Natural Swimming Pools

Pico, being a volcanic island, is rich in natural swimming pools.

This is the island that has the most natural swimming pools of all the islands of the archipelago of the Azores.

In this regard, the island of Pico has a particularity that sets it apart from all the other islands.

Because it is the Azores’ least populous island (the second-largest, with only about 13,000 inhabitants), it has natural swimming pools throughout.

What is interesting is that because there are many natural swimming pools scattered throughout the island and a small population, it is common, even in high season, to find pools with few or no people. For those who like to sunbathe by the sea in tranquility is excellent.

Another very interesting aspect is that the vast majority of natural swimming pools offer support services, such as free showers.

In addition, we often find barbecue picnic areas next to these bathing areas.

And the amazing thing is that you only need to get the food because even wood is offered.

On the other hand, you should know that most of these pools do not have a lifeguard, so you should pay attention to children and all those who do not swim well.

The best natural swimming pools in Pico:

The list below shows the best pools in Pico, including some small piers and even places that offer artificial swimming pools.

Even if Pico is not a Sun and Sea destination for Vacations, the clean and warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean invite all tourists to try these lovely Natural Swimming Polls.

Poça das Mujas:

Poça das Mujas is, for many, including me, the best natural pool in Pico.

These natural pools are located in Calheta de Nesquim, about 750 meters from the Casinha de Nesquim, in the eastern part of Pico Island.

There is a restaurant/bar in the area and a beach volleyball court.

Parking: There is free parking available

Toilets and Shower: Yes, both free

Lifeguard: No

Poço da Maré do Verdugo

This natural pool is very interesting.

First, because access is magnificent.

Then, because it is hidden, it is almost certain that no one will be there, as it is not very well-known.

It is a small pool where access to water is simpler with high tide.

This pool is within 400 meters of Casa do Almance.

Poço da Maré do Verdugo is located in the south of the island.

Parking: You need to park on the main road.

Toilets and Shower: Just a small shower on the road that leads to the pool.

Lifeguard: No

Ponta do Admoiro Natural Swimming Pools

Ponta do Admoiro natural pools are located in the south of the island.

These pools are within 1500 meters of Casa do Almance.

In addition to being able to swim inside the small pools formed by volcanic rock, you can also swim in the open sea, as there is an access ladder to the sea.

Parking: Free parking is available.

Toilets and Shower: Yes, both free.

Lifeguard: No

Besides the Natural Swimming Pools there are other great things to do in Pico Island:

Climbing Pico Mountain is one of the best, together with the Whale Watching. But for hiking lovers there are beautifull trails

Santo António Swimming Pools:

Located on the northern coast of the Island, the Santo António Swimming Pools are interesting because they offer two artificial swimming pools, as well as a natural swimming pool.

Artificial pools use seawater pumped from the seabed. This water is then filtered before entering the pools.

This makes the water in artificial pools a little cooler, colder than the sea itself.

There is also a diving center and a restaurant nearby.

Parking: There is free parking available

Toilets and Shower: Yes, both free

Lifeguard: Yes

Criação Velha Natural Swimming Pools

Known as Praia da Criação Velha or Lajido, these Natural Pools offer pleasant moments of leisure and contemplation of nature, situated on the beautiful west coast of Pico Island.

The dark volcanic rocks create a circular pool of clear water, contrasting the basalt-black of the rocks with the deep blue of the Atlantic Ocean.

The pools also have areas of fine, dark sand and rock for relaxing, resting, or simply contemplating this fantastic landscape.

There is a restaurant by the pools

Parking: Free parking is available.

Toilets and Shower: Yes, both free.

Lifeguard: No

São Roque do Pico Natural Swimming Pool

These Natural Swimming Pools are located on the Northern coast of Pico Island.

This is a place of great peace of mind, calm and crystalline waters, and natural beauty, offering wonderful moments of leisure and contemplation, perfect for all nature lovers.

There is a restaurant within 200 meters.

Parking: Free parking is available.

Toilets and Shower: Yes, both free.

Lifeguard: Yes

Lajes do Pico Natural Swimming Pool:

This pool is in the village of Lajes, so it is 500 meters from the village’s infrastructure.

Parking: Free parking is available.

Toilets and Shower: Yes, both free.

Lifeguard: No

Manhenha Swimming Pool:

This pool is located at the tip of the island on the east side.

It is a very quiet area with a very nice pool, where there are usually never many people.

There are free beach lounge chairs, making it ideal for relaxing, reading a book, or simply sunbathing.

Parking: Free parking is available.

Toilets and Shower: Yes, both free.

Lifeguard: No

Arinhas Natural Swimming Pool

Arinhas is located in the south of the island.

It is a nice and quiet place that also offers a barbecue area (and yes, the wood is included)

It is a small pool but very nice.

This pool is 1200 meters from Casa do Almance.

Parking: Free parking is available.

Toilets and Shower: Yes, both free.

Lifeguard: No

Swimming Pools of Madalena

Located in Vila da Madalena, on the western part of Pico Island, these pools consist of an artificial and a natural pool.
If you are looking for a pool with few people and tranquility is not the best option, although it is a place with good infrastructure.

Parking: Free parking is available.

Toilets and Shower: Yes, both free.

Lifeguard: Yes

Areia Funda

Also located in Vila da Madalena, in the western part of Pico Island, the Areia is a bathing area made from a pier.
Being an interesting area, it is also, as the previous one, much frequented.

Parking: Free parking is available.

Toilets and Shower: Yes for the shower, no toilets available.

Lifeguard: No

In addition to the pools on this list, there are many more: some are Natural Swimming Pools, others are artificial pools, and others are small fishing piers used for sun and sea bathing.

Some of the other natural swimming pools on Pico Island:
Piscinas do Calhau, Piscina das Ribeiras, São Mateus, Canto da Areia, Piscinas de Santa Luzia, Cais das Baixas, Zona Balnear do Cachorro, Piscina Cais do Pico, Poça Branca, etc.

Some can only be found when we make a walking trail or get lost on the old roads between rocks and cows.

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