9 best volcanic pools and swimming spots in El Hierro island

Volcanic pools in El Hierro are the best places for swimming on the island. They are a testament to the volcanic activity that has taken place on the island. As the coastline is rough and hard to access these pools are the best option for a day at the ocean!

Here, in this blog post, you will find all the places with photos, descriptions, how to get there, and exact locations where they can be found on Google Maps. Happy exploring!

Read more » Ultimate Guide: 21+ Best Things To Do And See In El Hierro

1. Natural pools of La Maceta

Natural swimming pools in La Maceta are amongst the best spots for swimming in El Hierro island. There are multiple huge swimming pools that are connected to each other, as well as a big parking lot.

This is the best place to go for those who enjoy actual swimming as the pools are quite long. As always, try to avoid high tide when coming here!

Location: Natural pools of La Maceta · Parking lot

2. Natural pool of Tamaduste

The natural swimming pool of Tamaduste is like a bay that stretches deep inside the town and is not completely separated from the ocean. You can access it from all sides of the town and it is the perfect place for relaxing and doing different water activities.

We came during low tide and the water level was quite low, however, it looks like this could be a great option during high tide. You can park your car at the side of the street somewhere nearby in the town. By the way, Tamaduste is the most beautiful town in El Hierro…in my opinion!

Location: Natural pool of Tamaduste

3. Charco Azul

Charco Azul is one of the best places to go for a swim in El Hierro. This area is full of smaller and bigger natural volcanic pools and is very accessible at the same time. There is a cave where you can walk inside and enjoy a pool that is inside the cave.

However, there are also two bigger pools next to it as well as many smaller ones. Charco Azul has also many unique rock formations to enjoy. Definitely come here more on the low tide time!

Location: Charco Azul · Parking lot

4. Charco los Sargos

Charco de los Sargos is another amazing swimming spot in El Hierro. If I had to choose a place to go for a swim, I would definitely choose this one as the volcanic pool is deep and big enough even during low tide (others lose a lot of water during low tide).

Plus you can explore multiple caves and arches while swimming. There is one bigger pool and many smaller volcanic pools for everyone to enjoy on the West Coast of El Hierro.

Location: Charco los Sargos · Parking lot

5. Natural pools of Pozo de Las Calcosas

The natural pools of Pozo de Las Calcosas are one of the most beautiful places in El Hierro. But this is also one of the spots that is harder to access.

In order to enjoy these volcanic pools, you have to park your car uphill and then walk a very steep path down the cliff to get to the village.

It doesn’t have any other access point except for the ocean. These volcanic pools are very picturesque from above as you can very well see the river of lava that has solidified when met with the ocean.

Location: Pozo de Las Calcosas · Parking lot

6. Charco Manso

Charco Manso is one of my favorite areas in El Hierro. It is kind of a remote area, but it will definitely surprise you with beautiful natural volcanic pools, rock arches, caves, volcanic tubes, and other crazy volcanic rock formations.

We especially liked the natural stone arch and a natural volcanic pool next to it (pictured above). There is one of the biggest natural volcanic pools in El Hierro for swimming, however, it was rather shallow during low tide. I would recommend coming at some time between low tide and high tide.

Location: Charco Manso · Parking lot

7. Natural pools of Playa de Tacorón

Playa de Tacorón is a popular swimming spot on the East coast of El Hierro. There are multiple little volcanic coves for swimming and snorkeling. Although the coves are not completely separated from the rest of the ocean, this is a great spot for swimming.

Just come here when the ocean is calm. There are built-in stairs at the side of the swimming spots in many places to help you get out of the water. There are tables and areas under the roof for a picnic as well.

Location: Playa de Tacorón · Parking lot

8. Charco de La Laja at Pozo de la Salud

Charco de La Laja is a unique area on the West coast of El Hierro. You will find there one of the biggest natural volcanic pools in El Hierro partly hidden inside a cave however it loses a lot of water during low tide.

So I would recommend coming here on a calmer day at some time between low tide and high tide. The pool is quite long and definitely a great place for swimmers.

There is also a nice area with tables and places to sit down and have a picnic. This is definitely a lesser-known spot, you just need to nail the right time to come if you want to enjoy swimming!

Location: Charco de La Laja · Parking lot

9. Charco de La Caleta

Charco de La Caleta is a beautiful little natural volcanic pool on the East coast of El Hierro. I would guess only locals know about it and it might not be the most famous volcanic pool here, but it is a little hidden gem nevertheless.

If you happen to be on the East Coast and you are looking for a smaller spot to enjoy some time at the ocean, then this is it. Definitely come here during low tide! We parked our car at the side of the street nearby. There are stairs leading down from the street to the volcanic pool.

Location: Charco de La Caleta · Parking places