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Where to Swim in Lisbon

*Originally published by Natalie on March 2019 and Updated by Vanessa R on August 2023 and Updated by Purity M on May 2024

Being a coastal city, there are always ample places to swim when in Lisbon — both inland and along the shore.

Lisbon is a city that draws in roughly double the amount of tourism in the summer as it does in the winter. That’s twice the amount of people who expect to find somewhere suitable to swim upon arrival.

We forget that swimming is not always only recreational — some people do it for their health as well, including tourists!

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Praia da Torre – by Bosc d’Anjou –

The Lisbon city parks usually feature an expansive lake area however these are usually not open for public swimming. During the hot summer sometimes all you need is somewhere to go to cool down after touring outdoors.

While the beach is always preferable, the beaches in Lisbon sometimes feel slightly too far away for a spontaneous swimming mission.

All along the Tagus River on the Lisbon city coastline there are open patches of land and access points that take you directly into the water. Aside from this there are a numerous other private and public swimming facilities around the city for your enjoyment.

Here is where to find them…

Hotel Pools in Lisbon

If you’re looking to book your visit to Lisbon in the summer I highly recommend booking a hotel that has swimming facilities.

For the most part, even the hostels in Lisbon make a point of giving guests access to some sort of rooftop pool or indoor baths. The summer simply gets too hot not to.

Sunset Destination Hostel is an award winning affordable accommodation on the shore of the Tagus. The hostel has a rooftop pool that overlooks the river; you can literally move from one to the other throughout the day.

Altis Belem Hotel and Spa – by Altis Belem Hotel and Spa –

Back toward the heart of Lisbon is another wonderful rooftop pool at the Jupiter Lisboa Hotel. In addition to the gorgeous pool deck overlooking the city, the hotel also has an indoor pool and children’s pool for visitors to use.

If you really want to take things up a notch, however, you’ll need to head to the Altis Belem Hotel and Spa right on the shore of the Tagus in southern Lisbon. The hotel offers Turkish Baths for guests to enjoy — I’ll leave it at that!

If you’re headed to Belem for these baths make time to enjoy a free guided walking tour of the neighborhood; it’s one of the liveliest in Lisbon.

Public Pools in Lisbon

Of course booking a hotel with a fancy pool is not always possible. Thankfully, Lisbon also has an abundance of public swimming pools that can be accessed throughout the day by both tourists and locals.

Not far from Algés is the Jamor Sports Complex. By paying a set entry fee you’ll have access to all of the sporting facilities for the day, including their impressive pools. You’ll also be able to take part in water-based aerobics classes, or send your children for fun lessons with one of the instructors.

Public Pools – by Richard R Schünemann –

This pool can break the bank, especially if you want to go frequently. Entrance is €37 per person.

If you’re in the mood for something cheaper, head over to the Lisbon National Club Of Swimming, one of the oldest swimming facilities in the city. Entrance is only €5 and the pool stays open until 10pm.

Beaches in Lisbon

If you don’t mind taking a bit of a journey just to have a swim, then the beaches of Lisbon are somewhat of an escapist haven!

To the far west of the city you’ll come to the Oeiras-Estoril-Cascais, the beach towns of Lisbon. Praia da Conceição is the main beach of the Cascais area and boasts beautiful, calm waters to spend some time in.

Praia da Conceição – by Vitor Oliveira –

A few minutes walk away is Praia da Torre beach; less built up than the first with equally as turquoise waters and slightly whiter sand.

The historic town of Cascais is one every traveler to Lisbon needs to explore at some point. You’ll get here by taking the train from Lisbon city center.

Sportágua Water Amusement Park in Lisbon

Av. Monsenhor Bastos, 2520-206 Peniche

Depending on how seriously you take your swimming, you might consider day tripping out to the best waterpark in Portugal. The Sportágua park is about an hour north of the city center.

When you arrive you’ll be greeted by a range of pools and slides that are fun for the whole family. The park also features ample grass space where you can enjoy a picnic lunch.

Sportágua – by Sportágua –

The waterpark is built on the edge of an actual park which sits on the edge of the ocean gulf. The Cova da Alfarroba beach is a short walk from the park. Some visitors turn the day trip into an overnight trip, since camping on the waterpark’s surrounding park is allowed.

Entrance into the waterpark is €12.50 for adults and €9.50 for kids. Children under four enter for free.

Gyms in Lisbon

If your hotel sucks, public facilities make your skin crawl and you happen to genuinely dislike the beach; you can always join a gym.

The gyms in Lisbon usually have olympic size and quality swimming pools, either indoors or outdoors, for members to use. Especially within the city center, there is a gym on every corner.

Gym Swim – by chrissie kremer –

If you aren’t going to be in Lisbon long enough for a full gym membership to be worth it, fear not. Most Lisbon gyms have a day access option where you pay per day or hour to make use of the facilities. These are great, since you’ll have access to the pools as well as the aerobics and hydro-bike sessions that come with them.

We go to Portugal to eat, to drink, to laugh and to swim — in that order.

Exploring one of the many swimming facilities of Lisbon is a beautiful way to connect with locals, see new neighborhoods and cool off under the European sun — ready?

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Best Rooftop Pools in Lisbon

1. Jupiter Lisboa Hotel

This wonderful rooftop pool is part of the modern and chic Jupiter Lisbon Hotel. Also, there is a rooftop bar on the elegant 8th-floor terrace in addition to the rooftop pool. This is undoubtedly one of Lisbon’s finest locations, featuring amazing and expansive 360-degree views of the city.

