Charco Las Mujeres

Charco Las Mujeres is a captivating natural pool situated in Buenavista, within the scenic region of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. Carved over centuries by the relentless forces of the Atlantic Ocean against ancient volcanic rock, this spot stands as a testament to the island’s dynamic geological origins, dating back to Tenerife’s formative volcanic eruptions over five million years ago. Historically, the charco has served as a vital gathering spot for local women, who would utilise the sheltered waters for bathing, washing clothes, and sharing daily news—a tradition stretching back to at least the 19th century. The area surrounding the pool is steeped in Guanche heritage, remnants of the island’s original Berber-speaking inhabitants, who are known to have frequented these coastal formations long before the Spanish conquest in 1496 transformed Tenerife’s cultural and social landscape.

Today, the tranquil setting of Charco Las Mujeres not only invites visitors to experience a unique natural swimming enclave but also connects them with the living tapestry of the island’s history, from its pre-Hispanic roots through to its development as a cornerstone of agricultural livelihoods and rural community life in the Canary Islands.