Summer flies by, so you have to make the most of every moment. But if the typically cold waters of the northern beaches “scare” you, don’t worry—there are three free (and heated) pools in Gaia ready to solve your problems. What does this mean? To go for a swim without getting chills down your spine, just explore the municipality of Vila Nova de Gaia, right next to Porto, where there are summer attractions that really make a difference.
From the already famous heated pool at Praia de Canide Norte , with temperatures hovering around 29°C, to new spots along the Douro River, this seems to be a trend that’s here to stay. So you don’t miss a thing and can decide which one is your favorite, we’ve put together a complete guide to the places where you can take a dip without shivering. Shall we get started? After all, there’s still so much to experience in the “beloved month of August.”
Vila Nova de Gaia has a new excuse to take a dip without getting cold. Located on the Avintes beach, next to the Douro River, the new heated pool joins the region’s summer leisure offerings.
Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis, and the facility has a maximum capacity of 45 people at a time. Priority access is guaranteed for children under two years of age , citizens over 65, and people with disabilities.
Greater Porto has gained yet another heated summer water attraction. At Areinho River Beach in Vila Nova de Gaia, there’s a new pool with a maximum depth of one meter, built to universal accessibility standards, giving priority to seniors, people with limited mobility, and children under two years of age.
The facility can accommodate up to 80 swimmers at a time and sets a 30-minute time limit per user.
Forget about shivering when you step into the icy waters of the northern coast. Just a few minutes’ drive from Porto, Canide Norte Beach has a saltwater pool heated by solar panels, where the temperature reaches 29 degrees.
Designed with support shelters and windbreaks, the pool has a maximum depth of one meter. Since the area is quite popular, capacity is limited to 50 swimmers at a time, and the maximum time allowed in the water is 30 minutes.
Before you enter, you must take a shower to wash off the sand from the beach. Also, remember that children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
