Jameos del Agua

Jameos del Agua is one of the best-known works of César Manrique, the artist who shaped Lanzarote's look in the second half of the twentieth century. It lies on the northeast coast of the island, built into a section of the same long lava tube that includes the Cueva de los Verdes, formed when the Corona volcano erupted several thousand years ago. A jameo is a hole made when part of the roof of a lava tube collapses, and here the collapsed sections open the tunnel to the sky. Manrique, who grew up on the island, saw the potential of these caves and transformed them into a cultural space that opened to visitors in the 1960s, which became the model for his other projects.

The complex has three main parts. At the entrance, a staircase leads down into the Jameo Chico, where a restaurant and bar occupy a sunken area under the open sky. Beyond that, inside the tube, a dark lake lies under the rock. In its waters live tiny, pale, blind crabs of a species called Munidopsis polymorpha, which is found in only a handful of places on Earth and is treated as a symbol of the site. Visitors are asked to keep quiet and not throw anything into the water, since the crabs are vulnerable and sensitive to disturbance.

The Jameo Grande is the second large opening. A turquoise pool framed by white walls and palms sits within the black volcanic rock, and the contrast of white, green and black is what most people remember. A staircase and paths around it let you move between levels and see the shapes of the rock from different angles. At the far end is a natural auditorium formed in the tube, with room for several hundred people. It is used for concerts and performances, and the acoustics are noted for their clarity.

The site also includes the Casa de los Volcanes, a volcano research and information centre, and a small museum space. Walking routes are well signposted and mostly accessible, with steps in several places.

It suits families, those curious about Manrique, and anyone who enjoys unusual architecture. It combines naturally with the Cueva de los Verdes, which is very close, and with the Jardín de Cactus and the Fundación César Manrique, which are on the same side of Lanzarote. Early morning is the quietest time. Check the current opening hours and ticket arrangements before your visit.