Jameos del Agua

Jameos del Agua is a series of lava caves in the municipality of Haría, in the northern part of Lanzarote in the Canary Islands. Formed by the eruption of the Corona volcano, it is one of the island's best-known sites, transformed into a center for art, culture and tourism.

What exactly is this place?

Jameos del Agua occupies a section of a long lava tunnel where the roof has collapsed, creating open chambers. The word "jameo" refers precisely to this kind of collapsed section in a volcanic tube. The complex includes an underground salt lake, a restaurant, gardens, a striking emerald-green pool, a museum and an auditorium.

Who created it?

The concept and design come from César Manrique, a local artist and architect whose work shaped the look of many landmarks across Lanzarote. Rather than building from scratch, Manrique adapted an existing volcanic formation, weaving in architectural and garden elements that highlight the site's natural character instead of overpowering it. The complex is currently managed by the government of Lanzarote (the Cabildo).

Where exactly is it located?

Jameos del Agua sits in the municipality of Haría, in the north of the island, close to the coast. It forms part of a route linking the main sites created or reshaped by Manrique across northern Lanzarote.

What can visitors see inside?

A walking route leads through the different sections of the cave — starting at the underground salt lake, home to small, white, blind crabs (a species associated specifically with this environment), continuing through gardens filled with tropical plants, and arriving at the vividly green pool, framed by palm trees. In the upper part of the complex there is a concert hall carved into the natural cave, still used today as an auditorium thanks to its distinctive acoustics.

Is it purely a tourist attraction, or something more?

Jameos del Agua combines a natural, cultural and entertainment role in one site. Besides the cave tour, it houses a museum dedicated to volcanology, and the space is also used for concerts and cultural events. Because of this, the site draws visitors both during the day and in the evening, when special events take place.

Who is this place suited for?

Thanks to its gentle terrain and short walking sections, Jameos del Agua works well for visitors of any age, including families with children. Geology enthusiasts will appreciate the unique volcanic formation, while those interested in architecture and art will notice how Manrique blended nature with functional design.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is Jameos del Agua located? In the municipality of Haría, in the northern part of Lanzarote, Canary Islands.

Who designed this complex? César Manrique, a local artist and architect whose work defines the character of many sites across Lanzarote.

What is inside the caves? An underground salt lake, gardens, an emerald-green pool, a museum, and an auditorium also used for concerts.

What does "jameo" mean? It refers to a collapsed section of the roof of a lava tunnel, formed by the eruption of the Corona volcano — the origin of the site's name.