Swimming in Figueira da Foz

Figueira da Foz is surrounded by kilometres of the briny blue ocean, which is ideal for swimming and body surfing in. However, for those who prefer a swimming pool to take their dip in, the town has a couple of options.

Musicais Summer is an outdoor salt-water swimming pool found on the beach front of Figueira with a view stretching out to the real ocean. Surrounded by sun loungers, with a bar and cafe, this is the ideal place for people who want to spend a whole day camping out beside the pool. The entry fee is €7 for the whole day and €4 after 4pm. Open in the summer months: July-September.

Ginasio Piscina is an indoor, heated pool for swimmers who want to get their laps in, even on holiday. The 25metre 6 lane pool is used by the local swimming club, but is open to the public from 8.30am-4.30pm Mon-Fri; 11.30am- 2pm Sat; 9am-12pm Sunday. The entry fee is €3, and a swimming hat is mandatory! (hats can be purchased from reception at the pool).

Casa Pinha is another option for a dip, and this one has amazing views! Located on Serra Boa Viagem (the ‘mountain’ at the North end of the beach), this restaurant, cafe and donkey sanctuary also boasts an outdoor pool with views stretching over the town and beach as far as the salt flats of the Rio Mondego and beyond... Either pay an entrance fee of €5 to use the pool and sun lounge area for as long as you like or, alternatively, purchase a drink or some food (no minimum purchase) and use the pool facilities as a guest.

Jacuzzi luxury is available at the 3-star Quiaios Hotel, 10K from Figueira da Foz centre. There are daily frequent buses to Quiaios or share a taxi with a few others to keep costs down. The hotel allows non-guests to use the pool and Jacuzzi facilities for a small fee. Boasting indoor and outdoor pools with a sun-lounger area, steam room, sauna, Jacuzzi and tennis courts, the hotel is worth a visit if you’re looking for a dip and a bit of pampering to boot.