10 incredible natural pools in Tenerife for lava-rock swims and Atlantic views

Tenerife’s famous for its black‑sand beaches and year‑round sun, but some of the island’s most memorable swims are in its wild lava pools along the coast. These natural rock basins range from mellow, family‑friendly complexes to dramatic corners where waves crash over dark cliffs. 

If you like the idea of swimming in seawater but without being tossed about by the surf, Tenerife's best natural pools are a very happy middle ground.

El Caletón de Garachico (Garachico)

El Caletón, right next to the historic town of Garachico, is probably the most famous cluster of natural pools in Tenerife, formed by lava flows from the 1706 eruption. Today you’ve got a network of basins, channels and ledges, all filled with seawater that surges in and out as the waves hit the outer rocks. There are ladders, lifeguards in high season and plenty of solid platforms for sunbathing, so it feels lively but still very much part of the old volcanic landscape.

Worth knowing: go for morning swims in El Caletón, a Canarian lunch in the old town and a late‑afternoon stroll along the harbour.

Piscinas de Bajamar (La Laguna)

Localidad de Bajamar / KUI, CC BY-SA 3.0 Wikimedia commons

The natural pools at Bajamar are probably the most user‑friendly on the island, sitting right on the seafront promenade of this laid‑back town in the northeast. There are ramps, lifeguards in season, showers and plenty of flat space to stretch out, so it works well for kids, older swimmers or anyone who’s not keen on clambering over rocks. After a swim, you can wander into town, grab a menú del día and still be back in time to watch the waves crashing over the outer walls.

Worth knowing: On days with big swell, it’s brilliant just to sit on the edge and watch the waves slam into the outer barrier in complete safety.

Charco del Viento (La Guancha)

Charco del Viento, on the north coast in La Guancha, is one of Tenerife’s classic natural pools: a string of lava basins with clear water, sharp black rock and views across banana plantations to the sea. It feels quite raw and local, with a mix of families, teenagers and older neighbours doing their daily dip, and you’ve still got small villages nearby if you fancy a post‑swim coffee or beer.

Worth knowing: Go early on weekends and in summer, as parking is limited and the best flat rocks for sunbathing go quickly.

Punta del Hidalgo (La Laguna)

Punta de Hidalgo. L. Vadillo - MaLéPhoto, CC BY-SA 4.0 Creative commons

Further along the coast, Punta del Hidalgo has a wilder feel, with low houses, a lighthouse and several natural pools scattered along a rugged stretch of basalt. Here you’re really aware of the ocean: the Atlantic pounds the outer rocks, but the lava has formed a series of sheltered areas where the water calms enough for a proper swim. It’s less built‑up than Bajamar, so you get more open sky, rough edges and that end‑of‑the‑world vibe that Tenerife’s north coast does so well.

Worth knowing: Strolling the seafront at Punta del Hidalgo and hopping into whichever pool looks calmest that day feels like a very local way to use the coast.

Charcos de La Jaquita (Guía de Isora)

On the south‑west coast at Alcalá, in the municipality of Guía de Isora, La Jaquita is a group of natural pools that have been gently tamed with walkways, ladders and paved terraces. You still get volcanic rock and Atlantic water, but with handy extras like showers, flat sunbathing areas and relatively easy access, so it’s popular with families and people staying in nearby resorts. The sea here is often calmer than on the wild north side of the island, and the light on this coast towards late afternoon can be very soft and golden.

Worth knowing: La Jaquita works well if you’re based in the south and want a more local, lava‑pool experience without trekking across the island.

Charco de Los Abrigos (San Miguel de Abona)

Los Abrigos / Katie Belle, CC BY-SA 2.0 Wikimedia commons

Charco de Los Abrigos lies near the small fishing village of Los Abrigos, on the south‑east coast, and feels like a little volcanic hideaway tucked behind the town. It’s a nice contrast to the more developed resorts around Costa del Silencio and Golf del Sur, and you can wander straight up to the harbour afterwards for grilled fish, papas arrugadas and a glass of local white wine.

Worth knowing: Time your visit so you can head straight from an afternoon dip in the charco to dinner at one of the simple fish restaurants in the port.

Piscina Natural de Jover (Tejina)

Jover, on the north coast near Tejina, is very much a local swimming spot, with a sea pool carved out along the waterfront and backed by volcanic cliffs. The water here is usually well protected, and there are ladders, a solarium area and basic facilities like showers. It’s close to the lush Anaga area, so you can easily combine a morning hike in the mountains with an afternoon lying on warm concrete, listening to the waves hitting the outer wall.

Worth knowing: On summer evenings, neighbours gather along the edge of the pool to chat and watch the sunset, which is one of the nicest times to be there.

Charco de Los Chochos (Los Silos)

Entrada al Charco de Los Chochos / Martely|Noemi M.M., CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia commons

Charco de Los Chochos, on the quiet north‑west coast near Los Silos, has a slightly dramatic, almost other‑planet feel, with dark, jagged rock platforms and deep, clear water. The main pool is big enough for a proper swim, and when the sea is calm, you can see straight down to the bottom through the green‑blue water. There are fewer built‑up facilities here than at Bajamar or Mesa del Mar, but that’s part of the charm.

Worth knowing: Look back towards land and you get brilliant views of the cliffs and the green slopes of the Teno area rising behind the coast.

Piscinas Naturales de Mesa del Mar (Tacoronte)

Mesa del Mar, in Tacoronte on the north coast, is a proper little complex of sea pools tucked under steep cliffs with apartments perched above. There are usually two main pools, including a huge one that almost feels like a regular swimming pool, just with Atlantic waves topping it up. Even when the sea is rough beyond, you often still get sheltered corners for a safe float.

Worth knowing: The contrast between the intense blue water, black lava and high cliffs makes Mesa del Mar one of the most photogenic spots for a swim.

Charco de La Laja (San Juan de la Rambla)

Charco de La Laja, en San Juan de la Rambla / Loi Ribera, CC0 Wikimedia commons

Charco de La Laja sits just below the seafront walkway of San Juan de la Rambla, a pretty little town on the north coast. You reach it by walking down stone steps to a striking basin of dark rock surrounded by the sea, which feels very hidden away despite being so close to the road. The water can be deep and very clear, with emerald and inky tones depending on the light. Up above, the village has a traditional Canarian feel, with older houses and small bars around the centre.

Worth knowing: Combine a morning dip in La Laja with a slow wander through the old town and a coffee in one of the small local cafés.

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