Would you like to swim in calmer waters but without the unique feeling of experiencing the salt on your body, the sound of the waves, the sun on your face and the sea breeze? This is possible in unique landscapes like these: the socalled natural or tidal pools, considered as such because they are composed of the sea itself with a reef environment, or even those pools in the ocean created by human intervention.
Perfect encounter between tranquility and wild nature, they surprise by the contrast that is also present in their appearance. Rocks collide with turbulent water, forming waves and shores around them. Its calmer background reflects rays of light and impresses with translucent blues and greens, often enhanced by local algae and corals.
The pools that debuted on this list were voted the most beautiful — and Instagrammable from around the world — by the team at tourismfocused Condé Nast Traveler magazine. And those intrigued by these types of programs have one specific destination, according to CNT: Australia.
Because seven of the 14 pools in this ranking are in kangaroo countries. Other good options for lovers of the “tamed” sea are Portugal, France, the United Kingdom and South Africa. Meet the winners:
Bondi Icebergs Club
At Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia
Bondi Icebergs Club
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Why it’s not to be missed: for the equipment. Originally opened in 1929 as a training center for winter lifeguards, the Bondi Icebergs Club is now open all year round (for a small entrance fee) to those who enjoy the space, its spa, sauna, seaview restaurant and museum of icebergs visitors want to enjoy Learn about its history as the most photographed swimming pool in the world.
Yamba Ocean Pool
On Main Beach, New South Wales, Australia
Yamba Ocean Pool
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Why it’s not to be missed: very natural, it welcomes visitors for free all year round. Formed on the rocks of Main Beach, it has a bluff overlooking the entire bay and the Pacific Hotel, the publication points out.
Azenhas do Mar beach
In Sintra, Portugal
Azenhas do Mar beach
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Why it’s not to be missed: easily accessible — it is less than an hour’s drive from Lisbon in Sintra. Azenhas is just a few steps from holiday homes and offers sea baths in the fresh and translucent waters of the Atlantic Ocean near good seafood restaurants, according to CNT.
Bronte Baths
On Bronte Beach, Sydney, Australia
Bronte Baths
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Why it’s not to be missed: hotspot. Bronte Baths is large and open 24 hours a day and welcomes visitors who enjoy sports, walking on the seafront and the expressive architecture of the Sydney waterfront with entertainment venues.
Mahon pool
On the beach at Maroubra, New South Wales, Australia
Mahon pool
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Why it’s not to be missed: offer to play sports. Located on Maroubra Beach, known as one of the best surfing spots in Sydney, it offers easy access to the Jack Vanny Reserve, where there is not only beautiful scenery to relax in, but also outdoor showers overlooking the cliffs and nature walks.
Bude sea pool
On the beach at Summerleaze, Cornwall, UK
Bude sea pool
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Why it’s not to be missed: It is a meeting point between gastronomy and water sports. Around the beach there are plenty of seafood restaurants and bars and the unmissable Cornwall Pastelzinho, points out the CNT to try overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. In addition, on the beach where the pool is located, there are rowing, various diving, standup paddle boarding, among others.
Camps Bay ocean pool
On the beach at Camps Bay in Cape Town, South Africa
Camps Bay ocean pool
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Why it’s not to be missed: breathtaking view. From Camps Bay you can see Table Mountain and the Twelve Apostles, a famous and very beautiful mountain range in Cape Town. CNT also recommends taking a lateafternoon swim to watch the sun set at the pool’s infinity edge, followed by drinks or dinner at nearby restaurants.
South Curl Rockpool
At Curl Curl Beach, Sydney, Australia
South Curl Rockpool
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Why it’s not to be missed: It’s a good choice for the whole family. Remodeled in 2011, Rockpool actually consists of more than one pool there is one for more advanced swimmers and another that is shallow enough for small children aged one and over. There are parking lots and good restaurants in the area.
Mona Vale rock pools
On the beach at Mona Vale, Sydney, Australia
Mona Vale rock pools
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Why it’s not to be missed: Privacy. It also consists of two swimming pools, is well located in the middle of the valley and offers visitors a lot of freedom to feel comfortable with little noise and a lot of tranquility. Still, it’s close to amenities like a BBQ area, picnic table, and children’s playground.
Natural Pool of Porto Moniz
On the island of Madeira, Portugal
Natural Pool of Porto Moniz
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Why it’s not to be missed: singularity. Here is the rather rare opportunity to see a pool formed (in its walls) by volcanic lava at one of the most extreme points of Madeira Island. On the beach it is also possible to practice diving and explore the ancient rocks.
Bon Secours Beach
In Saint Malo, France
Bon Secours Beach
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Why it’s not to be missed: historical point. Founded by the Gauls in the Lower Roman Empire, the city of SaintMalo was also the scene of bombers and clashes during World War II. However, on the beach it is possible to relax after this leap in history, enjoy spectacular views of Reconstruction, learn to sail and practice water sports at the local school.
Sea Point Tide Pools
In Milton Beach, Cape Town, South Africa
Sea Point Tide Pools
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Why it’s not to be missed: Beauty. Sea Point’s greatest asset is its incredible looks, but it’s also easily accessible and offers good safety for family swimming.
Walpole Bay Tidal Pool
In Margate, Kent, United Kingdom
Walpole Bay Tidal Pool
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Why it’s not to be missed: the size! At just over 4 acres, this is the largest ocean pool in the UK. Located at the foot of a cliff, it’s not just great for swimming: at low tide, it’s a popular spot for those interested in standup paddling and hiking.
North Cronulla Rock Pool
On the beach at North Cornulla, Sydney, Australia
North Cronulla Rock Pool
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Why it’s not to be missed: Freshwater. Between the beaches of North and South Cronulla lies the centerpiece of this pool, designed to cool off from the beach’s high temperatures. It also impresses with its many colors, thanks to the variety of rock formations at the site.