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Cueva de los Verdes

Cueva de los Verdes – The Green Caves, Lanzarote

Approaching from LZ 1, follow the signs for Jameos del Agua, shortly before you’ll see a signpost for Cueva de los Verdes. Guided tours begin on the hour, sometimes more frequently depending on the influx of visitors. Tours are held both in Spanish and in English. However the English translation unfortunately is only a brief summary of the more informative Spanish version.

As you leave the heat, light and noise of the surface, and descend fifty meters into the cool, dimly lit, and watery underworld, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported into a different reality. This is a one-hour magical adventure through the underground cave system filled with light and sound installations.

Cueva de los Verdes translates as The Green Caves or Caves of the Greens?, which they are not. The name of the cave system dates back to the Verde family, who in the 17th century discovered the caves and used them as a hiding place from pirate attacks. Your imagination will run wild as you meander through the winding labyrinth of caves, feeling as though you’re journeying to the centre of the world.

During the tour you’ll be taken to the Auditorium – a spacious cave with excellent acoustics and a small stage, seating 200-300 people. Every few weeks classical concerts are held. Sit comfortably back and listen to quiet background music. At the end of the tour there a surprise, but you needn’t worry it’s not pirates.

In the summer months (July-September) it is recommended for individual visitors to visit The Green Caves in the afternoon, so that crowds can be avoided.

MON-SUN 10am-6pm

In summer (July-September) until 7pm

Last tour at 5pm (6pm)

Timanfaya National Park

Timanfaya National Park – The Fire Mountains of Lanzarote

The Fire Mountains of Lanzarote clarify like no other place on the island as Lanzarote has emerged and how the flora and fauna has shaped of this Canary Island. The volcanic craters all over Lanzarote show the force that is hidden under the surface of the earth and that formed the island. The area of the Timanfaya National Park, which is also known as the Fire Mountains or Montañas del Fuego, is the most recent example of this powerful natural phenomenon. In the 1730s there were several volcanic eruptions in this area, which lasted for almost six years and were documented in detail by the pastor of Yaiza. These were not the last volcanic eruptions on Lanzarote, but the most devastating. Fertile soil, villages and farmyards were buried under the lava. Where formerly people lived, hundreds of new volcanoes arose after these heavy volcanic eruptions on Lanzarote. These got the Spanish name Montañas del Fuego – in English: Fire mountains. In 1974 the Timanfanya National Park was established and is still an attraction for travellers, holidaymakers and locals.

How enormous the heat below the surface of the Fire Mountains is still today will be shown to several times during a tour through the parc. Openings in the ground can be used by skilled employees of the Timanfaya National Park to light hay bales. Elsewhere, water is poured from a bucket into a hole in the earth and immediately boiling water rises in the air at an enormous rate. A big barbecue over a hole in the ground is also impressive, as it can be seen the national parc restaurant “El Diablo”. The ascending heat is able to fry a variety of meat in a very natural way. You can then enjoy the barbecue in the restaurant. “El Diablo” was designed by César Manrique and forms the center of the national park Timanfaya. A nice panoramic view is offered to over the Fire Mountains of Lanzarote. But you should miss to do a tour in one of the air-conditioned buses through the Fire Mountains of the National Park Timanfaya. During the tour through the hills, the history of this impressive landscape is brought to you in English, Spanish and German. Even if the consequences for the people of Lanzarote at the time of the eruptions are hardly imaginable. It is also difficult to understand that over 100 different plant species are found in this barren landscape.

Timanfaya National Park on Lanzarote is easily accessible by car. This can be parked in the center at the tourist information and the restaurant “El Diabolo”.

We recommend to sit on the right side during the bus tour because from this side you will a direct view to most of the picture spots of Timanfaya National Park.

El Diablo is a restaurant located in the Timanfaya National Park and built in 1970 by César Manrique. This circular building has been carefully fitted in the countryside and consists almost entirely of lava and glass. A great attraction is the “volcanic vent grill”; dishes are grilled here at about 400°C over a hole in the ground by natural geothermal. The great heat, which can also be found in the “Fire Mountains”, is demonstrated with other spectacular performances.

MON-SUN 9am-5:45pm

In summer months until 7pm

La Graciosa

La Graciosa – The Graceful, Lanzarote

Caleta del Sebo La GraciosaLa Graciosa is usually only viewed from Mirador del Rio and not planned as an excursion. However if you’re planning a longer stay on Lanzarote, you should visit the “little sister”.

From the small fishing village of Órzola, two companies – Lineas Romero and Biosfera Express, travel daily to La Graciosa, a 30 minute journey. Make yourself comfortable on the 2 decks. Crossings may be a little rough depending on the weather. Below deck is especially interesting for children. Though the glass bottom of the ship one can observe the sea life.

