Thermometers have soared in recent days, with several districts in mainland Portugal on red alert due to the heatwave being felt from north to south. But how about counteracting the high temperatures with a dip in the pools of Praia de Samil?
Located about 150 km from the city of Porto, a drive of approximately 1h40, this is a freespot to take into account to face the heat, as well as to relax in the middle of summer. Located right on the seafront, the pools have salt water.
In operation since the end of May, the Samil pools opened to the public after a recent intervention, which included cleaning graffiti, renewing the motors and changing the filters. But what’s so special about these pools?
Samil Beach swimming pools: “Unique in Europe”
Quoted by the Galicia Press website, the mayor of Vigo, Abel Caballero, pointed out that Samil “is the only beach in Europe with free swimming pools available to the public”. In all, there are four spots available to holidaymakers.
According to Ekonomista, the pools are distributed along the seafront promenade, providing an alternative for children and adults to escape Samil’s busiest waves. In addition, the surrounding area includes other attractions such as:
- Basketball court
- Restaurants
- Cafés
- Green areas
- Outdoor showers
- Free parking, etc.
Pool opening hours
The swimming pools at Praia de Samil are open to the public every day from noon to 9pm until the end of September (the 30th). It’s worth remembering that this complex is accessible free of charge.
Vigo’s longest beach
With a length of over 1km and a fine golden sand, Samil Beach is the largest in the city of Vigo and one of the ex-libris of the province of Pontevedra in Galicia.
It stands out for the perfect combination of natural beauty and modern amenities, as well as the breathtaking view of the Cíes Islands, one of the greatest wonders of the Iberian Peninsula.
How to get there from Porto
Access to the pools at Praia de Vigo is relatively simple, so there are several transportation options.
By car
The quickest and most efficient way to reach your destination, without any major detours. To do this, leave Porto and take the A3 towards Valença.
After crossing the border, continue on the AP-9 towards Vigo. Once you reach the Galician city, there will be no shortage of signs for Samil.
By bus
We advise you to check the timetables of the low-cost Flixbus, as there are several options available to you at low prices.
By train
Another alternative is to travel by train, as there are connections between Porto-Campanhã and Vigo (Guixar). From there, simply take a city bus and/or opt for a cab.
With four saltwater pools facing the sea, the Praia de Samil complex is a must-see if you’re looking to escape the heat and travel without spending a lot of money!
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