Secret Natural Pools in Tenerife: The Ones Not in the Guides

Secret Natural Pools in Tenerife

Tenerife has over 350 kilometres of volcanic coastline dotted with natural pools formed by lava. While tourists crowd the southern beaches, locals enjoy hidden rock pools where the ocean filters between rocks creating crystal-clear swimming spots. Some are well known, but others are frequented only by neighbourhood residents. Here are the ones that do not appear in conventional guides.

North Coast: Hidden Rock Pools

Charco de La Laja (San Juan de la Rambla): a perfect natural pool set between black volcanic rocks. Only with a calm sea and at low tide. With swell or ground swell the waves come in and cover the pool: that is when it becomes dangerous, and the authorities have closed access during coastal weather episodes. Lifeguard cover is seasonal, in summer only; the rest of the year there is no one. Check the sea conditions before you go. Access via stairs carved into the rock. It is one of the busiest rock pools in the north: go early or on a weekday.
Charco del Viento (La Guancha): a cluster of natural pools connected by lava channels. Water constantly renewed by the waves. A natural volcanic amphitheatre with the Atlantic as backdrop.
El Caletón de Garachico: the most famous in the north but there are remote areas tourists overlook. Walk past the main pools and you will find solitary bathing spots among the lava flows.
Piscina Natural de Jóver (Tejina, La Laguna): a lava platform with several natural pools of different sizes. It sits on the north coast, near Bajamar and Punta del Hidalgo, with views of the Punta del Hidalgo lighthouse and the Mesa de Tejina. Crystal-clear and shallow in some, ideal for children. Equipped with parking, restrooms, showers and terraces: fully facilitated.

North Coast: Volcanic Pools

Piscinas de El Pris (Tacoronte): a tiny fishing village with sheltered natural pools. Local fishermen bathe at sunset. A genuine, unpretentious atmosphere.

Northwest Coast: The Best-Kept Secret

Charco de los Chochos (Los Silos): a deep pool (up to 2 m) beside Charco de la Araña, with stone steps and a railing and views of the La Culata cliffs. Reached from the Puertito de Los Silos.
Charco de la Araña (Los Silos): a tidal pool that appears at low tide, beside the Los Silos municipal swimming pool and with views of the La Culata cliffs. Popular with locals but unknown to tourists. Beware of strong swell.
Charco de las Mujeres (Buenavista): a natural pool on the flat seafront promenade linking Playa de Las Arenas with Playa del Fraile, with parking nearby. Buenavista town council includes it as a stop on its guided geological route “A la sombra de Teno” (4.5 km, moderate difficulty) and recommends it for a quiet day's swimming. As with any rock pool in the north, check the depth before getting in, do not swim when there is a strong northerly sea and watch how the locals get in and out.
El Caletón de Interián (Garachico): outside the tourist circuit of Garachico, these pools west of the town are frequented only by neighbours. Tranquillity guaranteed.