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. Calm water even with swell. Access via stairs carved into the rock. Few tourists reach here.
• 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 Isla Baja (Los Silos): a huge natural pool formed by an ancient lava platform. Turquoise water on calm days. Road access from Los Silos.
• 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): pools hidden beneath the Teno cliffs. Only accessible at low tide with good local knowledge. For experts.
• El Caletón de Interián (Garachico): outside the tourist circuit of Garachico, these pools west of the town are frequented only by neighbours. Tranquillity guaranteed.

Safety Tips

• Always check sea conditions before swimming in natural pools
• Never swim with a red flag or strong northern swell
• Wear water shoes: volcanic rocks are sharp and slippery
• Do not go to isolated pools alone. Always share your location
• Respect the environment: leave no rubbish and do not alter the pools
• Best conditions are in summer with low tides and southerly wind