Rascafría natural pools emerge as popular summer escape from Madrid heat

As Madrid experiences record-breaking summer heat, residents are increasingly turning to natural swimming spots in the nearby mountains to escape high temperatures and crowded southern beaches.

One of the most popular destinations is Las Presillas in Rascafría, located in the Lozoya Valley within the Sierra de Guadarrama. This area features three consecutive natural pools formed by small dams on the Lozoya River. Due to the high altitude of 1,200 meters and mountain snowmelt, the water remains between 14 and 18 degrees Celsius even in August.

Other notable natural swimming areas within a 90-minute drive of the capital include Playa de la Virgen de la Nueva in the San Juan reservoir and Las Berceas in Cercedilla. The rise in proximity tourism has led to weekend occupancy rates near 95% in the Rascafría area.