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Riosequillo reopens this summer with Spain’s largest natural pool
When Madrid begins to exceed 35 degrees, the search for shade and water stops being a plan and becomes almost a necessity. This summer, one of the most anticipated escapes returns to the map: the Riosequillo recreational area in Buitrago de Lozoya reopens on 30 June with its huge natural pool next to the reservoir.
The site is just over an hour from the capital, in the heart of Sierra Norte, at kilometre 74 of the A-1. Its great attraction remains a 4,500-square-metre sheet of water, regarded as Spain’s largest natural swimming pool. There is space for more than 2,300 people a day, although access is controlled by capacity and it is advisable to arrive early on the hottest days.
The season will operate from Tuesday to Sunday during the main summer months. On weekdays, hours will be 11:00 to 20:00. On Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, they will be extended slightly, from 10:30 to 20:30, to make better use of the long July and August hours.
Tickets are bought only at the ticket office and in order of arrival. There are no online sales, so on very hot weekends the margin is clear: whoever arrives late may be left out if capacity is filled. Indicative prices are 9 euros from Tuesday to Friday and 14 euros at weekends and public holidays, with discounts for minors, older people, people with disabilities, large families and groups. Children under three enter free.
Riosequillo is not only a large swimming pool. The complex has grassy meadows, shaded areas, a separate children’s pool, sports spaces, showers, changing rooms, a snack bar and free parking. It is one of those places designed for spending the whole day, not just for a quick swim.
Many visitors also take advantage of the proximity of Buitrago de Lozoya to combine a dip with a walk around its walled enclosure. Admission allows visitors to leave and return during the day, useful for those who want to eat out, explore the town or rest a while before returning to the water.
Getting there by car is most convenient: simply take the A-1 towards Burgos and exit around Buitrago. By public transport, the usual option is interurban buses from Plaza de Castilla to Buitrago de Lozoya, although from the town there is still a walk of around 20 or 25 minutes to the recreational area.
Riosequillo has formed part of Madrid summer since 1993. For many families, groups of friends and neighbours in the north of the region, it is not merely an alternative to municipal pools: it is a simple way to exchange asphalt for mountains, cold water and a whole day away from the city’s fiercest heat.
UPD: Official season information adds an important detail for planning a visit: although the site opens on weekdays from 11:00 to 20:00, the large pool will operate from 11:20 to 19:35 and the children’s pool from 12:00 to 19:00; at weekends and public holidays, the main pool will open from 10:45 to 20:00. In addition, on the busiest days 2,305 tickets will be sold in person at the ticket office, one for each person physically in the queue, and once capacity is exhausted it will not be possible to access the recreational area for the rest of the day.