Tenerife is a volcanic island full of unique natural attractions. Good examples of these natural wonders are Tenerife’s natural pools. During the many volcanic eruptions, the red-hot lava that reached the ocean and met the water, solidified very quickly and bizarrely. Thus, in some places of the island, the frozen lava formed peculiar lagoons.
Some lagoons were later adapted for bathing and became known as ‘pissinas naturales’ – natural pools. Most natural pools are small coves filled with ocean water. Many of these places have been equipped with stairs, ramps, and benches.
Natural pools are in demand in places with no beaches at all, which is a large part of the Tenerife coast. Having a beach does not guarantee comfortable bathing due to the waves, especially in the north of the island, whereas natural pools are better protected against waves.
Many Canarians believe that the lava pools with crystal clear waters are much more attractive than the traditional beaches. Tourists also enjoy the natural pools for their exoticism and authenticity.
1 >> Los Gigantes Natural Pool
One of my favourite natural pools in Tenerife is the Charco de Isla Cangrejo, which is located on the coast of Los Gigantes. Despite attempts to protect the pool from the waves with a specially designed wall, the water here is not always calm. The huge waves often flood the pool and make it dangerous to swim. This is why the Charco de Isla Cangrejo is sometimes closed, especially during strong winds and storms. However, if you manage to visit it, it is an unforgettable experience. It really is a beautiful and very romantic natural pool, but it is better to come here when the ocean is calm.
Be sure to take a walk around the area and see the waves crashing against the sea cliffs. There are also some excellent viewing platforms. And the sunset here is divine! On the downside, it gets pretty crowded, thanks in no small part to the site’s good accessibility and convenient parking nearby.
2 >> Garachico Natural Pools
The waterfront town of Garachico is home to the island’s most famous natural pools Piscinas Naturales de El Caletón, the result of a volcanic eruption in 1706. The eruption destroyed much of Garachico, the former main port of Tenerife. Merchants moved to Puerto de la Cruz, and Garachico gained a new tourist attraction, the fancifully shaped volcanic pools known throughout the island.
These natural pools are famous because Garachico lies in the path of sightseeing tours and popular itineraries.
Although the natural pools are centrally located, and there are quite a few holidaymakers, there is enough space for everyone.
The water is usually calm, and children can swim as well. Be aware, however, that during strong winds, high waves rise, and the pools can be closed for safety reasons. There is a restaurant right next to the pools where you can grab a bite to eat while enjoying the stunning view. I recommend trying the traditional Canarian seafood dishes.
3 >> Alcala Natural Pool – Piscinas Naturales Alcalá & FinFloy
Alcala natural pooland the nearbyPiscina natural FinFloy are not very popular swimming pools near the town of Alcalá. Alcala natural pool is located directly opposite the chic RedLevel at Palacio de Isora. Despite the proximity to the hotel, there are very few visitors here, and sometimes you can even get some privacy.
In my opinion, this is one of the best natural pools in Tenerife.The wonderful black sand beaches of La Jaquita and the cafés, and the picturesque promenade of Alcala are very close by. The pools have easy access to the water, with steps and handrails.
But finding a parking spot isn’t so easy. The nearest car park is opposite the entrance to the RedLevel at Palacio de Isora, but it is a bit tight. You can park on the street along the Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora, and it is only a short walk to the beach and the natural swimming pool.
4 >> Tenerife Natural Pool Finca Las Delicias
I found Piscina Natural @ Finca las Delicias, 1 by chance while hiking along the ocean from La Arena Beach to Alcala. It’s a fairly large pool, well sheltered from the waves. There was not much water in the pool in the morning, but from lunchtime, the water arrived, thanks to the tide. Sometimes small colourful fish swim into the pool – children love to watch them.
This beautiful natural pool is equipped with ramps and ladders, and most importantly, a shower!!! In this pool, as in other natural pools, it is better to swim in special water slippers so as not to trip on the rocks or hurt your feet.
