Charco Azul

Charco Azul is a natural seawater pool on the north coast of El Hierro, at Los Llanillos in the El Golfo valley, municipality of Frontera. Lava opened a hollow in the rock here, and the old volcanic flows now act as a barrier against the Atlantic, so the water inside is calmer and a vivid turquoise. Part of the pool lies under a rock vault open to the sea. It is one of the most popular bathing spots in El Golfo, but it has no lifeguards and conditions depend on tide and swell.

What is Charco Azul like?

The official Canary Islands tourism board describes it as a group of natural pools formed by ancient lava flows, with walkways, a wooden sunbathing deck and parking. The pools fill and refresh with the tide; dark basalt, clear water and the arch of rock make the setting distinctive. Space on the rocks is limited, so you will often find a gap among the boulders to leave your things rather than a beach.

How do you get down to the pool?

From the parking area, a set of steps leads down to the water. The small wooden solarium sits at the top, before the stairs, and there are no other services at the pool itself: no café, showers or lifeguard post, so bring water and shade. The steps and rocks make it unsuitable for wheelchairs.

Is it safe to swim at Charco Azul?

It can be, with care. The official listing gives the swell as moderate, recommends going at mid tide and notes the site is unsupervised. The rocks shelter the pool from ordinary waves, but if the sea is rough and waves are breaking over the barrier, stay out of the water. Wear shoes that grip on wet rock, watch children closely and do not jump in where you cannot see the bottom.

What is the El Golfo valley?

Charco Azul sits at the foot of El Golfo, the huge amphitheatre that dominates El Hierro's north-west side. According to the Cabildo de El Hierro, it was left by a giant landslide around 50,000 years ago, when more than 300 km³ of the island slid into the ocean. The cliffs behind the coast are the scar of that collapse, and the farms and villages of Frontera now spread across the valley floor below them.

What is nearby?

Two other well-known pools are close by on the same coast: Charco de los Sargos at Las Puntas, reached by a short cliff-top path and best at low tide, and Charco de La Maceta. These west-facing spots are popular at sunset. Respect the island's guidelines at all pools: take your rubbish with you, do not use soap in showers, choose ocean-friendly sunscreen and do not stack stones. For diving on the other side of the island, see diving at La Restinga, and for planning, our El Hierro guide.