Referred to by Cesar Manrique as ‘the most beautiful nightclub in the world’, the series of volcanic tubes and bubbles known as Jameos del Agua, has much to offer the visitor looking for something different.
What is it?
The Jameos del Agua — like the Cueva de los Verdes — are part of a 6Km long lava tube which formed about 3,000 years ago when the Montaña La Corona erupted.
Molten lava continued to flow as the surface hardened, which in turn led to the formation of the tubes, which run down under the Atlantic.
The word Jameo is used in this context to refer to the large openings in the tube which formed when parts of the roof collapsed due to a pressure build up caused by the volcanic gases.
It is these open-air caves which Manrique used as the centrepiece for the attraction and which have given it a name.
The Tour
Into The Jameos
You enter the Jameos by climbing down a stone-staircase into the first cave known as ‘Jameo Chico’, which has been turned into an unusual bar / restaurant, with views over a small lake.
This natural lake has extremely clear water — regulated by the Atlantic Ocean — and is home to a species of blind albino crabs known as ‘Jameitos’ which are only found on Lanzarote. These crabs have been adopted as the symbol of the Jameos del Agua.
Crossing the lake, by a narrow footpath, we find ourselves in the ‘Jameo Grande’
Although you have probably seen this picture before on a myriad of postcards, nothing is quite like walking out of the dark tunnel to be faced, suddenly with a huge open-air cave lined with tropical plants and the most fantastic swimming-pool you may ever see.
This crystal-clear, turquoise pool is truly paradise, even if you can’t actually use it, as swimming is forbidden.
From the far end of the ‘Jameo Grande’ you can access the auditorium which has been constructed in part of the volcanic tube running down to the Ocean.
The auditorium has unbelievable acoustics and has been the setting for some memorable concerts.
La Casa de los Volcanes
We climb out of the caves to reach the Casa de los Volcanes (House of the Volcanoes) which is an avantgarde building that houses some fantastic information about the island of Lanzarote and — not surprisingly — volcanoes around the world and in the Canary Islands in particular.
You can view instruments and computers showing live temperature measurements and movements of the earth. These have been placed behind glass, as they are part of scientific studies.
The Casa de los Volcanes hosts an annual meeting of international vulcanologists and also provides talks about volcanoes to the general public from time-to-time.
Refreshments
As well as the bar / restaurant in the ‘Jameo Chico’ there is a second cafe next to the Casa de los Volcanes; which enjoys great views over the Swimming Pool area and out to the Atlantic Ocean nearby.
Where to find Jameos del Agua
The Jameos del Agua is to the north of Lanzarote, on the road from Arrecife to Orzola, just North of Arrieta.
The closest major resort is Costa Teguise which is approx. 10km to the South.
If you don’t have use of a hire car and still want to see this particular attraction, there are many excursions run to the North of the island which also take in some of the other nearby tourist attractions.
What else is nearby
The Cueva de los Verdes are basically next door and you will pass the Jardin de Cactus (Cactus Gardens) on the way to Jameos del Agua if you come from the south of the island.
