5 of the Best Natural Swimming Spots

Swimming is a favorite activity of mine.  To exercise and not perspire is awesome and swimming is the closest I will ever be to feeling like a bird flying through the air.  I had the opportunity to swim in a cenote near Chichen Itza years ago, and I still recall the magical feeling of swimming so far underground, with water running off the walls and the roots from the beautiful tropical plants above reaching down toward the water.

Here are five must do natural “pools” for those of you that want to take swimming to a new sensory level with great scenery surrounding you.

Grotta della Poesia, Roca Vecchia, Italy

The spectacular Grotta della Poesia is in Roca Vecchia, an important Bronze Age and Mycenaean archaeological site.  Sitting on the Adriatic coast, the grotto is made up of two turquoise and blue karst sinkholes.

Grotta della Poesia | SP 366, Roca Vecchia, Melendugno Italy

Blue Lagoon, Grindavik, Iceland

It's obvious why the Blue Lagoon is a hit in chilly Iceland, just south of the Arctic Circle. This naturally heated geothermal pool has a constant temperature of 40C (104F).  Even better, you don't have to leave the water to get a drink at the Lagoon's outdoor bar.

Blue Lagoon | 240, Grindavik 420-8800 Iceland

To Sua Ocean Trench, Samoa, South Pacific

It's one of the most romantic islands in South Pacific.  It's also been named one of the top ethical travel destinations.  But in addition to attracting lovebirds and eco-conscious globetrotters, pool-lovers will be thrilled to visit the island too.  The extremely steep ladder to the pool is not for the faint of heart.

To Sua Ocean Trench, Lalomanu, Upolu Samoa

Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye, Scotland

Located at Glen Brittle in Scotland, Fairy Pools is a series of aquamarine pools fed by scenic -- and icy cold -- waterfalls streaming down from the Cuillin Mountains.  It sounds chilly, but someplace I certainly intend to go.   The walk to the pools is marked with countless waterfalls.  There are hiking trails in the area, but some are pretty challenging.

Fairy Pools | Road to Glenbrittle Glenbrittle, IV47 8TA Scotland

Sliding Rock, North Carolina, United States

North Carolina's Sliding Rock is like a water park designed by Mother Nature.  Visitors can enjoy the park's "ride" by sliding down the waterfall's slippery rock surface into the plunge pool below.

Sliding Rock | Pisgah Forest, NC