🌋 How Were Jameos del Agua Formed?
Around 20,000 years ago, the eruption of La Corona Volcano sent vast streams of molten lava flowing towards the Atlantic Ocean. As the lava advanced, its outer surface cooled rapidly on contact with the air, forming a solid crust. Beneath this hardened layer, molten lava continued to flow, gradually carving out an increasingly long underground tunnel.
When the eruption eventually came to an end, the lava drained away into the ocean, leaving behind a hollow passage stretching for more than 7 kilometres. This became the La Corona Lava Tube, one of the longest lava tubes in the world. Today, different sections of this remarkable volcanic system are known as Cueva de los Verdes, Jameos del Agua, and the submerged Túnel de la Atlántida.
Over thousands of years, natural geological processes caused parts of the tunnel's roof to collapse. These openings, which provide access to the lava tube, are known on Lanzarote as jameos. Jameos del Agua consists of several such natural skylights formed along the northern section of the La Corona Lava Tube. One of them contains a saltwater lagoon connected to the Atlantic Ocean, giving the site the second part of its name—del Agua, meaning "of the water."
💡 Did You Know?
Although the La Corona Lava Tube extends for more than 7 kilometres, geologists believe it may have formed in just a matter of weeks or months—an incredibly short period in geological terms.
🤔 It Still Remains a Mystery...
Scientists have yet to fully explain how seawater continuously reaches the underground lagoon at Jameos del Agua, or why its water level remains remarkably stable throughout the year. It is known that the lagoon is connected to the Atlantic Ocean through the flooded section of the lava tube known as the Túnel de la Atlántida, but the complete network of underground connections has not yet been fully mapped or understood. For this reason, Jameos del Agua continues to be an important subject of research for both geologists and biologists.
🎭 An Underground Concert Hall
One of the most remarkable features of Jameos del Agua is its concert hall, hidden within the natural chambers of the La Corona lava tube. César Manrique designed the space to preserve the raw beauty of the volcanic rock, allowing the cave itself to become an integral part of the stage setting.
The venue's unique atmosphere is created through a carefully orchestrated interplay of light, reflections, and natural rock formations. Thoughtfully positioned lighting highlights the rich textures of the solidified lava, while large mirrors create an illusion of greater space and enhance the sense of depth. The project was developed in collaboration with artist Jesús Soto, who also designed the celebrated lighting scheme for Cueva de los Verdes.
Surrounded by volcanic rock and thoughtfully designed to work in harmony with its natural setting, the concert hall boasts exceptional acoustics, admired by both performers and audiences alike. It seats around 500 people and continues to host concerts, theatrical performances, and cultural events. Experiencing live music inside an ancient lava tube is unlike anything offered by a conventional concert venue.
💡 Did You Know?
The auditorium's stage was designed without a traditional backdrop. Instead, performers appear against another natural section of the lava tube leading towards Jameo de la Cazuela, allowing the cave itself to become part of the scenery.
🚶 Visiting Jameos del Agua
A visit to Jameos del Agua begins with a descent into Jameo Chico, home to the famous saltwater lagoon inhabited by the tiny white blind crabs. From there, the route continues through the natural lava tube to Jameo Grande, where you'll find the iconic turquoise pool surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. The visit concludes at the remarkable underground concert hall hidden within the cave, followed by Casa de los Volcanes, where you can learn more about Lanzarote's fascinating volcanic history.
Allow around 60–120 minutes to explore the site at a relaxed pace and fully appreciate both the natural beauty of the lava tube and César Manrique's extraordinary vision. The route follows stone pathways and includes several flights of stairs, so comfortable, closed-toe footwear is highly recommended. During the warmer months, it's also a good idea to bring a hat and drinking water, as part of the visit takes place outdoors.
While exploring Jameos del Agua, it's important to remember that both the lagoon inhabited by the blind crabs and the famous turquoise pool are protected features of the site. Visitors must not throw coins or any other objects into the lagoon, and swimming in the pool is strictly prohibited. These measures help preserve the unique character of this remarkable place for future generations.
🌴 The iconic turquoise pool is one of the most photographed spots on Lanzarote. Although it looks incredibly inviting, swimming is not permitted. Designed by César Manrique, the pool serves as a decorative feature and can only be admired from the surrounding walkways.
🎨 César Manrique Transformed Jameos del Agua
Although Jameos del Agua was created by the forces of nature thousands of years ago, its present-day appearance is largely the work of César Manrique. In the 1960s, the artist recognised the extraordinary potential of this abandoned section of the lava tube and set out to create a place where nature, architecture, and art could exist in perfect harmony.
Rather than trying to reshape nature, Manrique chose to celebrate it. He preserved the cave's natural walls, incorporated the solidified lava flows into his design, and carefully selected the surrounding vegetation so that it would appear as though it had always belonged there. The iconic white pool, restaurant, and concert hall were all designed to complement the volcanic landscape rather than dominate it.
Jameos del Agua was César Manrique's first major project on Lanzarote and marked the beginning of the vision that would later shape the entire island. It was here that he first put into practice his philosophy that architecture should never compete with nature, but instead become a seamless extension of it.
🦀 The Blind Crabs of the Underground Lagoon
One of the greatest natural treasures of Jameos del Agua is the tiny white crab Munidopsis polymorpha, a species found nowhere else in the world except Lanzarote. Its natural habitat is the saltwater lagoon hidden inside the lava tube, which is connected to the waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
Living in complete darkness for thousands of years has led these crabs to lose both their eyesight and their pigmentation through evolution. As a result, they have a distinctive white shell and are perfectly adapted to life in this unique underground environment. They grow to only about 2 centimetres in length and spend their lives moving across the rocky floor of the lagoon, feeding on tiny particles of organic matter.
Despite their small size, these remarkable creatures have become one of the symbols of Jameos del Agua and are strictly protected. To avoid disturbing their fragile habitat, visitors are asked not to throw coins or any other objects into the lagoon.
💡 Did You Know?
For many years, scientists believed that Munidopsis polymorpha lived exclusively in the lagoon at Jameos del Agua. However, later research revealed that these unique crabs also inhabit other flooded sections of the La Corona Lava Tube, including its submerged extension, the Túnel de la Atlántida, which is not open to visitors.
Jameos del Agua – A Masterpiece of Nature and César Manrique
It's hard to believe that what is now regarded as one of Lanzarote's most spectacular attractions was, for thousands of years, simply a section of a vast lava tube. It was César Manrique's visionary approach that transformed this natural cave into an extraordinary space where architecture and nature exist in perfect harmony. An underground lagoon, rare blind albino crabs, lush vegetation, and exceptional acoustics make Jameos del Agua a place that fascinates visitors not only with its beauty but also with its remarkable history and volcanic origins.
📖 Discover More...
In the guide Lanzarote with César Manrique, you'll find everything you need to plan your visit, including opening hours, ticket prices, parking information, recommended visiting times, and practical tips on combining Jameos del Agua with Cueva de los Verdes and other attractions in northern Lanzarote.