Cueva de los Verdes

Cueva de los Verdes is a section of the La Corona volcanic tube in the north of Lanzarote, visited on a guided walk of about 1 km that lasts around 50 minutes. It is run by the island's public art, culture and tourism centres (CACT Lanzarote), opened to the public in 1964, and is lit by the artist Jesús Soto. Entry is by timed ticket bought online, and the tour is in Spanish and English.

What is the Cueva de los Verdes?

When the La Corona volcano erupted, lava flowed down to the coast; its surface cooled and hardened while molten rock kept running inside. When that rock drained away it left a hollow conduit more than 7 km long, according to CACT. The Cueva de los Verdes and the neighbouring Jameos del Agua are both part of this same system, which continues under the sea in the stretch known as the Atlantis Tunnel. The galleries sit on several levels connected vertically, beneath the lava field called the Malpaís de la Corona.

Where does the name come from?

During the 16th and 17th centuries, islanders used these galleries as a refuge from pirate raids from North Africa. The name is said to come from the surname of a family — the Verdes — who used the cave and kept livestock nearby. It is not a reference to the colour green.

What will you see inside?

The route passes three main areas: the Sala de las Estetas, the Garganta de la Muerte and the Puerta Mora. Look for the channels where lava flowed, blocks carried by the current, drops of solidified lava hanging from the ceiling, and salt and mineral deposits colouring the walls in ochre, grey, black and red. In the 1960s the Cabildo commissioned Jesús Soto to prepare the path and add lighting and ambient sound; his lighting is designed to bring out the textures and depths of the rock. Towards the end comes what CACT calls the "abyss" — follow your guide and don't let anyone spoil it. A chamber inside the tube also serves as an auditorium for concerts.

How much does it cost and when is it open?

CACT lists the cave as open every day, 365 days a year, from 09:30 to 16:45. The ticket was €17 when checked in October 2026, free for children aged 0–6, with reduced rates for Canary Islands and Lanzarote residents and people with disabilities (claimed at the ticket office). Tickets for the Cueva de los Verdes can only be bought online for a specific date and time; arrive 15 minutes before your slot.

Who might find it difficult?

• Mobility: the route has uneven paths, stairs, narrow passages and low ceilings, and is not accessible to people with reduced mobility.
• Claustrophobia: CACT does not recommend the visit for people with claustrophobia.
• Tall visitors: people over 1.80 m should watch their heads.
• Babies: pushchairs are not allowed and cannot be left at the entrance; use a baby carrier.

Wear non-slip shoes; the temperature inside is stable all year. The cave is on the Arrieta–Órzola road, a few minutes from Jameos del Agua, so the two fit easily into one morning. Add the Mirador del Río for the view over La Graciosa, then head south for the Route of the Volcanoes at Timanfaya. More on Lanzarote.