Beaches and natural pools in La Palma: complete guide to its aquatic paradises
“La Palma, known as ‘La Isla Bonita’, is a natural paradise in the Canary Islands. Its volcanic origin has created unique landscapes with black sand beaches and spectacular natural pools that contrast with the blue of the ocean. The combination of a pleasant climate all year round and the beauty of its coasts make La Palma an ideal destination to enjoy the sea. Options range from tourist beaches to tranquil natural pools. “
When a canary says "hace pelete" it means "it's cold".
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The beach of Santa Cruz de La Palma is one of the most accessible and charming coastal jewels of La Palma.
Located right in the center of the island’s capital, this black volcanic sand beach offers an oasis of tranquility and natural beauty, ideal for locals and visitors alike.
The beach is equipped with a variety of services, including showers, restrooms, and umbrella and hammock rentals.
Lifeguards are also on duty during the high season, ensuring a safe experience for all swimmers.
Los Cancajos Beach is one of the most popular and picturesque coastal destinations of La Palma.
Located in the municipality of Breña Baja, a few kilometers from the capital, Santa Cruz de La Palma, this beach offers a relaxed and family atmosphere, ideal for enjoying the sun, the sea and the natural beauty of the island.
The beach has a variety of services, including showers, restrooms, changing rooms, and umbrella and hammock rentals.
There are also access ramps and walkways that facilitate access for people with reduced mobility.
Playa de Nogales is one of the most spectacular and least known beaches on La Palma.
Located in the municipality of Puntallana, northeast of the island, this beach is famous for its natural beauty, dramatic cliffs and quiet atmosphere, ideal for those seeking a getaway away from the tourist bustle.
Playa de Nogales is an unspoiled and natural place, with no tourist facilities.
There are no showers, restrooms, or umbrella or hammock rental services, which contributes to its rustic and isolated charm.
Charco Verde Beach is a hidden gem on the west coast of La Palma, located in the municipality of Los Llanos de Aridane.
With its black volcanic sand, calm waters and picturesque natural surroundings, this beach is ideal for those looking for a relaxing and less crowded place to enjoy the sun and the sea.
Protected by natural rock formations, the waters of Charco Verde are generally calm, making them ideal for swimming and enjoying a safe bath.
The beach has basic facilities such as showers and public restrooms.
There are also some picnic tables and shaded areas where you can rest.
Playa de Tazacorte is one of the most outstanding beaches on the island of La Palma, located in the municipality of Tazacorte on the west coast.
With its combination of black volcanic sand, calm waters and exceptional climate, this beach is perfect for those looking to relax and enjoy the sun in a picturesque and well-equipped environment.
Protected by a dike, the waters of Playa de Tazacorte are generally calm, which makes them ideal for swimming and enjoying with the family.
The beach is surrounded by a volcanic landscape characteristic of La Palma, with black rocks and geological formations that create a unique and spectacular environment.
Unlike other more touristy beaches on the island, Playa El Remo is relatively quiet and less crowded, allowing you to enjoy a relaxed and uncrowded atmosphere.
Although it is a less touristic beach, in the area of El Remo there are some restaurants and beach bars where you can enjoy the local gastronomy.
The beach is distinguished by its volcanic rock formations, which create natural pools and protected bathing areas.
These formations, known as “bajas”, are ideal for exploring and enjoying the scenery.
This beach is less known and frequented than other beaches of La Palma, which gives it a quiet and relaxed atmosphere, ideal for those looking to escape the crowds.
It is advisable to bring water and food, as there are not many services nearby.
The beach combines areas of sand and callaos (small stones), creating a varied experience for visitors.
The sand is of volcanic origin, typical of the beaches of La Palma.
Puntalarga beach is known for its quiet and family atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing day by the sea.
It is less crowded than other more touristy beaches, allowing you to enjoy a serene environment.
The beach is equipped with basic services such as restrooms and showers, providing additional comfort to visitors.
Puerto Naos Beach is one of the most popular and crowded beaches on the island of La Palma, located in the municipality of Los Llanos de Aridane, on the west coast of the island.
This beach is known for its black volcanic sand, clear waters and vibrant tourist atmosphere.
Below are the main features and attractions of Puerto Naos Beach.
The beach is well equipped with showers, restrooms, sun loungers and umbrellas for rent, and access for people with reduced mobility.
