The Canary Islands archipelago is brimming with surprisingly charming locations. Its coastline, shaped over the years by the crashing of waves and a battering wind, comprises an amazing volcanic landscape. While the island of Fuerteventura is primarily known for its idyllic beaches that extend as far as the eye can see, it also hides several secret spots that you simply have to explore. One such example is the Aguas Verdes natural pool (or, as it is known by natives of the Canary Islands, the Charco de Aguas Verdes).
Aguas Verdes: a gift left over from the island’s formation
When the island was created over 100 million years ago, the lava and the erosive action of the waves combined to shape this watertight pool that allows sea water to enter, open to the Atlantic Ocean but protected from the crashing of waves. It could be said that floating in its water is the perfect balance between peace and tranquillity, knowing that a stone’s throw away, behind a set of rocks, the wild and chaotic ocean continues to crash onto the coastline.
Aguas Verdes gives visitors the chance to take a relaxing bath in an incredible setting. The waves constantly flush the pool out, so its water is totally transparent. Any dip in the Aguas Verdes natural pool is soundtracked by the sound of crashing waves and the calls of seagulls, making for an unbeatable experience.
Where are Fuerteventura’s natural pools?
This natural pool lies on the west coast of Fuerteventura, which is famous for its choppy waters. To reach this pool, take the FV-30 motorway until you reach the small village of Llanos de la Concepción. Once there, take another road until you reach the town of Aguas Verdes. Once you arrive, we recommend parking your car and walking down in the direction of the coast until you reach the Playa del Valle beach. On the right hand side, there is a 6-kilometre stretch of rocks and dirt trails. While it’s relatively easy to access these natural pools, we recommend wearing suitable footwear for hopping from rock to rock.
Please take into account that the tides can change very quickly. Therefore, what might at first seem like a relaxing bath could soon become very dangerous. This is particularly important if you are travelling with children, so don’t go if the tide is high. If you’re looking to bathe in a pool that isn’t overly crowded with other people, we suggest that you don’t stop in the first pool you see. In our experience, the closest ones tend to be the most crowded. For the perfect pool, make your way across the rocks or climb towards the top of the hill. If you stray far enough from the beaten track, you’ll find a quieter pool where your only companions will be the squirrels and crabs that inhabit the area.
Under the water, you will also find some hidden volcanic landscapes. The entire coastline is bursting with life, reefs and incredible rock formations. So, make sure you pack your snorkelling equipment (you shouldn’t need more than a mask and tube). You won’t find turtles or sunken ships inside the pools, but you might catch a glimpse of spider crabs, starfish, sea cucumbers and small fish. Oh, and one more thing! The average annual temperature is 21 °C, so don’t think twice about taking a dip!
Trip to the Aguas Verdes volcanic pool in Fuerteventura
Locals love spending the whole day in and around these pools, often taking a picnic with them including sandwiches and Spanish omelettes. By doing the same, you could squeeze every last drop out of your trip to this incredible location. However, if you’d prefer to get out of the sun for a bit and sample some typical local cuisine, we have several recommendations for you. These include La Sombra, which is a pleasant and refreshing restaurant set within a green oasis; Los podomorfos de Tindaya, which specialises in goat meat burgers; El Restaurante Don Antonio, which boasts a beautiful typical Canary Island courtyard and serves local produce; and La Jaula de Oro, where you can try the finest fried fish on the oceanfront. These establishments are all located within a 10-kilometre radius, so you’ll need to travel by car.
Please not that this is an area with no services or amenities. Unlike other natural pools, Aguas Verdes is practically unspoilt and does not have any walkways or stairways to access the pools. Located very close to Aguas Verdes are the Charcones de Ajuy: another set of must-see natural pools.
