Some of these swimming pools only open in Summer—if you’re looking to take a dip in Autumn, Winter or Spring, check out “Madrid’s top pools open year-round and much more“.
One of my very best memories as a child is swimming in Madrid’s summer pools. Growing up in the city, we used to go to one of the pools close to my home near Retiro almost every day in summer. There, we would spend the day swimming, running and eating at the cafetería. A few years later, the story repeated itself but this time with my friends. We got together and talked and enjoyed the summer heat and calmness as if there was no tomorrow.
I’m writing this article today because summer is here, the pools are open and I want to relax and enjoy my day off. On this list, you’ll read about 4 public swimming pools in the centre of Madrid that you will most certainly find me in this summer. To be honest, I’m not really sure they are the best of the city, but I can guarantee you that all of them will make you forget that Madrid doesn’t have the sea…
*at the end of this post you’ll find a link to all of Madrid’s municipal pools, prices and info. And if you’re looking for natural swimming pools outside the city, check out our post on “Madrid’s Best Natural Swimming Pools” which are located in nearby mountain towns.
Summer pool by UCM
1. Complutense University of Madrid (La complu!)
Awesome student atmosphere and CHEAP bar food!!! It’s a party.
Schedule: 11h to 20h (11am to 8pm)
What you need to know:
- Address: Avenida Obispo Trejo, s/n – 28040 Madrid (Map)
- Neighbourhood: Ciudad Universitaria/Moncloa
- Telephone: 913 941 174
How to get there:
- Metro: Ciudad Universitaria
- Bus: 46
How much is it?
- Complutense members: 4,50€
- University students (Different than Complutense): 6,50€
- Plus ones: 8€
*Note: You or someone you are with must bring a student ID to get in. If you are a Complutense student you also get a discount.
Casa de Campo by ABC
2. Centro Deportivo Municipal Casa de Campo
One of Madrid’s most popular public pools by far. There is a fun ambience here but you’ll have to wait on a line. It gets crowded.
Schedule: 11h to 21h
What you need to know:
- Address: Paseo Puerta del Angel, 7 28011 MADRID (Map)
- Neighborhood: Casa de Campo/Moncloa-Aravaca
- Telephone: 914 630 050 / 914 649 889
How to get there:
- Metro: El Lago, Puerta del Ángel
- Bus: 31, 33, 36, 39, 65, 138
3. Centro Deportivo Municipal Francos Rodríguez
Great quality swimming pool and plenty of grass area to lay down on, situated in a residential neighbourhood yet close to the University, so you’ll find a mix of both families and younger people.
Schedule: 11h – 21h
What you need to know:
- Dirección: Calle Numancia, 11 (Map)
- Neighborhood: Ciudad Universitaria/ Moncloa-Aravaca
- Teléfono: 914 599 871
How to get there:
- Metro: Francos Rodríguez
- Bus: 44, 64, 126, 127, 128, 132
Peñuelas by Rosalia Martinez
4. Centro Deportivo Municipal Peñuelas
Lay out on the sun, take a dip and grab a picnic table with your friends for lunch!
Schedule: 11h – 21h
What you need to know:
- Dirección: Calle Arganda, 25 (Map)
- Neighborhood: Acacias/Arganzuela
- Telephone: 914 732 491
How to get there:
- Metro: Acacias, Embajadores, Pirámides
- Bus: 18, 36, 62
- Renfe (Cercanias): Pirámides
What do I need to bring?
- There are showers so bring flip flops
- Although some have lockers, most people just leave their stuff on their towels and don’t bring anything valuable
- Bring snacks or a few euros to get a bite or dink at the cafeteria
- Lots of suntan lotion, you don’t want to be that foreigner who gets burnt….
How much is it?
- Single tickets: Adults week-day 5€ (weekends 6€)
- 10 ticket pack: 42,95€
- Summer-long ticket 126,15€
*Except Complutense. See above.
Full list of public summer swimming pools in Madrid: Listado completo de piscinas municipales
Check out Madrid’s Best Natural Swimming Pools!
Dando tumbos xMadrid
My favorite is the Complu swimming pool :-). The menu is cheap and very good! I really like this post!
Dando tumbos xMadrid
My favorite is the Complu swimming pool :-). The menu is cheap and very good! I really like this post!
James Leahu
Thank you!! And yes, “La Complu” is definitely the best one..
Sherita Lief & Leed Spanje
Thanks!
Sherita Lief & Leed Spanje
Thanks!
James Leahu
Thank You!
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Christine
Can you tell us, out of all the pools in Madrid, which is the least crowded? These look like they have way too many people to be enjoyable…
James Leahu
Yeah, in Madrid it’s almost impossible to find a public swimming pool to be empty. It depends on what time you go, but pretty much all of these pools will have a lot of people. The one in Francos Rodríguez isn’t usually too full. If you go in the morning during the week, there are much less people. In any case, we’re going to look for some pools that are less crowded and write another post soon. We’ve heard about one in Boadilla del Monte that is apparently really nice and never too full. Once we go, if it’s right, we’ll write about it here 🙂
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