Jameos del Agua
A volcanic lava tube that runs from the base of the Corona volcano straight under the Atlantic Ocean, Jameos del Agua is one of the most extraordinary spaces in the Canary Islands — part concert hall, part natural history exhibit, part tropical garden, all of it shaped by the visionary Lanzarote artist César Manrique into something that feels genuinely magical. The blind albino crab (Munidopsis po
Inside the Lava Tube
The path descends into the cave past walls of black volcanic rock to emerge beside a brackish lagoon of startling turquoise clarity, its surface perfectly still and lit by natural light filtering through cracks in the lava ceiling. Look carefully into the shallows and you will spot dozens of the tiny white crabs moving slowly across the submerged rocks — they are blind, having evolved in permanent darkness, and are protected by law.
Further into the cave, the lava tube widens into the Jameo Grande — a natural auditorium with extraordinary acoustics that has hosted concerts by artists including Nana Mouskouri and Alfredo Kraus. White-painted walls, tropical plants and a shallow pool create an atmosphere unlike any other venue on the island.
The Gardens Above
Climbing back out of the cave, Manrique's landscaped garden terraces open up around a brilliant white swimming pool that is reserved for private events — you cannot swim in it, but the view of its geometric shape set against the volcanic rock and bougainvillea is worth the visit alone.
The Casa de los Volcanes, a scientific research centre within the complex, displays fascinating exhibits on the geology of the lava tube system and the unique ecosystem of the underground lagoon — allow an extra 20 minutes here if you have children in tow.
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