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The Cueva de los Verdes (Green Caves) is a mysterious volcanic labyrinth on Lanzarote. It’s one of the most significant geological landmarks in the Canary Islands, as well as one of the most visited caves in the archipelago. Keep reading, we invite you to dive into its history and marvel at its unique geological formations.
What is Cueva de los Verdes in Lanzarote?
The Cueva de los Verdes is one of the most popular caves on Lanzarote. It is located in the Haría municipality, in the north of the island of Lanzarote. As you enter, a majestic vertical entrance greets you, leading you into an underground world of shining stalactites, millennia-old stalagmites, and impressive columns.
The interior of the cave is covered with deposits of white calcite, which have formed over time from mineral-rich water dripping from above.
This cave was formed 5000 years ago after the eruption of the La Corona volcano. The lava advanced and created these volcanic tubes, that are one of the longest in the world.
These volcanic tubes are known as Jameos. There are 15 volcanic tubes that were formed by this volcano.
The cave is also known as “Cueva del Agua” due to its proximity to a freshwater lake called El Agua. The lake was formed after lava flow trapped an underground river and created a natural reservoir that feeds into the ocean at La Caleta Beach.
In the 16th and 17th centuries, the cave was used as a refuge by locals to protect themselves from pirates. As a local historian recalls, “La Cueva de los Verdes is not only a natural monument, but also a historical refuge that has protected the souls of Lanzarote for centuries.”
The cave is divided into two parts: a dry section and a wet section. The water level varies according to rainfall, but when it is high enough to reach parts of dry formations, it creates a ‘waterfall effect’, a magical spectacle that leaves visitors breathless.
La Cueva de los Verdes was adapted for visitors in 1964, and since then it has been a place of interest for both locals and tourists alike.
In the 60s, the Lanzarote local government assigned this task to Jesús Soto, he collaborated with the local architect and artist César Manrique. The result was a work of art, one of the most popular places in Lanzarote.
The intervention was to put a pedestrian path for those who visit this place. And also in the lights and shadows, to improve the visitor’s experience. Always respecting the environment and the nature of the cave.
Located in Lanzarote, Cueva de Los Verdes is one of the most impressive caves in the world.
Unique Geology: Formation of the Cave
The volcanic structure of Cueva de los Verdes is part of the volcanic tube created by the eruption of La Corona volcano.
The origin of the cave dates back to approximately 5000 years ago, when a very fluid stream of lava moved beneath more compact lavas, creating a large, elongated cavity. This cavity expanded over time, becoming the cave we know today.
The interior of Cueva de Los Verdes is decorated with stalactites and stalagmites that formed over thousands of years. The cave contains five chambers, connected by narrow passageways excavated in the rock by water during periods when this part of Lanzarote was covered by water.
The walls of the cave are covered in green moss, which gives the cave its name.
In total, there are about 7 kilometres of tunnels within Cueva Los Verdes, but only 1.5 are open to the public. The longest known tunnel is about 1200 meters long and passes through three chambers before reaching its destination at an exit pit where sunlight falls on the exterior ground.
Some of these galleries can be about 15 meters wide in places and about 20 meters high.
The tour ends on a cliff.
Flora and Fauna of Cueva de los Verdes
The flora of Cueva de los Verdes is not as extensive. These plants, such as moss, lichens, and ferns, have had to adapt to the conditions of the cave, that is, the darkness and humidity.
On the other hand, the fauna is more abundant. The most common animals you’ll find there are bats, lizards, and some birds. Bats are very common animals in caves, and there are about 10,000 different species in this one.
Bats are a key part of the ecosystem, as they feed on insects and other small animals.
In this cave, you will also see lizards of various species, including the Canary lizard, the lava lizard, and the cave lizard. They also feed on insects and other animals.
As mentioned before, there are birds in the cave, although few. The most common are the Alpine swift and the brown swift. These take advantage of the cave temperatures to rest and raise their chicks.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cueva de Los Verdes
How long does it take to visit La Cueva de Los Verdes?
The guided tours are for around 50-60 minutes, there are tours every 20 minutes.
Even though the cave is about 7 kilometres long, the part you can visit is just 1 kilometre of galleries.
Keep in mind that because of the conditions of the cave, there is difficult to visit for people with reduced mobility.
Where is Cueva de Los Verdes?
This cave is located in the natural monument of La Corona, because it is part of the Corona Volcanic. It is in the north of the island.
La Cueva de los Verdes is 24 kilometres from the capital of Lanzarote, Arrecife.
The exact address is: Cueva de los Verdes LZ-204, 35542 Haría, Las Palmas.
If you visit the Canaries Islands and stay in Lanzarote, you do not want to miss Cueva de Los Verdes.
How much is cost the entrance to Cueva de los Verdes in Lanzarote?
The tickets for Cueva Los Verdes cost 10 euros per adult, and 5 euros for kids from 6 to 12, younger kids do not have to pay entry tickets.
People with disabilities can have 30 % discount, canarian residents can have 20 % discount, and Lanzarote residents can get discounts.
Why is it called Cueva de los Verdes?
CanariWiki indicates there are two theories about why Cueva de los Verdes gets its name.
The first, that it is called “green” for the colour seen inside and its walls, which have green algae.
And the other is that it gets its name from the surname of a family that used the cave. It is said that this was the hideout of a wealthy family known as “Los Verdes”, and they were seen as owners of this space. Although there is no verified information on the existence of this group.
How to get to Cueva de los Verdes?
You can reach this cave in different ways:
- By car: from Arrecife, it will take you about 30 minutes to drive to the cave.
- By public transportation: buses on line 7 take you from Arrecife to Cueva de los Verdes, taking approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- By taxi: it will take the same time as going in a private car, although bear in mind that it is an expensive option.
- With tours: you can hire tours to go to the cave.
Tips for visiting Cueva de los Verdes
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, the shoes should have a rubber sole, so you avoid pitfalls.
- The temperature inside the cave is around 20 °C, you would not be hot or cold in there.
- You can take photographs inside the cave, there is no prohibition about that.
- Pay attention to the colours, there are not only greens, but also reddish, ochre, and dark tones, enjoy everything inside the cave. The shapes of the stalactites and stalagmites, and other formations, will amaze you.
- There is an auditorium there, if you have time to enjoy a concert there, the acoustic is amazing.
- The opening hours are at 10 in the morning every day, and the close time is at 18 in winter and at 19 in summer. The last guided tour starts 1 hour before close time.
- The guided tour in Cueva de Los Verdes takes between 45 minutes and an hour. The cave is open 365 days a year.
- The tour is divided into three parts, Sala de las Estelas, Garganta de la Muerte, and Puerta Mora.
Which to see Cueva de los Verdes or Jameos del Agua?
These two natural locations in Lanzarote have some similarities, like that they are both part of the same volcanic tunnel as a result of the same volcanic eruption.
You can continue the excursion in Lanzarote from one of these places to the other. Both of them are part of the cultural centres of Lanzarote.
Jameos del Agua is near the coast. César Marinque was the mind behind the adaptations of this cave, with a marvellous connection between art and nature.
To sum up, Cueva de los Verdes is a must if you visit Lanzarote, and also is Jameos del Agua. There are such amazing places, the colours you will see, and appreciate there will be an opportunity you do not want to miss.
This is what you need to know about Cueva de los Verdes before visiting it. Remember, you can book your tour with us, contact us.
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