Green Cave in the Canary Islands, Spain

Green Cave is located in the North of the island of Lanzarote, in the municipality of Haria, and is integrated into the vast volcanic landscape of the Natural Monument of the Malpais de La Corona. His formation is the result of the eruptive activity of the volcano of the Crown (dated according to geologists about 3000 – 5000 years ago), which resulted in an extensive underground volcanic tunnel six kilometres in length, which runs from the cone to the sea. Two of the most relevant art, culture and tourism centres, the Cueva de los Verdes and the Jameos del Agua, are integrated in the interior of this tunnel.

The partial detachment of a section of this tunnel ceiling forms a structure called «Jameo» (Word of Aboriginal origin) that is no more than the opening or mouth of the terrain that allows access to the various caves. More than six kilometers known midweek from the crater of the volcano until it enters the sea in a submarine stretch of one kilometer and a half, called «Tunnel of Atlantis».

Internal intervention

conscious of the unique aesthetic, geological and historical values of the cave, in the sixties of the 20th century, the Cabildo de Lanzarote arises preparation for tourist use. You are there for this ambitious project the artist Jesús Soto. It must both enlightenment and the creation of internal travel. Interior space was barely intervened, the Esplanade from outside access and the inner path where the most significant actions were carried out. Despite the spectacular result, artistic, very respectful intervention with the environment, is limited to introduce light, perfectly camouflaged as well as ambient sound.

Jesus Soto, observer uneasy, deploys all his knowledge about light and shadow, meticulously researching how to properly illuminate and enhance relief and the textures that cover the spectacular multicolored vaults inside the cave. Soto creates an atmosphere of chromatic spaces and artistico-naturales environments of a strange and poetic beauty. Another name that appears closely related to the genesis of this center of art, culture and tourism is the historian Lanzarote, Agustin de la Hoz, self-publishing his literary work «Cueva de los Verdes» where, after an exhaustive investigation in poetic tone, thoroughly describes the Grotto in 1966. In turn, interprets the various segments of the cave, by introducing the insular historical imaginary names.

Travel

few experiences tend to be more interesting for a traveler, where adventure and discovery, such as access to a cave. Visit the Green Cave is undoubtedly a true initiatory journey to the depths of the Earth. A visit that is intended to be spectacular and unique.

The visitors section of the Cueva de los Verdes is formed by a kilometre from galleries superposed with vertical interconnections between them. At some points it reaches a three levels and they allow visitors to discover new spaces from different perspectives. It is covered in 50 minutes. Guided tours are set up every 20 minutes.

Inside the tunnel reaches a fifty meters with widths which are approaching the fifteen meters. There are peculiar formations and stone structures: solid blocks swept away by the current, drops of lava, salt deposits, successive layers of solidified lava, lava channels…

The range of colors that decorate the vaults and walls of the Grotto is particularly spectacular. The red colors are due to oxidation of the basalts iron content. The multiple ochre hues come from reflections of light on efflorescences produced by leaks of water from the surface. The pleasant climate of the interior is striking. Air flows allow a smooth and pleasant natural ventilation and temperature, constant, is located around 19 ° C.

for before or after:

No means the visit to this resort if we do not also to Jameos del Agua. It shares many points of attraction volcanological. In the area, a little to the North, in the village of Ye, looms Mirador del Rio, another great intervention of Cesar Manrique, who reveals Chinijo archipelago. To eat, fresh fish at dawn (Arrieta). If you go with children, you have two good options around Cueva de los Verdes: Parque Natural Las Pardelas and Guinate Tropical.

Location: would.
Phone: 928.17.32.20
opening hours: every day from 10:00 to 18:00 hours.
Last visit at 17:00.
Recommended time: from 15:00 to 17:00 hours.