The beach is surrounded by impressive cliffs and volcanic rock formations, creating a dramatic and picturesque setting.
Access to the beach is via a trail down these cliffs, adding a touch of adventure to the visit.
Due to its more difficult access and secluded location, Playa de la Veta is less frequented by tourists, allowing you to enjoy a serene and relaxed atmosphere.
Echentive Beach, also known as Playa Nueva, is a stunning beach located on the southwest coast of the island of La Palma, in the Canary Islands, Spain.
This beach is relatively new, formed after the 1971 volcanic eruption of the Teneguía volcano.
The eruption changed the landscape and created this black sand beach, which has become a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
The pools of La Fajana are a natural attraction located in the north of the island of La Palma, in the municipality of Barlovento.
These natural pools, formed by the action of the Atlantic waves, offer a safe and spectacular environment to enjoy the sea in a calm and beautiful environment.
They are one of the most popular attractions of the island, ideal for swimming and relaxing.
The pools have adequate access, including ramps and stairs to facilitate entry and exit of the water.
Restrooms, showers and changing rooms are available for visitors, providing additional comfort.
Los Charcos de la Mareta are a set of natural pools located on the northeast coast of the island of La Palma, in the town of La Mareta, belonging to the municipality of Puntallana.
This place is known for its clear waters, volcanic rock formations and quiet atmosphere, which makes it a perfect destination for those seeking a more natural and less crowded experience on the island.
There are not many facilities in the area of the puddles, so it is recommended to bring what you need for the day.
Charco Azul is one of the best known and most visited natural pools on the island of La Palma, located in the municipality of San Andrés y Sauces, on the northeast coast of the island.
This set of natural pools is famous for its crystal clear waters, its volcanic environment and its accessibility, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
Charco Azul has adequate access, including ramps and stairs that facilitate entry and exit of the water.
Restrooms, showers and changing rooms are available for visitors, providing additional comfort.
The Charm of La Palma
La Palma, with its natural beauty, offers a unique attraction thanks to its geographical and climatic characteristics.
Geography and Climate
La Palma is a mountainous island, the most northwestern of the Canary Islands.
It stands out for its lush vegetation, with dense forests and deep valleys.
Its geography presents a great diversity, including high mountain areas, such as the Caldera de Taburiente, and rugged coasts with impressive biodiversity.
The climate in La Palma is mild and pleasant throughout the year.
The combination of the trade winds and the cold current of the Canary Islands moderates the temperatures, which oscillate between 18ºC in winter and 27ºC in summer.
Volcanic Origin and Landscapes
La Palma, of volcanic origin, clearly shows its geological heritage in its black sand beaches and rock formations.
These characteristics provide a particular attraction, especially visible in the natural pools and the diverse range of landscapes that the island offers.
The island is formed by two large volcanic structures: the Taburiente crater and the southern volcanic belt, where the youngest volcanoes are located.
This volcanic terrain has given rise to unique landscapes, with multiple trails through lava-covered lands and endemic vegetation.
The diversity of landscapes on La Palma includes dramatic cliffs, hidden beaches and laurel forests, which offer a fascinating visual experience.
This combination of natural factors makes La Palma’s charm unparalleled.
The Best Natural Pools on La Palma
La Palma is home to some of the most impressive natural pools in the Canary archipelago.
The following are the best options to enjoy a swim in crystal clear waters surrounded by a unique volcanic environment.
Charco Azul
-How to get to Charco Azul
El Charco Azul is located in the municipality of San Andrés y Sauces.
To reach this place, take the LP-1 road towards La Orotava and then follow the LP-104 until you reach the natural pool.
-Services and Facilities
El Charco Azul has several facilities that make the visit enjoyable.
There is a nearby parking area, showers, changing rooms and a well-kept environment.
Safety is guaranteed thanks to the presence of lifeguards during the high season.
-Family Enjoyment
El Charco Azul is perfect to be enjoyed with the whole family.
The presence of an additional children’s pool and the safety of the environment make it an ideal place for the little ones.
La Fajana
-Access to La Fajana
To access the natural pools of La Fajana, take the LP-1 towards La Orotava.
Then take the LP-104 to Los Sauces and continue on the LP-107 until you reach La Fajana.
-Natural Pools and Recreation
La Fajana has three natural pools of different sizes.
These pools are located in a recreation area that offers picnic tables and rest areas, making it a perfect environment to spend the day.
