Looking for a change from beaches and swimming pools?
Here’s our list of the most beautiful natural pools in Gran Canaria, formed either by rocks or by man.
We share photos, to help you choose where to go and tips on how to get there and enjoy it.
Enjoy your swim!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Content
Map of natural pools in Grand Canaria
All around the island, you can find seawater pools, more or less natural, but always with beautiful sea views. Swimming is one of Gran Canaria’s main attractions.
Here is a map to help you find your way:
First and foremost, we would like to remind you that the natural pools appear mainly at low tide, but that tidal coefficients are more or less important.
Be careful not to stay too long after low tide, as the waves can crash over the pool rocks.
Safety first!
1. Las Salinas (Agaete)
Why we love
The natural pools of Agaete are, without doubt, the most beautiful on Gran Canaria.
The pools are quite large, surrounded by lava and offer beautiful views of the west coast cliffs.
The location is truly magical, and in a less touristy part of the island.
There are 3 pools connected by underwater mini-tunnels. Hold your breath and swim from one to the other! See more photos.
Useful tips
- Location: Agaete, west coast
- From Las Palmas = 30 min drive
- From Maspalomas = 1h20 drive
- Large unsealed parking lot next door or 10-minute walk from town
- Snack bar next to the pools
- Toilets
- Monitoring from July to September
- Wear good shoes, as the rocks are not easy to climb.
- Watch out for high tides, when waves can crash into the pools.
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Gran Canaria
- 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.
2. Piscinas de La Laja (Las Palmas)
Why we love
These pools are very popular with the locals, who come to do their laps.
They’ve been man-made and their shapes are less natural, but we loved the atmosphere and the views over the horizon.
You could see regulars and acquaintances saying hello to each other, more focused people coming in to do their exercise…
Useful tips
- Location: Between Las Palmas and Telde, north-east coast
- From Las Palmas = 15 min drive
- From Maspalomas = 50 min drive
- Large free parking lot, then 3 minutes’ walk through a tunnel
- No restaurant or facilities
- No monitoring
3. Los Charcones De Bañaderos (Arucas)
Why we love
Los Charcones de Banaderos is a huge pool with different depths (or two large pools separated by a low wall).
We haven’t measured it, but we think it’s the biggest on the island. There’s room for everyone here.
However, the scenery when you’re swimming has got to be interesting.
Useful tips
- Location: Arucas, north coast
- From Las Palmas = 15 min drive
- From Maspalomas = 1h drive
- Large parking lot and 5-minute walk along the promenade
- Restaurant
- Be careful, the edges are very slippery and we nearly fell into the water while taking our photos several times!
- Watch out for crashing waves at high tide.
- We do image a summer watch, but we can’t say for sure as we seem to have missed the sign. Sorry!
WHERE TO STAY IN Gran Canaria
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
- Where to stay in Gran Canaria
- Our favorite: Marina Suites Hotel
Select by hotel type:
- 5-star hotels
- Best boutique-hotels
- Best adults-only hotels (coming soon)
- Best all-inclusive hotels (coming soon)
- Best hotels for families
Select by city:
4. Charco Las Graditas (Arguineguin)
Why we love
A little surprise when walking between Playa de Patalavaca and Aguineguin, along the promenade and away from the hotels and noise, we found a small seawater pool. It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind!
Useful tips
- Location: Aguineguin, south coast
- From Las Palmas = 1h drive
- From Maspalomas = 15 min drive
- No nearby parking, 10min walk from north or south
- Easy access
- No installation and monitoring
- Wear good shoes, as the rocks are not easy to climb.
- Be careful not to stay long after low tide.
FUN in Gran Canaria:activities
Dolphin watching
Buggy / Quad
Snorkeling
Kayaking in the Mogan caves
But also: Canyoning, Horse riding, Via Ferrata, Coasteering… See all options
5. Piscina del Perchel
Why we love
Once again, we love it when it’s a popular local spot.
This pool doesn’t have the best views, but it’s one of the easiest to get to, with ample parking next to the beach and a landscaped walkway along the water’s edge.
Useful tips
- Location: Aguineguin, south coast
- From Las Palmas = 1h drive
- From Maspalomas = 15min drive
- Large parking lot next to Paya de Aguineguin beach
- Easy access to the pool
- Restaurants
6. El Hombre natural pools (photo)
Why we love
We also love the smaller natural pools in beautiful rocky areas, ideal for photography.
For a different experience, head for Mirador Puna, south of Playa del Hombre beach.
A visit at low tide is a must.
The small cavities fill with transparent water, creating rainbows of color.
Useful tips
- Location: El Hombre, east coast
- From Las Palmas = 25 min drive
- From Maspalomas = 45 min drive
- Beautiful seafront promenade, in a less touristy area
- Not for swimming
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information and addresses you need to make your stay in the Canaries a success will soon be available in a single ebook!
If you’d like to be notified when our guide to the Canaries is published, please subscribe:
7. Charco de los Espejos (photography)
Why we love
Charco de los Espejos is one of Gran Canaria’s most popular natural pools for photographers.
It’s in a somewhat isolated corner.
We chose to admire it only from the top of the cliff, as the access “path” didn’t give us much confidence.
The colors of the surrounding rocks are very interesting indeed.
Useful tips
- Location: Faro de Punta Sardina
- From Las Palmas = 30 min drive
- From Maspalomas = 1h20 drive
- Unsealed parking lot
- No indications
- Be careful to descend only when the tide is very low, and not to stay long after the low tide mark.
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Other piscinas, charcos and lagoons in Gran Canaria
8. Piscina La Furnia o El Clavo
Another beautiful pool off the beaten track, surrounded by rocks.
Lots of walking to get there.
Quite photogenic.
In Galdar, on the north coast.
9. Natural pools Roque Prieto
2 man-made pools. In a non-tourist area.
Ample parking nearby. Slope for access.
In Galdar, on the north coast.
10. Charco de San Lorenzo (Piscina Punta De Tomí)
Large pool very close to the freeway, so easy to get to.
Caravan park next door.
North coast of Gran Canaria.
10. Agujero natural pool
Another man-made pool on the Galdar coast.
Less photogenic.
In Galdar, on the north coast.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Gran Canaria
- Best of
Best things to do in Gran Canaria
Most beautiful landscapes
Most beautiful towns and villages
Most beautiful beaches
Best natural pools
Archaeological sites
Best museums
Best boat tours (coming soon)
Secret places, off the beaten track
- Practical advice
25 tips for a successful trip to Gran Canaria
When to go?
How to get around
How to rent a car in Gran Canaria
Driving tips
Best excursions (coming soon)
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 7 days – 10 days
- The must-dos
Las Palmas and its historic center
Dolphin watching in Gran Canaria (coming soon)
Maspalomas dunes
Puerto de Mogan (Little Venice)
Agaete and its natural pools
The magnificent town of Agüimes
