Originally published in Metropolitan
Slip away from the city's heat and crowded beaches and head into the Catalan countryside for a refreshing dip in these three gorgeous, remote swimming holes.
As the summer heat rages on, anyone who hasn’t yet left town is either dreaming about cooler climates or taking a cold shower. If it’s the latter, you can get your blast of icy exhilaration against a backdrop of natural beauty in secret swimming holes dotted across the region. Escape the summer heat and head into the hills to refresh and revitalize.
One of seven waterfalls in Torrent de la Cabana
1. 7 GORGS, Torrent de la Cabana
Situated in the foothills of the Pyrenees, north-west of Ripoll, Torrent de la Cabana and the 7 Gorgs (seven waterfalls) are a wonderful setting for a peaceful summer afternoon. Due to their close proximity to the mountains, the waterfalls almost never dry up, making the 7 Gorgs a paradise year-round. To protect this beautiful natural space, there is a €5 fee and a limit of 500 visitors per day. There is a circular 10-kilometer route that encompasses lush green forest and the seven waterfalls. Hikers can cool off in the natural pools as they go, although more extreme activities, such as canyoning, are prohibited due to sustainability initiatives. You can park a few kilometers away from the pools at la Font del Querol or park for free at the RENFE station, where you can begin the route on foot to the first waterfall, Gorg de la Cabana.
Where to eat: Just a 10-minute drive from Torrent de la Cabana is the town of Ripoll, where you can find a number of restaurant options. If you’re willing to travel a bit further, Olot, the capital of the volcanic region of Garrotxa, has more upscale choices. Quinta Justa Restaurant offers "volcanic cuisine" with a variety of gourmet dishes created from produce grown in the area. Try its Olot potato or duck liver in apple sauce.
2. GORGS DE LA FEBRÓ, Tarragona
Set in the heart of the Prades Mountains, located about an hour northwest of Tarragona, the centerpiece of the Gorgs de La Febró is a large, aqua-blue pool that catches the clear runoff from a waterfall—the perfect spot for a refreshing swim. Set off from the town of Arbolí or from La Febró for a leisurely one-hour walk to the swimming hole, or park your car in La Mussara for the easiest, most accessible route. All paths follow the same red and white GR markers, and once you’re closer to the water you’ll see blue and yellow signs.
Where to eat: If you make the trip to the tiny village of Siurana half an hour away, Restaurant Els Tallers is a good choice, but be sure to make a reservation beforehand. The restaurant is part of the rural hotel La Siuranella, where the staff also offer visits to the cellars and oil mills, wine tasting tours and climbing guides.
3. RIERA DE MERLÈS, Vic
Riera de Merlès, an-hour-and-a-half drive from Barcelona to the northwest of Vic, is another wild swimming hole, with layers of pools, waterfalls and rocky outcroppings to jump off. During summer people of all ages lay out on the sun-soaked rocks in between dips in the water. Shallower pools for kids can be found at La Quar, situated about two kilometers farther south in the area known as la Gola de les Heures. It’s not unusual to find newts and salamanders baking themselves on the rocks as well, while trout and catfish inhabit the waters below.