NATURAL POOLS OF TENERIFE

I have to confess being a natural pool fanatic, and Tenerife is definitely a place for people like me. The coasts of the biggest island in Canarias dominated by rocks and lava stone formations make plenty of natural pools, washed by the waves and at the same time separated from the ocean. Some of the are real natural wonders - big enough and safe to swim. Others are formed with a little bit of human touch, and concrete.

What you have to know before exploring natural pools is you need to check the situation with the tide and the waves. If the tide is high once you get to some pools, they may not be there because they would be all be covered by water. If there are no waves it’s nice but not so exciting, and if the waves are too big it might be dangerous to get into the pool and enjoy it. Some pools are being closed with stop tapes or special gates during dangerous hours or even days.

So here come my favorite natural pools of Tenerife.

#1 CHARCO DE LA LAJA PUESTA DE SOL (google map)

What makes this spot number 1 is the balance between natural walls formed by rocks and some input by man. Situated in the small town of San Juan de la Rambla it is a real crown jewel of the coast. Taking a swim in this pool might be tricky, so make sure you read safety recommendations by the pool.

#2 PISCINA NATURAL DE BAJAMAR (google map)

Piscina natural de Bajamar consists of two nicely built swimming pools on the side of the ocean that fills them with water. To the left side you can find a cozy sandy beach protected by breakwater and surrounded by marina walk. This place is super nice on a regular day but visiting it after the storm when the waves crash to the breakwater is something that you cannot describe with words.

#3 PISCINA NATURAL DE PUERO SANTIAGO (google map)

Located next to Los Gigantes (Puerto de Santiago) this pool is downstairs from the cliff making it a very picturesque location. The side of the pool facing the ocean is built up to prevent accidental pulling to the open ocean in case of big waves.

Most magical time to visit site is just before high tide when the waves are big but not too dangerous. P.S. There is a parking lot just next to the pool.

#4 PISCINAS NATURALES DE EL CALETON (google map)

The pools of El Caletón are situated in a lovely historic town of Garachico. There is a parking lot nearby, a lot of cafés and restaurants nearby. That also means, there are always lots of tourist there. Natural lava formations are reinforced, the platforms and pathways built for visitor convenience. Unfortunately, the pools were closed at the time we visited, but they look very tempting!

#5 PISCINAS NATURALES IN ALCALA (google map)

Alcala is a small town in the south of the island and is home to three little calm beaches and 3 natural pools facing west and making them so intstagramable at sunset.

#6 PISCINA IN PLAYA ABAMA (google map)

To start with Playa Abama is one of my favorite beaches on the island. It stretches in between the high shores, has white sand and blue waters. You can find all commodities: sunbeds, a bar, toilets. In addition, it has a very cozy natural pool just at the corner of the hill. You definitely have to check this spot.

#7 CHARCO DE EL RAYO (google map)

Charco is not really a pool, it is a bunch of completely natural formations with no human intervention, therefore you can find different pools every time you go there depending on the water level. Being completely natural and so alive and changing is what makes this place magical.

Which one is your favourite?