The Canary Islands are considered by many to be a kingdom of volcanoes. Thanks to one of them, a breathtaking tourist attraction was born in Lanzarote.
Los Jameos del Agua is a cave in about a 7-kilometer volcanic tunnel located in the northeastern part of Lanzarote. It is estimated that between 5,000 and 3,000 BC, due to the eruption of the La Corona volcano (Spanish: Volcán de La Corona), the legendary Atlantis Tunnel (Spanish: Túnel de la Atlántida) was created – one of the longest volcanic tunnels in the world, where the cave was formed, which you will learn more about in a moment. Its enormous tourist potential results from the combination of forces between nature and two Spanish architects, César Manrique – a native of Lanzarote, and Jesús Soto – from the nearby island of Fuerteventura. It is worth adding that the nearby Cueva de los Verdes is also available for visitors.
GOOD TO KNOW: The word jameo comes from the language of the Guanches – the indigenous people of the Canary Islands – and means a hole in the wall of a volcanic tunnel.
Visiting the Jameos del Agua Cave
The Jameos del Agua cave is located in the volcanic area of Malpaís de la Corona, which has been declared a Natural Monument. Although the shape of the volcanic tunnel was formed by Mother Nature, people have created wonders there, such as an auditorium and a research and education center. It is worth noting that Jameos del Agua began to welcome tourists relatively recently, in 1977. What should you pay special attention to there?
The natural salt lake located below sea level is an incredibly picturesque point on the cave’s tour route – its water is crystal clear! Due to the fact that a unique volcanic ecosystem has formed in Jameos del Agua, we will encounter over 70 endemic species of flora and fauna there, but one of their representatives stands out a bit more. What is it about?
Of course, about the tiny albino crab (Munidopsis Polymorpha), which is the symbol of Jameos del Agua. It should be remembered that it is not allowed to feed the animals there, throw coins or other objects into the water reservoir that could have a harmful effect on the natural environment.
An interesting idea to enrich your trip to Jameos del Agua may be trekking to the top of the extinct La Corona volcano (609 m above sea level), which is the highest peak on the island. If you are looking for contact with nature and are looking for phenomenal photos – this is the option for you!
César Manrique Auditorium
Concerts of classical music in a volcanic cave? Why not! The auditorium in Jameos del Agua was built according to the vision of a native of Lanzarote, architect and artist César Manrique.
This is a location where numerous concerts take place, which can be watched by just over 550 people. The hall in the volcanic tunnel is characterized by excellent acoustics, thanks to which enjoying such live performances is even more unforgettable.
The César Manrique Auditorium in Jameos del Agua proves the extraordinary harmony between the work of Mother Nature and human talent. Sounds unbelievable, right?
Casa de los Volcanes
Casa de los Volcanes, or “House of Volcanoes”, is a research and education center in Jameos del Agua with ten rooms with three thematic axes. Its aim is to raise awareness of the geology of not only Lanzarote, but also the Canary Islands archipelago.
This is a real treat for volcanology enthusiasts! On two floors of this institution we will find, among others, the Geological Laboratory (Spanish: Laboratorio de Geo-ciencia), the Lunar Rose Hall (Spanish: Sala Rosa Lunar) – and in it a collection of rock and mineral samples.
Other useful information
The estimated time of the trip to Jameos del Agua is one hour, but if you also plan to visit the “House of Volcanoes”, reserve about 60 additional minutes. There is also a restaurant on the premises of Jameos del Agua, where you can taste delicious Canarian cuisine, including papas arrugadas con mojo, i.e. potatoes “wrinkled” by the abundance of salt, accompanied by traditional sauces – most often mojo rojo or mojo verde.
Unfortunately, due to the specific terrain, Jameos del Agua is not suitable for people with reduced mobility. I recommend that families with small children equip themselves with baby carriers, the so-called kangaroos, as you cannot enter the cave with strollers. What about animals? For sanitary reasons, only a guide dog accompanying a blind person has access to Jameos del Agua.
Practical info
- It is best to buy tickets to Jameos del Agua in advance. You will then avoid standing in line and you will avoid the risk that all tickets have been sold out.
- Buy tickets on GetYourGuide
