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We are now in the middle of the “dog days” of summer, the month from mid-July to mid-August when the heat is relentless, the beaches are more crowded than at any other time of year and for some people there seems to be no escaping the hassle of finding a parking space before searching for a quiet spot on the sand alongside the Mediterranean or the Mar Menor.
But if you want a really refreshing dip, it’s worth making the effort to drive in a different direction and head inland, where some of the best natural inland swimming pools are to be found!
The following is a selection of some of the more popular, but there are others if you look hard enough!
1. The river beach of Coy
The high ground of northern Lorca doesn’t appear to be the most promising of locations for a cooling swim, but this river beach in the small village of Coy has proved enormously popular and is now equipped with the same facilities you might expect at a municipal pool – there’s even a lifeguard and a rescue vehicle! The only difference is that this is genuinely natural water, and the scenery is rather more attractive!
2. The Salto del Usero in Bullas
As well as being officially named a Site of Geological Interest, the Salto del Usero is a popular destination for visitors and locals escaping the stifling heat of the summer.
Here the icy water of the River Mula emerges from the limestone rock in a series of small waterfalls and forms an aqua blue pool, making it tempting to dive straight in! However, this is not the best idea – the water is so cold that most bothers acclimatize by splashing it over their bodies before going for the full immersion experience!
3. The Estrecho de Bolvonegro
Even closer to the town of Moratalla, just 3 km away in fact, is the start of a 6-kilometre route along the Bolvonegro canyon, where various pools and waterfalls combine to make a quick dip in the cool water almost irresistible! The walking route itself is something of a natural treasure and the geological features are remarkable, and if you don’t feel like a quick dip at the start of the hike you probably will by the end!
4. Fuente Caputa in Mula
The name of this spectacular mini-lake in the municipality of Mula comes from the Latin “caput aquae", meaning headwater, and indeed there are a couple of Roman archaeological sites nearby. Small wonder the Romans were attracted to the area, which is also home to the rather more modern reservoir of La Cierva – but bathing is forbidden at La Cierva, which is not the case here!
The best way to reach Fuente Caputa is along the stream which runs into the Rambla de Perea and then the Río Mula.
5. The Río Chícamo in Abanilla
Alongside the desert-like features of the local badlands in north-eastern Murcia is this oasis of greenery which is renowned for its similarity to the biblical territory of Palestine. Alongside the River Chícamo is an abundance of palm trees and others, and the best stretches for a soak in the surprisingly salty freshwater river (due to the mineral content of the rocks) are accessible from the hamlets of El Partidor, El Tollé and La Umbria.
6. Pozas del Río Alhárabe in Moratalla
The Río Alhárabe, also known as the Río Moratalla, flows into the Segura from the north-west of Murcia, and nestling in the pine forest around a kilometre from the campsite of La Puerta is s series of beautiful natural rock pools, including Somogil. Crystal-clear fresh water, always cool, surrounded by idyllic woodland scenes… what could be better than this to cool down and escape the summer heat?
7. El Jarral in Abarán
The semi-artificial beach of El Jarral in Abarán lies on the bank of the River Segura and is especially enjoyable for children, who enjoy the water slide which has been created alongside the main course of the river. If you are less driven by the need for excitement, enjoy a walk along the rural paths along the river – if you’re looking for more adrenalin, though, look into the rafting and kayaking trips available on the river!
8. The Fuente del Gorgotón
El Gorgotón de Almadenes lies between Calasparra and Cieza, where the banks of the River Segura are at their most wooded, and at this point the crystalline water forms a natural jacuzzi close to the Almadenes canyon.
Some report that the water here is always warm, bubbling up from natural springs at a temperature of around 25ºC, but experience shows this to be some way from the case! Whatever the temperature, in a setting surrounded by rugged cliffs and natural beauty this enchanting pool draws visitors in search of peace and a refreshing swim!
9. Playa del Arenal and El Embarcadero in Blanca
This is one of the most popular beaches on the River Segura and is equipped with picnic tables and even a beach bar for your comfort. Facilities also include a local canoeing and kayaking club – make this an active day out and make sure you deserve that drink at the bar!
Images: Spain Today Online and ITREM where not credited
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