it is open from 9.30am to 8pm.
Arribas swimming 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 19ºC and 24ºC), but at least here there’s plenty of room for diving and swimming.
What’s more, the view of the sea and Praia Grande (Sintra) is incredible, perfect for photographs and for … making your friends jealous.
Ah! 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’re in the pool.
Maçãs Beach
Praia das Maçãs is one of the most popular beaches in Sintra, and it’s also here that you can bathe in the region’s famous saltwater pool.
It is located in a complex next to the beach, which has two ocean pools with a taste of the sea.
In addition to various facilities, such as a bar and restaurant, it also has slides and a paddleboard area, where the little ones can have fun until it’s almost dark.
Alberto Romano Ocean Pool
Built next to the Cascais sea wall, this pool takes advantage of the salty sea water that hits its walls every day.
The name comes from a former president of the Estoril Coast Tourism Board, and in this pool you’ll find a good way to bathe in the salty and sometimes cold water of this part of Greater Lisbon.
This is one of the largest ocean pools, being 50 meters long. Admission is also free,. You just have to go early to secure a seat.
It also has a terrace with a bar and restaurant service.
As mais bonitas piscinas naturais e cascatas para visitar em Portugal