In this article we are going to show you what we consider to be some of the best natural pools in Gran Canaria. In other words, pools with sea water. These saltwater pools are a great tourist attraction on the island and still little known to outsiders. Most of the natural pools are concentrated in the northern part of Gran Canaria, as the coast is more volcanic. In contrast, this type of bathing area is less common in the south of the island, where practically all the beaches are of golden sand.
Natural pools of Gran Canaria
Natural swimming pools are coastal areas enclosed by breakwaters and/or volcanic rock for bathing. Here you can swim and take a dip in 100% seawater safely.
Many of them even have railings and stairs for easy access to the water. Of course, there are also small natural pools that we share with you in a more intimate way in our guide to beaches and natural pools in Gran Canaria at the end of this article. Here are 10 natural pools in the north of Gran Canaria that you can’t miss.
1. El Agujero, Gáldar
This swimming pool is one of the best beaches in Gran Canaria, well, let’s say swimming area in the sea. As we have commented on other occasions, in El Agujero you can breathe 100% local atmosphere and life. The pool is fully accessible by means of a ramp and you can swim without any danger. It is only 10 minutes away from the historic centre of Gáldar.
2. Natural pools Las Salinas, Agaete
A few steps from Puerto de Las Nieves, one of the most beautiful towns in Gran Canaria, we find the natural pools of Las Salinas, in the municipality of Agaete. As you can see in the aerial photo, there are three pools, all with their corresponding stairs to access the salty water.
3. Charco de San Lorenzo, Moya
Also in the north of Gran Canaria, on the way to San Felipe town, we find one of the best-known natural pools in Gran Canaria. It is the Charco de San Lorenzo. As you can see in the following photo, its waters are calm. It also has stairs and a railing to access the beach.
4. Natural pool Roque Prieto, Guía
The municipality of Guía has very few kilometers of coastline for swimming. However, Roque Prieto pool is well known among the northerners for taking a dip and sunbathing. As you can see, it is a haven of peace, since there is nothing around. Well yes, the virgin of Santa María de Guía, the main protagonist of the La Madrina festivities.
5. Los Charcones, Arucas
This natural pool on the coast of Arucas has the distinguished blue flag for its facilities and services: accessibility, showers… Los Charcones are several pools and a few steps away is El Puertillo beach, with what there is room for everyone. It is recommended for families, since it does not have much depth and has a sandy area to access the water.
6. La Furnia or El Clavo, Gáldar
One of the least known pools in Gran Canaria is El Clavo (named by the locals as La Furnia). It is also in Gáldar and we show it below. To get here you have to go down some stairs, so it is not very accessible if you come with a baby cart or if you have reduced mobility. A salty paradise.
7. La Laja pools & beach, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
In Las Palmas de Gran Canaria we also have a few natural pools, all concentrated in La Laja Beach. This beach is located right at the southern entrance to the island’s capital. Like all the sites we mentioned before, it is a very localguider area. Discover more places to see in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in our blog.
8. Los Dos Roques, Gáldar
If we continue advancing along the Gáldar coast towards Agaete, we have the Los Dos Roques beach and pool. We leave you below with an aerial picture of the area. As you can see, the sand is clear and the town is small. All this area of natural pools in the north of Gran Canaria is surrounded by banana plantations.
9. Pool El Altillo, Moya.
On the coast of the municipality of Moya they also have a good natural pool: El Altillo. It is located right in front of one of the best Canarian food restaurants on the island, La Marisma. From here you will have beautiful views of the Moya coast, including this natural pool.
10. Bocabarranco or Emiliano beach, Gáldar
Next to the beach and natural pools of El Agujero we find the pool of Bocabarranco, also known as the natural pool of Emiliano. Here the sea may be a little rougher as it is an area with strong waves. If you get a good day, it can be wonderful.
Finally, if you want to discover some natural pools in the south of Gran Canaria, we recommend that you take note of Castillo del Romeral and La Lajilla in Arguineguín, although you can find them all in our guide to beaches and pools.
Guide to beaches and natural pools
As you can imagine, we cannot publicly share all the natural pools and puddles that are hidden in Gran Canaria because they are small and fragile spaces and if they become overcrowded, they will lose all their charm. In addition, they are usually areas where there is no cleaning service and we know that the impact of human beings does a lot of damage to these places. That is why we have created this coastal guide to Gran Canaria with more than 80 options for a dip on the island.
The guide is classified by municipality and includes the name of the beach / natural pool (so you can look it up on Google maps), a brief description, a photo and a table with its main characteristics. Even we mention a recommendation to eat around when there is an option nearby :). In this way, in addition to protecting our environment without revealing each site, you can support us for all the valuable and free content that we provide you.
Video of the natural pools of Gran Canaria
Then we leave you with a video in which we show you five of the previous pools, all in the north of Gran Canaria. You can subscribe here to our YouTube channel for more information about what to see and do in Gran Canaria on video.
Guides to Gran Canaria
Finally, if in addition to the natural pools and beaches of Gran Canaria you are interested in discovering other corners of the island on your own, by clicking on the image below you can take a look at all our digital guides and special packs that include the guide to beaches and pools that we told you about before. This way, as well as saving you valuable time in planning your routes, you will be able to discover unique places on the island.
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