Fantastic Four: Natural pools of the Canaries

Charco Azul

Where: La Palma

Why: Recently renovated and awarded the Blue Flag Ecolabel, Charco Azul (pictured above) is comprised of a group of pools located in San Andrés y Sauces, a pretty town in the north of La Palma. It's the perfect option for families, featuring a children's pool complete with a smooth rock floor. There's also a small waterfall and great amenities like changing facilities and showers. But it's the blissfully still waters that keep the swimmers flocking back.

How: You can fly to Tenerife with Ryanair (ryanair.com), before catching a flight or ferry (2 hours) to La Palma.

See: hellocanaryislands.com

Charco del Viento

Where: Gran Canaria

Why: We may love the Canary Islands for their warm climate and clean beaches. But did you know about the 'charcos', natural saltwater pools dotted throughout the islands? There are over 60 of them, both inland and on the coast, with sparkling, crystal clear waters. Piscinas de Roque Prieto is in the north of Gran Canaria, surrounded by a landscape of banana trees.

How: Sunway has 7 nights self-catering in Gran Canaria from €479pp in August, including flights and transfers.

See: sunway.ie

Charco Azul

Where: El Hierro

Why: El Hierro is one of the least visited islands in the Canaries, which means that you'll likely have its craggy, dramatic landscape all to yourself. It's also home to another Charco Azul (different from the one above), considered one of the most striking pools in all of the islands. Bathers can clamber over the volcanic rock before dipping into the vividly coloured waters below.

How: You can fly to Tenerife with Aer Lingus (aerlingus.com) and take a ferry to El Hierro (2 hrs). Alternatively, you can fly from either Tenerife or Gran Canaria.

See: elhierro.travel

Charco del Viento

Where: Tenerife

Why: Tenerife is blessed with four natural pools, but Charco del Viento holds perhaps the finest view. The Teide Volcano looms in the distance, and has provided bathers with peaks of solidified lava and rock that jut up from perfectly turquoise water. It's a great spot for snorkelling, or just floating your cares away.

It's also very accessible, with a car park right next to the pool.

How: clickandgo.com currently has 7 nights self-catering in Tenerife from €539pp, including flights in July.

See: clickandgo.com

NB: Prices subject to change.