Jameos del Agua

Jameos del Agua is an example of innovative architecture envisioned by the acclaimed Lanzarote artist and architect César Manrique. Sitting 28 kilometers south-west of the capital Arrecife, this is one of Lanzarote’s main tourist attractions. Jameos del Agua is housed in the world’s longest known volcanic tube, Túnel de la Atlántida. The 6km long tunnel was formed when the Monte de la Corona volcano erupted several thousand years ago, spewing molten lava through naturally formed gullies into the sea.

Jameos (originally a native word), is the name for the geographical phenomenon of an open air cave. The flow of hot magma from an erupting volcano created an underground tunnel, and as the surface of the magma cooled and solidified, an accumulation of natural gases caused the ceiling of the tunnel to collapse, thus creating the Jameos. Historically Lanzarote has endured copious amounts of volcanic activity resulting in various Jameos on the island.

To properly appreciate Manrique’s artistic ingenuity you must pay a visit to Jameos del Agua. The subterranean caves house 2 bars, an auditorium, restaurant, museum, garden and a pool. Upon entering, visitors descend below sea level via a spiralled stone staircase into the Jameo Chico. The Jameo chico is the smaller of the two landscaped open air caves and contains a bar and restaurant. The restaurant overlooks a natural salt water lake that was formed by the sea flowing into volcano during the volcanic eruptions. The lake descends as deep as the sea bed and rises and falls in sync with the tide. The lake is also home to a unique species of blind, albino crab (Muniopsis Polymorphia). Also known as Jameitos, the species has adapted to inhabiting dark areas, and is indigenous to Lanzarote and the logo of Jameos del Agua

After crossing the lake you will come to the Jameo Grande, an open air cave lined with lush gardens of fig trees, palm trees and cacti that encircle a large swimming pool. Although swimming is forbidden it provides a unique feast for the eyes contrasting with the natural lake inside the Jameo Chico. This is a great representation of the symbiosis of natural and man-made, and a beautiful celebration of Lanzarote’s biosphere. Beyond the garden is the auditorium, which has a seating capacity of up to 600. This space provides exceptional acoustics and hosts a variety of concerts and performances.

Another staircase leads to the entrance of Casa del Volcanes, a small museum rife with information on volcanoes. It is the home of the Annual International Volcanologists Conference, and hosts several lectures about volcanoes for the public at specific times of year.

Adress: Calle Quilla, 35520 Haría, Lanzarote island.
(follow LZ-1 northward and turn right for LZ-205)
Telephone: +34 928 848 020
Daytime opening hours: Daily 10:00 - 18:30
Day time restaurant opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday 12:00 to 16:30 
Admission fee (day entry): Adults €8, children (7-12 years) €4, Children under up to 6 years - free.

Evening opening hours: Tuesday and Saturday from 19:00 to 24:00
Restaurant evening opening hours: Tuesday and Saturday 19:30 to 23:30 
Admission fee (night entry): Adults €9, children (7-12 years) €4.50, Children under up to 6 years - free