Tenerife ‘s natural pools are one of the island’s most fun places to swim. These “charcos,” as the locals call them, were formed as lava came into contact with the sea. This created small pools with clear seawater.
In this blog I list the six most beautiful natural swimming pools in Tenerife for you. You can also read more about safety, accessibility and I give my personal tips for visiting the pools.
1. Charco los Chochos
On the north coast of Tenerife, in the village of Los Silos, lies Charco los Chochos. This natural pool with whimsical shapes was created by several volcanic eruptions and fills salt sea water, which is a beautiful clear blue on calm days. The saltwater pool is about 2 meters deep and easily accessible thanks to the stone stairs with handrail. And on clear days, you can even get a beautiful view of the cliffs of La Culata and the volcano El Teide.
Be careful when there are high waves, as the sea here can be powerful at times. Also, the rocks near the natural pool can be slippery and sharp, so be careful when walking on the rocks with bare feet.
2. Piscinas de Bajamar
In the north of Tenerife, near the town of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, are the natural pools Piscinas de Bajamar. These practicable saltwater pools are located next to a small golden sand beach and are surrounded by black lava rocks.
The great thing about this location is that it is also suitable for families with young children, because in addition to the two large natural pools, there is also a small pool especially for children. In addition, the venue is well maintained and has showers and changing rooms.
Personally, I find the boardwalk near the natural pools very attractive. There are nice eateries where you can have a nice meal, a drink and enjoy the beautiful view.
3. Charco de La Laja
In San Juan de la Rambla lies Charco de La Laja, perhaps the most photogenic natural pool in Tenerife. Tucked among volcanic rocks, the saltwater pool is accessed by a staircase that leads to a small platform. From the viewpoint at the top, you can watch the waves crash spectacularly against the rocks.
Swimming is fine here in calm weather. When the sea is stormy, it is wiser to just enjoy the view.
Personally, I think it is a wonderful place, because here you can really see how powerful and beautiful nature is in Tenerife.
4. El Caletón
In the historic village of Garachico are the natural pools of El Caletón. They were created after a volcanic eruption in 1706, when lava reached the coast and solidified into the sea. This created a series of natural saltwater pools surrounded by beautiful lava formations. And the nice thing about this location is that there are several natural pools are with different depths that are also suitable for families with young children.
Personally, I find the area near the saltwater pools very pleasant, it has nice terraces and you have a nice view of the old harbor. I do find that it can sometimes be very crowded. This is mainly because El Caletón is very popular with both tourists and locals.
5. Mesa del Mar
Mesa del Mar, in Tacoronte, is a hidden gem on the north coast of Tenerife. Here there are two natural pools: one that stays filled all year round and one that is used mainly in the summer.
Personally, I find the area near the saltwater pools very impressive, with dark rocks and clear blue water. You do have to pay attention if you drive there by car, because the road is narrow and has many curves.
6. Charco del Viento
In La Guancha you will find Charco del Viento, one of the largest natural swimming pools in Tenerife. Here you can not only swim, but because there are almost no strong waves, you can also enjoy snorkeling among the lava rocks.
Personally, I think the area near the pools is really fantastic, because because there is very little construction here, you have great views of the Teide and the rugged north coast.
It is helpful to arrive early, however, as parking spaces are limited.
What makes Tenerife's natural pools so special?
I find that the variety of Tenerife’s natural pools makes them really special. Some are located in the middle of a village, others are only accessible by narrow coastal roads. Yet they all have the same character: pure nature, clear water and impressive views.
Can you swim safely in Tenerife's natural pools?
You can swim safely in most natural pools in Tenerife, as long as you consider the conditions.Always check the sea because in strong winds or high waves, the water can rise quickly. In addition, beware of the sharp and slippery rocks.
In many locations, I have seen that there is supervision, such as at Bajamar and El Caletón. There are also stairs with handrails at most locations, so you can get in and out of the water safely.
How to get to the natural pools in Tenerife?
Because Tenerife’s natural pools are scattered along the north coast of the island, it is best to rent a car to visit them.
Personally, I always rent a car through Rentalcars when I am in Tenerife because I find that public transport on the island is less flexible and sometimes slow. Moreover, with a rental car you can stop wherever you want.
Yes, if you are in Tenerife, you should definitely visit one of the natural pools.Charco de La Laja and Piscinas de Bajamar are my favorites, which I visit regularly when I am on the island. I have also visited the other pools several times, and they too are well worth visiting. They give you an unforgettable impression of the force of nature on this island.
My tips for visiting Tenerife's natural pools
Finally, I have listed a few handy tips for you, if you would also like to visit Tenerife’s natural swimming pools.
1. Leave early in the morning: Because Tenerife’s natural pools are scattered along the north coast of the island, it is best to leave early in the morning, especially if you are traveling from the south of Tenerife.
2. Check the weather: In bad weather or strong winds, it can be dangerous to swim in the natural pools.
3. Bring shoes that are allowed to get wet: The lava rocks can be sharp or slippery, especially when getting in and out.
4. Combine multiple pools: With a rental car, you can easily drive from Charco los Chochos to El Caletón for swimming.
If you are going on vacation to Tenerife and would like to visit a number of sights and attractions at a bargain price, take advantage of the offers below and save money on your admission tickets.
