Alcalá Natural Pools
Discover Alcalá's stunning natural seawater pools, a vibrant snorkeling haven with abundant marine life and scenic coastal walks.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for swimming and snorkeling
Alcalá Natural Pools
Best Time
Best for swimming and snorkeling

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Alcalá's stunning natural seawater pools, a vibrant snorkeling haven with abundant marine life and scenic coastal walks.
"A gorgeous natural seawater 'pool' perfect for swimming and snorkeling with lots of anemones, fish and crabs."
🥾 Wear Water Shoes
Sharp rocks and slippery surfaces are common. Protect your feet and enjoy exploring!
🤿 Bring Snorkel Gear
The pools teem with anemones, fish, and crabs – a must-see!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vibrant Marine Life
Alcalá Natural Pools
Discover a world beneath the waves with numerous anemones, colorful fish, and crabs. Perfect for snorkeling adventures.

Scenic Coastal Walk
Path between Playa San Juan and Alcalá
Enjoy a beautiful 7.4km hike with stunning sea views, palm trees, and access to the natural pools.

Relaxing Seawater Pool
Alcalá Natural Pools
A gorgeous, man-made natural seawater pool offering a safe and enjoyable swimming experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing the Pools
What to Bring
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Wear Water Shoes
Sharp rocks and slippery surfaces are common. Protect your feet and enjoy exploring!
🤿 Bring Snorkel Gear
The pools teem with anemones, fish, and crabs – a must-see!
🚶♀️ Coastal Hike Option
Hike from Playa San Juan to Alcalá for amazing views and pool access.
⬆️ Deeper Access
Use the metal ladder towards the ocean for deeper water and avoid shin scrapes.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear Water Shoes
Sharp rocks and slippery surfaces are common. Protect your feet and enjoy exploring!
🤿 Bring Snorkel Gear
The pools teem with anemones, fish, and crabs – a must-see!
🚶♀️ Coastal Hike Option
Hike from Playa San Juan to Alcalá for amazing views and pool access.
⬆️ Deeper Access
Use the metal ladder towards the ocean for deeper water and avoid shin scrapes.
🅿️ Easy Parking
Parking is usually available along the street or a short walk away.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Alcalá Natural Pools, calling them a 'gorgeous natural seawater pool' perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The abundant marine life and scenic coastal views are major highlights. Some caution is advised due to sharp rocks and slippery surfaces, and occasional tape indicating prohibition, though most find access easy.
"I loved it, we came back a few times. It had tape around it like it's prohibited to cross it and use it but we've seen others so we went anyway. It has lots of crabs and some bright blue/black fish. The view is also amazing. The rocks are very sharp so be very careful. We swam comfortably in the pool, and there are stairs to climb to the rock across."
Milica
"A gorgeous natural seawater "pool". It's perfect for swimming and snorkeling; there are lots of anemones, fish and crabs. It's pretty shallow and slippery near the larger staircase near the showers, if you walk towards the ocean (facing Los Gigantes) there's a metal ladder that will take you to the deeper part and you won't have to scrape your shins (you're welcome). You can access this pool from the ocean front foot path that runs between La Arena and Alcala. You can park along street and walk to the trail, we parked on TF-47 where there were other cars and walked on a dirt construction driveway to the path."
Sarah Wahltinez
"Easy parking is available just a short walk away. There are afew natural pools in the area."
giovanni santini
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach the Alcalá Natural Pools by car, with parking available along the street or a short walk away. Many visitors also enjoy the scenic 7.4km coastal hike from Playa San Juan to Alcalá, which offers beautiful sea views and palm trees along the way.
While specific bus routes aren't detailed, Tenerife generally has a good public bus network. Checking local bus schedules for routes serving Alcalá would be advisable.
Yes, a popular option is the coastal walk from Playa San Juan to Alcalá, approximately 7.4km, offering scenic views.
Parking is often available along the street near the promenade or on TF-47. Some visitors have noted walking on a dirt construction driveway to reach the path.
Access involves navigating potentially sharp rocks and slippery surfaces. While some tape may indicate prohibition, many visitors access the pools. Stairs and ladders are available for entry and exit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Alcalá Natural Pools are generally accessible to everyone and do not require tickets. They are located in front of a resort but are not private.
While some tape may suggest prohibition, visitors commonly use the pools. It's advisable to be cautious of sharp rocks and slippery surfaces.
As natural pools, there are no set opening hours. They are accessible during daylight hours for swimming and exploration.
No, there is no entrance fee for the Alcalá Natural Pools. They are a natural attraction open to the public.
Yes, the natural pools are open to everyone, not just resort guests. You can access them from the oceanfront footpath.
🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming, snorkeling to see marine life like anemones, fish, and crabs, and relaxing by the natural seawater pool. The surrounding area also offers beautiful walking paths.
Absolutely! The pools are known for their abundant marine life, including anemones, fish, and crabs, making it a great spot for snorkeling.
Yes, there are facilities available, including a cafe and snack bar, beach chairs, and umbrellas for rent.
The pools are natural seawater pools, generally shallow and clear. Be mindful of slippery surfaces, especially near staircases.
You can expect to see a variety of marine life, including numerous anemones, colorful fish, and crabs in and around the pools.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the natural pools with the ocean backdrop, the vibrant marine life while snorkeling, and the scenic coastal views during the hike from Playa San Juan. The late afternoon light offers beautiful golden hour photography opportunities.
It's advisable to use a waterproof camera or ensure your phone/camera is protected from water, as the area can be wet and slippery.
Late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour lighting for photography. Daytime provides clear water for underwater shots.
Drone regulations can vary. It's best to check local rules and regulations regarding drone usage in coastal and residential areas before flying.
The contrast between the rugged rocks, the clear blue water, and the diverse marine life offers unique underwater photography possibilities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the pools themselves are a natural attraction, the nearby promenade offers amenities like cafes and snack bars, which can be convenient for families. The coastal walk from Playa San Juan is also an option, but consider the length (7.4km) and suitability for younger children.
🚶♀️ Active Travelers & Hikers
Once at the pools, the natural terrain provides a unique environment for exploration. While not a strenuous activity, navigating the rocky areas and enjoying the snorkeling opportunities can be very rewarding. The accessibility via the oceanfront footpath also makes it easy to incorporate into a day of coastal exploration.
🐠 Snorkelers & Nature Lovers
Nature lovers will appreciate the raw beauty of these natural seawater formations. The surrounding coastal landscape, with its volcanic rocks and ocean vistas, adds to the serene and natural atmosphere. The hike from Playa San Juan also provides opportunities to observe coastal flora and fauna.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Natural Pools
Access can sometimes be a point of confusion, with some areas potentially taped off. However, many travelers find ways to enjoy the pools, noting that they are not private and are accessible from the oceanfront footpath. Be prepared for sharp rocks and slippery surfaces, making water shoes highly recommended.
For those seeking deeper water, a metal ladder is available towards the ocean, providing access without scraping your shins. The pools are situated in a beautiful area with nice walking ways and are a highlight for many visiting Tenerife.
The Coastal Hike to Alcalá
This walk is not just about the destination but also the journey. The path provides a wonderful way to experience the coastline of Tenerife, making it a perfect day trip for those who enjoy moderate activity combined with stunning natural beauty. It's a fantastic way to discover different facets of the island's coastal charm.
Along the route, you'll find opportunities to stop for refreshments, adding to the overall enjoyment of the trek. It's an ideal way to combine exercise with sightseeing, culminating in a relaxing dip in the natural pools.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit