Piscinas Municipais da Guarda

Guarda sits at about 1,000 metres on the edge of the Serra da Estrela, and it’s known for cold winters. The council’s pool complex opened in 1999 and is used every day by hundreds of people, according to the council, for learning to swim, competitions and leisure. It has indoor pools for most of the year and outdoor pools in summer, and it’s close to the city’s outer ring road (VCE) and the A23 and A25 motorways.

The municipal tourism site describes a bright indoor hall with:

• A 25 m competition pool with 8 lanes, 1.80 to 2 m deep. The Portuguese Swimming Federation has approved it for national and international competitions.
• A learner pool (tanque de aprendizagem), 18 m by 10 m and 0.70 to 1.30 m deep.
• Stands for about 300 people, a gym and free internet access.

The learner pool’s shallow end, at 70 cm, lets young children stand, while the deep end at 1.30 m suits children who are starting to swim. The competition pool is deep throughout, so it’s only for confident swimmers.

What’s on indoors

The complex runs:

• A swimming school (escola de natação) with classes for babies and children, beginners’ stroke classes, improvers and fitness swimming.
• Public swimming (natação livre).
• Senior and general water aerobics, hydrotherapy and deep-water classes.

In September 2026, during the European Week of Sport, the pools held an inclusive water aerobics and swimming class that brought together primary pupils from the council’s school swimming programme and children with special needs. The council’s primary schools take part in a swimming programme at the pool, and there’s also a senior programme, Guarda +65.

Enrolling in lessons

Classes follow the school year. In 2025 the enrolment period for the new season ran from 1 to 12 September, in person at reception on weekdays from 8:00 to 12:30 and 14:30 to 18:00. The council published an enrolment form online beforehand. Expect a similar window each September, and check the council’s news in late August.

From July to September the complex opens its outdoor area, which the tourism site describes as:

• Three outdoor pools, one with heated water and two with cold water, for leisure swimming.
• A large lawn with shade.
• A sunbathing area, a multi-use area and two tennis courts.

Babies and toddlers who feel the cold will be happier in the heated pool.

The council doesn’t publish the outdoor pools’ depths, opening hours or prices online. Ring the council (271 200 740) or ask at reception before planning a day there.

The council doesn’t publish the pool’s rules or price list online. Take swim caps, flip-flops and swim nappies for babies in case they’re required, and ask at reception about the rules for children swimming without an adult.

Members of the Montepio mutual association get 15% off entry on showing their card.

• There’s also a circuit of outdoor workout equipment at the pool complex.
• The indoor hall is spacious, with plenty of natural light.
• Outdoor opening depends on the season; the tourism site gives July to September.

Close to Guarda, the council’s river beach at the Caldeirão dam has a floating swimming pool, changing rooms, a bar with a terrace and a lawn, near one end of the Mondego walkways (Passadiços do Mondego). Further afield, the CERVAS wildlife centre is in Gouveia.

Is there a pool for small children at the Guarda pool?

Yes. The indoor learner pool starts at 70 cm deep. In summer there are three outdoor pools, one heated.

Is the outdoor pool heated?

One of the three outdoor pools has heated water; the other two are cold.

When do the outdoor pools open?

In summer, from July to September. Check the council’s news for exact dates and hours each year.

How do I sign up for swimming lessons?

In person at the pool’s reception during the September enrolment period. In 2025 it ran from 1 to 12 September.

How much does it cost?

Prices aren’t published online. Ask at reception; Montepio members get 15% off.