Jardins de Piscines i Esports

Jardins de Piscines i Esports is a compact green space tucked into Barcelona's Sarrià-Sant Gervasi district, bordered by Carrer del Doctor Fleming, Bori i Fontestà, Ganduxer, and Santa Fe de Nou Mèxic. Covering a little over a hectare, this garden blends a quiet neighbourhood park with a working sports facility that has occupied the site since the 1930s.

How do you get there?

The gardens sit in the north-western part of Sant Gervasi, in a calm residential pocket well away from Barcelona's main tourist circuit. The easiest approach is by bus or metro toward Avinguda Diagonal, followed by a short walk down Carrer del Doctor Fleming. Drivers will find on-street parking typical of this part of the city, though spaces can be limited during the day.

What will you find inside?

The rectangular plot is dominated by open lawns crossed by shaded paths, planted mainly with pines and acacias that keep the heat down in summer. At its centre lies a small pond filled with aquatic plants, framed by willows that lean their branches over the water — the spot most visitors end up photographing. Benches line the green areas throughout, drawing a steady stream of local residents, grandparents with children, and joggers rather than tour groups.

Where does the name come from?

The name — literally "Gardens of Swimming Pools and Sports" — points directly at the site's past. It was once part of a larger sports complex of the same name, opened in 1935. Before that, between 1912 and 1932, the land belonged to the Can Balasc estate and hosted the facilities of the Reial Club de Polo. Only in 2008 was a portion of the old sports complex converted into a public park, while the remaining land still operates as sports facilities with separate, restricted access for members.

When should you visit?

The gardens are open year-round, but spring and autumn make for the most comfortable visits, when temperatures are mild and the trees still offer enough shade without the summer heat. In July and August, the pine and acacia cover makes this a cooler alternative to the more crowded parks near the city centre, and early mornings here are especially quiet before the day warms up.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee? No. The gardens are a public municipal park, free to enter during the standard opening hours applied to Barcelona's green spaces.

Is it a good spot to visit with children? Yes — the open lawns and the pond with aquatic plants are popular with families, though part of the original complex still functions as restricted-access sports facilities.

How big is the park? It covers a little over one hectare and follows a rectangular layout, making it compact but well suited for a short visit or a quiet walk.

Are there other attractions nearby? The gardens sit in a peaceful residential corner of Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, away from the main tourist routes — a good stop for travellers looking for a quieter side of Barcelona.