The secret of the Cueva de los Verdes in Lanzarote that nobody tells you about

The Cueva de los Verdes in Lanzarote is a lava tube created approximately 25.000 years ago following the eruption of the Corona Volcano . During the eruption, the outer part of the lava flow cooled and solidified while the interior continued to flow, forming a volcanic tunnel over seven kilometers long that extends to the sea, where it continues underwater as the Tunnel of Atlantis.

On our 7-day trip to Lanzarote, this visit undoubtedly became one of those essential experiences you'll always remember. The Cueva de los Verdes (Green Caves) allows you to understand the island from within , literally: to enter its volcanic heart, that "island of fire" that captivated us from the very first moment and that enthralls you with a unique blend of wild nature, history, and mystery.

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What is the Cueva de los Verdes and why is it called that?

Despite what its name suggests, the cave isn't named for the color green , but rather after the "Los Verdes" family, the former owners of the land where it's located. In centuries past, the cave served as a refuge against pirate raids and attacks from the sea. It was undoubtedly one of our favorite spots on the island. I hope you enjoy this post where I'll try to explain everything, from our own experience to all the things you're sure to find interesting about the Cuervo de los Verdes (Cave of the Greens) in Lanzarote.

TIP: If you want to experience the best of Lanzarote without worrying about driving, parking, or tickets, sign up for a combined island tour . They take you to the most breathtaking spots, picking you up from your accommodation, with a local guide who tells you everything, and no queues or stress. You just enjoy. Zero logistics, 100% experience, and no need to worry about booking tickets.

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Our personal experience at the Cueva de los Verdes in Lanzarote

From Arrecife to the volcanic heart of Lanzarote

It was day two of our Lanzarote road trip , and we left Arrecife early from our magnificent hostel, Hostal Cardona —good, beautiful, and cheap —eager to continue exploring the island. We had a very "Manriquean" itinerary ahead of us: first, the César Manrique Foundation , his house museum in Tahíche, where art and lava coexist in a magical way. Then, the Cactus Garden , another of his most photogenic projects, full of impossible shapes and vibrant colors.

With the sun high in the sky, we continued north and arrived at Jameos del Agua , that perfect blend of cave, art, and nature where we enjoyed a peaceful lunch, with the sound of running water in the background and albino crabs moving among the rocks. But the day wasn't over yet: just a few meters away, the Cueva de los Verdes in Lanzarote awaited us , one of the most amazing sights of the trip.

Enter the heart of the island

The Cueva de los Verdes in Lanzarote is part of the same volcanic tube as Jameos del Agua , created thousands of years ago when a lava flow reached the sea. As the exterior cooled, the interior continued its course, forming a tunnel over 7 kilometers long . Entering it is like stepping into the very heart of the island.

For centuries, the people of Lanzarote sought refuge here from pirate attacks, and as the guide recounted these stories, it was easy to imagine those scenes with the sound of our footsteps on the stone. Today, thanks to the Lanzarote Centers for Art, Culture and Tourism (CACT) , the visit is safe, well-lit, and perfectly guided.

A guided tour that's well worth it

The guided tour of the Cueva de los Verdes lasts approximately 50 minutes and can only be done with a guide. Walk-ins are not permitted, and tickets must be purchased online through the official CACT website before arrival. This is important to know, as you will not be allowed entry without a reservation.

The entrance fee is €16 per adult , and although the old tourist passes are no longer available, I assure you it's worth every penny. The experience is very visual and dynamic, the guides are fun and engaging, and the best part comes at the end: Lanzarote's big secret . I'm not going to reveal it (that would be a traveler's crime!), but I assure you it's a moment you'll remember.

Our feeling upon leaving

We emerged from the cave with a mixture of awe and respect for the power of nature. We had walked through lava passages, seen lights that highlighted the natural colors of the rock, and heard ancient stories from underground. For me, it was one of the most authentic experiences on the entire island.

The Cueva de los Verdes in Lanzarote may not have the artistic intervention of Jameos del Agua, but it possesses an overwhelming natural beauty . It represents the purest and wildest side of the island, and at the same time, a testament to the ingenuity of its inhabitants, who were able to transform lava into shelter and, today, into art.

If you visit Lanzarote, book this experience without hesitation . It's a lesson in geology, history, and pure emotion. And as a seasoned traveler, I can tell you that I've rarely felt the volcanic pulse of a place so intimately.

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How to get to the Cueva de los Verdes

The Cueva de los Verdes Lanzarote is located in the municipality of Haría , in the north of the island, next to the LZ-204 road , very close to the Jameos del Agua and the Corona Volcano.

Exact location:
Cueva de los Verdes, Carretera LZ-204, Haría, 35542 Las Palmas, Spain

How to get there:

• From Arrecife: 30 km (approximately 30 minutes by car).
  
• From Costa Teguise: about 20 minutes.
  
• From Playa Blanca or Puerto del Carmen: about 50 minutes.
  

