New Research Reveals the World’s Favourite Natural Swimming Pools

• Charco Azul on the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands is the world’s favourite natural swimming pool
• The top three is rounded out by Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools in Madeira, Portugal, and Los Charcones Natural Pools in Lanzarote
• Natural saltwater pools in Australia, the UK, Ireland and Canada also feature in the must-visit list for 2025

New research from AllClear has revealed the world’s top 10 natural swimming pools, highlighting amazing places to take a dip.

Natural swimming pools can either be naturally occurring pools that are formed through volcanic activity, tidal movements or erosion, or can be man-made but still function like a natural body of water – with non-chemically treated fresh or salt water.

They are a growing trend, with global searches for ‘natural swimming pool’ rising a huge 83% year on year. Their popularity is down to their perfect balance between the wild beauty of the sea, and the safety of a swimming pool.

La Palma’s Charco Azul is the World’s Favourite Natural Swimming Pool

According to the data, which analysed both global search demand and travel review scores, Charco Azul on the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands is the top natural swimming pool in the world. The pool was formed by flowing lava which created a stunning bathing spot filled with turquoise water.

Two other pools located in the Canary Islands also feature in the top 10, Los Charcones Natural Pools in Lanzarote and Las Salinas de Agaete in Gran Canaria. Both are situated within volcanic rock and are ideal for enjoying the coastline in calmer waters.

Taking second place in the top 10 natural swimming pools is Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools on the island of Madeira, Portugal, a gorgeous pool filled with fresh seawater, and offering panoramic coastal views.

Sydney’s famous Bondi Icebergs Pools and Bronte Baths both also make the top 10. Each pool is incredibly picturesque and popular with both tourists and locals, and along with pools like Mereweather Ocean Baths and Wylie’s Baths, make up two of Australia’s seven features in the global top 20 list.

The World’s Top 10 Natural Swimming Pools

1. Charco Azul (El Hierro, Spain)
   Nestled on the rugged volcanic coastline of El Hierro, one of the Canary Islands, is a serene natural rock pool filled with crystal-clear waters. Its safe and family-friendly environment, paired with stunning ocean views, makes it a popular escape for nature lovers.
2. Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools (Madeira, Portugal)
   These volcanic rock pools, constantly refreshed by Atlantic waves, provide a safe and scenic spot for swimmers. Porto Moniz is famous for its striking contrast between dark volcanic rock and the bright blue ocean.
3. Los Charcones Natural Pools (Lanzarote, Spain)
   Hidden along Lanzarote’s rugged coastline, Los Charcones is a collection of secluded, natural rock pools. Perfect for adventurers, these pools offer a quiet and untouched escape for swimmers.
4. Bondi Icebergs Pool (Sydney, Australia)
   An iconic ocean pool that is famous around the world, Bondi Icebergs Pool is a must-visit for swimmers due to its well-known beauty. Overlooking Bondi Beach, it offers a refreshing swim with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.
5. Las Salinas de Agaete (Gran Canaria, Spain)
   This trio of volcanic pools carved into the coastline of Agaete offers a unique swim surrounded by dramatic cliffs and open ocean. Known for its tranquil atmosphere, Las Salinas is a well-loved destination for families.
6. Clevedon Marine Lake (Somerset, UK)
   A historic tidal pool on the Bristol Channel, Clevedon Marine Lake is great for swimmers looking for an invigorating dip. Its expansive views and calm waters make it a favourite for swimmers, but also kayakers and paddleboarders.
7. Bronte Baths (Sydney, Australia)
   Situated along the scenic Bondi-to-Coogee coastal walk; Bronte Baths is a peaceful tidal pool that allows swimmers to relax while taking in breathtaking ocean vistas. Its sheltered location makes it ideal for families and casual swimmers.
8. Vico Baths (Dublin, Ireland)
   A historic gem on Dublin Bay, Vico Baths combines the charm of a secluded retreat with panoramic sea views. Its tidal waters were made famous with visits from Harry Styles and Matt Damon in recent times.
9. Kitsilano Pool (Vancouver, Canada)
   A beautiful outdoor heated saltwater pool overlooking Vancouver’s English Bay, Kitsilano Pool offers a unique blend of urban and natural beauty. It’s only open in the summer and has recently undergone extensive repairs.
10. Doca Do Cavacas Natural Pools (Madeira, Portugal)
    These beautiful pools of volcanic origin, offer visitors direct access to sea swimming in a safe environment. Visitors can lounge on sun loungers during their visit and access a cafe to keep themselves refreshed throughout the day.

Sarah Collinson from AllClear comments: “Natural swimming pools offer travellers an amazing opportunity to connect with nature in some of the most breathtaking destinations in the world, without the worries that swimming in the open ocean can bring. However, it’s important to remember that there is still an element of risk when enjoying the water in these beautiful swimming spots

“Though many of these pools have lifeguards, not all of them always have someone on duty, and slippery rocks or poor accessibility are things to consider if you do decide to take a dip. It’s also important to make sure you have the right Travel Insurance for your trip so you can travel with peace of mind.

 

Methodology

A long list of natural swimming pools was compiled based on travel and tourism websites. The global searches for each of these pools were then pulled from Google Keyword Planner looking at the last 12 months, and the Google review score was noted down for each. The Google review score and the number of global searches were then combined to create a list of the top pools in the world.

Data correct as of November 2024.