Los Charcones Natural Pools

Los Charcones is one of those places that locals talk about in hushed tones and tourists stumble upon by accident, usually after a tip from someone at their hotel who has already been and cannot stop talking about it. Hidden away on the rocky western coastline of Playa Blanca, this collection of natural swimming pools carved into the volcanic rock by centuries of Atlantic waves is one of the most extraordinary wild swimming spots in the Canary Islands.

There is no commercialism here.  It's just you, the rocky coastline, the crystal clear, if not expressively rough at times, Atlantic water. Los Charcones is Lanzarote at its most untamed and authentic, and finding it feels like discovering a secret that the island has been keeping just for you.

Los Charcones, or simply 'the pools', is one of those special places on Lanzarote that locals and long-time residents like myself always enjoy sharing with visitors. Here, on the south coast, volcanic lava meets the Atlantic and over the centuries, the ocean has patiently sculpted a series of natural rock pools into the black basalt. Each pool has its own character. Some are shallow enough for a gentle paddle, just covering your ankles, while others are surprisingly deep and perfect for a refreshing dip. A few are calm and sheltered, protected by natural lava walls, while others are open to the sea, letting the waves surge in and keep the water fresh. There is always a sense of discovery, and a little thrill, as you explore each one.

You will find most of the pools clustered along a stretch of the southwest coast, and half the fun is wandering over the rocks, discovering new pools as you go. The water here is beautifully clear, so you can watch little fish, crabs and sea urchins going about their business beneath the surface. The temperature is just right—cool and refreshing, but never cold—thanks to the sun warming the dark volcanic stone all around. On a typical Lanzarote day, with the sun shining and the sound of the ocean just beyond the rocks, it is hard to imagine a more peaceful or blissful spot to spend an afternoon.

Part of the charm of Los Charcones is that discovering it feels like a little adventure in itself. There are no signs to guide you, and the approach is quietly understated. You will find these natural pools tucked away off the beaten path, near the old abandoned hotel just west of Playa Blanca.

The track leading down is unpaved and a little bumpy, but with a bit of care, most hire cars can manage it. Just take it slowly and check your insurance details before you set off. You can follow the track for a few hundred metres until it ends, then simply park up and enjoy the short walk to the coast. If you prefer, you can always leave your car a little earlier and stroll the rest of the way, soaking up the scenery as you go.

We always suggest wearing sturdy shoes rather than flip flops, as the lava rock here is rough and uneven underfoot. Once you reach the coastline, you will spot the pools shimmering below. There are a few different paths down to the water, depending on which part of the pools you would like to explore.

Some routes down are easier than others, so take your time and watch your step. There is no need to hurry. Part of the pleasure is in the journey. It is a good idea to drop a pin or note the GPS coordinates before you set off, as these are easy to find online. Most walking apps or Google Maps will guide you to the general area, and once you are nearby, the pools reveal themselves from above.

Los Charcones is one of those wild, untouched corners of Lanzarote where nature takes centre stage. There are no facilities here, so it is important to come prepared. I always recommend bringing more water than you think you will need, as the sun, wind and salt air can be surprisingly dehydrating. If you are planning to spend a few hours, pack some food and snacks to keep your energy up. Sun cream is a must and you will want to reapply after every swim. A hat, sunglasses and something light to cover up with will help protect you from the strong southern sun that we know so well here.

Water shoes or reef shoes make a big difference here, as the volcanic rock is rough and sharp beneath your feet. The pools themselves can be uneven, and every now and then you might spot a sea urchin tucked away in a crevice. Walking barefoot between the pools is not something I would recommend, as the lava can be quite unforgiving.

If you have snorkelling gear, it is well worth bringing along. The water in the pools is beautifully clear, and you will often spot little fish, crabs and other marine life going about their day. A waterproof case for your phone is handy if you want to capture some underwater memories. I always bring a towel and something to sit on, as the rocks can be comfortable enough once you find a good spot, but a mat or towel makes it even better. A small dry bag is useful for keeping your valuables safe from splashes. Most importantly, please remember to bring a bag for your rubbish and take everything home with you. Los Charcones remains such a special place because everyone does their bit to keep it pristine.

Los Charcones is one of those special places on Lanzarote where nature is left to its own devices. It is beautiful, but also untamed, so a little extra care and respect go a long way here. There are no lifeguards or safety barriers, and you will not find rescue equipment or first aid facilities nearby. If you do run into difficulty, help will come from those around you and your own good sense. It is also worth noting that mobile phone signal can be unreliable in this part of the island.

On calm days, the pools at Los Charcones are a real treat for confident swimmers, with clear, still water that invites you in. The main thing to watch out for is the slippery rocks as you get in and out. When the Atlantic swell picks up, though, the pools nearest the open sea can suddenly fill with surging water, which can be surprisingly strong. We always recommend keeping a safe distance from the ocean edge and steering clear of any pools being touched by waves. The sea here is beautiful but unpredictable, and it is wise never to turn your back on it.

You will sometimes spot sea urchins tucked away in the crevices and shaded corners of the pools. They are harmless if left alone, but stepping on one is something you will want to avoid. A pair of water shoes makes all the difference. If you are visiting with children, keep a close eye on them, as the rocks are uneven and the ocean is never far away. If the sea looks rough or you are not sure about a particular pool, it is always best to trust your instincts and choose one of the calmer, more sheltered spots a little further from the edge.

Los Charcones really comes into its own on those calm, sun-filled days when the ocean is gentle and the pools are at their most inviting. Here on the sheltered south coast, we are lucky to enjoy these perfect conditions quite often, but it is always wise to take a quick look at the sea before heading out. When the Atlantic swell is up, the pools nearest the open water can become risky, and the magic of the place is lost a little.

If you are wondering about the best time to visit, I would suggest late morning through to mid afternoon. By then, the sun has warmed the rocks and the water, and the light really brings out the beautiful colours of the pools. Early mornings are peaceful, though the water can feel a little brisk. Late afternoons have their own charm, with a softer light and fewer people around, but do make sure you leave yourself enough daylight for the walk back, as the rocky paths are not the easiest to navigate once the sun dips.

Although Los Charcones sees more visitors on weekends and during the main holiday months, it rarely feels crowded. The pools are scattered over a generous stretch of coastline, so there is always a quiet corner to claim as your own. If you can visit on a weekday morning outside of peak season, you might just find you have a whole section of these natural pools all to yourself.

If you take a stroll out towards Los Charcones, you cannot help but notice the haunting outline of a vast, unfinished hotel on the coastline. Locals often refer to it as the Atlantis Hotel, or simply the abandoned hotel of Playa Blanca. Years ago, there were grand plans for a major resort here, but work stopped abruptly and never started again. Now, the empty concrete shell stands quietly on the rocks, slowly giving way to the wind and salt air. Over time, nature has stripped away everything but the bare bones, leaving behind a striking and rather mysterious landmark that always seems to catch the eye of anyone passing by.

Over the years, this abandoned hotel has become something of an unofficial landmark, drawing in photographers, explorers and anyone with a curious spirit. The way the crumbling concrete sits against the wild volcanic landscape and the brilliant blue of the ocean makes for some truly memorable photos. While a few adventurous souls do venture inside, it is important to remember that the building is in a dangerous state, with loose concrete and exposed metal making it unsafe. Most people are content to admire it from the outside, where you can really appreciate its strange beauty. There is something oddly captivating about this place, standing alone at the water’s edge, a silent reminder of dreams that never quite came to life.