When the heat arrives in Valencia, the city’s beaches are always a good option, but they are not the only one. Less than two hours from the city, you can find natural swimming pools, river pools, inland lakes and designated bathing areas where you can cool off in the middle of nature and plan a different kind of summer day trip.
This guide brings together some of the most interesting natural pools in the Valencian Community to visit from Valencia, with a practical approach for international travellers: what each place is like, who it is best for, what you should check before going and how to organise the trip if you are staying in the city.
Before you go: many natural bathing areas in the Region of Valencia regulate access in high season, apply maintenance fees or limit capacity to protect the environment. Always check the official local information, water conditions, weather forecast and possible restrictions before travelling.
Go directly to:
Natural pools near Valencia: quick comparison
Most of these natural swimming spots are located inland, especially in areas such as La Canal de Navarrés, La Costera, La Vall d’Albaida and Los Serranos. For that reason, the easiest option is usually to go by car and set aside at least half a day, although some places are worth a full-day trip.
| Place | Area | Best for | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Playamonte Lake | Navarrés | Families, easy bathing, a relaxed day out | An inland beach-style lake with services in season. Check capacity, lifeguard service and local rules before going. |
| River Sellent | Bolbaite | River swimming, picnic areas, inland scenery | The recreational area is regulated by the local council. Check fees, controlled season and rules of use. |
| Gorgo de la Escalera | Anna | Natural pools, waterfall and a scenic canyon | Access is via stairs. It is not the easiest option with pushchairs or reduced mobility. |
| Pou Clar | Ontinyent | Cold clear water, rocky scenery, natural bathing | In summer, access is usually regulated and booking may be required. Check the official local information. |
| Charcos de Quesa | Quesa | Soft hiking, several pools, a wilder natural setting | The pools are located outside the village. Bring suitable footwear and check access conditions. |
| Sot de Chera and Bugarra | Los Serranos | Nature routes, inland villages and river landscapes | Some river areas have been affected by heavy rain and flooding in recent years. Confirm the current status before planning a swim. |
Playamonte is usually one of the most comfortable options thanks to its inland beach format, rest areas and family-friendly atmosphere.
Charcos de Quesa, Bolbaite and Anna work well if you want a more natural day trip with inland landscapes and fresh water.
Pou Clar and other regulated areas require you to check booking, access times and rules before leaving Valencia.
The best natural pools in the Valencian Community for a day trip from Valencia
Playamonte Lake, Navarrés
Playamonte Lake, in Navarrés, is one of the most convenient options if you are looking for an inland bathing area with a family-friendly feel. Its main attraction is that it combines the appearance of a small continental beach with a natural setting surrounded by pine trees, making it a very complete plan for a day away from Valencia.
It is especially interesting for travellers with children or anyone who prefers an easier bathing area rather than a rocky river pool. Playamonte is described by local tourism sources as a natural water lake with fine sand and a continental beach character. You can check practical information on La Canal tourism website.
Practical tip: if you visit in summer, check the latest local information from Navarrés before travelling to confirm bathing season, active services, parking and possible access restrictions.
River Sellent, Bolbaite
The River Sellent, also known in this area as the River Bolbaite, creates one of the best-known inland swimming spots in the province of Valencia. Its fresh water, small waterfalls and limestone scenery make it a popular place to escape the heat in summer.
The river area is a designated bathing space and can become busy in the warmer months. It is also subject to local regulation, so before visiting it is worth checking the Bolbaite municipal river regulations, as well as fees, access rules and the controlled season. It is a good day trip, but it should not be treated like an ordinary beach: this is a natural environment that requires care, respect and responsible use.
Gorgo de la Escalera, Anna
Gorgo de la Escalera is one of the most recognisable natural spots in Anna. Access is via a staircase that leads down into a small natural canyon shaped by water, where cold pools and a waterfall create a refreshing atmosphere even on hot days.
It is a very scenic experience and quite different from other inland swimming areas, although it is not the easiest option if you are travelling with a pushchair, a lot of bags or anyone with reduced mobility. To plan your visit, you can check the official tourism information for Gorgo de la Escalera in Anna.
Pou Clar, Ontinyent
Pou Clar, in Ontinyent, is one of the most striking natural pools in inland Valencia. The River Clariano rises here, and the landscape combines transparent pools, rock formations and vegetation. It is a beautiful place to swim, but also one of the most sensitive due to visitor pressure in summer.
For that reason, access is usually regulated in high season. Tourism information for the area indicates that no reservation is generally needed between September and June, while in July and August prior booking through the local reservation system is mandatory. Before travelling, check the official information for Serra de l’Ombria – Pou Clar.
Important: do not improvise a visit to Pou Clar in the middle of summer. Check booking requirements, access times, permitted entry points and environmental rules before driving from Valencia.
Charcos de Quesa
Charcos de Quesa is one of the most complete sets of natural pools in La Canal de Navarrés. Located a few kilometres from the village, the pools have been carved by water in the bed of the RÃo Grande and form a refreshing landscape surrounded by mountains and vegetation.
