The natural rock pools of southern Tenerife: a complete guide with a map and how to get there from your accommodation

If you are looking for the best natural rock pools in southern Tenerife, spots such as the Isla Cangrejo pool, Alcalá or Los Abrigos are must-see stops for their volcanic beauty. However, to enjoy this experience with complete safety and comfort, the smartest option is to stay at our Ona Alborada, in the Las Galletas area. This Ona Hotels & Apartments complex has the largest natural pool in Europe, letting you swim in the Atlantic Ocean without having to leave your own aparthotel.

Tenerife is much more than its famous golden or black sandy beaches. The island hides fascinating geological secrets all along its rugged coastline. Organising a trip to the Canary Islands inevitably means connecting with the force of pure nature. Among all the attractions the archipelago offers, the natural pools, known locally by residents as "charcos", represent one of the most authentic and revitalising experiences any traveller can enjoy.

These unique rock formations let you plunge into the crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic while watching the waves break forcefully just a few metres away. Preparing your route requires good organisation, since the tide dictates your bathing times. That is why having a strategic base completely transforms the experience, bringing peace of mind to your days of sun and salt. In this guide, we reveal how to explore the best rock pools in the south and why choosing the right accommodation changes everything.

Ona Alborada

The origin of the charcos: why they are the treasure of the Canaries

To understand the magic and magnetism of these coastal spots, we first have to look back at the astonishing geological past of the archipelago. The Canary Islands are the direct offspring of the fury of the volcanoes. Over millions of years, the ceaseless eruptions have moulded an unmistakable landscape that captivates at first sight.

The force of the volcano: when the dense flows of incandescent lava came down the mountain slopes and finally came into contact with the icy waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the matter cooled suddenly. This sharp thermal shock stopped the advance of the lava dead in its tracks, creating impenetrable barriers of solid rock, volcanic tubes and whimsical stone shapes that today line the entire Tenerife coastline.

The protection of the Atlantic: these imposing walls of solidified magma now act as a perfect breakwater. Their natural structure holds back the enormous force of the open ocean, giving rise to pools of different sizes and depths. The great biological miracle of these pools is that they renew themselves completely naturally twice a day. At high tide, the ocean rises over the rocks and floods the charco with fresh, clean water full of marine life. When the sea retreats at low tide, the charco is left as calm and crystal-clear as a millpond, waiting for bathers.

The crown jewel: the immense natural pool at Ona Alborada

When planning your eagerly awaited holiday, there is a logistical factor that makes the difference between a good trip and an extraordinary one. In the south of the island, that decisive factor has a name, and it has become the paradise of thousands of families.

A European landmark: our Ona Alborada complex is not simply a wonderful place to sleep and rest. This establishment stands as a tourist destination in its own right, as it is home to the largest natural pool in Europe. With a surface area of more than 3,800 square metres, this immense private lagoon lets you experience the purity of the Canarian sea without the discomforts of the wild rock pools.

Absolute safety and comfort: choosing this accommodation means gaining, without the slightest effort, the best of both worlds. On the one hand, you enjoy the exhilarating experience of swimming in a pool of genuine seawater, feeling the salinity and the perfect temperature of the Atlantic. On the other hand, you enjoy all the comforts and guarantees of a top-class resort. It has spacious solarium areas with sunloungers for peaceful sunbathing, completely safe access via steps designed for all ages, constant supervision and a splendid catering service just a few steps from the water. It is a value proposition that is literally impossible to find at the most isolated natural pools on the Canarian coast, where there are no services of any kind.

A route around the best rock pools in southern Tenerife

If you feel like heading out to explore and discover the hidden treasures the island's whimsical geography offers, southern Tenerife provides a collection of natural pools that will leave you breathless. Below, we map out an essential itinerary for your trip.

Isla Cangrejo rock pool (Santiago del Teide)

The setting: this magnificent pool is located very close to the impressive, dizzying cliffs of Los Gigantes. Unlike the more untouched rock pools in the area, Isla Cangrejo is a natural pool that has been strategically protected by a thick artificial concrete wall. This solid structure effectively holds back the strong swell typical of the west coast, allowing a calm swim while you watch the waves burst spectacularly against the sturdy outer wall.

How to get there: it is an ideal and highly accessible visit if you decide to make a nearby aparthotel such as Ona Las Rosas your base camp. Renting a car will let you cover the distance between the complex and this rock pool on a short, picturesque journey, parking comfortably in the quiet residential streets next to the coastal viewpoint.

Alcalá natural pools (Guía de Isora)

The setting: the picturesque village of Alcalá has managed to blend its volcanic nature with sustainable urban development to perfection. Here you will find a huge, recently refurbished coastal area that harmoniously links several volcanic rock pools by means of a long, modern pedestrian promenade. It is, without a doubt, an absolutely perfect place to sit and admire the famous reddish Atlantic sunsets, as it offers direct, uninterrupted views of the majestic silhouette of the island of La Gomera.

