Actualizado: 9 julio, 2019
1) El Porís (Arico)
This is one of the most peaceful natural swimming pools in Tenerife that I know. This is because it is so strategically located on the coast of the municipality of Arico, that it is practically hidden. If you don’t have specific clues about the location, it won’t usually cross your path. It is therefore a good choice in order to enjoy the water and the solitude right by the sea (I don’t think I’ve ever seen more than two people there at the same time).
As soon as you take the turnoff from the southern motorway to reach El Porís, cross the bridge over this road and go straight ahead. This road ends at a strange white wall of a no less peculiar house (designed by an internationally known architect); then turn left and continue for about 300 metres. Park there and on your right you will see a small passage between two buildings, go a few steps further and you will find the natural pool surrounded by rocks.
If you are lucky and the weather is clear that day, you will have a unique view of the island of Gran Canaria.
2) La Listada (Arico)
We don’t leave the municipality of Arico, because another detour from the aforementioned southern motorway will take you to Abades (the birthplace of international footballer Pedro Rodríguez, formerly Barcelona and now Chelsea). We go there and very soon see another junction on the right towards La Jaca and La Listada. Continue along the path, on which you can’t get lost and once you’ve reached the two towns, you’ll see that the natural swimming pool is right in between.
3) Punta Prieta (Güímar)
This natural swimming pool is a splendid example of this variety, which is mostly used by locals and has so far been spared by the tourist streams. It is located in the municipality of Güímar.
4) Puerto Santiago (Santiago del Teide)
Another very attractive natural swimming option in the south of Tenerife is the natural swimming pool in the municipality of Santiago del Teide, located at the Urbanización Isla Cangrejo. This means that it is very close to the spectacular cliff of Los Gigantes, which multiplies its charm. However, you should have in mind that if there are strong waves, you should rather postpone bathing in the pool (I have been lucky with my visits so far).
5) El Caletón (Garachico)
It is a wonderful plan to combine the trip to Santiago del Teide on the Masca road with a trip to Garachico. The Masca massif seems to come from another world and is one of the most beautiful places you can enjoy in Tenerife. And what can one say about such a beautiful city as Garachico, whose old harbour was buried by a volcanic eruption?
A natural phenomenon that has already given us the opportunity to swim between the remains of the cooled lava foothills on the northern side of the island. Either directly in the sea or in small natural pools.
6) Mesa del Mar (Tacoronte)
If we are heading back from Garachico towards Santa Cruz de Tenerife, I recommend a stop in Tacoronte. Here you have to leave the city centre in the direction of El Pris (which is also a good example of the natural swimming pools in Tenerife) and Mesa del Mar. I will introduce you to the latter, because you will surely like it because of the winding road down to the coast. From here you have a wonderful view, including the Teide.
7) Jover (La Laguna)
Another of my favourites among the natural swimming pools in Tenerife is on the coast of the municipality of La Laguna. It has a coquettish location with improved access and a panoramic view over the adjacent mountains, Bajamar and Punta del Hidalgo. To get there, you have to go from La Laguna to Tejina and within this town turn right into the road that leads to the coast. You will now leave the city behind and descend between banana plantations until you reach a car park where you will find the natural swimming pool next door.
Sometimes I came here during the week and felt like I was in heaven. As with all the other natural pools I show you, there are usually more people on weekends.
8) Punta de Hidalgo (La Laguna)
If we continue our route through the same area, you can find alternatives for your next swim both in Bajamar (with one of the most famous natural swimming pools in Tenerife) and in Punta del Hidalgo, which we are choosing for this time. The arrival to the village is perfectly signposted, so it should be no problem for you to get there. Once you have arrived, enter the promenade, which offers numerous gastronomic options, all linked to the sea.
I love to treat myself after an extensive bath and enjoy fresh limpets with a cold beer and good company.