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 or water parks. But do these people know what ocean pools are?
It’s true that these places lack a very important “ingredient”—saltwater—which leaves us with that briny sensation clinging to our bodies after every dip. It’s so good!
Ocean pools are supplied—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 sensation of being in the ocean.
We went in search of the best saltwater pools you can enjoy in Lisbon or near the city.
Table Of Contents
Arriba Guincho
@arribaguincho
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 winds here, 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, toasts, bowls, desserts, and, of course, the delicious artisanal ice creams from Casa do Marquês.
Address: Edifício Arriba, Estrada do Guincho (Cascais)
Hours: daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Tickets: adult daily pass on weekdays: €20 | €18 with Arriba card; adult daily pass on weekends and holidays: €23 | €21 with Arriba card; daily pass for children ages 2–12: €15; free for children under 2
Azenhas do Mar
@paulo-soeiro
The village of Azenhas do Mar is one of the picture-perfect scenes of the municipality of Sintra, with its white houses cascading down the hillside to the sea.
Down below there is a small sandy beach—sometimes very small or even nonexistent— where a dip in the natural ocean pool is always guaranteed.
When sea conditions are ideal, it is truly a spectacular place to be, with a fascinating and unforgettable landscape.
Address: Azenhas do Mar Pools (Colares)
Hours: whenever sea conditions permit
Tickets: free
Avencas Beach
@vleandro
Avencas Beach 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 strip, but at low tide, it’s one of our favorite spots to enjoy one of the largest natural ocean pools in Lisbon,which forms on one side of the sandy shore.
Address: Avenida Marginal 3366
Hours: whenever sea conditions permit
Tickets: free
Oeiras Ocean Pool
@oeirasviva
Located next to the marina, right by the sea, this is one of the most popular swimming 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. 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 is open from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Address: Oeiras Promenade
Hours: off-season —June and September, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; high season—July and August, 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: on the website
Arribas Pool
@arribassintrahotel
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 space here for diving and swimming.
Plus, the view of the sea and Praia Grande (Sintra) is incredible— perfect for photos and for… making your friends jealous.
Oh! And there’s also a snack bar, plus 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.
Address: Avenida Alfredo Coelho 28 (Colares)
Hours: weekdays, 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; weekends, 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: on the website
Praia das Maçãs
@piscinas_sintrasol
Praia das Maçãs is one of the most popular beaches in Sintra, and it’s also here where you can swim in the region’s famous saltwater pool.
It’s located in a beachfront complex featuring two ocean-fed pools with a 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 can have fun until almost nightfall.
Address: Avenida Eugene Levy 29 (Colares)
Hours: daily, from June 1 to September 15
Tickets: on the website
Alberto Romano Ocean Pool
@cassia-tofano
Built next to the Cascais seawall, this pool uses 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 take a dip in the salty— and sometimes chilly— water of this part of Greater Lisbon.
This is one of the largest ocean pools, measuring 50 meters in length. Admission is free; you just need to arrive early to secure a spot.
It also features a terrace with bar and restaurant service.
Address: Avenida Marginal 1 (Cascais)
Hours: whenever sea conditions permit
Tickets: free
Map of ocean pools in Lisbon and the surrounding area, and a list for your phone!
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