-Natural Environment
Despite modifications made to improve accessibility and visitor experience, La Fajana maintains its natural character.
The pools are surrounded by volcanic rock formations and lush vegetation.
Pond of El Remo
-How to get to El Remo
El Charco de El Remo is located in the town of the same name.
To get there, take the LP-3 road to La Laguna and then follow the LP-213 until you reach El Remo.
-Characteristics of the Site
Although it is not as spectacular as other natural pools of La Palma, El Remo has its own charm.
It is an easily accessible pool and is ideal for a relaxing swim.
-Local Experience
El Charco de El Remo is frequented mainly by locals, which gives it a quiet and authentic atmosphere.
It is a perfect place for those looking to get away from the crowded areas.
Puntalarga Pond
-Access and Location
El Charco de Puntalarga is located on an easily accessible beach.
To get there, take the LP-206 to Los Canarios and then continue on the LP-209 to Puntalarga.
-Tranquility and Relaxation
This pool is little known, so it offers an experience of great tranquility.
It is ideal for those seeking a serene place to relax and enjoy the natural environment.
-Ideal for Families
El Charco de Puntalarga is an excellent option for families due to its easy and direct access to the water.
The environment is safe and accessible for people of all ages.
Los Cancajos
-How to get to Los Cancajos
Los Cancajos is located in the municipality of Tazacorte.
To get there, take the LP-2.
This route is simple and in approximately 10 minutes you reach Los Cancajos from the main city of the island.
-Bathroom Recommendations
It is advisable to enjoy swimming in Los Cancajos during high tide to make the most of the experience.
The moderate waves and the clarity of the water make this place an optimal choice for swimming.
-Popularity and Affluence
Due to its beauty and accessibility, Los Cancajos is one of the most visited natural pools of La Palma.
Although it can be quite crowded during the peak months, it offers a wonderful environment to enjoy the sea.
Beaches of La Palma
La Palma, known for its impressive volcanic landscapes, is also home to some of the most fascinating black sand beaches in the Canary archipelago.
Puerto Naos
Puerto Naos is one of the most popular beaches of La Palma, located in the municipality of Los Llanos de Aridane.
With its long strip of black sand and crystal clear waters, it is an ideal choice for those looking to relax in the sun.
-Tourist Facilities
Puerto Naos beach has a wide range of tourist services.
These include beach bars, umbrellas and hammock rental, showers, as well as access for people with reduced mobility.
Visitors will also find a wide variety of restaurants and bars along the promenade, offering the possibility of enjoying the local gastronomy without leaving the sea.
-Activities and Recreation
In Puerto Naos you can enjoy a variety of recreational activities.
From diving and snorkeling, given the crystal clear waters and marine wealth, to water sports such as surfing and paddle surfing.
In addition, the promenade is perfect for walking or cycling, offering unparalleled views of the sunset over the ocean.
Charco Verde Beach
Also located in Los Llanos de Aridane, Charco Verde Beach is a less commercial option than Puerto Naos but equally attractive.
This natural spot offers a quieter and more reserved atmosphere.
-Natural Environment
Charco Verde Beach stands out for its natural and serene environment.
Surrounded by vegetation and rock formations, it is a perfect place for those seeking a more intimate contact with nature.
The waters are usually calm, making it ideal for a relaxing swim.
-Comparison with Puerto Naos
Unlike the lively Puerto Naos beach, Charco Verde offers a more peaceful experience.
Although it does not have the same amount of tourist services, its charm lies in its tranquility and untapped natural beauty.
It is an excellent option for those who prefer a quieter getaway.
Nogales Beach
Located in the municipality of Puntallana, Playa de Nogales is one of the wildest and least accessible beaches on the island, but also one of the most impressive.
-Hike and Access
Accessing Nogales requires additional effort.
You have to hike a trail down to the beach, which can be a challenge but is worth it for the views and the experience.
It is advisable to wear appropriate footwear and bring water and supplies.
-Wild Characteristics
Nogales is known for its impressive cliffs and strong waves.
The sand is black and fine, and the natural environment is completely wild and undeveloped.
The beach offers a sense of isolation and connection to nature that few other beaches can match.
-Surge Warnings
One of the most important aspects to keep in mind when visiting Nogales Beach is the sea conditions.
The waves can be rough and the currents dangerous, so it is essential to pay attention to local warnings and signs.
It is not recommended for inexperienced swimmers or families with small children.