Nugget & The Seawater Swimming Pools

What's your biggest fear about bathing at the beach? Mine is being swept away by the waves...actually no, that's not true, #1 fear is definitely being bitten or eaten by a shark; I've seen Jaws. But being swept away is definitely fear #2 which is why I love these pools. Seawater swimming pools are rock pools formed by the forces of nature or even man made and are usually located near coastlines.

GIOLA LAGOON, THASSOS

This beautiful swimming pool was carved into the rocks of Thassos by nature to form the most exquisite seaside swimming pool. The turquoise pool is found near Astris on the island of Thassos, Greece and is separated from the Aegean Sea by a strip of rock. Diving from the terraced shaped rocks is the only method to access the pool. Thee pool measures approximately 20 meters wide and the rocks are 8 meters from the water surface. According to legend, Giola was the eye of Zeus which he used to watch over.

Photo credit: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/81698180717605796/

NATURAL LAVA POOL, PORTO MONIZ

The village of Porto Moniz does not have just one lava pool, but a whole group of pools interconnected together. The natural pools mark the point where molten lava met the Atlantic ocean years ago and are constantly filled by natural seawater. This attraction is found within the Aqua Natura Madeira Hotel Resort, Madeira, Portugal. As the waves beat upon the walls, clean, natural ocean water constantly fills the rock formation making it the finest location to bathe and swim in on the island.

Photo credit: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/522347256758484864/

EL CALETON DE GARACHICO, TENERIFE

The Canary Islands contains numerous natural swimming pools, varying in size and all created without human intervention. North of Tenerife, adjacent to the 16th century San Miguel Castle, El Caleton de Garachico is the most famous natural pool in the Canaries. The ocean water becomes trapped in the natural pool providing clear, blue waters for swimming. The site also offers bathers the chance to see a beautiful view of the Northern coastline and La Culata Cliffs.

Photo credit: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/322429654555172061/

AZENHAS DO MAR, SINTRA

Azenhas do Mar is a tiny coastal town in Sintra, Portugal. The surrounding seas are usually quite violent, but a shallow rock pool allows bathers to enjoy the seawater and atmosphere while being protected the ferocious waves. The seawater pool was formed  from volcanic activities and is tucked perfectly at the base of the town.

Photo credit: http://sintra-portugal.net/azenhas-do-mar/

LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA

Unlike the previous pools, the seaside pool of Laguna Beach, California was built by a homeowner many years ago. Nevertheless, the attempt to mimic the natural wonder is still beautiful. As the tide rises, the enclosed area becomes filled with seawater directly from the Pacific Ocean. The circular concrete border provides bathers with some shield from the harsh waves and cocoons them from the drifting into the rough coasts.

Photo credit: http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/southern-california/laguna-beach-birds-eye-view/

Although seawater swimming pools protect you from the violence of the oceans, there have been instances of people being taken by the waves when seas were extremely rough. For this reason, people are usually warned not to indulge in bathing in them when sea conditions are terrible. On the right days, these places are the perfect bathing spots. The colour of Giola Lagoon has made it my favourite one, it is so beautiful.  Know of anymore seawater swimming pools? Share them in the comment section below.