El Lago Verde at El Golfo

El Lago Verde, or Charco de los Clicos as we call it here, is one of those places that always makes me pause, no matter how many times I visit. Nestled at the foot of a partly collapsed volcanic crater on Lanzarote’s wild west coast, this striking green lagoon sits just a few steps from the Atlantic, with only a narrow band of black volcanic sand in between. 

The colours here are something special: the vivid green of the water, the deep black of the beach, the rusty reds and ochres of the crater walls, and the endless blue of the ocean. It is a scene that feels almost otherworldly, yet it is right here on our island, easy to reach and open for everyone to enjoy.

The vivid green of the lagoon is one of those sights that always stops you in your tracks, no matter how many times you visit. The colour comes from a mix of aquatic plants and algae that thrive in the warm, salty water, thanks to the unique conditions here. Seawater seeps in through the volcanic rock from the nearby ocean, and rainwater gathers in the crater during the wetter months. Together, these elements create just the right environment for the plants to flourish, giving the lagoon its almost unreal shade of green.

The shade of green changes with the seasons. In the warmer months, when the sun is strong and the plant life is thriving, the lagoon is at its brightest. After heavy rain, the colour can soften a little, but it always stands out against the dark volcanic landscape. No matter when you visit, the lagoon’s colour is a reminder of just how special this corner of Lanzarote is.

El Lago Verde is one of those places that never fails to impress, no matter how many times you visit. Tucked inside a volcanic crater that has slowly opened to the sea over centuries, it forms a striking natural amphitheatre of layered rock rising above the vivid green lagoon. The colours in the rock, deep reds, oranges, browns and blacks, are a reminder of Lanzarote’s volcanic past, and if you take a moment to look closely, you’ll notice the fascinating patterns and textures shaped by time and the elements.

A stretch of fine black volcanic sand separates the lagoon from the open Atlantic, and the waves here are truly something to behold. As locals, we always remind visitors that swimming is not allowed; the currents are strong and unpredictable, and there are no lifeguards on this wild stretch of coast. Instead, it’s best enjoyed from the viewpoint above, where you can watch the white surf crash against the black sand, with the green lagoon completing the scene. This is a protected natural monument, so please help us keep it special by not entering the water or disturbing the rocks and sand.

El Lago Verde sits quietly on Lanzarote’s southwest coast, just below the fishing village of El Golfo. If you are coming from Puerto del Carmen, you can expect a scenic drive of about half an hour through Yaiza. From Playa Blanca, it is a pleasant 20-minute journey along the coast road, passing the dramatic cliffs of Los Hervideros and the salt flats at Janubio. Those travelling from Costa Teguise or Arrecife should allow around 40 to 45 minutes, following the LZ-2 motorway through Yaiza. Whichever route you take, the journey itself is part of the experience, offering glimpses of the island’s unique volcanic landscape.

There is a small car park close to the main viewpoint, and it does tend to fill up during the busiest part of the day, especially in high season. I usually recommend arriving before 11 in the morning or later in the afternoon, after 4, when it is much easier to find a space. From there, a short, mostly level path leads you to the crater rim, where you are treated to sweeping views over the green lagoon, the black sand beach and the Atlantic beyond. The walk is gentle and takes less than five minutes, though there are a few steps at the end. Most visitors will find it easy enough, but wheelchair users may find the lowest viewpoint difficult to reach. There is no charge to visit.

El Lago Verde is a stunning sight whenever you visit, but the changing light throughout the day really shapes the experience. If you come in the late morning, you’ll find the lagoon bathed in gentle, even sunlight, with the crater walls casting very little shadow. Later in the afternoon, the sun drops lower and the whole area glows with a golden warmth, bringing out the rich colours of the rocks and creating a more dramatic mood. Depending on the season, you might notice parts of the lagoon slipping into shadow, which only adds to its mysterious beauty.

For me, the perfect way to enjoy El Lago Verde is to pair your visit with a leisurely lunch or dinner in the village of El Golfo. It’s just a short stroll or a quick drive from the lagoon, and the oceanfront restaurants here are some of my favourites on the island. Many locals and visitors alike like to make a day of it, driving down the west coast from Timanfaya, pausing at Los Hervideros and the Salinas de Janubio, and ending up in El Golfo for a fresh seafood meal with a view. It’s a classic Lanzarote half-day out, and one I always recommend.

El Lago Verde is one of those special spots on Lanzarote where the real thing is every bit as striking as the photos suggest. Standing at the edge of the crater, you are treated to a view that never fails to impress: the vivid green lagoon set against the black sand and the deep blue of the Atlantic beyond. If you enjoy photography, you will find plenty to inspire you here, from the sweeping curves of the crater to the bold contrast of colours. The light can be dazzling, so it is worth taking your time to find the angle that captures the scene just as you see it.

The viewpoint can be quite popular, especially around midday, so if you prefer a quieter experience, I recommend visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Not only is it more peaceful, but the light at these times brings out the best in the landscape. The volcanic scenery all around is just as captivating, with rugged crater walls, waves breaking along the shore, and a wild, untouched feel that makes this corner of Lanzarote truly memorable.