La Corona

La Corona is an extinct volcano rising 609 meters above sea level in the municipality of Haría, in the northeastern part of Lanzarote in Spain's Canary Islands. It is one of the youngest volcanoes on the island, having formed during an eruption roughly 21,000 years ago that lasted several months and was remarkably violent. Vast amounts of lava flowed toward the coast, solidifying on contact with air and seawater and creating the extensive lava field known as Malpaís de la Corona.

Why does this volcano matter so much for Lanzarote?

The eruption of La Corona shaped one of the island's most distinctive landscapes and gave rise to two of its most celebrated geological attractions — Cueva de los Verdes and Jameos del Agua. Both sit inside the same volcanic tube produced by the eruption, a tunnel roughly 6 kilometers long, at least 1.5 kilometers of which runs beneath the seabed, earning it the nickname "Tunnel of Atlantis." Cueva de los Verdes preserves the tube in its raw, untouched state, while Jameos del Agua occupies a section where the tube's roof collapsed, forming what's known locally as a jameo. That collapsed cavity was later transformed by artist César Manrique into an art and culture venue, opened in 1968, which today ranks among the island's most important tourist attractions.

Where exactly is the volcano, and what does its name mean?

The volcano stands near the small village of Yé, which sits on its slopes within the municipality of Haría in northern Lanzarote. Yé is considered the ideal starting point for anyone wanting to reach the crater on foot. The name "La Corona" (Spanish for "the crown") refers to the shape of the volcanic cone, which rises above the surrounding flat terrain much like a crown resting on the landscape.

What can you see on the way up?

The trail to the summit begins in the picturesque village of Yé and climbs gradually, passing through traditional vineyards planted in volcanic ash, known locally as picón — a farming technique distinctive to Lanzarote in which the black volcanic ash retains moisture and shields the vines from the island's dry, windy climate. The path winds around the flanks of the volcano before reaching the rim of its crater, which measures roughly 450 meters across. From the top, at an altitude of around 600 meters, hikers are rewarded with views toward the Mirador del Río viewpoint and across to the island of La Graciosa and its smaller neighboring islets.

Is it worth hiking up to La Corona?

For anyone interested in Lanzarote's volcanic history and geology, climbing La Corona is a natural complement to visiting Cueva de los Verdes or Jameos del Agua, offering a clearer picture of how those underground wonders came to be. The route doesn't demand advanced hiking experience, passes through the quiet rural landscape of the island's north, and delivers some of the finest land-based panoramas of the La Graciosa archipelago.

Frequently asked questions

How tall is the La Corona volcano? It reaches 609 meters above sea level.

How old is the La Corona volcano? The eruption that formed it took place around 21,000 years ago, making it one of the youngest volcanoes on Lanzarote.

What attractions were created by the La Corona eruption? Lava from the eruption carved out a volcanic tube that today houses Cueva de los Verdes and Jameos del Agua.

Where's the best place to start a hike to the volcano? The village of Yé, located on the volcano's slopes within the municipality of Haría, is the best starting point.

What can you see from the crater rim? The summit offers views toward the Mirador del Río viewpoint and the island of La Graciosa with its smaller surrounding islets.