For a lot of people, a holiday isn’t a holiday unless you’ve lounged by a pool. There’s something uniquely indulgent about kicking back on a sunlounger and watching the sun glimmer on the surface of a pool. The turquoise waters are clean, calm, and clear and, unlike the beach, you don’t have to worry about getting sand everywhere.
It can be nice to feel adventurous, and to plan action-packed days seeing the sights. But sometimes you just need to veg out. If you’re dreaming of a relaxing break, a holiday where your only plans for the day are moving from a sunlounger to an inflatable pool float, look no further. While you can have a great pool holiday anywhere it’s hot, some destinations are better than others.
If you’re looking to soak up the sun, relax, recharge, and catch up on your reading, then you probably don’t want to travel too far or spend too much money. And, luckily, some of the best pool holiday destinations are only a few hours away.
So, if you’re hoping to book a leisurely pool break, here are 10 of the best destinations.
1. Tenerife, Spain
If you’re travelling outside of summer but still want to enjoy a sundrenched poolside holiday, Spain’s Canary Islands are always a good bet. Their position, scattered off the coast of North Africa, means that all the islands enjoy year-round sun. However, Tenerife, the largest island, gives you the most choice. While poolside holidays are about relaxation, they don’t mean you have to totally forfeit adventure, and the dramatic scenery and lunar landscape offers all kinds of excitement.
The south coast of Tenerife is home to some of Europe’s best all-inclusive hotels – so if you want to enjoy unlimited food and drink while you sunbathe, you’re sure to find something to suit your budget. If you feel like getting active, you can get stuck into some watersports on the beach – or perhaps explore Teide National Park, where you can trek up Spain’s largest peak. But, if you can’t bring yourself to leave the pool, you can still enjoy the volcanic views from your sunlounger.
2. Tuscany, Italy
Italy is famous for its beautiful beaches and sensational stretches of shore, particularly the Amalfi Coast…but it’s also a wonderful destination for a poolside holiday. The rural region of Tuscany is celebrated for its peaceful pastoral beauty, and while it boasts a lovely coast, it’s the interior where you’ll find the most iconic Tuscan landscape; rolling hills blanketed with morning mist, silver olive groves, swaying cypress trees, and gleaming golden fields of wheat.
Because they’re not coastal, most of the stylish properties here boast truly fabulous pools. Tucked away in the country, you can enjoy a secluded and relaxing holiday, but one where you can take full advantage of the local culture and gastronomy. This part of Italy is known for its mouthwatering cuisine and wine, so why not break up your pool-lounging with some trips to historic hilltop towns and vineyards? Feast on artisan pasta, sip Chianti and Montepulciano wine, then retreat to your pool for a lovely lazy afternoon.
3. Costa del Sol, Spain
The Costa del Sol is a UK favourite for a reason. This part of Spain is known for its glorious weather, sandy beaches, and pretty pueblo blancos – whitewashed villages that seem to spill over the region’s rugged hills. And, thanks to its popularity, there’s no shortage of properties with pools – no matter your budget. If you like to be among the hustle and bustle, there are plenty of towns where you can stay in buzzing resorts – and in glitzy Marbella you’ll be particularly spoiled for choice.
Or, if you’re after something more low-key, there are plenty of cheap-yet-cheerful hotels with suitably sleek pools, too. If you want to soak up the sun somewhere a little more authentic, why not head to the whitewashed villages of Mijas or Benalmadena? Even if you prefer to stay in more rural locations in the Costa del Sol, you’re never far from amenities. So, if you fancy feasting on tapas after a long day by the pool – or sipping some refreshing sangria – you won’t be disappointed!
4. Provence, France
If resort towns aren’t your thing – or you prefer staying in more secluded destinations – then Provence is perfect for a poolside holiday. This part of Southern France is known for its gorgeous villas and houses, so if you’re dreaming of staying somewhere rustic yet luxurious, you’ll be heading to the right place. Floating on your back in sparkling blue waters, you can admire views of dappled sunlight on the olive groves, and savour the heady scent of lavender in the warm air.
If you’re a foodie and want to mix a poolside holiday with a gastronomic adventure, there’s even more reason to head to Provence. You can spend lazy mornings relaxing by the pool before leisurely cycling to the region’s many characterful towns and villages. Enjoy an indulgent long lunch feasting on local dishes like bouillabaisse and ratatouille, perhaps washed down by some crisp rosé wine. Then, head home for a post-lunch poolside nap followed by an invigorating swim.
5. Santorini, Greece
The Greek islands are perennially popular when it comes to beach breaks – but one of them in particular is even more perfect for a pool holiday. Known for its dazzling sunsets, blue domed churches, and cliff-hugging white cubist villages, Santorini is so spectacular you might run out of superlatives. However, its volcanic landscape means that many of its beaches are black sand, which isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. But thankfully, this island is also home to some of the world’s most stunning swimming pools.
If you’re a fan of sleek infinity pools with pristine blue waters that sit under an even bluer sky, few destinations can compete. The soaring cliffs here are studded with swimming pools, from small pools in private villas to seemingly endless hotel pools that stretch towards the horizon. If you can bear to leave such beauty, there’s lots to see and do here. Watching the sun sink into the sea, right above the famous caldera, is an unforgettable experience – and the town of Oia is particularly picturesque.
