Charco del Tancón
A turquoise natural pool among the Los Gigantes cliffs at Puerto de Santiago. Highly photogenic, with a blowhole that means bathing only in calm sea at low tide.

Charco del Tancón is a turquoise natural pool set among the Los Gigantes cliffs at Puerto de Santiago, in the Santiago del Teide municipality of western Tenerife. The contrast between the clear water and the volcanic rock walls has made it one of the area's most photographed spots, with a wild feel far from conventional beaches.
The setting calls for caution: there is a blowhole and the sea can turn dangerous, so bathing is recommended only in calm conditions at low tide. Outside those conditions it is best to simply admire and photograph the place. Footwear that grips well on rock and close attention to the state of the sea are advisable.
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first!
Related places
Charco de Isla Cangrejo
Volcanic natural pool by Los Gigantes, sheltered from the swell by rock, very photogenic but delicate for bathing.
Charco de Isla Cangrejo
Volcanic natural pool by Los Gigantes, sheltered from the swell by rock, very photogenic but delicate for bathing.

Playa de la Arena
An urban cove of black volcanic sand in Puerto de Santiago, next to the cliffs of Los Gigantes, with a steep shore and waves to watch.
Playa de la Arena
An urban cove of black volcanic sand in Puerto de Santiago, next to the cliffs of Los Gigantes, with a steep shore and waves to watch.
Playa de los Guíos
An urban black-sand cove at the foot of the Los Gigantes cliffs, with calm waters sheltered by the marina.
Playa de los Guíos
An urban black-sand cove at the foot of the Los Gigantes cliffs, with calm waters sheltered by the marina.

Playa de las Arenas
Playa de las Arenas

Playa de las Teresitas
Playa de las Teresitas
Poema del Mar
One of Europe's most spectacular aquariums, home to the world's largest curved viewing window onto the deep sea.
Poema del Mar
One of Europe's most spectacular aquariums, home to the world's largest curved viewing window onto the deep sea.
Related guides

The Best Beaches in Tenerife
Tenerife has a beach for every mood: postcard golden sand, black volcanic shores, wild coves in Anaga and windy spots in the south. Here are the best ones, and how to pick yours.

The Best Charcos and Natural Pools in Tenerife
When the heat hits, locals in Tenerife have a plan that never fails: the charcos. A guide to the island's best natural pools, area by area, with tide and safety tips.