This is a good choice if you want to combine bathing, nature and a short inland route. The official tourism website describes Charcos de Quesa as a collection of natural pools in a mountain landscape, ideal for getting away from the everyday. You can find more information on the official page for Los Charcos de Quesa.
Sot de Chera and Bugarra: two areas to check before visiting
Sot de Chera and Bugarra have traditionally been popular day trips for travellers looking for rivers, natural pools and inland scenery near Valencia. However, in this case it is important to be especially cautious: some river areas in Los Serranos have been affected by heavy rain and flooding in recent years.
In Sot de Chera, the River Sot and the Chera-Sot de Chera Natural Park remain interesting options for routes and inland tourism, but before planning a swim you should check the current condition of the river, paths and access points. You can consult the official routes in Chera-Sot de Chera Natural Park and the local information about the River Sot.
In the case of Bugarra, the Turia river beach has long been appreciated as a natural retreat, but it should not be presented as a fully operational bathing area without checking its current condition. If you want to include it in your route, confirm the latest situation with local or municipal sources and consider nearby alternatives if the area is not prepared for bathing.
Editorial recommendation: if you are travelling in summer 2026 or later, always check the updated status of Sot de Chera and Bugarra before going. Natural river areas can change after storms, and local councils may modify access, permitted uses or safety recommendations.
Tips for visiting natural pools with children or as a couple
Natural pools are a refreshing alternative to the beach, but they require more planning. Not all of them have lifeguards, shade, toilets, cafés or easy access. Before setting off, it is better to prepare the outing as a nature trip rather than a city plan.
What to bring
- Water shoes or trainers with good grip.
- Enough drinking water and light food if there are no services nearby.
- Sun protection, a cap and mosquito repellent.
- A bag to take all your rubbish away.
- A light towel and dry clothes for the return journey.
What to avoid
- Jumping from rocks if it is not allowed or you do not know the depth.
- Bringing glass, alcohol or loud music into natural areas.
- Leaving marked paths or entering closed areas.
- Leaving rubbish or food waste behind.
- Going without checking capacity, booking rules or the weather forecast.
If you are travelling with children, prioritise places with easy access, space to rest and basic services. In that sense, Playamonte may be more comfortable than rocky pools or small canyons with stairs. If you are looking for a more adventurous plan, Anna, Bolbaite or Quesa may be better options, provided the group is used to walking on natural terrain.
How to plan a natural pool day trip from Valencia
The easiest way to visit these natural pools is to leave Valencia early, take everything you need for several hours outdoors and leave enough time to have lunch in a nearby village or surrounding area. You can also combine the swim with a short walk, a visit to the old town or a local food stop inland.
If you are staying at HQ Rooms, this type of day trip fits very well with a stay in spacious, well-connected apartments. Valencia allows you to enjoy the historic centre, the beach and the city’s cultural life, while also using it as a base to discover villages, rivers and inland natural landscapes.
If you are travelling with family or friends, you may also want to check the apartments in Valencia by HQ Rooms and the available services, especially if you need private parking, transfers or car rental to move around more freely during your stay.
And if you are preparing more ideas for your trip, you can also read our guide to Valencia with children in summer or explore more inspiration in the plans and activities section of the HQ Rooms blog.
Want to combine Valencia city with inland nature day trips?
At HQ Rooms, you will find complete apartments in Valencia for couples, families and groups, with the comfort of staying near the city centre and organising day trips at your own pace.
Frequently asked questions about natural pools near Valencia
What are the best natural pools near Valencia?
Some of the most recommended options are Playamonte Lake in Navarrés, the River Sellent in Bolbaite, Gorgo de la Escalera in Anna, Pou Clar in Ontinyent and Charcos de Quesa.
Do you need to book to visit natural pools in Valencia?
It depends on the place and the season. Some areas, such as Pou Clar in summer, usually apply booking systems or access control. Other places may have maintenance fees, opening times or limited capacity.
Which natural pool is best for families with children?
Playamonte is usually one of the most comfortable options for families because of its inland lake format and more accessible setting. Even so, you should always check services, lifeguards and local rules before going.
Can you visit these natural pools by public transport?
In some cases, there may be public transport connections to the nearest village, but the most practical option is usually to go by car. Many natural pools are outside the urban area or require additional local travel.
What should you bring to a natural pool?
It is advisable to bring water shoes, sun protection, enough drinking water, light food, a bag for rubbish, a towel and dry clothes. Avoid glass, loud music and any behaviour that may damage the environment.
Is it advisable to visit Bugarra or Sot de Chera at the moment?
They are areas of great natural interest, but you should check their current status before planning a swim, especially after recent episodes of heavy rain and damage to river environments.
- Open-air cinemas in Valencia: a summer guide for travellers - 3 de June de 2026
- Natural swimming pools in the Valencian Community near Valencia - 2 de June de 2026
- Water parks near Valencia: summer guide for families - 2 de June de 2026
