Swimming in Madrid

Madrid has an antidote to the dry, sometimes intense heat of summer—a superb system of clean, well-run municipal swimming pools. The biggest and best pool—fitted with a comfortable, tree-shaded restaurant—is in the Instalación Deportiva Municipal Casa de Campo (Av. Ángel s/n. 91/463-0050). To get there, take the metro to Lago, in the Moncloa-Aravaca neighborhood, and walk up hill a few yards. A central option is La Latina (Plaza de la Cebada 1, La Latina. 91/365-8031), which is public and right next to the neighborhood's market. A good option is Piscina Canal Isabel II (Plaza Juan Zorrilla, entrance off Av. de Filipinas, Chamberí. 91/533-1791). It has grass, diving boards, and a wading pool for kids. Admission is about EUR 4.50