5 X Swimming pools on the Canary Islands that everyone can access

Look no further if you are searching for a nice (public) swimming pool to spend your day on the Canaries, I’ve done the work for you and created an overview of the best pools in Tenerife and Gran Canaria.

The Canaries are famous as a beach-resorty destination where many Europeans like to spend their winters. Most people book package holidays to beach resorts on the south of the islands. As I’ve never been a big fan of these package holidays, I decided to stay in various hostels on two islands: Tenerife and Gran Canaria. Both islands offer – besides sleazy resort towns like Costa Adeje – a wide variety of natural beauty such as volcanoes and wonderful coastlines. Here are five swimming pools anyone can access:

Los Gigantos – Piscinas Oasis

Although much smaller than some of the other pools I visited, this is my absolute favourite for three reasons. First of all, it is an infinity pool! Second, there is a very peaceful sunbathing area made out of grass an palmtrees. Lastly, the breathtaking view over the cliffs of Los Gigantos. Note that it is not permitted to eat food in the sunbathing area, but there is a restaurant on site or you could easily walk outside to grab some food at the nearby harbour and come back afterwards.

Price: EU8 including sun lounger

Los Gigantos – El Laguillo

I did not actually spend a day at this pool, but the Oasis pool is overlooking El Laguillo. This pool actually belongs to a resort in Log Gigantes, but you can enter as a visitor as well. There is a freely accessible restaurant located within the complex. I believe access to the pool was around 6 euros, slightly cheaper than Oasis although I personally preferred  Oasis.

Puerto de la Cruz – Lago Martiánez

This place is massive. It’s a complex of two huge pools and a children’s one. There are plenty of sun loungers available, sandwiches and mojitos are sold on site for reasonable prices. The view over the ocean and its waves breaking against the side of the pool is amazing.

Price: EU5.50 including sun lounger

See for yourself:

Santa Cruz de Tenerife – Parque Marítimo César Manrique

My ferry to Gran Canaria left at 4PM from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and I was hoping to catch some sun before hopping on the ferry. Luckily there is Parque Marítimo César Manrique! This place, very similar to Lago Martiánez in PDLC; two huge pools and located along the coast of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. There is a small cafetaria on site and plenty of free parking next to the pool (beware of some sketchy people walking around on that parking lot, so better take all your belongings). Parque Marítimo César Manrique is only a 5 minute drive away from the ferry terminal, and thus provides an excellent way to spend the day if you are catching a late afternoon ferry to one of the other islands.

Price: EU5.00 (2.50 entrance + 2.50 for a sun lounger)

Puerto de Mogan – Marin Pool Bar

This pool actually belongs to an apartment complex, and states EU10 as official entrance price. The staff however confirmed, that I could make use of the pool free of charge as long as I spent ten euros on food and drinks. The food is decent, so it’s not a bad choice. Although this pool itself is not that special, the two jacuzzis on the rooftop are a nice addition. Recommended, as there are only very few public pools that I am aware of on Gran Canaria.

I like all of the pools in this post because they are accessible for everyone: not only for resort guests and all very affordable. What is your favorite pool?

Visited: November 2016