Right on the seafront, there are three pools to choose from: one for kids, one heated and one filled with seawater, the last pumped full of clean water from further out to sea. And Helsinki’s Allas Sea Pools are the ideal experience for those looking to dip their toe for the first time. Allas Sea Pools, Helsinki, Finlandįew countries “get” outdoor swimming as much as Finland. The pools are reached via a vertiginous path down into the gorge from the village of Vikos. While they can run dry in late summer, they’re perfect as the trees come to life in spring, the native bird life chorusing throughout the day. These spring-fed pools on the Voidomatis River, deep in the Vikos Gorge in the Pindus Mountains of the Zagoria region of northern Greece, are a swimmer’s paradise. Surrounded by pines and elm trees and home to red squirrels, this deep lake is perfect for those looking for a quick nature fix without having to spend hours on the road. Its breezy access, winding sandy paths and myriad access points into the cool green water make it hard to beat. Schlachtensee, Berlin, GermanyĪ short ride on the S-Bahn from central Berlin, Schlachtensee is one of dozens of lakes close to the German capital. The ideal way to cool off after a steamy hike, made all the better by the cacophony of birdsong. The plunge pools here are wide and cool, with easy access from sloping beaches. And Bajos del Toro’s El Silencio Lodge has miles of stunning, verdant trails, with access to some truly incredible waterfalls. Bajos del Toro Cloud Forest, Costa RicaĬosta Rica’s cloud forests are some of the most pristine habitats on the planet. It’s all the better after spending an hour in the spa and traditional sauna. The result is the perfect place to take a plunge after a day exploring the famous ruins nearby. This swanky joint has opted for an icy swimming pond instead, using cold, filtered water. Hotel pools tend to be neat, heated and chlorinated. Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, Peru Arrive at first light to avoid the crowds. The water here is clear and can be fast-moving, so it pays to stay close to shore and not to swim beneath the aqueduct itself. The first-century arches look even more spectacular from the water, which is accessible from rocky beaches on either side of the bridge. Pont du Gard, FranceĬrossing the Gardon River in the heart of Provence, Pont du Gard is one of Europe’s finest Roman constructions. Handy parking and a trail around the banks make this a popular spot. In the heart of the beautiful Rothiemurchus Forest and loomed over by the hulking mass of the Cairngorms mountain range, Loch An Eilein makes for dreamy summer swimming.Ī tiny beach on its northern shore makes it easy to slip into the peaty water, while the ruins of a 14th-century castle on a small island, now home to jackdaws and ravens, are ripe for exploration by adventurous swimmers. Swim out across Hell Bay’s swaying kelp forests and keep an eye out for starfish. Its waters, though icy all year round, are teeming with marine life. Its location on the Gulf Stream means that its white sand and tropical-looking flowers make it feel a world away from the smudgy grayness usually associated with the UK.
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