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Lago Martiánez

4.4 (5)Seawater PoolsPuerto de la Cruz, North Tenerife

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Lago Martiánez overview showing the large seawater pool complex with white curved edges, turquoise water and black volcanic rock beside the Atlantic
Lago Martiánez
1/5

About

Lago Martiánez is Puerto de la Cruz admitting a truth about its coastline: the north Atlantic is often too strong for an easy swim. César Manrique's answer was not a water park, but a designed seawater landscape of basalt, white curves, gardens, sculptures, islands and pools beside the waves.

Time needed: 
Half day to full day
Entry fee: 
Paid entry; umbrellas, lockers or extras may cost separately
Transport: 
Walk from central Puerto, bus, taxi or car
Parking: 
Urban parking nearby; easier earlier
Best time: 
Opening time for better lounger and umbrella choice
Weather: 
Seawater can feel cold in winter or wind
Interesting fact: 
The 1977 lake phase is part of César Manrique's Costa Martiánez design
Best use: 
Managed seawater pool day when Puerto's open ocean is rough

The day is managed and paid, with loungers, showers, food options and calmer water inside the walls. Go when you want a full pool day with ocean atmosphere, not a wild charco or slide-heavy attraction.

Useful before you go

This works best as part of a north Tenerife day, with food, parking and weather planned together.

Today

27°

Fog

19 km/h0%

Sun 2 Aug

32°25°

Partly cloudy

0%

Mon 3 Aug

33°24°

Partly cloudy

0%

Tue 4 Aug

33°24°

Clear

0%

7-day forecast

Featured in routesFirst Trip to Tenerife with Kids 2026: Sheltered Beaches, Park Days and Easy BackupsUpdated July 2026: plan a first Tenerife trip with kids using protected south beaches, Siam Park, Loro Parque, Anaga forest and low-stress backups.Open route (14 stops)

Blog context

Read next from the blog

Useful planning notes connected to this place: weather, transport, routes, and nearby decisions.

Reviews

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Guest review summary

Commonly mentioned by visitors.

People value Lago Martiánez as a safer managed swim when Puerto de la Cruz's open Atlantic is rough or unsuitable.

The Manrique-style setting, ocean views, clean pools, loungers and facilities make it feel more complete than a simple public pool.

Families appreciate being able to spend several hours with toilets, showers, food options and calmer water inside the complex.

The seawater can feel cold, especially in winter or windy weather.

Some pools or areas may be closed, so the current setup matters more than old photos.

Umbrellas, food and other extras can add cost beyond the basic entry.

Recommended reviews

Olha

Source: Google Maps

3 months ago

Great alternative for ocean swimming without the rough waves. It’s a paid entry, but worth it: safe, clean, and well-kept. Loungers are free, but umbrellas cost extra (though there’s enough natural shade if you prefer). There’s a nice little restaurant too, so you can spend all day enjoying the views. We will definitely visit again.

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Elen Espeland

Source: Google Maps

3 months ago

If you are visiting Northern Tenerife, Lago Martiánez is an absolute must-see. Conceived by the visionary artist César Manrique in the 1970s, this complex is much more than just a public pool; it is a sprawling 65,000-square-meter open-air museum where contemporary art meets the Atlantic Ocean. Why it’s a 5-Star Experience: Stunning Design: The turquoise seawater pools are surrounded by volcanic rock, emerald gardens, and iconic white sculptures. The "Blue Lagoon" area features caves and coves that feel like a Caribbean oasis. Oceanfront Safety: While the local beaches can have dangerously rough waves, Lago Martiánez provides a safe, calm environment for swimming while you watch the massive Atlantic rollers crash against the sea wall just meters away. Incredible Value: As of 2026, admission is approximately €5.50 to €7.00 for adults. This includes a sunbed, making it a very affordable way to spend an entire day. Comprehensive Facilities: The complex is well-maintained with clean changing rooms, showers, and various bars and restaurants. It is also fully accessible for wheelchair users. Things to Keep in Mind: Refreshing Water: The pools are filled with natural seawater. While one p

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Anna Bolbat

Source: Google Maps

4 months ago

We visited in January. Unfortunately, there are no heated pools — all the pools were cold, and there was nothing heated for children either. Because of the cold water and wind, it was not very comfortable. Also, there was no entertainment or animation, so it felt a bit boring.

There is a small kiosk selling food, toilets are available, and the views are beautiful, especially when there are waves. Half of the pools were closed and not working; we had to walk further to find the area where some pools were open.

Overall, it’s not a bad place to visit for a change of scenery, but it would be much better if there were at least one heated pool. That would make a big difference, in my opinion.

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Fancsali Bogi

Source: Google Maps

a year ago

Wonderful views!! Entry is 7 euros for a day and umbrella is an additional 3 euros. The swimming pools are clean and enjoyable, the views are simply amazing and the sound + sight of ocean waves outside the pools makes it a unique experience! We spend half a day here but I think one full day would also be enjoyable!! Many options for eating and also clean dressing rooms and toilets. Only thing I didn’t like is that the staff was a bit unfriendly and started closing up the pools way before the actual closing time (6pm)

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Poppy Pember

Source: Google Maps

10 months ago

Great fun. €7 entry for full day, bar & food available. Salt water pool. Lovely & clean place with plenty of sun loungers. Quite busy but plenty of place to swim and friendly vibes. However expect umbrellas to be taken already. It is very deep in certain areas and rocky edges to get in and out so you must be careful during your time there. Not many lifeguards seen however they were blowing whistles at those jumping off rocks so were clearly present and aware.

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Community tips (2)

Managed Natural-Pool Option

Use it when searching for natural pools around Puerto de la Cruz, but plan it like a paid pool complex with rules, tickets and facilities.

KnowTenerife

Best As A North-Coast Backup

When beach flags or waves make open-ocean swimming unattractive, Lago Martiánez can keep a Puerto day workable.

KnowTenerife

Q&A (4)

Is Lago Martiánez a natural pool?

For trip planning, it fits the seawater-pool use case, but it is paid, designed and managed rather than a wild charco.

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Who designed Lago Martiánez?

The Costa Martiánez complex is strongly tied to César Manrique's landscape-art work in Puerto de la Cruz.

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Is the water heated?

Do not assume so. Visitors often mention cold seawater, especially in winter or windy weather.

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Is it worth it with children?

Yes when you want facilities and calmer water than the open coast. Bring layers and check which areas are open before settling in.

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