Lanzarote Jameos del Agua

Jameos del Agua is, for many of us who know Lanzarote well, the place where Cesar Manrique’s vision truly comes to life. Here, inside a section of the same volcanic tube as Cueva de los Verdes, he took what nature had given—a collapsed lava cave—and created a space that feels both welcoming and extraordinary. The raw volcanic rock sits alongside graceful architecture, lush gardens and a clear underground lake, all coming together in a way that feels perfectly at home on the island.

A 'jameo' is what we call the spot where the roof of a lava tube has fallen in, leaving a window to the sky above. At Jameos del Agua, Manrique embraced these natural features and shaped them into something that feels at once untouched and beautifully designed. It is a place that always surprises, no matter how many times you visit.

Your visit begins with a gentle walk down into the first jameo, where you’ll find a restaurant and bar tucked into the volcanic rock itself. The setting is truly atmospheric, with soft lighting, rugged lava walls and the quiet sound of water dripping in the background. Just below, a clear underground lake shimmers at the base of the cave. If you look closely, you might spot the jameitos—tiny, blind albino crabs that live only here on Lanzarote. Over thousands of years, these little creatures have adapted to the darkness, losing both their eyes and their colour. They are only about a centimetre long, so you’ll need to take your time and look carefully to see them moving across the lake bed.

Please remember not to throw coins or anything else into the water, as it can harm the crabs and their fragile home. From the lake, you’ll follow steps up into the sunlight and discover a dazzling white swimming pool, framed by palm trees and volcanic rock. This spot is one of the most photographed on the island, and it’s easy to see why. The pool is just for show these days, but it’s a beautiful sight. Just beyond, you’ll find a small museum that tells the story of Lanzarote’s volcanic origins, and a natural auditorium carved into the cave itself, where concerts and events are held from time to time.

What I have always found remarkable about Jameos del Agua is the way Manrique embraced the island’s natural beauty, allowing the volcanic landscape to shape every detail. Here, you can enjoy a meal with your table set right on the ancient lava rock, while the pool mirrors the palm trees and the ever-changing Lanzarote sky. Tropical plants find their way through the cracks in the cave walls, adding bursts of green to the dark stone. It all feels so thoughtfully designed, yet completely in harmony with its surroundings.

Manrique truly believed that art and nature belong together, and for me, nowhere on Lanzarote shows this better than Jameos del Agua. There is a wonderful contrast here: the cool, shadowy cave below and, just above, the bright pool surrounded by sunlight and tropical greenery. It is a perfect reflection of Lanzarote itself, where rugged volcanic land often surprises you with moments of real beauty.

Casa de los Volcanes is a welcome new chapter for Jameos del Agua, having reopened its doors in March 2023 after a major renovation. The building itself has been part of the landscape since 1987, but the recent transformation has given it a fresh lease of life and made it a destination well worth exploring.

The museum itself is spread over ten rooms, each inviting you to discover something new about Lanzarote. You can learn about the dramatic formation of the Corona volcanic tube and how César Manrique’s vision shaped Jameos del Agua into the place we know today. There’s also a section dedicated to the Lanzarote Geopark and its UNESCO recognition, as well as a truly fascinating area that explains why our island’s volcanic terrain is chosen by the European Space Agency to prepare astronauts for Mars missions.

One of the highlights is a virtual reality experience that lets you journey along the entire length of the Corona tube, from the crater right down to the sea. There’s also a special room dedicated to Manrique’s life and legacy, created in partnership with the César Manrique Foundation. Allow yourself about an hour to take it all in. The museum is open every day from 10:15 in the morning until 5 in the afternoon. Just a tip from a local: entry is separate from the main Jameos del Agua ticket, so it’s a good idea to plan for both if you want to see everything.

Jameos del Agua is a truly unique spot here on Lanzarote, but it is important to know that visiting does involve quite a few steps down into the cave and between the different levels. There are no lifts or ramps, so unfortunately, wheelchair users are not able to access the cave or the beautiful underground lake.

The upper pool and garden area is a little easier to reach, though you will still need to manage some steps. If you or someone in your group has limited mobility, it is worth considering whether stairs in a softly lit, sometimes damp environment will be comfortable. The cave is paved, but the lighting is gentle and the surface can be a bit slippery at times. Children are very welcome and usually find the whole place quite magical.

If you are visiting with little ones, do keep an eye on them near the lake and on the steps, as there are some steep drops. Most children are absolutely captivated by the cave, the tiny white crabs and the sparkling pool. It stays pleasantly cool underground, so a light jumper is a good idea. Older visitors who are happy with stairs tend to really enjoy Jameos del Agua, but if you have hip or knee problems, the number of steps might make it a bit of a challenge.

The cave restaurant is truly something special, and I always recommend booking a table just for the setting. There is something unforgettable about enjoying a meal inside a volcanic cave, with gentle lighting and the soft sound of water echoing around you. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, consider visiting outside of the busy lunchtime hours. You will find the cave in the north of Lanzarote, just off the LZ-1 coast road and only a short drive from Cueva de los Verdes. Many visitors like to combine both attractions in one trip, which usually takes around three hours altogether.

Parking is free here, which always makes things easier. You are also welcome to take photos throughout your visit, a nice bonus compared to Cueva de los Verdes.

Jameos del Agua is one of those places on Lanzarote that you simply have to experience for yourself. Created within a volcanic tunnel left behind by the eruption of Monte Corona, it is a wonderful example of how nature and art can come together in perfect harmony. Thanks to the vision of Cesar Manrique, you will find an underground lake, lush tropical gardens, a sparkling swimming pool and even a concert auditorium, all carefully integrated into the ancient lava tube.

One of the real highlights here is the underground lake, where you can spot the tiny blind albino crabs that have become something of a Lanzarote icon. Jameos del Agua welcomes visitors every day from 10 in the morning until just after five in the afternoon, and if you fancy a more atmospheric visit, you can come along on Tuesday and Saturday evenings, or Wednesday evenings in the summer, when the site stays open late. Entry for adults is 17 euros, and for children aged 7 to 12 it is 8.50 euros.

If you would like to explore a little more, there are combination tickets available that also include entry to the fascinating Casa de los Volcanes. These cost 22.40 euros for adults and 11.20 euros for children.

Lanzarote residents, as well as our Canadian friends, can also enjoy generous discounts on entry.