The César Manrique Maritime Park is an extensive swimming pool complex situated on the southern coast of Tenerife, in an area that was for many years considered run-down and depressed, but is now full of life. The park is a perfect place in which to relax, sunbathe and swim in saltwater pools whilst soaking up a unique setting. It also offers incredible views of the sea as well as the modern Tenerife Auditorium and the Palmetum botanical gardens.

Ready for a dip? Then read on for everything you need to know in order to plan your visit. Remembering to pack your bathing suit, towel and sunscreen, however, is up to you.

The César Manrique Maritime Park project to rescue a run-down area

Although the area of Santa Cruz de Tenerife in which the Maritime Park is located is these days a hive of activity with various shopping centres and important institutions—such as the International Trade Fair and Conference Centre and the aforementioned auditorium—a few decades ago the situation was quite the opposite.

In fact, until the civil engineers Juan Alfredo Amigó Bethencourt and José Luis Olcina Alemany presented the park project in 1991, the area was overlooked in terms of municipal urban development plans. Testament to this were the type of facilities found in the area, including refuse dumps, an abattoir and even a lazaretto, a type of quarantine hospital.

 

 

Fortunately, the main lines of action, defined as part of the aforementioned project, were to rescue the area from years of neglect with the creation of the Palmetum and the installation of a breakwater to protect the complex from the waves.

César Manrique was commissioned to design the Maritime Park having already created similar facilities—based on restoring run-down areas—in Lanzarote, such as the famous Cactus Garden, a fascinating botanical centre on the site of a former quarry for extracting sand and gravel.

Sadly, the death of the artist in 1992 meant that he didn’t live to see the finished product. However, the complex clearly bears his stamp and it is impossible not to associate it with some of the other works of the prolific architect, painter and sculptor in Lanzarote, such as the César Manrique Foundation itself or Lagomar. At the Maritime Park of Tenerife—just like in the aforementioned works—water, native plants, volcanic rocks and, of course, full respect for the natural environment are ever present, features that are key to understanding the creative work of Manrique.

The full installations of Tenerife’s Maritime Park

The complex occupies a space spanning 17,000 square metres situated right in front of the ocean. What’s more, it boasts ample parking in the immediate vicinity and sun loungers and parasols can be hired at very economical prices. However, the real reason why the César Manrique Maritime Park is packed full of locals and tourists throughout most of the year is because of its delightful swimming pools, which are listed below:

  • Main pool. With a surface area of 6,500 square metres and a maximum depth of 2.2 metres, this pool stands out for its size and for the fact it is built on reclaimed land, protected from the waves by a strong breakwater.
  • Cascade pool. Located next to the bar of the same name and the Palmetum, the swimming pool fills up in an original way with two waterfalls that reach a height of 25 metres. It also has a central island that you can swim to easily.
  • Children’s pool. Situated in-between the two previous pools, the children’s pool has a surface area of 340 square metres and is filled by means of small waterfalls that emerge between the volcanic rocks. It is exclusively aimed at children and accompanying adults.

Thanks to the sea breeze, swimming in the above three swimming pools is a similar experience to doing so in the sea, of which they also have excellent views. The added benefit is having all types of services and facilities (toilets, changing rooms, eateries, etc.) within reach. It is also a great alternative for people who do not like swimming in the sea due to the nuisance of pebbles or sand. The swimming pools also boast stairs and ramps to facilitate access for older people and/or those with mobility problems.

And if you’d like to combine relaxing with tourism, you can round off a perfect day by visiting the Adán Martín Auditorium—the modern building designed by Santiago Calatrava, nowadays considered one of the emblems of modernity of Santa Cruz de Tenerife—or the Palmetum, a magnificent botanical garden spanning 12 hectares in which up to 14 biogeographical sections have been recreated, such as the Caribbean, Central America and Indochina.

Whether you’re travelling to Tenerife with children or you’re doing so with friends or as a couple, don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing day at the César Manrique Maritime Park.