The Cuevas de los Verdes – or Green Caves – in the north of the island once provided sanctuary for islanders from marauding pirate raids. And today this popular tourist attraction still hides one of Lanzarote´s best kept secrets. Which visitors can now discover on a new guided tour.
Volcanic Vault
Situated in the north of the island, the Green Caves is an underground volcanic tunnel system, created by the eruptions of nearby volcano Monte Corona, which at 609 metres is the tallest peak on the island.
The explosive activity which created this tunnel took place at a much earlier date than the volcanic eruptions at Timanfaya in 1730. With most estimates suggesting that Monte Corona blew its top some four million years ago.
The tunnel was created by a stream of molten lava flowing down to the sea. The surface of the lava stream hardened on contact with the cooler air temperatures, even while the lava beneath remained liquid and kept flowing. Once the lava stream ran out, it left behind the empty chambers and tunnels – which created the amazing rock formations to be found today in the Green Caves,
Underground Auditorium
The Caves are home to an incredible natural auditorium – which is used as a venue for a number of concerts across the year. Here the walls are orange and purple in places. These colours come from the minerals and metals that make up the composition of the lava. And the texture testifies to the intense heat at the heart of the volcano, as the walls look like candle wax that has been melted into droplets.
Since 1964, the Green Cave has been open to visitors, thanks to the creation of a route through the various chambers by Jesus Soto, a gifted technician who also contributed to the construction of the attractions at Timanfaya. He also designed the lighting scheme which highlights the most eye catching aspects of the interior.
The tour of the Green Caves allows visitors to see approximately two kilometres of this phenomenon, which is known as the ‘Atlantic Tunnel’. In total it measures over seven kilometres, making it the longest underground lava tunnel in the world. It is also responsible for the cave system at Jameos del Agua, where the lava flow finally met the sea and the ‘jameos’ or open volcanic bubble was formed as gases blew the lid off the tunnel roof.
Secret Sanctuary
In the past, the Cave was used to provide refuge for the islanders when piratesattacked the coast of Lanzarote. Villagers would head towards the Cave with their livestock and wait out the invasions, hoping that the marauders would not be able to discover their hiding place. Not least because local people were sometimes captured and sold into slavery by the pirates.
Over the centuries there were numerous attacks, as the island was an important staging post between Europe, Africa and the New World. Even before this, there is evidence provided by artefacts found in the cave, that the former inhabitants of the island, the Guanche, made the caves their home.
The Cave got its name from the Verde family (Green in English) who owned the land where the cave is located. These days, the Cave acts as a tourist attraction, having been laid out so that visitors can comfortably see the most interesting parts.
It is also used as an auditorium for concerts, as the cavern in which musicians perform has incredible acoustics. The various sections of the tunnel open to the public have been dramatically lit to ensure good visibility of the rock formations and safe passage.
Within the two kilometre stretch that visitors have access to there is also a surprise waiting, which can only be discovered by taking the tour. It is best to wear flat shoes as the walkway surface can be a little uneven in places. Which also means this tour is not ideal for the infirm or young children in buggies.
Prices & Booking
Last Minute Travel operate their Green Caves tour every Saturday. At a cost of 20€ for adults and €10 for children. Contact 0034 928 592 554 for more information and bookings.
