When the city’s temperatures start to rise relentlessly, the tarmac radiates heat and sweltering nights make it impossible to sleep, the human mind automatically drifts to one place: the water. However, planning a summer holiday in recent years has become a real logistical and emotional challenge.
The beaches of the Costa Brava and the Costa Dorada are packed, hotels impose strict buffet timings, and finding a truly peaceful spot for your family or friends seems like an impossible task. It is at this very moment that the search for a holiday home with a swimming pool becomes the top priority for savvy travellers keen to make the most of their summer. But, as with everything, not all options are equal, nor do they offer the same level of escape.
In this summer guide, we explain in great detail why swapping the crowded coast for the fresh mountain air is the biggest tourism trend of 2026. You’ll discover what to look for when searching for a self-catering holiday home with a swimming pool to ensure your family’s safety, how to organise meals and barbecues without stress, and how Espai Vidrà, situated in the heart of the Pre-Pyrenees in Osona, combines the coolness of the high altitude with first-class facilities to make your holiday a true oasis.
The paradigm shift: Why choose a holiday cottage with a private pool over a seaside holiday
Cultural inertia draws us to the seaside in July and August, but seasoned travellers know that the true luxury of the modern summer lies inland. Renting a holiday home with a swimming pool in Osona offers logistical, climatic and lifestyle benefits that traditional sun-and-beach holidays can no longer match.
Escaping the extreme heat: The microclimate of the Pre-Pyrenees
The main problem with spending the summer in the city or by the coast is that the heat never lets up, not even at night (the so-called ‘equatorial nights’). In Vidrà, thanks to our altitude and the fact that we are surrounded by lush beech and oak forests, we enjoy a unique microclimate.
During the middle of the day, the sun shines with just the right intensity to make a dip in the pool or sunbathing on the loungers a real treat. However, the real magic happens as evening falls. The mountain breeze sweeps down through the valley and cools the air considerably.
During the middle of the day, the sun shines with just the right intensity to make a dip in the pool or sunbathing on the loungers a real treat. However, the real magic happens as evening falls. The mountain breeze sweeps down through the valley and cools the air considerably.
The exclusivity of complete privacy
Tener que bajar a la piscina de un resort a las 8:30 AM para “reservar” una hamaca colocando la toalla es la antítesis de lo que deberían ser unas vacaciones relajantes. Al apostar por un alquiler íntegro con piscina, el espacio, el agua y el silencio son cien por cien tuyos.
You can take a dip at midnight under a starry sky free from light pollution, organise water games with your children in the late afternoon without worrying about disturbing other guests, or simply read a book whilst floating in the water in complete silence. You are in complete control of your time and your space.
No traffic jams during the holiday exodus
Travelling to the coast from Barcelona on a Friday in July can mean hours stuck in traffic under a blazing sun. Heading against the flow of traffic towards Osona and the Ripollès region allows for a smooth journey along the C-17. You swap the stress of driving for scenic roads that, in just over an hour and a half, take you right to the doorstep of your retreat.
The heart of summer: An inside look at our pool area
When guests look for a holiday home with a swimming pool, they aren’t just looking for a simple pool filled with water. They are looking for an environment designed for enjoyment and relaxation. At Espai Vidrà, we have paid careful attention to every technical and aesthetic detail of our outdoor spaces.
Daily maintenance and water quality
Our crystal-clear water is no accident. At our accommodation, we carry out rigorous, daily maintenance of our aquatic facilities. We meticulously monitor pH levels and filtration systems before you even wake up. This ensures that your swimming experience is completely safe, free from bacteria and, above all, very gentle on the skin and eyes – something that’s essential when children spend hours in the water.
Areas with sun loungers and natural shade
The midday sun in the mountains is intense. A premium pool area needs to strike the perfect balance. On the one hand, there’s a sunbathing area equipped with ergonomic loungers for those who want to top up their tan whilst reading a good book. On the other hand, we have preserved the native vegetation to create areas of natural shade beneath mature trees, ideal for little ones to play protected from UV rays or for taking a nap in the cool shade.
Child safety gates and barriers (Peace of mind for parents)
The biggest source of stress for parents during the holidays is not being able to take their eyes off their children for a second if there’s a body of water nearby. Our outdoor areas are designed to put an end to that constant worry.
The ultimate package: a country house with a swimming pool and barbecue in Catalonia
If the swimming pool is the undisputed queen of the daytime, the barbecue is the undisputed empress of the night. When travellers plan their getaway, the search for a country house with a swimming pool and barbecue in Catalonia goes hand in hand.
Outdoor “slow” dining
Group summer holidays inevitably revolve around the dining table. Having a professional barbecue area means you don’t have to spend your time cooking cooped up in a kitchen. It’s a social occasion in its own right.
Whilst the holm oak or charcoal embers are slowly building up, the group can relax in the garden with an aperitif, nibbling on some local cured meats and enjoying a nice cold beer.
Where to buy the best meat in Osona (Local guide)
As your hosts, our aim is for you to experience life just like a local. To make sure your barbecue is a real hit, we recommend steering clear of the big supermarkets and opting for locally sourced produce instead.
In the villages in the area (Vidrà, Sant Quirze de Besora or the town of Vic itself before you head up), you’ll find butchers’ shops that have been around for over a century. You simply mustn’t light the fire without trying a slice of locally reared roast beef (raised on the pastures you’ll see from the farmhouse), Ripollès lamb, and, of course, fresh Catalan butifarra sausage served with some lovely mongetes (beans) and homemade aioli.
