Las Berceas Natural Pool in Cercedilla is open daily until August 30, drawing crowds seeking respite from the heat. With online ticketing required on weekends and limited parking, visitors are urged to plan ahead for this popular mountain retreat.
Las Berceas Natural Pool in Cercedilla has reopened for the summer, offering a cool mountain refuge just as temperatures begin to climb across Madrid. The facility, set in the heart of the Fuenfría Valley, welcomes visitors every day from 10:00 to 20:00 until August 30, according to the Cercedilla Town Hall.
Spanning 30 hectares, Las Berceas is more than just a swimming spot. The complex features two large pools surrounded by wild pine trees, picnic areas, changing rooms, showers, restrooms, a bar, a first aid station, and expansive lawns. Its location within a protected natural area makes it a sought-after destination for families and groups looking to escape the city heat.
Entry and Ticketing
Access to Las Berceas is regulated to manage crowds and protect the environment. Entry is permitted with a ticket, but parking is not included. On weekends and public holidays, tickets must be purchased online in advance, as there is no on-site ticket sales during these peak times. This policy aims to prevent overcrowding and ensure a safer, more enjoyable experience for all visitors.
General admission for non-members is set at 9 euros for adults (ages 14 to 64) on weekdays and 12 euros on weekends and holidays. Children aged 5 to 13, seniors over 65, and those with certified disabilities (33% to 64%) pay 5 euros on weekdays and 7 euros on weekends. After 17:00 on weekdays, a 50% discount applies for non-members. Ten-entry passes are available for 65 euros (adults) and 45 euros (children and seniors), valid only on weekdays.
Children under 5 and individuals with disabilities of 65% or more enter free, and their companions are also exempt from payment if required. Members benefit from reduced rates: 2.50 euros for adults and 1.50 euros for children and seniors.
Getting There and Parking
Las Berceas is located within the Las Dehesas Recreational Area, at kilometer 3.9 on the M-966 Fuenfría road. The main parking lot offers 240 spaces, but advance reservation is mandatory for those arriving by car. Importantly, purchasing a pool ticket does not guarantee a parking spot, so early planning is essential, especially on busy days.
To ease access, the Cercedilla Town Hall provides free shuttle buses on weekends and holidays throughout June, July, and August. These buses run from the town center, where over 400 free parking spaces are available, and stop along the Las Dehesas road, just 500 meters from the Cercanías train station. Alternatively, the local urban bus line drops passengers at the Fuenfría Valley Visitor Center, about a ten-minute walk from the pools.
Water Quality and Environment
Although often called “natural pools,” the water at Las Berceas is sourced from local streams and treated with chlorine, as confirmed by the Town Hall. The site’s protected status means that visitor numbers and vehicle access are tightly controlled to preserve the surrounding landscape.
Las Berceas’ combination of mountain air, cold water, and forested surroundings continues to make it one of Madrid’s most popular summer escapes. With strict entry and parking rules in place, those planning a visit are advised to secure tickets and parking well in advance to avoid disappointment.
