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Secret Swimming Holes & waterfalls of Catalonia

The purity and natural beauty of the rivers and waterfalls of the Catalan countryside produces some of the best natural swimming holes for a refreshing swim

Updated: Oct 27, 2024 by: Barcelona Travel Hacks Views: 2.9k

Secret Swimming Holes & waterfalls

The obvious escape from the Summer heat is to go to the beach. However, my preferred escape from the heat is to head into the mountains to find that perfect secret waterfall and swimming hole. Nothing beats a hike in the mountains frequented by dips in the fresh clear Pyrenees water against a backdrop of natural beauty from a waterfall or flowing river.



Click on a photo below to find the details to repeat my trips to these great natural beauties.

Happy Exploring!

9 Catalonia Accessible by Public transport trails

  1. The 7 waterfalls of Campdevànol: situated about 2 hours from Barcelona by Train, the seven Gorgs provide 7 diferent waterfalls and natural pools to swim in.
  2. Gorges de Núria: Are a series of waterfalls that can be found along the Ribes de Freser (Queralbs) to Nuria Hiking route where at the top you will find the Nuria resort and hotel with a large lake. This route is one stop further up the R3 train line from Campdevànol
  3. Núria to Puigmal: Follows a mountain river from the Nuria resort to the Puigmal summit.
  4. Les Planoles d'Hosteles: is a small Bus accessible town next to the Brugent River with some great waterfalls and swimming holes.
  5. Sant Quirze de Besora: hiking route with two castles and the hidden Mir Waterfall next to a ruined watermill is about 90 minutes by tain from Barcelona.
  6. La Rierada: is a river that runs through Parc Collserola (behind Barcelona) and has several natural pools and waterfalls, that are not big enough to swim in but are nice for ipping the feet.
  7. Tagamanent: summit starting from Figaró follows the Ruta dels Arbres de Vallcàrquera with some small waterfalls and pools.
  8. Valldrau: This route starts in the bus accessible town of Valldrau (famous for its Autumn Chestnut festival) and climbs up a river Valley with waterfalls to the Sant Segimon sanctuary and restaurant in parc Montseny.
  9. Campins to Santa Fe: is a bus acessible route in Montseny Natural Park that follows the River Gualba as it ascends to the lake at Santa Fe. Along this route you will find multiple waterfalls with Gorg Negre and Salt del diable being ideal for swimming.

10 Catalonia Accessible by Car trails

  1. Sadurnes: in the Parc Natural de Alta Garrotxa (Girona) passes along the Sant Aniol d'Aguja river valley with multiple waterfalls and swimming holes such as El Gomarell lake and the Gorg del Citró plus Salt del Brull waterfalls.
  2. Siurana: in the Prades mountain range (Tarragona) has a hiking route via several waterfalls, the best to swim in being Gorg de Febró.
  3. Rupit: is a vilage in the Collsacabra mountain range with the tallest waterfall in Catalonia, Salt de Salent.
  4. Tavertet: is a breathtaking hiking route under the Molí Bernat and with spectacular cliff views overlooking the Pantà de Sau Reservoir. There are small pools in the river along this route.
  5. Hostelets D'En bas: hamlet/village is the start of a hiking route along the Fluvià river with multiple waterfalls, the best to swim in being Gorga de l'Olla.
  6. Aigüestortes National Park: contains multiple routes via lakes, mountain rivers and waterfalls. This is an ideal summer getaway as well as rafting in the Noguera Pallaresa river.

4 Crossing into Aragon trails

  1. Alquézar: hiking route is via the Vero river which has multiple natural pools to swim in as well as the stunning views of the arabic town of Alquézar.
  2. Salto de Bierge: is a hiking route along the Alcandre river via multiple natural pools and waterfalls. The rute invlolves walking in the river for several kilometers and is the perfect getaway for August.
  3. Congost de Mont-rebei: is a famous river canyon with a breathtaking path cut into the canyon where you can hike the route one day then complete a kayak route through the canyon and lakes.

4 French Catalan Pyrenees and Andorra by Car

  1. Gorges de Carançà: is a spectacular river valley with walkways along the gorge valley and points to stop and dip your feet while admiring the fast flowing water.
  2. Pic de Carlit: is a challenging mountain route following rovers as the ascend towards the Carlit summit. along the way are multiple glacial lakes that you can swim in.
  3. Vall de Incles, Andorra: contains three mountain glacial lakes that ae great for swimming in as well as pituresque moutain scenery.
  4. Pic de Pessons, Andorra: hiking route from Grau Roig is a hard mountain trail around a horsehoe of summits and returning via multiple lakes that are so refreshing after the hard push of the summits.

Organised Day trips to Catalonia's Waterfalls

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