Fire safety regulations in summer
In Catalonia, during the summer months, the risk of forest fires is high and the regulations are strict. At Espai Vidrà, our barbecue area is a permanent structure, covered by a roof and situated within a designated safety zone that strictly complies with all the requirements set by the Rural Agents and the Government of Catalonia.
You can enjoy your barbecue in complete peace of mind and in full compliance with the law, without putting the wonderful natural surroundings at risk.
Suggested itinerary: A perfect summer’s day in Vidrà
Worried you might get bored? Although the idea of ‘doing nothing’ is very tempting, Osona offers some spectacular contrasts. Here’s how we locals would organise a perfect day, making the most of your holiday home with a swimming pool:
- 09:00 – A refreshing start to the day: Breakfast on the farmhouse porch overlooking the valley. The air is still cool and the hot coffee is just the ticket.
- 10:00 am – A gentle adventure in the woods: Before the sun gets too strong, it’s the perfect time to put on your trainers and set off on the trail to Salt del Molí. You’ll walk through the dense shade of the beech forest and arrive at a spectacular crystal-clear waterfall.
- 1.00 pm – Back at the centre and a quick dip: Arrival at Espai Vidrà. You’re ready for a swim. A refreshing dip in the pool to wash off the sweat from the walk whilst you start preparing the aperitif.
- 2.30 pm – Light lunch: Garden-fresh tomato salads, Osona cured meats and fresh fruit, enjoyed in the shade of the trees.
- 4.00 pm – The sacred siesta and games: The adults rest in the stone rooms (which are naturally cool), whilst the children play board games in the spacious lounge or take another dip in the pool under supervision.
- 8.00 pm – The fire ritual: The heat is easing off. It’s time to light the barbecue. Soft background music, preparing the meat and vegetables for grilling.
- 10.00 pm – Dinner under the stars: Dinner in the illuminated outdoor area. Afterwards, we’ll switch off the garden lights for a few minutes so we can gaze at the Milky Way with a clarity that’s impossible to see in the city.
Checklist: What to pack for a summer countryside holiday
Packing for a summer trip to the mountains is a bit different from packing for a beach holiday. To make sure you have everything you need at your holiday cottage with a swimming pool in Osona, here’s the ultimate shopping and packing list:
- For the water: Swimsuits (at least two per person so they can dry properly), swimming goggles for the children, high-factor sun cream (the sun’s rays can be deceptive at high altitudes) and after-sun lotion. Note: We provide clean towels for the pool, so you can save that space in your suitcase.
- For the forest: Water shoes or wellies if you plan to explore the streams, comfortable walking shoes, and a small rucksack to carry water and fruit on morning walks.
- For changeable weather: Very light, breathable clothing for the day, but be sure to pack a jumper, a thin fleece or a denim jacket for evening meals on the veranda; the mountain breeze at 11 pm always calls for long sleeves.
- Summer first-aid kit: insect and mosquito repellent (we’re out in the countryside), cream for insect bites and a small standard first-aid kit.
Espai Vidrà: Book your own private paradise
If, after reading this guide, you can picture exactly this kind of setting for your next holiday, now is the time to take the plunge. We’ve renovated and designed Espai Vidrà to be much more than just a place to stay; we want it to be the retreat where you create your best memories this summer.
Whether you decide to book our spectacular rural apartment for your family, or get together with a group of friends to book the entire farmhouse, we guarantee impeccable facilities, a natural setting of breathtaking beauty, and a warm and professional welcome.
Summer is the shortest and busiest season of the year. Don’t let the heat trap you in the city or on an overcrowded beach.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about summer rentals at Espai Vidrà
Are pets allowed in the pool area?
En Espai Vidrà somos pet-friendly y nos encanta que vengáis con vuestros perros. Pueden disfrutar libremente de los amplios jardines y los senderos del bosque, pero por estrictas razones de higiene, sanidad y mantenimiento de los filtros del agua, no está permitido que las mascotas entren en el recinto interior vallado de la piscina ni, por supuesto, que se bañen en ella”).
Can we play music outside whilst we’re having a barbecue?
Vidrà’s greatest asset is the peace and tranquillity of its surroundings. You are welcome to play music at a moderate, considerate volume during the day and at dinner to enhance your evening, but parties with high-powered speakers or DJ equipment that disturb the valley’s acoustics or the peace of the local wildlife after a certain time in the evening are not permitted.
Are pool towels provided, or do we need to bring our own?
We want to help you travel light. We provide a full set of bath towels for the bedrooms, as well as separate towels for use exclusively in the solarium and pool area.
Are there any mosquitoes or other insects in the swimming area?
As we are surrounded by a natural environment, the presence of insects is to be expected. However, as the water is kept chlorinated or salt-treated and constantly circulating through the filtration systems, the pool does not act as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
We always recommend bringing insect repellent for the evening hours or if you decide to go on excursions to the river’s wetlands.
How far away is the nearest supermarket where I can buy groceries?
For last-minute daily shopping or fresh bread, you’ll find small local shops just a few minutes away.
For your big weekly shop, we recommend stopping at the large supermarkets in the towns of Vic, Torelló or Sant Quirze de Besora just before you start the final climb up to our refuge in Vidrà.
