Cooling down in the waves of the Atlantic Ocean is a very special feeling, but the experience becomes even more unique when this happens in one of the natural swimming pools on Gran Canaria.
Gran Canaria has great beaches and fantastic natural resources that are full of charm and will take your breath away.
These natural pools are watertight spaces that fill and empty themselves at low and high tide without any help from humans' hands. Only the necessary equipment of the surroundings like stairs, railings, etc. were made by people.
For all these reasons, it is almost obligatory to visit them to enjoy a spectacular scene, to immerse yourself in the healthy salt water to benefit from its incredible properties.
The 5 most beautiful natural swimming pools in the north of Gran Canaria
In the following, we show you our top 5 of the most beautiful natural swimming pools, which you should not miss. Almost all of them are located in this part of the coast on the north coast of Gran Canaria, due to the difficult orography of the terrain and the lack of beaches.
1. Natural swimming pool (Charco) San Lorenzo (Moya)
The fact that the north of the island is filled with such basins has been confirmed already a long time ago. One of the most outstanding is the famous Charco de San Lorenzo, on the coast of Moya.
The two large pools, which have been man-made, allow for a great bathing experience without the risk of being carried away by the waves.
The larger pool is 75 meters long and 45 meters wide, and in some places it is so deep that you can jump headfirst into the water. However, caution is always advised.
Its numerous services (restaurants, sandy area for children, showers, changing rooms, toilets, stairs or parking) also make it an ideal place to enjoy a different day at the beach.
2. Natural swimming pool El Agujero (Gáldar)
Next on our list of the most beautiful natural swimming pools in Gran Canaria is El Agujero, located on the border with Gáldar (one of the most historic villages of the island).
This is an area where there are hardly any tourists, but is mostly visited by locals from the nearby villages. An authentic experience.
The three natural swimming pools are the only things you will find there, besides a bar where you can buy food and drink or go to the toilet.
This beautiful corner offers us a nice sunbathing area so that not only water rats but also sun worshippers get their money’s worth.
3. Natural swimming pool Las Salinas (Agaete)
If you think of a medieval fortress that lies on the coast, you probably remember the Dragonstone from Game of Thrones. It is something similar, but only with a lot of imagination: the natural swimming pools of Las Salinas.
This place on the coast of the municipality of Agaete, in the north-west of the island, simulates a kind of fortress because of its unique concrete pillars, which look like battlements and slow down the onslaught of waves.
The different parts of these natural pools on Gran Canaria are connected by several lava tubes, making them the ideal place to spend a nice day enjoying the views of the impressive rocks next to them and the neighbouring island of Tenerife.
The best thing about it is that it is located in a place that is well visited and that there are all kinds of services available in the area: toilets, restaurants, parking places, sun loungers, etc. If you want variety, you can also go to the nearby beach in the port Puerto de las Nieves.
4. Natural swimming pool Los Charcones (Arucas)
The natural swimming pools of Los Charcones are one of the most unforgettable places in Gran Canaria. Located on the border with Arucas (in the village of Bañaderos, the part of El Puertillo), they are a guarantee of an exceptional day at the beach.
Its large double swimming pool is the ideal place for the whole family to enjoy a unique marine environment with numerous services nearby, from toilets, sun loungers or parking bays to bars or restaurants.
Moreover, its small wall is ideal for walking along at low tide and its spacious rock barrier serves as a protection against the waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Here on the rocks we can find a variety of sea creatures and fishes that live in the area.
In these natural swimming pools on Gran Canaria, diving and snorkelling enthusiasts have the perfect opportunity to put on their diving mask, snorkelling equipment and flippers and enjoy the incredible marine life of the island’s north coast.
5. Natural swimming pool Roque Prieto (Santa María de Guía)
You won’t find a better explanation for relaxing, because it is one of the natural swimming pools where you can relax best. You only have to go to the municipality of Santa María de Guía to take a quiet swim in the wild waters.
But if your goal is to relax far away from the crowds, this is the perfect place for you. However, it may be that this is exactly what you will not find services such as toilets or bars. Your decision!
There is only a large sunbathing area, a railing and stairs to get into the water and a small slope to get to the pool. The compensation is the beautiful path through the banana plantations.
Natural swimming pools, another way to enjoy the beauty of Gran Canaria
Undoubtedly, and as you have certainly seen when reading this article, the natural swimming pools on Gran Canaria are a perfect option and alternative to the beach if you want to spend a quiet day.