The ferry births at the port of Caleta del Sebo, one of two inhabited villages on La Graciosa. Tourism is still in its infancy, however Caleta del Sebo has restaurants, a bakery, a guest house and even a small nightclub. The locals sunbathe in the beautiful sandy cove of Caleta de Arriba not far from the pier. Awaiting the arrival of ferries are locals with Jeeps. This a good way to travel and also to find out firsthand about life on the island. A one way trip to the beach – Playa de las Conchas costs € 10 or a little bit less. The beach is also accessible on foot, but on hot days, one should consider whether to walk both ways or take a Jeep.

Playa de las Conchas – the beach of shells has a Caribbean feel – white, warm sand and turquoise clear blue water. Spread your towel, make yourself comfortable and enjoy your picnic. Souvenirs of this heavenly place are easy to come by. Take a walk and you’ll find plenty of interesting shells. Long-distance swimming is not recommended at Playa de las Conchas, due to the strong currents. However there’s no problem with surfing with the huge waves.

The walk back to Caleta de Sebo takes about one and a half hours and passing jeeps tend to swirl the sand on the road, so you’re likely to return a little dusty.

Recommend is the last ferry at 6pm during the summer months. When the last tourists leave the island, the hustle and bustle goes with them. The ferry journey back to Órzola is something to sit back and enjoy, as the sun goes down and you gaze at the changing colours on the horizon. For those who decide to stay over night on La Graciosa, a dream experiences awaits – utter peace and tranquility, evening walks along the beach in the setting light of the orangy sun.

Back in the port of Órzola as you disembark and make you’re back to civilisation, provision for the 700 inhabitants of La Graciosa are loaded, giving a feeling that they live a world far apart from hectic western society.

 

Don’t forget your swimsuit, comfortable shoes, a towel and sun protection. It can be very sunny and hot on La Graciosa.

LINEAS MARITIMAS ROMERO
Orzola → La Graciosa
MON-SUN: 08.30 h, 10.00, 11.00, 12.00, 13.30, 16.00, 17.00, 18.00
La Graciosa → Orzola
MON-SUN: 08.00 h, 08.40, 10.00, 11.00, 12.30, 15.00, 16.00, 17.00
BIOSFERA EXPRESS
Orzola → La Graciosa
MON-SUN: 08.00 h, 09.00, 10.30, 11.30, 13.00, 16.30, 17.30, 18.30
La Graciosa → Orzola
MON-SUN: 07.00 h, 08.10, 09.30, 10.30, 11.30, 15.30, 16.30, 17.30
Los Hervideros

Los Hervideros, beautiful volcanic coastline on Lanzarote

Continuing on your trip from Salinas de Janubio to El Golfo or the other way round you come to the next attraction, Los Hervideros, where you can stop at one of the many small bays along a coastline full of nooks and crannies. Park your car at Los Hervideros and admire this miracle of nature. For centuries the sea has eroded the lava at this point. Stand on the cliff, taste the salt in the air and let the wind blow through your hair, as you enjoy the view of the turquoise water crashing against the cliffs.

Take in mind that it can be busy at the big parking area next to Los Hervideros due to the fact that big touristic buses do also stop over here.

Salinas de Janubio

Salinas de Janubio, Lanzarote

Approaching on LZ 701 from Yaiza, at the rounabout in La Hoya, take the right exit to Salinas de Janubio. A stunning coastal route of passing Salinas de Janubio at first. Later on Los Hervideros, Charco de los Ciclos and El Golfo.

Salinas de JanubioMirador de Salinas is signposted and offers a great view over Salinas de Janubio, that depending on the light, appear in various colors. The salt works are a remnant of the past. In the first part of the 20th century up to 10 000t of salt were produced each year. It’s best to leave your car in the parking lot of the restaurant Mirador las Salinas. Parking is free and from the terrace one can enjoy views over the salt flats.

Moreover, you can walk or drive down to the beach Playa de Janubio and have a quite walk on the black ground.

 

Rental Cars for reasonable prices you can find at PlusCar Car rentals.

There are several stops where you can park your car.

El Golfo – Lago Verde

El Golfo – Charco de los Clicos o Charco verde, Lanzarote

Continuing trip from direction Los Hervideros you drive until you come to a fork in the road, right goes to El Golfo, left to the free car park at Playa de Los Clicos. From here one explore the bizarre eroded lava rock formations by foot. Perhaps not quite as special as its reputation, but worth seeing is the green lagoon Charco de los Clicos. The small lake owes its distinctive green color to a type of algae that has settled due to the high salinity of the lake. Sit on the beach at Playa de los Clicos and take a dip into the cool water.

Drive back to the aforementioned fork and take the road to El Golfo. Park just outside the village. To the left of the car park a path leads you to a viewpoint above Charco de Los Clicos. Whether you’re hungry, need a glass of good Canarian white wine, or your children want to let off steam, take a trip to the beautiful fishing village El Golfo.

El Golfo really comes into its own in the evening when the sun goes down, and the last rays glistening on the water. Take a seat in one of the small, cozy oceanfront restaurants and tantalize your taste buds. To ensure a seat, it’s better to visit El Golfo during the week rather than at weekends

The metioned road to the left of the fork is unfortunately closed due to landslides at the sea front.

24/7 but prevent walks to the lake when it’s dark