The natural pool where Malaga families go to cool off every summer in Malaga

In the heart of the Serranía de Ronda, between the municipalities of Jubrique and Algatocín, the Charco del Puente de San Juan has established itself as one of the most popular swimming spots for families during the summer. This natural pool in the bed of the Río Genal, with areas of shallow and great depth, offers an ideal environment to escape the summer heat without straying too far from nature. The sound of water flowing under the old bridge and the lush vegetation create a scene that attracts more and more visitors.

The Río Genal is one of the few watercourses in southern Spain that has preserved its surroundings in an almost intact state. From its source to its mouth, this river maintains optimal conditions for the life of numerous species of flora and fauna. Each spring, for example, you can observe river bogas swimming upstream in its clean waters to spawn, demonstrating the excellent environmental condition of the surroundings. Additionally, in recent months, the presence of otters in the area has been confirmed, a clear indication of its ecological richness.

Access to Charco Puente de San Juan

The Charco del Puente de San Juan is located right beneath the bridge that connects the areas of Jubrique and Algatocín. This historic crossing over the river serves as a reference point to access one of the most frequented natural pools in the interior of Málaga. The MA-8305 road crosses this point, and from one of its corners, a trail descends to the riverbed.

The pool has deep areas where the water can completely cover adults, as well as shallower ones, ideal for children to play safely. One of the most appreciated sections is where the water is channeled into a small waterfall, where the current creates a fun resistance that many use to swim against the current.

On both sides of the river, there are equipped spaces that enhance the attractiveness of the place. Camping San Juan and Venta San Juan, located nearby, offer accommodation and dining services. Also in the area are Camping Genal and its restaurant, expanding the options for those wishing to extend their stay in the Valle del Genal.

In recent years, the municipalities of Jubrique and Algatocín have promoted improvements in the bridge area. Among them are the adaptation of the surroundings for bathing, with the construction of temporary dams that form new pools like the charco Picao, charco de la Tomilla, Estrecho, Saavedra, and Piedra Lavá. These structures, created with natural materials, allow enjoyment of several swimming spots during the summer and are naturally dismantled with the river's rise in the rainy season.

Activities in the surroundings: hiking

The surroundings of the Puente de San Juan not only invite swimming. For hiking enthusiasts, there is the Ruta de las Pasarelas, an accessible itinerary that is part of the Gran Senda de Málaga. This route runs along the riverbank and includes walkways and bridges that facilitate the journey without requiring great physical effort, making it an ideal option for the whole family.

During the walk, it is common to observe some characteristic species of the environment, from birds to small mammals. The natural richness of the Valle del Genal makes this route a first-class landscape experience.

A natural enclave with high family influx

Although the Charco del Puente de San Juan retains an image of a wild environment, in practice, it is one of the most frequented places in the interior of the province of Málaga during the summer months. Families from all over the province, as well as visitors from other areas of Andalusia, come each year attracted by the coolness of the water, the safety of its bathing areas, and the possibility of spending the day in a natural setting with nearby services.

Although access is simple, on days of high influx, parking can be difficult if there is no space available in the nearby campsites or restaurants, whose facilities include private parking lots.