Summer is flying by, and August is already halfway over. So, to make the most of these sunny, warm days, how about a tour of the best swimming pools around Porto?
If you’re looking for refreshing options for your weekends or vacations, then you’ll love this list. We know that a little getaway is always nice, but it’s also possible to make the most of summer without going too far.
For those looking to avoid the icy waters of the northern beaches, Vila Nova de Gaia has the perfect solution this summer. Just a few minutes from Porto, three free public heated pools solve the problem of getting chills down your spine when it’s time to take a dip.
The saltwater pool at Canide Norte, heated by solar panels, features shelters to protect you from the wind and a half-hour limit on time spent in the water. Along the Douro River, the new riverfront options in Avintes and Areinho place a strong emphasis on accessibility, with priority access for seniors, people with disabilities, and children under two years of age.
With saltwater and a breathtaking view of the Atlantic, the Piscina das Marés is one of the most beautiful pools not only in Porto but in the entire country.
Located less than 20 minutes from Porto, in Leça da Palmeira, in the municipality of Matosinhos, the Piscina das Marés stands out not only for its summer charm but also for its architecture, as it was designed by the renowned architect Siza Vieira.
Classified as a National Monument, admission to the Piscina das Marés is priced as follows:
Children (ages 2–13): €7.50 Monday through Friday; €8 on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays;
Adults and teens (13+): €11 Monday through Friday; €13 on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
The prices listed above are for a full day of admission . However , different rates apply for half-day visits.
The Quinta da Conceição Pool is another incredible spot worth visiting in the municipality of Matosinhos.
Located in Leça da Palmeira, this pool was also designed by architect Siza Vieira, a Pritzker Prize winner .
For those who prefer quieter spots, this is a great option. Plus, the surrounding gardens make the setting even more relaxing, making this one of the coolest swimming pools near Porto.
Children: €6 Monday through Friday; €7 on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays;
Adults and teens: €9 Monday through Friday; €11 on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
The prices listed above are for a full day of admission . However , different rates apply for half-day visits.
For those who’d rather skip the sand, swimming pools are truly an excellent option. In Greater Porto, another option to consider is the Granja Municipal Pool, which is located in the municipality of Vila Nova de Gaia.
Located across from Praia da Granja, this municipal complex features a semi-covered pool and an outdoor pool , which reopened to the public in June following renovation work.
Located at the Quinta da Gruta Municipal Pool Complex in the municipality of Maia, this is one of the most famous outdoor pools in the Porto Metropolitan Area.
The Quinta da Gruta Pools feature a wading pool for babies, a children’s area, and an adult area, as well as several green spaces.
The site also features a restaurant and a café, as well as two tennis courts for those who can’t go without a little exercise.
The Quinta da Gruta swimming pools will be open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online or at the Gueifães Municipal Swimming Pool Complex (tickets are not sold in person at Quinta da Gruta).
Another pool worth checking out in the Porto district is, without a doubt, Piscina Verde. Located about 30 minutes from Porto, in the Parque Urbano da Cidade de Paredes, this is a spot where you can spend a wonderful summer afternoon.
Opened in 2021, this pool is set in a beautiful green setting, featuring a bar, expansive lawns, changing rooms, a children’s pool, and lounge chairs. In total, it can accommodate 400 people.
Located just a few minutes from Porto, the Quinta do Passal Pool in Valongo offers plenty of space for leisure and swimming.
The complex includes two pools (one for children), grassy areas, a café, changing rooms, as well as lounge chairs and lifeguards. With a capacity for about 450 people and affordable prices, it’s one of the newest summer hotspots in Greater Porto.