Natural pools in Tenerife: Tips and Info
Tenerife ‘s natural pools are one of the island’s most fun places to swim. These “charcos,” as the locals call them, were formed as lava came into contact with the sea. This created small pools with clear seawater.
In this blog I list the six most beautiful natural swimming pools in Tenerife for you. You can also read more about safety, accessibility and I give my personal tips for visiting the pools.
1. Charco los Chochos
On the north coast of Tenerife, in the village of Los Silos, lies Charco los Chochos. This natural pool with whimsical shapes was created by several volcanic eruptions and fills salt sea water, which is a beautiful clear blue on calm days. The saltwater pool is about 2 meters deep and easily accessible thanks to the stone stairs with handrail. And on clear days, you can even get a beautiful view of the cliffs of La Culata and the volcano El Teide.
Be careful when there are high waves, as the sea here can be powerful at times. Also, the rocks near the natural pool can be slippery and sharp, so be careful when walking on the rocks with bare feet.
2. Piscinas de Bajamar
In the north of Tenerife, near the town of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, are the natural pools Piscinas de Bajamar. These practicable saltwater pools are located next to a small golden sand beach and are surrounded by black lava rocks.
The great thing about this location is that it is also suitable for families with young children, because in addition to the two large natural pools, there is also a small pool especially for children. In addition, the venue is well maintained and has showers and changing rooms.
Personally, I find the boardwalk near the natural pools very attractive. There are nice eateries where you can have a nice meal, a drink and enjoy the beautiful view.
3. Charco de La Laja
In San Juan de la Rambla lies Charco de La Laja, perhaps the most photogenic natural pool in Tenerife. Tucked among volcanic rocks, the saltwater pool is accessed by a staircase that leads to a small platform. From the viewpoint at the top, you can watch the waves crash spectacularly against the rocks.
Swimming is fine here in calm weather. When the sea is stormy, it is wiser to just enjoy the view.
Personally, I think it is a wonderful place, because here you can really see how powerful and beautiful nature is in Tenerife.
4. El Caletón
In the historic village of Garachico are the natural pools of El Caletón. They were created after a volcanic eruption in 1706, when lava reached the coast and solidified into the sea. This created a series of natural saltwater pools surrounded by beautiful lava formations. And the nice thing about this location is that there are several natural pools are with different depths that are also suitable for families with young children.
Personally, I find the area near the saltwater pools very pleasant, it has nice terraces and you have a nice view of the old harbor. I do find that it can sometimes be very crowded. This is mainly because El Caletón is very popular with both tourists and locals.
5. Mesa del Mar
Mesa del Mar, in Tacoronte, is a hidden gem on the north coast of Tenerife. Here there are two natural pools: one that stays filled all year round and one that is used mainly in the summer.
Personally, I find the area near the saltwater pools very impressive, with dark rocks and clear blue water. You do have to pay attention if you drive there by car, because the road is narrow and has many curves.
6. Charco del Viento
In La Guancha you will find Charco del Viento, one of the largest natural swimming pools in Tenerife. Here you can not only swim, but because there are almost no strong waves, you can also enjoy snorkeling among the lava rocks.
Personally, I think the area near the pools is really fantastic, because because there is very little construction here, you have great views of the Teide and the rugged north coast.
It is helpful to arrive early, however, as parking spaces are limited.
What makes Tenerife's natural pools so special?
I find that the variety of Tenerife’s natural pools makes them really special. Some are located in the middle of a village, others are only accessible by narrow coastal roads. Yet they all have the same character: pure nature, clear water and impressive views.
Can you swim safely in Tenerife's natural pools?
You can swim safely in most natural pools in Tenerife, as long as you consider the conditions. Always check the sea because in strong winds or high waves, the water can rise quickly. In addition, beware of the sharp and slippery rocks.
In many locations, I have seen that there is supervision, such as at Bajamar and El Caletón. There are also stairs with handrails at most locations, so you can get in and out of the water safely.
How to get to the natural pools in Tenerife?
Because Tenerife’s natural pools are scattered along the north coast of the island, it is best to rent a car to visit them.
Personally, I always rent a car through Rentalcars when I am in Tenerife because I find that public transport on the island is less flexible and sometimes slow. Moreover, with a rental car you can stop wherever you want.
Are Tenerife's natural pools worth a visit?
Yes, if you are in Tenerife, you should definitely visit one of the natural pools. Charco de La Laja and Piscinas de Bajamar are my favorites, which I visit regularly when I am on the island. I have also visited the other pools several times, and they too are well worth visiting. They give you an unforgettable impression of the force of nature on this island.
My tips for visiting Tenerife's natural pools
Finally, I have listed a few handy tips for you, if you would also like to visit Tenerife’s natural swimming pools.
1. Leave early in the morning: Because Tenerife’s natural pools are scattered along the north coast of the island, it is best to leave early in the morning, especially if you are traveling from the south of Tenerife.
2. Check the weather: In bad weather or strong winds, it can be dangerous to swim in the natural pools.
3. Bring shoes that are allowed to get wet: The lava rocks can be sharp or slippery, especially when getting in and out.
4. Combine multiple pools: With a rental car, you can easily drive from Charco los Chochos to El Caletón for swimming.
Edward
Author Cities To Travel
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If you are going on vacation to Tenerife and would like to visit a number of sights and attractions at a bargain price, take advantage of the offers below and save money on your admission tickets.
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