Las Salinas natural pools

At the mouth of the Agaete ravine, at the northern end of Puerto de las Nieves, a lava flow runs into the sea and forms three natural pools linked by tunnels. They are free, on public coast and have no opening hours. What decides whether they are a peaceful swim or somewhere to look at from above is the state of the sea.

Three pools and their tunnels

The town council presents them as a bathing area and, thanks to the tunnels that connect the pools, also as a place to observe the local marine flora and fauna with diving equipment or, more simply, with a mask and snorkel. The beach around them, Las Salinas, is stony and has moderate waves. Do not expect sand or the services of an urban beach: the council's page gives it no showers, lifeguard or sun loungers.

The Paseo de los Poetas

You get there on foot from Avenida Paseo de los Poetas, the promenade that skirts the sea north of the port. If you come by car, park in the port and walk a few minutes. If you come without a car, Global bus line 103 links Las Palmas with Agaete and drops you in Puerto de las Nieves itself, as does the semi-direct 130.

Reading the sea before you go down

Go when the sea is calm. The north of the island receives the Atlantic swell, and when it is rough the water breaks over the lava: on that day, look from the promenade and do not get in. If in doubt, ask at the tourist office, in Puerto de las Nieves itself. At weekends with good weather it fills up; arriving in the morning helps you find a spot on the rocks.

With children

The pools work for children who already swim, always with an adult beside them and wearing water shoes, because the bottom and the edges are stone and lava. The tunnels between pools are not for little ones. If you want stiller water, Las Nieves beach, in front of the current quay, is stony with calm water and easy access.

Before or after your swim

The pools close off the port promenade to the north. At the other end are the Nieves chapel and the view of the Dedo de Dios, about ten minutes' walk away. For somewhere to sleep right by the pools, the Hotel Puerto de las Nieves is in the same port, and for lunch there is El Dedo de Dios on the road into the port, facing the sea.