Los Jameos del Agua
Los Jameos del Agua, (meaning
the water hollows'), located at the North-eastern Lanzarote in the Canary
Island, is a section of a long volcanic tube that formed
within the lava flow of the extensive eruption of the Corona volcano
which occurred about 3,000 years ago. It is part of the large Atlantida
volcanic cave system in northeastern Lanzarote.
In 1965, a local artist, César Manrique, was inspired to landscape this
volcanic tube with its caverns and hollows that were formed where parts
of the volcanic roof collapsed. Opened to the public by the island
administration in 1968 as a series of unique entertainment venues, it was
finally completed in 1987 with the construction of a superb natural
auditorium with a capacity of about 600 seats.
Steps lead down to an extraordinary underground restaurant, complete with
dance floor and bar. A 100-meters (330-feet) long path leads the visitor
to the Jameo Grande, an enormous cavern, 62 meters (200 feet) long, 19
meters (62 feet) wide and 21 meters (69 feet) high. The path crosses a
crystal-clear, saltwater, tidal lagoon in which a rare species of almost
blind albino crab lives. This cave has been transformed into a lush
tropical garden planted around an emerald green, man-made pool.
At the far end of the Jameo Grande, a marvellous underground auditorium
opens up. Famous for its excellent acoustics it is regularly used for
concerts and shows such as the prestigious Festival of Visual Music of
Lanzarote. Nearby, a scientific institution devoted to studying the
volcanic nature of the island has a good exhibition for visitors
interested in the island's geology, flora and fauna.
You can reach Los Jameos del
Agua by air to Lanzarote and then by car via Arrieta or Orzola.
