Jóver Natural Pool

The rocks around the pool crawl with crabs, and they let you come close if you move slowly.

The pool itself is fed by the open Atlantic. Seawater keeps flowing in, so the water stays clean and fresh, while just beyond the edge the swell breaks over the shoals and drains off them in small waterfalls. The sea on this north coast runs rougher than in the south of the island, and watching it from inside calm water is half the reason to come.

Around the pool there is space to lay out a towel for the whole day, and plenty of rock to walk on. The view runs west along the north coast of Tenerife.

• The pool closes to bathers when storms hit the coast, and on the north shore that happens often in winter.
• Lifeguards watch the pool on some days; on others nobody is on duty, so keep an eye on children yourself.
• Toilets stand next to the car park. There is no drinking water nearby — bring your own.
• The rock around the pool gives no shade. Bring a hat and sun cream if you plan to stay the day.
• Weather on the north coast swings between sun, cloud and rain within hours; pack a layer.

The pool lies on the shore near Tejina, on the north coast of Tenerife. Most people arrive by car: there is a car park about 80–90 m away in a straight line, and street parking as well, so the water is right there once you step out.

By bus, the nearest stop is about 70 m away in a straight line. Walking in from Tejina itself is possible, though it is a fair way on foot.

Best: calm days from late spring to autumn, when the swell drops and the pool is open.

Avoid: winter storm days, when the pool is closed to bathers, and the middle of a summer day if you have brought no shade.

The north coast takes the winter swell head-on, and the bare rock around the pool offers nothing to hide under from the sun.