The best natural pools in the Canary Islands

Discover the best natural pools in the Canary Islands

to enjoy and lose yourself in them. In recent years, these spots have become more fashionable, and more and more people are deciding to put on good shoes and walk to discover wonders like the ones we will mention below.

These spots are authentic natural wonders. In the Canary Islands, their paradise beaches stand out, but you can also enjoy a good swim in the natural pools found on the islands. If you're visiting from elsewhere, you will soon notice that locals typically call these natural pools “Charcos”, so next we will talk about 6 Charcos to visit in the Canary Islands:

1. Charco in Tenerife: Isla Cangrejo Pools

This charco is located in the south of the island, next to the Isla Cangrejo urbanization and has spectacular views of the Los Gigantes Cliffs. From the urbanization, just follow the signs on the streets, go down a small staircase, and you’re at the charco. It is a large natural pool with breathtaking views of the cliffs.

You can enjoy a beautiful sunset from there, and there is space to place your towel and enjoy the day.

2. Charco in Gran Canaria: Las Salinas

This time we head to a Charco in Gran Canaria, specifically in Agaete, a calm village. Las Salinas are a set of natural pools of volcanic origin at different depths, equipped with a breakwater and stairs for easy access.

3. Charco in El Hierro: Charco Azul

On the island of El Hierro, we can find one of the most spectacular pools in the islands. Charco Azul is located within a well-protected cave. Its crystal-clear waters are hypnotic. Luckily, this charco is easily accessible compared to others, and there are even wooden platforms where you can lie down to sunbathe.

4. Charco in Fuerteventura: Aguas Verdes

Fuerteventura is perhaps the island most famous for its dreamy kilometers-long beaches, but that's not all; the west coast of Fuerteventura has over 5 kilometers of natural pools. The beaches in that area often have very strong waves, so the Charco of Aguas Verdes is ideal for a good dip.

The water has a spectacular greenish tone and the pools are shallow, making it suitable for children. It's a very calm and beautiful place. You need to walk a few minutes from the parking lot along a dirt path to reach the charco.

5. Charco in Tenerife: El Caletón

El Caletón in Garachico is one of the most famous charcos in Tenerife.
It is a fairly crowded charco with locals and visitors, and during the summer, there are even lifeguards.
The pools are right next to the town of Garachico.

Moreover, with this charco, you are in luck, as we have one of our WEBCAMs so you can enjoy it LIVE whenever you want, Charco El Caletón.

6. Charco in Tenerife: La Cueva del Tancón

If you are from Tenerife, you have surely heard of La Cueva del Tancón, a natural pool hidden inside a cave located in Puerto Santiago, (Santiago del Teide). To access it, you have to walk a little along the coastline that will leave you spellbound with its natural pools and coves worthy of admiration, before descending the rocks to the cave.

Its crystal-clear waters are surrounded by basalt walls, an incredible light enters the pool, making it one of the best marine caves in the Canary Islands; moreover, if you wish, you can dive inside it as visibility is excellent.

Tips for Visiting Puddles in the Canaries

It is important to know a few things before visiting any puddle.

Do not go if the sea is in bad condition or there are large waves.

Wear water shoes to prevent slipping and scratching your feet on the rocks.

Go during low tide. Some of the natural pools only form at low tide, and the others tend to be much calmer.

Do not take dangerous paths that you are not sure about.