The best natural swimming pools in Gran Canaria

The island of Gran Canaria boasts great natural beauty. From the golden sand dunes of the south, through the lush greenery of the centre of the island, to the north with its incredible natural swimming pools.

Whilst tourists flock to the south of Gran Canaria, the north – with towns including Arucas, Gáldar and Moya – is home to beautiful landscapes and a coastline dotted with unique natural pools, making it an absolute must.

Places that offer a quiet, relaxing environment where you can enjoy the sea safely behind the shelter of the rocks that make up these places, making them ideal spots to spend a day with the family.

Our tip? Head to the northernmost part of the island on your next holiday, and spend a fabulous day in the fresh air by the sea. 

Los Charcones (Arucas)

This beautiful spot is part of the northern municipality of Arucas, famous for its neo-Gothic church. But aside from the architecture, the natural swimming pools along the coast of Arucas – specifically Los Charcones – make it a popular destination.

These large natural swimming pools have been carved out over time; the result of the sea eroding the rocks. And they’re now the perfect place to take a refreshing dip.

As well as giving you the chance to plunge into the fresh and invigorating Atlantic sea, Los Charcones has a restaurant of the same name which benefits from stunning sea views. It’s the perfect place to eat out with family and friends, followed by another dip in the pool and some time soaking up the sun. It makes for a fabulous day in the outdoors, with all the benefits of the sea.

Los Charcones is located just 13 minutes by car from the island’s capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. You can get there via the GC-2. Take the PK 9 exit along the coast and you’ll come to the seafront promenade where there’s a spacious car park.

Las Salinas (Agaete)

On the pretty Agaete coastline in the north-west of the island you’ll find another of the best natural swimming pools in Gran Canaria: Las Salinas. No doubt you’ve heard of the town of Agaete – it’s one of the places where you can catch the daily boat to the neighbouring island of Tenerife. It’s famous for its coffee plantations too, but the natural swimming pools are undoubtedly one of its major draws.

Las Salinas is made up of three natural pools connected by lava tubes, making it a great place for some fun with the family! The swimming pools are protected from the open sea by concrete posts, preventing the waves and sea water from crashing in.

You’ll also find a sun terrace, steps and rails making it easier to get into the water, and it’s easy to get to from the port of Agaete, with several car parks in the vicinity. Plus, there are toilets and a snack kiosk.

El Agujero (Gáldar)

El Agujero is a natural swimming pool located on the coast of Gáldar, another beautiful town in the north which is famous for its church at the end of the Camino de Santiago de Gran Canaria.

This is a place beloved by locals rather than tourists, who come to enjoy a more convenient dip in the sea: it’s perfectly equipped for all. And don’t forget to bring your goggles or a mask – the crystal clear water is brimming with small fish. And there’s more… Close to the swimming pools you’ll find bars to grab something to eat or drink, and a lovely seafront promenade where you can stroll along the coast after a refreshing swim in the Atlantic.

To get to El Agujero, take the GC-2 from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and take the Gáldar-Guía exit. It takes just over 40 minutes, and you’ll get there ready to enjoy a fabulous day by the sea.

El Charco de San Lorenzo (Moya)

Let’s continue our tour around the north of the island. The beautiful town of Moya in the north of Gran Canaria has two large natural swimming pools on its shores. These pools are ideal for swimming, with access via some steps to make it easier for swimmers. Something that sets these natural swimming pools apart from the rest is the sandy area forming a small beach next to the pools.

It’s been perfectly designed for all the family. There’s a playground for the little ones, showers, changing rooms, toilets, car parks and restaurants specialising in fish. What more could you wish for on your day by the sea?

This lovely little enclave is just 17 minutes by car from the Gran Canaria capital. Just take the GC-2 and exit at GC-75. When you turn off, you’ll find a spacious car park in front of a restaurant where you can leave your car or motorbike and head for a day splashing in the water and enjoying the beach. Now you just need to decide which one you’ll go for!

Natural pool of El Altillo (Moya)

In addition to Charco de San Lorenzo, Moya is also home to another natural pool for you to enjoy and take a relaxing dip in. Specifically, we are talking about El Altillo, less known and also calmer. You can also enjoy local cuisine at some of the nearby restaurants which specialise in fish and seafood.

To get there from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, first take the GC-3 toward Arucas/Teror/San Lorenzo, then take the GC-2 in the direction of Moya/Gáldar/Puerto Agaete and turn right onto Calle El Altillo. In about 15 minutes, you will be at your destination.

La Laja rock pools (Las Palmas)

You can also enjoy these tidal pools in Gran Canaria’s capital. Specifically, in the south of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria you will find the La Laja natural swimming pools, located next to the beach with which they share their name.

It has 3 bathing areas in total: one for children shaped like a crescent, another one that is 50 metres long for playing sports, and a third one for families.

To get there, if you are driving by car, get on the GC-1 motorway. If heading north on the GC-1, the “La Laja” exit will take you straight to the beach car park. If you are heading south, however, you have to take the right turn toward Tres Palmas, Pedro Hidalgo and continue the parallel route until you find the La Laja car park.

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