There are also organized excursions that combine the Cueva de los Verdes and the Jameos del Agua , ideal if you don't have a rental car or prefer guided tours with transport included.

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Schedule, duration and price of the visit to the Cueva de los Verdes

Opening hours may vary depending on the season, but in general the Cueva de los Verdes is open every day of the year.

Useful information	Detail
Opening hours	From 10:00 to 17:00 (last entry at 16:15)
Visit Duration	About 50 minutes
Adult admission price	16,00 €
Children's admission price (7-12 years)	8 €
Jameos del Agua + Cueva de los Verdes combined ticket	There are no offers or discounts for combined tickets at this time.
Buy tickets	On the official website of the CACT Lanzarote
Guided tour included	Yes, at all times.
Languages	Spanish and English

If you also plan to visit Jameos del Agua , Timanfaya National Park , Mirador del Río , or the Cactus Garden , and you think there's a combined pass for the Centers of Art, Culture and Tourism (CACT) , it no longer exists since 2022, so you'll have to pay for each entrance separately and without any discount for visiting more than one center.

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What to see inside the Cueva de los Verdes

The visit to the Cueva de los Verdes (Green Caves) is always done in a group and with a guide. The tour covers approximately two kilometers, artistically illuminated to highlight the textures and colors of the volcanic rock: ochres, reds, and blacks.

During the walk you will pass through natural galleries, narrow passageways and an impressive hall where the Auditorium of the Green Cave is located , an underground space with excellent acoustics where concerts are occasionally held.

The route is safe and suitable for all ages, although in some sections you need to duck slightly. There's no dampness or slippery surfaces, making it a perfect activity for families with children.

And at the end of the visit… comes the most famous mystery of Lanzarote , a secret that the guides ask not to be revealed in order to maintain the magic.

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Where to sleep near the Cueva de los Verdes in Lanzarote

If you want to stay nearby to enjoy the area at your leisure, my personal recommendations are:

Great combination I recommend for a 1-day route:

• Arrecife +César Manrique Foundation +  Cactus Garden + Jameos del Agua +  Cueva de los Verdes + Punta Mujeres
  
  Recommended accommodations nearby:

• Reef in the Cardona Hostel It's the best practical base: close, with restaurants and a beach.
• Orzola to disconnect and experience the wildest side of the island (I always recommend it because of its tranquility). Private studio where we booked by phone 679 532 220
• Tinajo, in the center and near Timanfaya in the Buda Apartment
  
• In Puerto del Carmen, if you're looking for a good 4-star hotel, we stayed at the Hotel Costas 4 And ideal, beachfront, quiet, with a spa included…

If you're the type who prefers to sleep where the sea sounds and nothing else, Órzola is the place for you. If you prefer more restaurant options and an afternoon stroll, Arrecife or Puerto del Carmen are the better choices.

Opinions about the Cave of the Greens

Reviews of the Cueva de los Verdes on platforms like Google and TripAdvisor highlight its originality, natural lighting, and the enigmatic nature of its route. Here's a compilation of some of them, so that in addition to my own opinion and experience, you can learn about others 😉

Among the most frequent comments, visitors mention:

• The spectacular nature of the interior landscape.
  
• The professionalism and friendliness of the guides.
  
• The added value of the “surprise effect” at the end.
  

Some travelers consider the visit to be brief, but most agree that the experience fully compensates for the duration.

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Practical advice for the visit

• Book your ticket in advance online at the official websiteIt is mandatory and must be done via the web.
  
• Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes., since the ground is uneven in some sections.
  
• Avoid large backpacksThey can make passage difficult in certain tunnels.
  
• Flash is not allowed. when taking photos.
  
• It is not accessible freelyAll tours are guided and must be booked online in advance.
  
• The temperature is pleasant. throughout the year, around 20 °C.
  

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César Manrique and the Cave of the Greens

Although César Manrique did not directly participate in the design of the Cueva de los Verdes, his influence on sustainable tourism in Lanzarote was decisive. He championed the idea of ​​opening these volcanic spaces to the public in a respectful and artistic manner.

Los Jameos del Agua , located on the same volcanic tube as the Corona Volcano, are indeed his work and perfectly complement the visit to the cave.

In this post you can see everything about César Manrique's two house museums and all his works on and off the island , to learn a little more about this artist, the father of modern Lanzarote.

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Is the Cueva de los Verdes worth visiting? Our conclusion based on our experience.

Definitely yes.
La Cueva de los Verdes Lanzarote It's one of the most fascinating places on the island and a must-see for understanding the volcanic nature that defines Lanzarote. It combines science, art, and mystery in a visit that leaves a lasting impression.

If you're planning a trip on your own, combine this spot with other attractions in the north of the island, such as the Arrecife , Punta Mujeres, the Cactus Garden , Jameos del Agua, and the César Manrique Foundation's Casa Volcán. We did all of this in one day, arriving in Órzola for the night, and we had plenty of time.

I hope you enjoyed this post. Remember to check out the rest of my posts about Lanzarote. Hugs and see you soon, fellow kucavaneros!