Charco de Los Chochos - A garage door with graffiti written on it
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Charco de Los Chochos

4.6
·2k reviews·Los Silos, Spain

Serene natural pools on Tenerife's northwest coast, offering a unique swimming experience when the sea is calm.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Calm sea days

Best for swimming and clear pools

CrowdLow
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Charco de Los Chochos - A garage door with graffiti written on it

Charco de Los Chochos

Best Time

Calm sea days

Best for swimming and clear pools

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Serene natural pools on Tenerife's northwest coast, offering a unique swimming experience when the sea is calm. Instagram

4.6
(2k reviews)

"A very unique swimming spot! Highly recommend visiting this spot."

Vertical photo
TIP

🌊 Check the Tides & Waves

Visit on a calm day for the best experience. Rough seas can make swimming impossible.

⚠️ Beware of Sea Urchins

Be cautious of sea urchins in the pools. Water shoes are recommended for safety.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Charco de Los Chochos Pools

Charco de Los Chochos Pools

Puerto de Los Silos

Crystal-clear natural pools reflecting the sky, perfect for a serene dip when the sea is calm.

Instagram
El Bufadero

El Bufadero

Near Charco de Los Chochos

Witness the dramatic power of the ocean as water blasts through this natural air vent.

Reddit
Whale Skeleton

Whale Skeleton

Puerto de Los Silos

An unusual and striking sight, the remains of a whale washed ashore.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Visit when the ocean is calm for the best experience. High winds or rough seas can make the natural pools inaccessible or unsafe for swimming. Check local conditions before you go.

Watch for Sea Urchins

The pools are beautiful but can be home to sea urchins. Be cautious when entering and exiting the water, and consider water shoes for added protection. Reddit

Best Times

When
Calm sea days
Why
Best for swimming and clear pools
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Sunlight enhances water clarity
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

the exact location is: Charco Los Chochos. this place is pure happiness to me 🌊💙☀️ #sea #tenerifecanaryisland #couplestravel #spain #summervacation #bucketlostdestinations
@cheyenluuk
47.9K likes • 814.6K views

🌊 Check the Tides & Waves

Visit on a calm day for the best experience. Rough seas can make swimming impossible. Reddit

⚠️ Beware of Sea Urchins

Be cautious of sea urchins in the pools. Water shoes are recommended for safety. Reddit

Tenerife - charcos Los Chochos y esqueleto de cetáceo, Puerto de Los Silos 🌊🏊‍♂️ 🇪🇸 ¿Conoces estas piscinas naturales? Sí, “chochos” 😝 Se encuentran casi en el extremo noroeste de Tenerife, en el municipio de Los Silos. Cuando el océano no está muy agitado, las piscinas son así: un espejo de agua cristalina espectacular! 🇮🇹 Conosci queste piscine naturali? Si trovano quasi all’estremo nord ov...
canaritainfo
178 likes • 0 views
reddit.com

trip to Tenerife

🚗 Easy Access Parking

Parking is conveniently located just a few steps from the pools. TikTok

📸 Stunning Scenery

Enjoy the amazing coastal views and unique natural formations. Instagram

Tips

from all over the internet

🌊 Check the Tides & Waves

Visit on a calm day for the best experience. Rough seas can make swimming impossible. Reddit

⚠️ Beware of Sea Urchins

Be cautious of sea urchins in the pools. Water shoes are recommended for safety. Reddit

🚗 Easy Access Parking

Parking is conveniently located just a few steps from the pools. TikTok

📸 Stunning Scenery

Enjoy the amazing coastal views and unique natural formations. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Charco de Los Chochos for its unique natural beauty and serene atmosphere when the sea is calm. The convenience of parking and the stunning coastal scenery are frequently highlighted. However, many note that the pools are not always suitable for swimming due to strong waves and the presence of sea urchins, making careful timing and precautions essential.

"It's a great spot to visit, just a few steps from the parking area with nice, clean water. However, it's not ideal for swimming at the moment due to the large waves crashing on the shore, so I ended up in this little pool instead."

Chandeboy Maglinte

"Beautiful but watch your step,there are sea urchins all over in the pool."

Alex Coriciuc

"Lovely location with amazing scenery, including El Bufadero, an air vent, but with big waves it will also blast the water."

