Spotlight: Piscina Municipal Serradilla del Arroyo – Family Pool in Salamanca

Location: Serradilla del Arroyo, Salamanca, Spain
Category: Attraction | Pool | Nature

At a Glance

🖊️ Micro Blog: “A shaded oasis with a large pool, kids’ splash area, and free BBQs in the Sierra de Francia. Affordable, relaxed, and a genuine local favourite — I couldn’t believe the value.”
📍 Location: Serradilla del Arroyo, Salamanca, Spain
💰 Cost: €2 adults | €1 children (toddlers free, residents discounted)
⏱ Time Needed: 2–4 hours, or a whole day if picnicking
🗓️ Opening Hours: Daily mid-June–early September, ~11:30–20:30
🔗 Official site • Map

What to Expect

The Piscina Municipal Serradilla del Arroyo surprised me. As you approach from the road, you can’t quite see what you are approaching, and parking in the wonky car park doen’t fill you with hope. However, once inside you find yourself in a vast meadow shaded by oaks and willows with 2 very well maintained pools.

The main pool is generous in size and the kids’ pool is a real win for toddlers — mine spent hours splashing happily while I relaxed under the trees. Families settle in for the day, either by the stone BBQs (free wood provided) or on the lawns with coolers and picnic blankets. There are always gorups of older local playing games of cards throughout the afternoon.

Hungry? If you didn;t get a chance to ack your own food, the casual chiringuito sells cold drinks, ice cream, and offers some simple, but tasty dishes. There is also a small shop in the village that sell amazing, home made hornazo as well any thing else you need for a picnic.

Why It’s Worth Your Time

This pool is more than just a place to swim. It feels like a community summer park: shaded, affordable, and open to all. The atmosphere is friendly, with lifeguards keeping watch and locals happy to share a chat.

Compared with the natural swimming pools you’ll find in nearby Las Hurdes or La Alberca (great in their own way), this municipal pool stands out for its facilities: a children’s pool, showers, and food options all in one spot. If you want the convenience of a maintained pool but still want to be surrounded by nature, this is the sweet spot.

And the price? €2 for adults, €1 for kids — amazing value.

My Top Tips

• Arrive early on weekends if you want a stone BBQ or picnic table.
• Remember, often at the heigh of summer, BBQs are not allowed due to the risk of fire.
• Bring cash — the kiosk and bar are cash-only.
• Pick up local sausages in the village shop and grill them on-site.
• Weekdays are quieter; weekends bring more energy and families.
• Stay longer than planned — it’s easy to spend the whole day here.

Practical Info

• Price & Tickets: €2 adults, €1 children (ages 4–12), toddlers free. Season passes from €20. Discounts for locals.
• Opening Times: Daily mid-June–early September, usually 11:30–20:30.
• Facilities: Main pool, kids’ pool, shaded lawns, BBQs with free firewood, café-bar, restaurant, sports fields, play areas.
• Accessibility: Grounds are flat and step-free. Pool entry is by ladder (no confirmed ramp/hoist).

Getting There

• Public Transport: Limited. On-demand buses connect Serradilla to Ciudad Rodrigo (Thu/Sat mornings, Tue/Thu/Sat returns). Booking required.
• Driving/Parking: Free roadside parking by the entrance. 20 min drive from Ciudad Rodrigo ← add link.
• Walkability: 1.2 km (15 min) from the village centre along a quiet country lane.

Budget Watch-outs

• Cash only; no ATM in the village.
• No hidden extras.
• Food and drink on-site are affordable.

FAQ

What nearby attractions pair well?

• Monsagro for its fossil-marked stones and geology museum.
• Ciudad Rodrigo for medieval walls and historic charm.
• Peña de Francia for its monastery and sweeping views.
• Or another refreshing stop at Piscina Municipal Tamames.

Final Thoughts

I loved how Piscina Municipal Serradilla del Arroyo blends a simple village pool with the feel of a summer park. The shady lawns, the kids’ pool for toddlers, and the community vibe make it more than just a swim stop — it’s a slice of rural Spanish life.

For me, it was the mix of great value and genuine atmosphere that stood out. Where else can you spend an entire day by the water, grill your own lunch, watch a local football match, and pay only a couple of euros?

If you’re exploring the Sierra de Francia, this pool is an easy detour — and one that will leave you refreshed, well-fed, and a little more connected to village life in Salamanca.