Updated May 2018
If you like the river and its lush green surroundings, if you feel suffocated by the parade of sun burned bodies that fill the beaches of the Costa Brava, this post is for you.
For cold water and natural shade lovers, from Naturaki we propose you different excursions along some of the reservoirs and pools in the area of Girona that will delight both young and old. In addition, all of them are close to some of our rural houses, therefore, you have no excuse!
Grab the slippers and the towel and discover these beautiful natural spots and explore their surroundings! It's worth it!
The pools of Canet d'Adri river

The natural setting of the river of Canet starts under the mountain of Rocacorba and meanders along its course forming caves and small lushy and beautiful waterfalls. Bathing in these pools has recently been prohibited due to the overcrowding of previous years and the misuse of the natural space, therefore they have now become a space for strolling and contemplation only.
On its way through the village of Canet it becomes one of the most interesting places in town, where it forms the pools of la Font de la Torre, of volcanic origin creating shapes of alveolar erosion caused by the impact against the walls of the river materials that pulls the water.
It's easy to access as the Torre fountain has been remodeled with the construction of a circuit for walking on both sides of the river.
Sadernes and Salt del Brull

To get there we have to divert from the highway A-26 (in Olot) to Montagut to follow up until Sadernes, where the road ends. The typical excursion is one that leads you to the church of Sant Aniol of Aguja (about 2 hours). In winter and early in the summer, you can arrive until the Valentí bridge and save an hour's walk.
At Sant Aniol you will find a Romanesque church, an old refuge currently being renovated by Sant Aniol's friends and a cold foutain! From there you can walk 15 minutes to the Salt del Brull. You can take one last bath in the spacious Gorg Blau (blue pool), one of the best places to swim across the river.
Maçanet de Cabrenys

The “Women's pool” is the most famous river pool, because you can reach it by car. The name's origin has not yet been well clarified, seems to be from the time when men and women bathed separately. By private initiative, in 1961 a gate was made to raise the water level. At the top of the pool there is a large rock with bench shape to rest or to jump like a trampoline.
You can stroll around, past the Fraga Fountain and the Molí d'en Robert, where you can eat with the murmuring river as background.
Darnius-Boadella Reservoir

It is located in the upper side of the river Muga, and extends to the municipalities of Darnius, Sant Llorenç de la Muga and Terrades, in the Alt Empordà. The maximum water depth when the reservoir is full is 3.6 km2, and has a capacity of 61 Hm3. In the waters of the reservoir you can bathe fish, kayak and go on a motor boat gas. It is worth to take a rest while enjoying the views.
Albanyà pools

Is a group of rafts on the first sections of the Muga. They are located within the Plan for Areas of Natural Interest of the Alta Garrotxa and have a remarkable natural setting formed by chestnut trees, oaks and meadows. All around there are numerous points of river fishing.
Just 2 kms from Albanyà, taking the road that passes by the Camping Bassegoda Park, we reach what is probably the funniest area of the Muga. Here the young and not so young can have fun swimming and jumping off the rocks.
The pools of Albanyà are just 1 minute walking from our rural house in Albanyà, Can Martinot.
River pool of Molí dels Murris

It's part of Cogolls river and it conforms a waterfall with a very generous river pool. To reach the starting point of the route, you must take the road linking Les Planes d'Hostoles with Cogolls. It is easily accessible, meaning that sometimes it can get quite crowded.
It's worth following the river up stream to find more unfrequented places.
Rajolins natural pool

Located in Beuda, there is this small pool called the natural pool of Rajolins, because of the small waterfalls that fall. A very entertaining excursion for adults and children!
La Surita natural pool

In the area of l'Alta Garrotxa, very close to Riudaura and of very easy access. A path where the stream gradually saves the slope and where you can take a good walk following the river flow.
Now you know! If you wish to refresh yourself getting away from the crowds in coastal areas, take a walk in the Girona river pools that we suggest and take a nice “rural bath”, we are sure you will love the experience!
Cover picture: Salt de Brull, Aniol d'Aguja / Flickr Marta