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
Natural pool on the coast of Santiago del Teide, in the Isla Cangrejo development. A concrete wall shields it from the swell, so bathing stays calm and suits families, and a flight of steps leads down to the water. The surroundings invite a walk, watching the waves break against the sea stacks. Take particular care at high tide.
Charco de Isla Cangrejo
Natural pool on the coast of Santiago del Teide, in the Isla Cangrejo development. A concrete wall shields it from the swell, so bathing stays calm and suits families, and a flight of steps leads down to the water. The surroundings invite a walk, watching the waves break against the sea stacks. Take particular care at high tide.
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.
Charco La Vaca
Charco La Vaca is a natural pool set into the volcanic rock of the Punta Negra shoreline, in Santiago del Teide, between Playa de la Arena and Puerto de Santiago. It is not a sandy beach but a hollow among dark lava flows that the sea fills and empties with the tide. You reach it on foot from Calle Acacia, through a narrow alley between houses and a short descent whose final stretch runs over bare rock.
Charco La Vaca
Charco La Vaca is a natural pool set into the volcanic rock of the Punta Negra shoreline, in Santiago del Teide, between Playa de la Arena and Puerto de Santiago. It is not a sandy beach but a hollow among dark lava flows that the sea fills and empties with the tide. You reach it on foot from Calle Acacia, through a narrow alley between houses and a short descent whose final stretch runs over bare rock.
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
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.
What to Do in Tenerife with Kids: Plans for the Whole Family
What to do in Tenerife with kids: animal and water parks, the Teide, calm beaches and plans for grey days. The practical guide for families.