4.7 (5)•Natural Pools•La Guancha, North Tenerife
Charco del Viento is the north coast at its most honest: black lava, banana-country roads, clear water on calm days and an Atlantic edge that can turn quickly. It is more spacious and wilder than many resort bathing spots, which is exactly the attraction and the risk.
When the sea is settled, the pools can be a strong swim and snorkel stop below La Guancha. When waves are active, the same place becomes a viewpoint, with rock edges and currents doing the talking.
Natural pools are only good when the ocean agrees. Treat swell, wind and escape plans as part of the visit.
Blog context
Useful planning notes connected to this place: weather, transport, routes, and nearby decisions.
A practical 2026 north Tenerife natural pools guide for choosing Bajamar, Punta del Hidalgo, Jover or Mesa del Mar by sea state, facilities, access and route shape.
A practical 2026 Tenerife coast guide for choosing beaches, natural pools and view-only wild coast stops by sea state, wind, children and driving time.
Traveler photos
Guest review summary
Commonly mentioned by visitors.
Visitors like the clear water, black-lava setting and raw north-coast atmosphere when the sea is calm.
The pools feel less commercial than resort beaches and can be a strong photo/swim stop in suitable conditions.
The La Guancha location works well as part of a north-coast route rather than a polished beach day.
Currents, waves and local restrictions can make swimming unsuitable or impossible.
Access is rougher and facilities are more limited than at managed pools.
It is not ideal with small children or uncertain swimmers when the Atlantic is active.
Recommended reviews
L IL
Source: Google Maps
2 weeks ago
A beautiful place!! At the car park you’ll find a local selling cold drinks and food. He has the key to a toilet. His English isn’t great but what he tries to tell you : don’t poop in this toilet. Pee only 🙈
Michał Rojewski
Source: Google Maps
8 months ago
Wonderful place for people who likes adventures. When there are strong waves, it is really cool to swim inside this natural pool. But, a little risky too.
Povilas Kazakevicius
Source: Google Maps
6 months ago
Spectacular place, although hiking is a bit too difficult with small kids. The great place to swim or snorkeling down the parking when ocean is calm.
Teemu
Source: Google Maps
6 months ago
Beautiful place when it's not closed. You are driving next to huge banana plantations
Γεώργιος Γρημπυλάκος
Source: Google Maps
11 months ago
Really nice area with great view. It’s possible to swim under specific circumstances, but with care. A good area with not so many people.
Closed Still Means Useful
If swimming is banned, the stop can still work as a north-coast viewpoint. Do not try to turn a closure into a swim.
KnowTenerife
Banana-Road Access
The approach feels rural and can be easy to underestimate. Drive slowly and keep access clear for residents and workers.
KnowTenerife
Water Shoes Are Practical
This is not soft sand. Grip and foot protection make the difference between a good swim and an awkward scramble.
KnowTenerife
No. Swimming bans, currents and wave conditions can make the pools unsafe, so check signs and sea state before going down.
Only in calm conditions and with close supervision. Rough days are not suitable for children.
Strongly recommended because the rock access is uneven.
Use it as a viewpoint or skip it. The north coast has enough managed alternatives for safer water time.
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