Lanzarote, a unique volcanic destination that transports travelers to a paradise in the Canary Islands of black sand and striking green and white characteristics. This spectacular destination is the ideal vacation hot spot for adventurers looking to explore the hidden wonders of the world. In this exclusive Sandos blog, we will show you one of the most fantastic attractions in Spain, the Cueva de Los Verdes, a lava tunnel waiting to be explored by you.
The Lava tubes
The Cueva de Los Verdes is a natural formation dating back to a time when the Corona Volcano (Monte Corona) erupted approximately 5000 years ago! When the volcano erupted, the lava traveled from the cone of the volcano to the sea. While in some cases these “lava tubes” have always been there, you may be wondering how they are created.
These “lava tubes” serve the purpose of transporting large quantities of lava from one place to another beneath the surface. The flow of lava itself causes these tunnels. During the eruption over 5000 years ago, the lava was expelled to the sea. When these lava rivers were completely expelled, the tunnels the lava traveled through remained hollow, creating winding tunnels with beautiful shapes. In some cases, the roofs of these tunnels sinked in different areas, making them open to the surface, as the famous Jameos del Agua. These belong to the same lava tunnel of the Cueva de Los Verdes and are a must-see during your trip to Lanzarote.
After you are all up to date with the history and origin of this natural wonder, we will tell you a little more about La Cueva de Los Verdes and why it needs to be a part of your holiday plans. This extraordinary volcanic tunnel stretches 6 km but leaves only 1 km available to be safely seen by tourists. You can also visit the Jameos del Agua that is part of this great tunnel in the area closest to the sea. The final part of the tunnel plunges into the sea, stretching another one and a half kilometers, dubbing this section the “Tunnel of Atlantis.”
The history of the Cueva de los Verdes
The Cueva de Los Verdes has been an essential part of the lives of those who live and visit Lanzarote for centuries. At first, it was primarily used by the locals to shelter domestic animals and to hide from pirate attacks from Africa in the 16th and 17th centuries.
In 1964 the artist Jesús Soto, at the request of Cabildo de Lanzarote, began the evolution of the tunnel to open it to the public. Influenced by his colleague César Manrique, the Cueva de Los Verdes has been adapted for the safety and comfort of visitors. He preserved its natural essence, intermingling with the typical cactus gardens of Lanzarote. Inside, Jesús Soto played around with the position of the lights giving the tunnels a unique character while intensifying the natural colors and shapes. It truly is a spectacle for anyone who wishes to discover its intrinsic beauty.
If travel and music are two of your passions, then you are in luck! In the Cueva de Los Verdes, you can enjoy different concerts that take place inside the tunnels. An area of the tunnel has been made into an auditorium that allows visitors to indulge in an exclusive experience between walls of solidified lava. Make sure to keep up to date with when the different shows are as they are not performed every day.
Visit the Cueva de los Verdes
The Cueva de Los Verdes is situated in the northern part of the island, very close to the Mirador del Rio, another one of the island’s many attractions, alongside incredible views of the island of La Graciosa. After a day visiting The Cueva de Los Verdes, we recommend going on an adventure to the neighboring island. You can read all about it here in our blog, “Discover the Charms of La Graciosa Island.”
The visiting hours available for the Cueva de Los Verdes are from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, with the last entry at 4:00 pm. Each tour lasts about 1 hour, and you will always be accompanied by a local guide. If you are thinking about visiting this wonderful place, make sure to plan ahead and get your ticket as it can be extremely difficult to get one during the high season. The entry price is € 10 for adults, € 5 for children between 7 and 12 years old, and free for children under seven years old. If you are a resident of the Canary Islands or a resident of Lanzarote, you will receive a special price.
Where to stay in Lanzarote
During your trip to the beautiful island of Lanzarote, we have the ideal accommodation options for you and your travel companions. For fun-filled family getaways, we highly recommend a stay at our Sandos Papagayo resort. For those looking for a more relaxed adults-only escape, Sandos Atlantic Gardens is the ideal choice! Each of the hotels is located in Playa Blanca and near many of the island’s attractions, such as the Timanfaya National Park.
In the hotels, you have the opportunity to indulge in unique experiences that are guaranteed to bring you closer to the culture of Lanzarote. Discover the Ocean & Volcano Experience at Sandos Atlantic Gardens or the Nature Experience at Sandos Papagayo. During your stay with us, you will be able to encounter the Red Mountain and the famous Papago beaches. In addition, you will be able to indulge in the vacation of a lifetime through the typical gastronomy, local culture, and holistic activities designed to connect your mind and body.
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