Date of publication 20/12/2023
The best natural pools in Lanzarote
Long ago, the meeting of wind, sea, and lava gave rise to a singular creation, one that held within it the full force of the island’s volcanic origins. Over centuries, this masterpiece, shaped by the Atlantic Ocean colliding with magma turned to stone, was gradually refined. Today, Lanzarote’s natural pools are one of the island’s defining icons, drawing visitors from around the world who come to take in their raw, elemental beauty. If you are looking for the ideal hotel in Lanzarote for your next vacation and do not want to miss this volcanic wonder, take note of the following recommendations.
Los Charcones natural pools
The natural pools of Los Charcones are located less than a five-minute drive from Playa Blanca, near the municipality of Yaiza. This is one of those tucked-away places where nature’s quiet mastery is fully on display. The rock formations are made up of a wide variety of untouched pools of all shapes and sizes, some large and deep, perfect for swimming or even diving in, and others no bigger than a bathtub. Their colors shift from turquoise to deep blue, creating a constantly changing landscape. Exploring them feels like stepping into the most authentic side of the Canary Islands.
Very close to these pools and right on the seafront, Iberostar Selection Lanzarote Park is a five-star hotel facing Playa Blanca, designed for both families and couples. Staying here feels almost otherworldly. The lunar landscapes that surround the property connect you with the island’s powerful natural energy. If you are traveling with children and looking for a fun hotel with water slides in Lanzarote, you will appreciate its dedicated slides and activity areas, balanced by an exclusive adults-only section with a pool for those seeking a quieter atmosphere.
It's three zocos, circular structures inspired by traditional island architecture, open out toward the horizon, in dialogue with the surrounding volcanic rock. This distinctive design, overseen by Canary Islands artist César Manrique, is intended to make you feel part of the landscape itself. The hotel features two restaurants and five bars serving both local and international cuisine, as well as the Aquafun area, the Star Camp program for children, and exclusive Star Prestige rooms and spaces.
How to get to Los Charcones
As mentioned, Los Charcones is located in Playa Blanca, very close to Timanfaya National Park. You can reach it on foot from the Pechiguera Lighthouse, just over a mile away. Another option is to follow a winding dirt road by car. Once there, you will need to descend a small cliff, so wearing comfortable, closed-toe shoes is recommended.
Visiting Los Charcones with children
Due to the nature of the access, younger children should be carried if walking, especially along the final stretch near the cliff, to avoid slips or falls. The safest way to enjoy Los Charcones as a family is to stay within the inner pools and avoid getting too close to the open sea, where waves break forcefully and feed water into the pools.
Punta Mujeres natural pools
When exploring Lanzarote’s natural pools, tides should always be taken into account. In the village of Punta Mujeres, more than a mile of lagoons stretches along the coastline, including two pools that are fully protected from the sea, allowing for calm swimming at any point in the lunar cycle. You might even spot a surprising marine creature approaching the shore. These pools also feature steps and comfortable sunbathing areas. Surrounding them, a small fishing village of whitewashed houses creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere, ideal if you are staying at a family-friendly hotel in Lanzarote and looking for relaxed excursions.
How to get to Punta Mujeres
By car, you can easily reach the northern coast of Lanzarote, where Punta Mujeres is located within the municipality of Haría. A more sustainable option is to cycle or walk from nearby Arrieta, a route that is well worth the effort. From Arrecife, you can also take bus line 9, which stops in Punta Mujeres.
Punta Mujeres, a family outing
Located within the village bay and offering easy access and parking, these pools are especially suitable for children of all ages. Many consider them a natural water park. After a swim, a great plan is to visit the nearby Cueva de los Verdes and Jameos del Agua, followed by a traditional seaside dinner at one of the local restaurants or terraces.
Charco del Palo
Another group of natural pools in Lanzarote that is sure to impress can be found at Charco del Palo. In the early 1970s, this area formed part of a naturist settlement founded by entrepreneur Gregor Kaiser, and naturism is still practiced today. It consists of three distinct pools with calm, shallow waters, along with a small sandy beach area. The surroundings, with viewpoints, cactus fields, and volcanic cones, are a constant reminder that you are on Lanzarote, an island where the earth’s force reveals itself in striking ways.
How to get to Charco del Palo
Charco del Palo is located in Haría, between Mala and Guatiza, about two miles from each village. The lagoons lie at the end of a quiet road that can be reached by car or bicycle. Their setting makes them an intimate and peaceful place, ideal for relaxing with a book by the ocean or enjoying a cocktail at one of the nearby beach bars, where naturism is also welcome. If you choose public transportation, bus lines 7 and 9 stop nearby.
Can you visit Charco del Palo with children?
The three small coves at Charco del Palo, sheltered from the wind, are suitable for children of all ages, including babies. It is a public, developed area surrounded by residential spaces and landscapes that can easily be explored on foot.
Cueva del Agua (or “La Olla”)
Cueva del Agua, also known as “La Olla,” is a natural pool about 33 feet in diameter, open to the sky in the middle of a rock formation. Its arid surroundings, with very little vegetation, turn a swim here into a true moment of disconnection, especially at sunset. In fact, it is a volcanic jameo, a tube formed by flowing lava during an eruption. You can lay your towel on the rock and, when the tide is high, jump into the water. Pay close attention to currents when swimming.
How to get to Cueva del Agua
To reach Cueva del Agua, you need to descend into a steep and slippery hollow, a stretch that will appeal to more adventurous visitors. It is located near Guatiza and can be reached by car or bicycle, about a ten-minute drive from the Cactus Garden and twenty minutes from Charco del Palo. About a third of a mile to the north lies the residential area of Los Cocoteros, where you will find more natural pools. To give you a reference, “La Olla” is around 100 yards from the last house in this area, though the main challenge is the descent.
What age is Cueva del Agua suitable for?
Lanzarote is an island for all types of travelers. However, “La Olla” is better suited to adults and older children, always under supervision. In this island oasis, and throughout the Canary Islands, you can not only enjoy unforgettable vacations with younger travelers at a beachfront hotel in Lanzarote, but also experience the destination as a couple or with friends at any time of year, with a sense of romance and a mild climate accompanying you wherever you go.
Caletón Blanco
In the north of the island, very close to the fishing village of Órzola, you will find Caletón Blanco. Although technically a beach, when the tide comes in, it transforms into a vast, calm natural pool, sheltered from the waves by arms of black lava. The contrast between the fine white sand, the clear turquoise water, and the dark volcanic rock creates a striking and unmistakable scene on the island.
The ideal place for a safe swim
Sheltered from the open sea, its waters are exceptionally calm and perfect for a relaxing swim. Thanks to the shallow depth in many areas, it is especially popular with families, offering a safe environment where younger children can play freely within a striking natural setting. A nearby parking area also makes access easy.