6. Morocco
Morocco might not be an obvious choice for a poolside holiday. But, if you’re looking for an affordable destination that’s warm for most of the year yet still less than a four-hour flight away, it ticks the box. Plus, if you have an eye for design, you’re in for a treat, as many of the swimming pools here are eye-openingly beautiful. Many visitors to Morocco like to stay in riads – traditional homes that have indoor gardens and courtyards – and many of these feature intricate and elegant tiled pools.
If you fancy a poolside holiday combined with a city break, why not head to Marrakech? This enchanting and energetic city is incredibly photogenic, and while navigating the labyrinth-like streets can sometimes be overwhelming, having your own peaceful pool to retreat to is the perfect antidote. Or, for something more laidback, why not head to the coast? Agadir’s six miles of coastline is lined with hotels and resorts, and while the beautiful beaches are a draw, there are plenty of palm-lined pools to kick back beside too.
7. Lanzarote, Spain
Another Canary Island makes the list…but this one is perfect if you want a pool holiday interspersed with trips to the beach. Of all the Canaries, Lanzarote has the best beaches, and this palm-fringed island also offers plenty of adventure. The lunar-like, rocky landscape is home to many unique villas in remote locations, so if you’re looking to get away from it all, you’re in luck. Many of these homes are inspired by the island’s famous architect César Manrique, and are white-painted with green or blue window sills.
For something more lively, Puerto del Carmen on the southeast coast has many excellent hotels, some with large communal pools, others with small, sleek private pools. The bustling promenade here is lined with restaurants, bars, and jazz clubs, so there’s plenty to do when you’re not swimming or sunbathing! If you want to enjoy some hiking on your holiday, there are many beautiful trails that weave through the volcanic landscape of Timanfaya National Park.
8. Algarve, Portugal
Just like Spain’s Costa del Sol, Portugal’s Algarve region has long been popular with Brits seeking sun, sea, and sand. Thanks to its diversity, it’s also an excellent choice for a poolside holiday. If you’re after an all-inclusive holiday, there are countless properties to choose from. And, whether you’re seeking a quiet adults-only hotel or a laidback, family-friendly resort, there’s something for most budgets. Many of the pools here back onto the beach too, so if you fancy some sea swimming, you don’t have to go far.
Many of the best all-inclusive hotels can be found in Albufeira, and when you need a break from the pool, you can lose yourself in the cobbled streets of the charismatic old town, or wander down the lively strip that’s packed with restaurants and bars. Olhos D’Agua is a great choice if you’re looking for somewhere more tranquil. This working fishing village has a wide range of hotels, resorts, and private villas with pools, and there are many restaurants where you can sample the famously fresh seafood.
9. Cyprus
Cyprus is another popular beach destination for Brits seeking sun – but it could be argued that it’s better suited to a pool holiday. For much of the summer – and even spring and autumn – Cyprus can be uncomfortably hot. Temperatures often reach highs of 40°C, a heat that can make even lying on the beach seem arduous. But lounging by the pool is different; you can simply roll off your sunlounger each time you need to cool off…without worrying about burning your feet on the scorching sand!
If you’d like to enjoy a slice of culture and history on your break, why not visit Paphos? Not only are there hundreds of fabulous hotels, resorts, and villas with pools to choose from, but the old town is packed with ancient tombs, temples, and forts. Alternatively, why not head to Larnaca? Home to some of the country’s spectacular countryside, it’s perfect if you want to do a spot of hiking. Aside from the gorgeous coastal views, knowing you can return to a cool and pristine pool makes the trek even more rewarding.
10. Mallorca, Spain
Spain’s Balearic Islands can get busy, but there’s plenty of tranquil beauty to discover here too. While all the islands boast secret sandy coves, sweet-smelling pine forests, and rocky inlets lapped by turquoise waters, it’s Mallorca that has the most variety. The largest Balearic island is home to more budget-friendly hotels and all-inclusive resorts than you can shake a stick at, so if you’re looking for a sun-soaked beach holiday that won’t break the bank, it’s a wise choice.
The biggest resorts are mostly found in Alcudia, Puerto Pollensa, and Cala Bona, while the former fishing village Ca’n Picafort is also popular. The standard of these resorts is unusually high in Majorca, and you can stay somewhere that has multiple pools, sea-view rooms, and sun terraces for a fraction of the price you’d pay elsewhere. If you have a bigger budget, the villas here are as impressive as you’d expect from such a popular holiday hotspot – so there really is something for everyone.
Final thoughts…
A poolside holiday can be the perfect way to relax and unwind. While it can be fun to visit culture-rich cities and historical hotspots, sometimes trying to check off all the ‘must-see’ sights and attractions can feel pretty stressful.
On a poolside holiday, however, the whole point is to kick back, soaking up the sun on a sunlounger, and cooling off in the water whenever you need to be refreshed. And, if you manage to go hiking, see the sights, or explore the local area, that’s just an added bonus.
Many of the best destinations for a poolside holiday are only a few hours from the UK – and even in winter you don’t have to travel too far. Spain’s Canary Islands are warm and sunny throughout the year, while Southern Spain, Morocco, and Cyprus are perfect for spring and summer pool holidays.
The popularity of these places means there’s so much variety too – not only in terms of budget, but the styles of the property you choose to stay in. From grand resorts to budget-friendly hotels, and laidback apartments to elegant villas, the perfect poolside property won’t be hard to find.
For more ideas and inspiration for your next holiday, head over to the travel section of our website.
Have you been to any of these places – or are you tempted to book a poolside holiday at any of them now? Perhaps you have your own suggestions for the best pool holiday destinations? We’d love to hear about your travel experiences in the comments below.