Swimming at Las Salinas natural pools, Agaete

Las Salinas sit at Puerto de las Nieves, the harbour village below Agaete on the north-west coast. There are three natural pools here, held back from the open sea by rock columns that look a bit like the battlements of a castle, and joined to each other by volcanic tubes.

The water comes straight from the Atlantic, but the pools are protected from the swell, so this is a place for swimming rather than fighting waves. There are sunbathing areas around the edge, and the view takes in the rugged coastline of the north-west of the island.

You can walk down from the harbour or drive and park right next to the pools. The harbour has the ferry link to Tenerife and a row of fish restaurants, and there is a green palm grove and farm close by. Agaete town itself is about five minutes away by car.

• The pools are at Puerto de las Nieves, in the village of Agaete, in the north-west of Gran Canaria.
• There is a car park nearby, a sundeck and public toilets.
• Access is easy from Agaete village and from the harbour, either on foot or by car.
• There are diving sites close to the pools.
• The text does not state any entry price, opening hours or supervision arrangements, so check locally before you go.