Navaconcejo, in northern Cáceres, has quietly become a magnet for summer bathers thanks to its four natural pools along the Jerte river. One, nicknamed ‘El Benidorm’, stands out for its unique riverside setting and local reputation. Here’s what sets these pools apart—and what visitors need to know.
Summer in Navaconcejo means a choice between four natural pools, each with its own feel. All are officially open for swimming as of June 2026. The one people talk about most is ‘El Benidorm’, a local nickname that mixes pride with a bit of humor about Spain’s best-known beach city.
But this ‘Benidorm’ is nothing like the coast. Instead of high-rises, you get a shaded, grassy bank at the south end of town, lined with alders, ash, and poplars. There’s no beach bar, no lifeguard, and no crowds of tourists—just the steady current of the Jerte river and a parking lot that fills up early on hot days.
Navaconcejo is often referred to as the 'Benidorm de Extremadura' in regional media, highlighting its status as a summer hotspot for river swimming.
The four pools—El Cajón, El Pilar, El Cristo, and El Chamizo (also called ‘El Benidorm’)—are all carved straight from the river. Each has its own draw. El Cajón is the quietest, with easy access and a simple grassy edge, but no food or rescue services. El Pilar, at the upper end of town, has a sandy patch and big trees for shade, plus shops and parking nearby. El Cristo runs along Calle del Santísimo Cristo, with a playground, picnic tables, and bars close at hand. For those after the ‘Benidorm’ vibe, El Chamizo sits at the edge of town in a leafy, peaceful spot.
One thing that makes Navaconcejo different from other rural swimming spots is how close these pools are to each other. Unlike places where you have to pick one swimming hole for the day, here you can move between all four on foot, switching things up as the mood or crowds change.
There’s more than swimming. The Nogaleas route, a six-kilometre circular trail marked SL-CC 33, starts and ends in Navaconcejo. It climbs through granite cascades and steep hills, with a 330-metre elevation gain. It’s not an easy walk—good shoes and water are a must, especially in summer—but the payoff is a string of waterfalls and a view of the valley that most swimmers never see.
According to a recent report by El Confidencial, El Pilar is not only a popular swimming area but also serves as a starting point for the Garganta de Nogaleas hiking route, allowing visitors to combine river bathing with a scenic walk in the same day. This connection is particularly valued by those planning active summer outings in the Valle del Jerte.
None of the four pools have lifeguards, according to official guides. The main swimming season runs from mid-June to mid-September, and pets aren’t allowed. River conditions can change, so it’s worth checking local updates before heading out.
As of June 2026, all four pools are open for swimming, according to local notices. This isn’t a new launch, just a sign that Navaconcejo is still a reliable late-summer spot, with four river pools and a waterfall trail starting right in town.
If you want a riverside day with playgrounds and tables, there are other options—like Charco de la Escribana in Málaga. Navaconcejo’s appeal is different: wild swimming, a hiking route, and a taste of small-town Extremadura, all within walking distance.
The nickname ‘El Benidorm’ might be a joke, but the pools here offer something the Mediterranean can’t: cold river water, mountain air, and a landscape shaped by nature, not concrete. With several options, little fuss, and a focus on the basics, Navaconcejo shows that rural Spain still has surprises, even next to its famous coastal rivals.