It’s not a popular spot, and there is no car park nearby, but you can park alongside the road by the banana plantations. You can also walk to the pool from Alcala.
5 >> Playa de San Telmo – a Small Beach with Rock Pools
This is a small natural pool located by San Telmo beach in the central part of Puerto de la Cruz’s promenade. A stone pier leads from the promenade to the natural pool. On the other side of the pier lies a small beach with black volcanic sand, protected from the big waves by a stone breakwater.
The beach does not look attractive but is quite comfortable for swimming.
There are a few cafes and restaurants near this pool and beach offering refreshments. The beach is affected by the tides – at high tide, the sandy part is completely hidden under the water, and it becomes stony, but at the same time, the natural pool fills up with water.
6 >> Bajamar
There are different kinds of piscinas naturales. Some are wild, with minimal human intervention. And there are others, like the ones at Bajamar, which are encased in concrete. And although they still receive water directly from the ocean, they can be only conventionally considered natural.
Bajamar is a complex of modern natural pools. The water is very clear but a bit chilly. The pools are equipped with everything you need: ramps and stairs with handrails, changing rooms, a lifeguard station, restaurants, and cafes. There are two large swimming pools for adults and one small swimming pool for children. The advantage of this pool is that it is perfect for families.
It is very pleasant to watch the huge waves crashing against the walls of the pool while you enjoy a comfortable swim. Even though it’s quite busy, there’s plenty of room for everyone.
7 >> Punta del Hidalgo
The town of Punta del Hidalgo is located very close to Bajamar, where you can take a swim in the natural swimming pool Punta del Hidalgo.
Punta del Hidalgo is a swimming pool that will delight you not only with crystal clear water but also with high-quality services. There are showers and a lifeguard station, and everything is adapted for easy access for children and people with disabilities.
The views are really beautiful! I suggest you spend more time here and take a walk along the picturesque promenade with views of Teide and the endless ocean.
8 >> Cueva del Tancón
Cueva del Tancón is a very unusual natural pool. It is a cave with basalt walls that fills with water at high tide.
It’s not a well-known place, so it’s usually not crowded. Therefore, you can focus all your attention on experiencing this extraordinary place. This is where you can come with friends and jump into the cave.
The water is cold due to the lack of sun, a natural heating source. Be aware that the water level in this pool can rise sharply at high tide, so swim with caution. During high tide, the site becomes dangerous as the cave can be completely flooded, and even lifeguards have difficulty accessing it. That’s why this natural pool is suitable only for brave adventurers who can swim well.
9 >> OABeach Club – Playa de las Americas
The natural pool near the OA Beach Club is a beautiful place with magnificent ocean views. It’s a shallow pool, so it’s not a good place for an adult to swim. But it’s worth coming here not so much for the swimming as for the views. It’s also a great place for a photo shoot.
Apart from that, I also recommend spending time at the OA Beach Club. It’s a great restaurant and a cafe where you can eat next to the ocean and the natural pool, have a co*cktail accompanied by trendy music, and sunbathe. It is a particularly beautiful spot at sunset.
10 >> Lago Martianez Pool
Even though Lago Martianez is not a natural pool, it is still a pool with seawater pumped directly from the ocean. And since the purpose of going to a natural pool is to swim in seawater WITHOUT WAVES, I’ve also included Lago Martianez in this article.
It’s the perfect place to swim and relax, tenderly loved by city dwellers and tourists.
It is the only natural swimming pool with a paid entrance – 5,50€ for tourists and 3,00€ for locals.
Although not a typical natural pool, Lago Martianez is a unique place.
It is a pool complex created by the architect César Manrique right on the coast of Puerto de la Cruz. The pool’s architecture combines elements of traditional Canarian architecture, unusual sculptures, palm trees, and flowers.
The complex consists of a huge saltwater lake, four swimming pools for adults, and three pools for children. There are bars, restaurants, and food stalls.
It’s a great place to hang out, especially when the ocean is rough.
