The World’s Best Swimming Holes

Near the village of Astris on the Greek island of Thassos can be found this natural pool, a stunning lagoon that's been carved out of the rocks via centuries of erosion. overlooking the Aegean Sea. It requires a bit of a hike over slippery stones to get there, so appropriate footwear is recommended.

Located in the Yucatan, about 120 miles north of Cancun, the Ik Kil pool hosts such events as the Red Bull Cliff Diving competitions. With Mayan ruins nearby, this popular tourist destination can tend to get crowded, but visitors who make it there can float serenely in the cool water as hanging mini-waterfalls are created by water dripping down numerous dangling vines into one of Mexico's most spectacular cenotes (AKA sinkholes).

Also known as the Blue Lagoon, Laguna Dudu is located near Cabrera on the Dominican Republic's North Coast. The freshwater pool boasts sparkling blue water, into which thrill-seeking can jump from a rope swing. Laguna Dudu is also a popular spot for scuba divers.

Hosted in the Spanish region of Galicia, the A Firveda swimming hole is found in the foothills of the Serra do Cando mountains, and is accessed by a steep, rocky pathway. At the end of the path, visitors are greeted by a cascading waterfall and two natural pools surrounded by jungle-like terrain.

During the summer months, the water level of the Zambezi River drops enough to allow one to walk along the lip of Victoria Falls. There you'll find a rock pool right on the edge of a sheer drop at the edge of the falls — described as "the ultimate infinity pool." This swimming spot, however, is not for the faint of heart, although there are guides on hand to ensure visitors don't go plunging over the edge of the falls.

Scotland's famed Fairy Pools can be found in Glen Brittle, in the Isle of Skye, although the crystal-clear water is said to be pretty cold. Those with a strong constitution, however, can enjoy a bracing swim among waterfalls and pools in a magical, enchanted setting.

Off the beaten path in Salento, Italy (the part of Puglia that creates the heel in the country's "boot"), can be found this 100-foot-deep sinkhole in the sea. A favourite swimming spot since ancient times, these days the primary activity is leaping from 15-foot cliffs into the crystal clear waters. Visitors also scuba dive, as well as swim from the pool through a subterranean sea cave that leads to the sea.

Within Kakadu National Park in Australia's vast Northern Territory can be found the Gunlom Plunge Pool. It'll take a pretty solid hike to the top of Gunlom Falls, but upon arrival visitors can take in the spectacular view while enjoying the crystal clear waters of this natural infinity pool.

After a 10-mile hike through the Grand Canyon, visitors are rewarded with a refreshing dip in blue-green waters while cascading waterfalls plunge into this stunningly beautiful pool. You will need reservations, as this is a popular tourist destination.

Found in Brazil's Chapada Diamantina National Park, Poco Azul is part of a system of stunning waterfalls and extensive cave systems formed by the rivers that run through the area. This includes a series natural pools, highlighted by Poco Azul, which is reputed to have water so clear that swimming in it is like floating in space. According to Tripbucket, the best time to visit is between 1pm and 3pm, when the sun's rays hit the water in spectacular fashion to create a visual feast for the eyes.