Charco Azul: La Palma's Best Natural Pools

On La Palma's northeast coast, the Atlantic pours in and out of pools carved into black volcanic rock. That's Charco Azul, the island's best-known natural swimming spot and the top hit for anyone searching "la palma natural pools" before packing. There's no entry fee and nothing to book, just the right day to pick.

What Charco Azul is and where to find it

Charco Azul sits in San Andrés y Sauces, on the north of the island, close to the Los Tilos ravine. It's a set of tide-fed pools with water so clear you can see the lava floor, shielded from the open swell by a rock breakwater that takes the worst of the waves before they reach the pools. There's parking, showers and changing rooms right at the entrance, and a lifeguard on duty in high season.

The pools work best at mid or low tide with a calm sea. When the Atlantic is rough, spray and waves get through the breakwater and swimming turns uncomfortable, and access sometimes closes on a red-flag day. Going mid-morning on a weekday outside August is the way to have it nearly to yourself.

Pair it with the island's green interior

Save the swim for the afternoon and the morning is well spent seeing the other side of La Palma's scenery: the green interior of Caldera de Taburiente. The guided tour of Caldera de Taburiente National Park drives up in an off-road bus to the Los Brecitos viewpoint, then it's a 6-hour walk down through Canary pines, wooden bridges and streams to the Cascada de Colores waterfall. Guide and transfers included, €42 per adult.

Other natural pools on the island

Charco Azul isn't the only one. If you're staying a few days, these round out the island's natural-pool circuit:

1. La Fajana (Barlovento): pools by the lighthouse at the island's northern tip, with more swell and fewer crowds than Charco Azul.
2. Charco Verde (near Puerto Naos): rock pools set in volcanic stone and black sand, on the west coast the Tajogaite eruption pushed even closer to the sea.
3. Los Cancajos: the most sheltered, family-friendly option, right by a seafront promenade and beach bars.

Getting around the island without a car

La Palma is easiest with a rental car, but if you'd rather not drive its hairpin roads, the full-island bus tour of La Palma's highlights circles the whole island in a day: the El Time viewpoint, Roque de los Muchachos at 2,426 metres, the Santuario de Las Nieves and the La Concepción viewpoint, with pickup from several points. It runs 8-9 hours and costs €48 per adult.

Tips for swimming at Charco Azul

1. Check the tide and sea state first: on a rough day, the lifeguard (when there is one) may close the pools.
2. Bring water shoes: the floor is volcanic rock, not sand.
3. Arrive early in summer: the parking by the entrance fills up by mid-morning.
4. Freshwater shower on the way out: there's one right next to the car park.

FAQs

Is there an entry fee for Charco Azul? No, it's a free natural swimming spot with open access and no booking needed.

When is the best time to swim at Charco Azul? When the sea is calm and the tide is mid or low. On days with heavy swell, access can be closed for safety.

Are there natural pools elsewhere on La Palma? Yes: La Fajana in Barlovento, Charco Verde near Puerto Naos, and Los Cancajos, the most sheltered and family-friendly of the three.

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More plans on the island? Find out how to visit the Tajogaite volcano, what to do in La Palma and all our La Palma tours.