How to get there: immense convenience is Alcalá's strong point. The rock pools have modern wooden walkways for strolling, comfortable metal steps giving direct access to the water and wide, smooth areas of polished rock for laying out your towel comfortably without little stones digging into you.

Los Abrigos natural pool

The setting: if what your travelling spirit truly seeks is a much wilder, more rugged landscape far from the concrete, Los Abrigos is the destination marked with a cross on your map. These are pools of pure, unaltered volcanic rock, where the salt water takes on dazzling emerald and turquoise tones as it receives the direct impact of the sunlight during the midday hours.

How to get there: the wild adventure always demands a little effort. To reach the secret pools, the route requires parking the vehicle in the vicinity of this traditional fishing village and walking about fifteen minutes along an uneven path of earth and loose rock. For this obvious reason, it is a highly recommended option for adventurous travellers. However, it is not the most suitable place for carrying prams or beach chairs.

Comparison of rock pools and natural pools

So that you can plan your sunny days with a simple quick glance at your mobile phone, here is our organisational table.

Expert tips for a safe swim

The dazzling nature of the Canaries is as beautiful as it is untameable and powerful. Bathing in a natural pool is an unforgettable immersive experience, but it always requires applying common sense and following certain basic golden rules.

Keeping an eye on the tides: the absolute rule across all the Canary Islands is to visit the natural pools always and exclusively at low tide. When the sea is at its lowest point, the charco is peaceful, warm and protected. By contrast, at high tide the heavy swell strikes the rock barriers with great violence. A sudden surge of the sea can be extremely dangerous within just a few seconds. Always check the reliable tide tables online before you set off.

Essential equipment: even if you are going for a peaceful swim, we recommend leaving the typical thin rubber flip-flops in the apartment. We strongly suggest the continued use of water shoes or neoprene shoes with a thick sole. Walking barefoot over the rugged, sharp volcanic rock can cause cuts. In addition, as this is a very lively ecosystem, there is a real possibility of accidentally stepping on a small sea urchin camouflaged beneath the water.

The flexibility of Ona Hotels & Apartments

Exploring the south coast of the island and letting yourself be amazed by its wild volcanic rock pools drains anyone's batteries. The choice of your accommodation is the great centrepiece that guarantees the absolute success of this well-deserved holiday.

Ona Alborada: a sea paradise within your own accommodation

The format: we are looking at a unique and spectacular aparthotel where the Atlantic Ocean takes on the leading role from the moment you check in.

The advantage: as well as the exclusive privilege of its unrivalled salt-water natural pool, the complex offers very bright apartments perfectly equipped with their own kitchen. It is the ideal place for families and large groups who want to manage their own mealtimes without giving up, under any circumstances, the stellar luxury of having the murmur of the sea caressing their windows.

Ona Las Rosas and Ona Los Claveles: strategic bases

The format: these are two immense, extremely welcoming apartment complexes, located in unique spots in the south-west of Tenerife, such as the towns of Puerto de Santiago and Los Cristianos.

The advantage: these aparthotels serve as the definitive base of operations for those who decide to rent a car. You can devote every morning to exploring the map of hidden rock pools from one end to the other, and return in the mid-afternoon to rest. Imagine ending your busy day relaxing in their immense freshwater pools and dining calmly under the stars in the absolute privacy of your terrace.

Ona Los Claveles

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the natural pools

We answer your final questions concisely and directly so that you travel with complete safety and peace of mind.

Are Tenerife's natural pools safe for going with young children?

The answer: yes, as long as you visit them strictly during the peak of low tide and always choose developed options that do not require walking along cliff edges. Of course, to eliminate any minimal risk at the root, the safest option on the whole island is to bathe in the salt-water pool at Ona Alborada. In this immense private lagoon the sea is completely tamed and the waters remain stable at all times, with no uncomfortable underwater currents.

Do you have to pay an entrance fee to access the natural rock pools?

The answer: no, all the beautiful natural pools geologically formed along the rugged public coast are part of the maritime public domain. This means that access to them is completely free and open to all residents and tourists. In the particular case of Ona Alborada, as it is a carefully integrated site, the use of its extraordinary salt-water facilities is reserved exclusively for guests staying at the complex and for those who opt for the Day Pass, guaranteeing comfortable capacity.

Can I swim if there is a red flag on the neighbouring beach?

The answer: it is not advisable and is considered a serious act of recklessness. When there is a strong storm at sea or alerts issued by the weather services, the huge waves sweep the perimeter rocks that traditionally protect the natural pools with disproportionate force. That colossal, sudden force of the water can strike against the volcanic stone and drag an adult into the depths. At the slightest doubt, the smartest decision is to stay and relax in the safe pools of your aparthotel.