Descend into one of the world's most stunning natural wonders, an underground causeway formed by the erosion of ancient lava flows.
Step into an underground wonderland as you explore Cueva de los Verdes. This series of caves stretches across Lanzarote's protected volcanic plains, Monumento Natural del Malpais de La Corona. Explore within to see dramatically lit chambers, strange rock formations and reflective underground pools.
Cueva de Los Verdes is a lava tube, a geological formation created by the lava flows from Monte Corona. As the molten rock oozed across the Malpais (Badlands) 3 millennia ago, the surface cooled and solidified, leaving huge caverns beneath. These caverns are locally known as “jameos.”
Access the caves through one such jameo, which serves as the main visitor entrance. Tours leave often and take visitors 1.2 miles (2 kilometres) through the cave system, which actually extends 3.6 miles (6 kilometres) to the sea.
The lighting in the chambers was set up by a local artist, Jesus Soto, who is renowned for his work with light and shadows. Apart from the warm glow of spotlights, note the red hues of the rock surfaces. This results from the iron content of the cave's basalt walls. Marvel at other colours produced by light refracting off salt that seeped into the rock from the ocean.
At the coastal end of the cave, the lava tube descends into the sea, creating an underwater section known as the “Tunnel of Atlantis.” Throughout the caves, look for small pools inhabited by albino crabs. These blind crustaceans are native to the area and serve as a symbol of the caves.
Guided tours lasting about an hour are available in many languages. Be sure to ask your guide about the cave's early human history, when it was used by civilians to hide from marauding pirates or slave traders.
Find Cueva de Los Verdes in the northern Haria municipality of Lanzarote. Get there on a tour bus or by rented car and use available parking. The caves are open daily and several tours run throughout the day. An admission fee is charged. Be aware that some walkways within the caves are quite enclosed.
