We recommend a visit to the Los Abrigos Natural Swimming Pools on Tenerife’s south-east coast. A veritable jewel of nature, we were captivated by the serenity and rugged beauty of these basins carved out of volcanic rock. This unique location invites you to enjoy memorable swims in an exceptional, unspoilt setting.
Find all our useful tips in pictures to help you prepare for your visit and spend a pleasant moment at the water’s edge!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
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Why visit Los Abrigos Natural Pools?
Are Los Abrigos Natural Pools worth a visit? Our opinion:
Absolutely! Sculpted over time by the movement of the ocean, these natural pools offer a peaceful setting where turquoise water mingles with the raging waves of the open sea. They are among the most beautiful natural pools on the island, and must-do activities in El Médano. They totally seduced us. Although it’s off the beaten tourist track, it’s still a popular spot. This unspoilt site, shaped by volcanic rock, is an alternative to Tenerife’s more touristy beaches.
Discover the marine world of Los Abrigos on a diving excursion!
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How to get to Los Abrigos Natural Swimming Pools: winter access and map
Where are the basins located?
- Southeast of Tenerife,
- Near the village of Los Abrigos,
- Along the Carretera Los Abrigos Almedano,
- 10min drive from El Médano,
- 15min drive from Tenerife South Airport,
- 25min drive from Los Cristianos,
- A 30-minute drive from Playa de las Américas.
Our map will help you find your way around the island:
OUR TIPS TO RENT A CAR IN Tenerife
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- If you’re planning to explore the mountains, don ‘t take the smallest cars. A more powerful engine will be more comfortable.
- But don’t take too big a car either, as some roads are narrow.
- There’s a lot of demand and it’s an island, so book early.
How to get there? Access road
To reach the natural pools, you can choose between 3 options:
- on foot: from the small fishing village of Los Abrigos, take a path along the coast to reach the site. Allow 10-15 minutes for the walk.
- by public transport: the nearest bus stop to the pools is at Los Abrigos. You will then have to continue on foot to reach them. Find out more about the local bus network here.
- by car: take Avenida Los Abrigos. Once you’ve passed the small village, drive slowly so as not to miss the natural pools. There are no signs to indicate the location, but you’ll see an unpaved parking area at the side of the road.
Access from the parking lot
The parking area for the natural pools is located off Avenida Los Abrigos, also known as Route TF-643. It’s a free parking area littered with holes, debris and small stones. Avoid leaving valuables inside your vehicle, as incidents of broken windows have been reported in the area.
To reach the pools, you’ll have to walk for about 10 minutes along a slippery path strewn with rocks. As a visual cue, you’ll first pass a graffiti-covered building and an information board. You’ll then embark on a descent that requires good footwear to avoid injuring yourself on the volcanic rock.
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Useful tips: duration, difficulties, facilities
Best time to visit
The best time to visit the natural pools is at low tide, when the basins are well exposed and accessible for swimming. You should also choose mornings or late afternoons to avoid the intense heat of the day and peak traffic. These periods offer a quieter, more intimate experience, allowing you to take full advantage of the beauty of the place. The site is accessible even in the depths of winter, thanks to the island’s subtropical climate – in fact, our photos were taken in December!
Length of visit and main difficulties
Allow 45min to 1h to enjoy the Los Abrigos Natural Pools. They are ideal for a refreshing swim, although the site is less conducive to prolonged relaxation in the sun due to the absence of large areas for lying down. The volcanic rock is not the most comfortable.
Unfortunately, the path to the pools is not at all suitable for people with reduced mobility. The floor is covered with small stones that can cause slipping. Some sections are quite steep, requiring good stability. Make sure you wear good shoes so you don’t fall. You’ll also need swimming shoes to avoid scuffing your feet when you go for a swim.
Catering, Toilets and Facilities
For lunch, we suggest you walk to the fishing village, as there are no restaurants in the pool area. The restaurant La Cueva De Los Abrigos offers fish and seafood dishes.
There are no on-site toilets either. Only one pool is equipped with a small platform and ladder to enter the water.
HAVE FUN IN TENERIFE: activities
The Los Abrigos coastline
On our way to the natural pools, we enjoyed splendid views of the Los Abrigos coastline. The descent to the basins offered glimpses of the Atlantic Ocean, with its superb shades of blue. The rock formations, remnants of the island’s volcanic activity, add a certain cachet to the landscape.
We also noticed some endemic plants clinging to the cliffs along the way, such as cacti and shrubs. Although this is an unspoilt site, we noticed homeless people occupying some of the rock cavities.
The view of Montaña Roja
From the top of the path, we discovered the unmistakable Montaña Roja on the horizon. This volcano, whose name literally means “red mountain”, is distinguished by its earthy color, a mixture of red and orange, resulting from the oxidation of minerals in the rocks. We were amazed that we couldn’t make out its reddish hue. Its iconic silhouette and steep slopes make it a must-see landmark on the island, attracting hikers and nature lovers alike.
Volcanic rock formations
The rock formations of Los Abrigos are a fascinating feature of the landscape, bearing witness to the region’s geological history. The result of volcanic activity, these structures offer a glimpse of the natural processes that have shaped the island of Tenerife over the millennia. Solidified lava flows come in a variety of intriguing shapes. We were charmed by this very organic mineral landscape!
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The magnificent natural swimming pool
Los Abrigos Natural Pools are often perceived as a collection of pools, but we found that there was only one man-made pool. It has a safer swimming environment and a small diving board with ladder.
Although picturesque, the other bathing areas present risks. They are often more exposed to waves and currents. We advise you to exercise caution and not to venture into these basins without a good knowledge of marine conditions. Instead, opt for a guided diving excursion to discover the coastline in complete safety. – see excursion details.
Fish through azure water
We spotted striped fish below the surface of the water, without even snorkeling. Fed by the Atlantic Ocean, these basins are home to a rich marine life. The water is incredibly clear. We highly recommend that you bring a mask and snorkel and explore the seabed! Alternatively, opt directly for a guided diving activity in Los Abrigos Bay. – see excursion details.
Other nearby attractions
Combine your visit to the natural pools with these nearby attractions:
- La Playa de la Tejita (4min drive): we enjoyed an exceptional view of Montaña Roja from this large sandy beach.
- Montaña Roja nature reserve (5min drive): home to hiking trails. At the top of the mountain is a breathtaking panoramic view of the ocean.
- Playa El Médano (an 8-minute drive away): its strategic location, volcanic landscape and modern facilities make it a must for relaxation and leisure!
Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to visit Los Abrigos Natural Pools in winter?
Los Abrigos Natural Swimming Pools can also be visited in winter. Temperatures in Tenerife remain generally mild throughout the year, with averages around 16 to 22°C during the winter season. However, we suggest you check the weather conditions beforehand, as the weather can be more changeable in winter. Although the bathing is cooler, it’s still very pleasant. You’ll also avoid busy periods and enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere.
Is there a beach at Los Abrigos?
If natural pools aren’t your thing, the village of Los Abrigos has a small beach of black sand and pebbles close to the port. In our opinion, it’s not one of the most beautiful beaches in the region, but it has the merit of being close to shops and restaurants.
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How to rent a car in Tenerife
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Best excursions (coming soon)
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