Tomas Krashevsky

What People Like

Unique natural pools
Stunning coastal scenery
Easy parking access

What People Dislike

Rough seas
Sea urchins

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Charco de Los Chochos is located in Puerto de Los Silos, on the northwestern coast of Tenerife. If you have a rental car, parking is available nearby, making access relatively easy. TikTok

While public transport options might exist, having a rental car is generally recommended for easier access to more remote spots like Charco de Los Chochos. Reddit

Puerto de Los Silos is accessible by road. Driving from major towns like Santa Cruz or La Laguna will take approximately an hour to an hour and a half, depending on traffic. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Charco de Los Chochos is a natural attraction and does not require an entrance fee or tickets. It's free to visit and enjoy. TikTok

As a natural outdoor location, Charco de Los Chochos does not have set opening or closing hours. You can visit it at any time, though daylight hours are best for safety and enjoyment. TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

It's ideal for swimming when the ocean is calm. Large waves can make it unsafe or impossible to use the pools. Reddit

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the short walk from parking. Water shoes are highly advisable due to the presence of sea urchins in the pools. Reddit

Typically, natural pools like Charco de Los Chochos do not have dedicated facilities. It's advisable to come prepared and use facilities in nearby towns if needed. Reddit

El Bufadero is a natural air vent where the ocean's force blasts water upwards, creating a dramatic spectacle. It's a unique geological feature to observe. Reddit

Yes, the whale skeleton is a notable feature located in Puerto de Los Silos, near the Charco de Los Chochos pools. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the serene natural pools reflecting the sky, the dramatic spray of El Bufadero, and the unique whale skeleton. The coastal scenery is also very photogenic. TikTokInstagram

Late afternoon can offer beautiful golden hour light, while midday sun can highlight the clarity of the water. Consider the tide and wave conditions for dramatic shots. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Charco de Los Chochos can be a fun, albeit cautious, outing for families. The short walk from the parking area makes it accessible. The natural pools are shallow and can be enjoyable for children to splash in if the sea is very calm. However, the presence of sea urchins is a significant concern, so water shoes are a must for everyone, especially little ones. Reddit Supervision is crucial, and it's best to visit on a day with minimal waves to ensure safety. The nearby whale skeleton offers a unique educational point of interest for curious minds. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Adventure Seekers & Hikers

While Charco de Los Chochos itself is a destination for relaxation, its location in Puerto de Los Silos places it within a region ripe for exploration. The rugged coastline offers opportunities for scenic walks, and the nearby Teno Rural Park is a hiker's paradise with trails ranging from easy coastal paths to challenging mountain routes. Reddit Consider combining a visit to the pools with a hike in the surrounding areas to experience the dramatic landscapes of Tenerife's northwest. Remember to check trail conditions and weather forecasts, especially for higher elevations.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding the Natural Pools

Charco de Los Chochos, located in Puerto de Los Silos, is a series of natural swimming pools formed by volcanic rock along the Tenerife coastline. These pools are a testament to the island's dramatic geological history and the constant interaction between land and sea. The name 'Chochos' refers to a type of sea urchin, hinting at the marine life you might encounter. When the ocean is calm, the water within these pools becomes incredibly clear and still, creating mirror-like surfaces that reflect the sky and surrounding cliffs. This tranquility makes it a sought-after spot for a peaceful dip and a unique swimming experience. Instagram

However, the accessibility and beauty of Charco de Los Chochos are heavily dependent on the sea conditions. On days with strong winds or high waves, the pools can become turbulent, filled with crashing surf, and potentially dangerous. Visitors are strongly advised to check the local weather and sea forecasts before planning their visit. The presence of sea urchins is also a common characteristic of these coastal pools, making water shoes a practical recommendation for visitors to protect their feet. Reddit

Beyond the pools themselves, the area offers other points of interest. El Bufadero, a natural air vent, showcases the raw power of the ocean as it forces water through the rock formations. Additionally, the skeletal remains of a whale have been found in Puerto de Los Silos, adding an unusual and memorable element to the visit. These natural wonders combine to make Charco de Los Chochos a destination that offers both serene beauty and a reminder of nature's untamed force.

Navigating Tenerife's Northwest Coast

The northwestern coast of Tenerife, where Charco de Los Chochos is situated, offers a more rugged and less developed landscape compared to the island's southern tourist hubs. This region is characterized by dramatic cliffs, lush ravines, and charming traditional villages. Puerto de Los Silos itself is a picturesque municipality known for its natural beauty and a more laid-back atmosphere. Traveling here often involves navigating winding roads that offer breathtaking views of the coastline and the Teno Rural Park. Reddit

For visitors exploring this part of Tenerife, a rental car is highly recommended. It provides the flexibility to discover hidden gems like Charco de Los Chochos, as well as other notable spots such as Masca village, Punta de Teno, and the laurel forests of Anaga. While public transport exists, it can be less frequent and may not reach all the desired viewpoints or natural attractions efficiently. Planning your route in advance and being comfortable with driving on mountain roads is part of the adventure of exploring this wilder side of Tenerife. Reddit

When visiting the northwest, it's also wise to be prepared for varying weather conditions. The coastal areas can be windy, and the higher elevations of nearby parks can experience cooler temperatures. Packing layers, sun protection, and sturdy footwear will ensure you're ready for whatever the diverse landscapes of Tenerife's northwest have to offer. The reward for venturing here is often a more authentic and less crowded experience of the island's natural splendor.

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