The rooftop swimming pool and comfortable sun loungers are only available to hotel guests, but the rooftop bar is open to the general public every day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. As a guest, you can relax in the larger rooftop pool or the smaller plunge pool while enjoying the waterfall.

2. Verride Palácio Santa Catarina

, , via Wikimedia Commons

The luxurious hotel Verride Palácio Santa Catarina is located in the centre of Lisbon and is housed in a stunningly restored 18th-century historic palace. Daily lunch and dinner are served to everybody at the posh SUBA rooftop restaurant, while hotel guests can take advantage of the more upscale rooftop bar and rooftop pool.

The cool, elevated pool at Verride Palácio Santa Catarina is by no means the biggest rooftop pool in Lisbon, but it is still a great place to spend some lazy afternoons in the sun. It is surrounded by plush red daybeds and offers stunning views of the Tagus River and city rooftops. The hotel’s custom breakfast is also available each morning by the pool.

3. Memmo Alfama

Memmo Alfama is a sizable and gorgeous design hotel with 42 rooms that offers one of Alfama’s best water views. The modern, first-floor terrace has lounge seats and is the ideal place to enjoy views of the River Tejo while dining from the wine bar. The patio, however, also features a wonderful rooftop pool.

It may not be the highest or largest rooftop pool in the city, but it does have one particular and fantastic feature: red colour. It is both attractive and revitalising, blending seamlessly with the red roof tiles of the neighbourhood.

4. NH Collection Lisboa Liberdade

The NH Collection Lisboa Liberdade offers accommodations in the city’s centre. When drinking a drink at the bar Tico by NH, you can take in the rooftop area’s panoramic views of the river, So Jorge’s Castle, and the old district of Lisbon.

Swim in the seasonally open rooftop pool, or even better, do both. It’s definitely a swim with a view when you’re eleven floors high. This rooftop makes it simple to feel at home because it is enveloped in green artificial turf and comfortable sun loungers.

5. Altis Belém Hotel & Spa

, , via Wikimedia Commons

The luxurious and beautiful Altis Belém Hotel & Spa, which boasts a modest but very fashionable swimming pool on the rooftop, is located on the banks of the Tagus River. The excellent view of the river flow, the 25 de Abril Bridge, and the spa’s basic architecture are what give it its uniqueness.

Although the interior spa with its sauna and Turkish bath is excellent, being out on the terrace in the fresh air is something special.

5 Indoor Pools in Lisbon

While Lisbon boasts stunning beaches, sometimes you crave a refreshing dip indoors. Luckily, the city offers a variety of hotels and facilities with indoor pools catering to different needs and budgets. Whether you’re seeking a serene spa retreat, a refreshing swim, or family-friendly fun, there’s something for everyone. Here are 5!

1. Holmes Place

Positioned as a top-tier health club, Holmes Place offers not only an elegant indoor pool but also state-of-the-art fitness facilities and spa services. The pool area exudes sophistication with its modern design and tranquil ambiance. Members can enjoy swimming laps or unwinding on the poolside loungers. While membership fees may be higher, Holmes Place provides exceptional value for those prioritizing premium wellness experiences.

Address: Avenida da Liberdade 38 Lisbon 1250-145

phone: +351 21 351 1300

2. The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel

Nestled within the prestigious Four Seasons Hotel, The Spa offers a luxurious escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. The heated, 18-metre indoor pool, adorned with marble accents, emanates opulence and tranquility. Guests can indulge in a variety of rejuvenating treatments or simply relax in the serene oasis of the pool area. While prices reflect the hotel’s luxury status, The Spa delivers an unparalleled experience of indulgence and relaxation.

address; Rua Rodrigo da Fonseca 88 Lisbon 1900-123 

phone: +351 21 381 1400

3. EPIC SANA Lisboa Hotel

Situated in the upscale Amoreiras neighborhood, EPIC SANA Lisboa Hotel features a luxurious indoor pool with panoramic city views. The pool area exudes contemporary elegance, providing a chic urban escape for guests.

Visitors can take a dip in the inviting waters or unwind in the sauna and steam room. The hotel offers a range of amenities including fitness classes and spa treatments. While prices reflect the hotel’s upscale status, EPIC SANA Lisboa Hotel provides an exceptional experience for those seeking modern luxury.

Address: Av. Engenheiro Duarte Pacheco 15 Lisbon 1070-100

phone: +351 21 246 8688

4. Lisboa Pessoa Hotel

Inspired by the life of Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa, Lisboa Pessoa Hotel offers a unique blend of culture and comfort. The indoor pool reflects this artistic heritage with its creative design and inviting atmosphere. Guests can swim beneath twinkling lights or relax in the adjacent Jacuzzi. The hotel also caters to families with kid-friendly facilities and activities. While rates may vary, Lisboa Pessoa Hotel provides a memorable stay for those seeking a one-of-a-kind experience.

address; Rua da Oliveira ao Carmo 8 Lisbon 1200-309

phone; +351 21 389 4335

5. Piscina da Penha de França

 Serving as a budget-friendly option, Piscina da Penha de França is a public indoor pool facility that offers affordable leisure and sports activities. The pool provides a refreshing retreat for swimmers of all ages, with designated areas for both leisurely swims and exercise. Visitors can enjoy amenities such as changing rooms, showers, and a café. With its affordable entry fees and welcoming atmosphere, Piscina da Penha de França is a popular choice among local residents and tourists alike.

address: Calçada Poço Dos Mouros 2 Graça, 1170 Lisbon 1170-317

phone: +351 21 045 5083