Lanzarote Attractions :: Jameos Del Agua: Lanzarote Guidebook

Described as “The eighth wonder of the world” by Hollywood movie legend Rita Heyworth the Jameos Del Agua is certainly one of Lanzarote´s star attractions.

This incredible collapsed lava tube, located in the North of the island close to Punta Mujeres, is close to the top of the bill for most tourists – attracting close on 700,000 visitors in 2006. Making the Jameos the second most popular sight on Lanzarote, behind the Timanfaya Volcano Park.

Jamoes de Agua Factfile

How To Get There: From Tahiche follow the LZ-1, signposted for Orzola, past Arrieta and on through Punta Mujeres and then follow signposts for Jameos Del Agua.

Lanzarote Map

Opening Times: Every Day : 10.00 – 18.30
Evenings: Tuesday, Friday & Saturday 19.00-02.00
Admission: Adults €8
Parking: Free

Background

The Jameos was conceived by the island born artist and architect Cesar Manrique, during the 1960´s.

Whilst other Spanish sunspots were busy building golf courses and water parks to attract visitors, Manrique rejected this route. Instead he planned to fuse art with nature on his native Lanzarote and create a unique cultural attraction.

Some people thought he was crazy. What could possibly be forged from the lava? But by 1968 they were forced to think again.

Manrique´s first major project was the creation of the incredible Jameos del Agua. Where with the help of Luis Morales and Jesus Soto he transformed a giant collapsed lava tube into a stunning, subterranean auditorium.

Tropical gardens, bars and a restaurant surround an underground lagoon. The atmosphere is hushed and cathedral like. Blind albino crabs glisten in the water like jewels.

Visitors enter via a large stone staircase, which spirals down into the Jameos before encountering the underground lagoon. On the way, there’s plenty of fine detail, clever planting and typical Manrique touches to admire – such as the woodwork in the bar-café area at the foot of the stairs which serves a basic range of hot and cold drinks, sandwiches and cakes.

The Jameos is so stylish that even the facilities are well worth a visit here – as they look out onto another section of this 6km long tube formed some 3,000 years ago by the eruption of the nearby volcano Montaña La Corona.

Albino Crabs

From here visitors descend down another level into the main underground lagoon area which serves as home to the tiny albino crabs which are entirely unique to Lanzarote.

Manrique created an identity or logo for each of the cultural attractions developed under his aegis and symbols of crabs and lobsters are echoed throughout the site – from the big statue welcoming visitors in the car park through to the giant lobster pots used as hanging planters for giant ferns. Through to more minute details such as the lobster shaped door handles into the main concert auditorium.

Fit For A King

After walking alongside the lagoon visitors then climb up through more beautifully planted gardens to be met by the sight of a blinding white pool area. Where, apparently, the water is reserved solely for the use of the King of Spain. Should he ever fancy a dip.

Concert Auditorium

The auditorium that is located behind the pool was first opened in 1987 but it has been closed to the public for restoration since early 2006. The incredible acoustics her have created a great backdrop for numerous classical performances over the years and it is due to re-open again in May 2007.

Casa de los Volcanes

Climbing up another spiral stone staircase visitors then reach the Casa de los Volcanes – which houses an excellent permanent exhibition about volcanic activity in the Canary Islands. Featuring many interactive features that are great for kids too.

Jameos Del Agua At Night

The Jameos is doubly atmopsheric at nightime, when visitors can enjoy a meal and tradtional folk dancing and music on Tuesdays,
Fridays and Saturdays.

For information and reservations : 0034 928 848 024