The 5 Best Indoor Swimming Pools in Barcelona
Whether you are a professional swimmer looking to maintain a high level of fitness or simply someone who enjoys an occasional dip, the cold winter weather does not have to stop you. We all love diving into the warm waters of the Mediterranean and enjoying the city’s outdoor swimming pools when the summer months arrive, but Barcelona has a great selection of indoor pools so you can enjoy the water even in winter.
Swimming is an activity suitable for all ages and fitness levels, as it works every muscle in the body without putting too much pressure on the joints. There are countless indoor swimming pools in Barcelona to choose from, and they can even be a great option in summer if you want to avoid the crowds that head to the seafront to swim. Here are our favourite indoor pools in the city:
1. Piscines Bernat Picornell
The Bernat Picornell swimming pools are located on Montjuïc, close to the Olympic Park and the Palau Sant Jordi, and are Barcelona’s second Olympic swimming complex. They hosted several aquatic events during the 1992 Summer Olympic Games, but do not worry if you are not an Olympic level swimmer, as the facilities are open to the general public all year round.
Piscines Bernat Picornell also offers a wide range of aquatic fitness activities, as well as weekly lessons if you would like to learn how to swim or improve your technique. Adult prices range between €12 and €14 for a day pass, which includes access to the pools, the fitness room, saunas, whirlpool baths and steam rooms. If you are planning to visit regularly, why not consider investing in a season pass for just €46? There are also excellent discounts available for children, young people and senior citizens.
Location: Avinguda de l’Estadi, 30–38, 08038
2. Piscina Sant Jordi
Located in Eixample, Piscina Sant Jordi features a fantastic 50 metre Olympic size pool where you can swim comfortably. They offer very reasonable entry prices, starting from just €7.95 for those over 16, and around €3.79 for seniors over 65 and children under 15.
In addition to open swimming sessions, they also offer swimming lessons for all ages and skill levels, whether you want to build confidence in the water or take your technique to the next level. They also provide excellent short term memberships starting from €39.50.
Location: Carrer de París, 114, 08029
3. Club Natació Catalunya
With three indoor pools of different sizes, the Club Natació Catalunya is another excellent indoor swimming option for all ages and skill levels. Located right next to Parc Güell, the club features a 25 x 16 metre pool with a depth of 2 metres, as well as a 16 x 6 metre pool with a depth of 1.2 metres, both available for members to swim freely or take part in the swimming courses offered by the club. There is also a baby pool measuring 6 x 4 metres, with a designated changing area for children.
If you are happy to swim outdoors, the club also has an outdoor pool which is covered with thermal blankets and heated, allowing you to exercise comfortably during the colder winter months. For non members, entry costs €14.75 for adults and €9.40 for children and seniors. If you visit with a companion or in groups of two or more, you will receive a discount. Membership prices start at €41.90 for children up to 17 years old and €60.40 for adults.
Location: Carretera del Carmel, 5, 08024
4. DiR Gràcia
This excellent gym in Gràcia offers not only a wide variety of activities and classes, but also two indoor pools measuring 20 x 8 metres for members to enjoy. If you are someone who also enjoys going to the gym, why not combine gym and swimming by becoming a member at DiR?
In addition to free swimming, they also offer aquagym, pilates and other water based classes. A wide range of membership options is available depending on your access times and the services you wish to use. Visit their website for more information on the option that best suits you.
Location: Gran de Gràcia, 37, 08012
5. CEM Júpiter
Located a little further from Barcelona city centre, CEM Júpiter in Sant Martí features two indoor pools: a medium sized Olympic pool measuring 25 x 14 metres with 8 lanes, and a smaller 14 x 6 metre pool used for aquatic exercise classes, which even includes a hydromassage function.
They offer a range of water sports and small group classes to help improve confidence in the water, as well as the option to swim independently, of course. Prices are around €15 for adults, and children up to 5 years old can enter free of charge when accompanied by an adult with a membership or day ticket.
Location: Carrer de l’Agricultura, 232, 08020
Barcelona offers indoor swimming pools for all profiles, from facilities designed for calm training sessions to centres more focused on leisure, families or those who prefer to combine swimming with other sports activities. Whether you live in the city or are just visiting, there is always a suitable option to keep enjoying the water, whatever the time of year.
If you are organising your stay in Barcelona and want to make the most of everything the city has to offer all year round, remember that choosing well located accommodation makes all the difference. Whatever the season, Barcelona remains a city to enjoy both in and out of the water.
