Cueva de los Verdes translates to “Verdes’ cave”, in reference to the Verdes’ family who inhabited this cave in Lanzarote. It is a lava cave that was formed during eruptions some 3000 years ago, by lava flows coming from the nearby volcano, Monte Corona.
HISTORY
Lava tubes begin to form after the outer crust of the lava stream cools down and hardens. Later on, the lava stream begins to drain away, leaving the outer crust to then form a cave. At Cueva de los Verdes, the cave itself has collapsed in certain parts over the years, creating a cavern called a jameo. One of these now 20 caverns serves as the entrance to the cave.
Around 400 years ago, locals used these caves as a refuge from the pillaging pirates who used to make the Canary Islands unsafe. Lanzarote was especially affected by the pirates’ reckless crimes, and so many of the villagers would hide in these caves for weeks on end, only lighting their way with torches and escaping from a secret door which until this day has been kept a secret.
WHY YOU SHOULDN’T MISS IT
The Cueva de los Verdes was first opened to tourists in 1964 after it was reworked by Jesus Soto, who specialized in lighting and worked on the caves to illuminate it the way it deserves to be. Together with Cesar Manrique, Jesus Soto played a significant role in the conservation of the natural volcanic wonders of Lanzarote, allowing a marriage of art with nature.
The caves at Cueva de los Verdes are lit spectacularly while maintaining the shape they were made into thousands of years ago. Some access paths have been built without sacrificing the caves natural ways, leading you through it to discover its many twists and turns. Colors of yellow and green and blacks and greys spread out through the caves, as created by the calcium carbonate, phosphate and iron rock deposits.
Visiting the Cueva de los Verdes should always be done with a guide, who can lead you through it without landing you in hot water. Do not miss the concert hall during your visit – this hall allows up to 500 people to watch a concert with the most incredible acoustics, a unique experience alone, on top of being in a lava cave.
CUEVA DE LOS VERDES SECRET
As a bonus, during the tour, your guide will lead you to the big reveal – a little secret about Cueva de los Verdes that you will be happy to discover – and to continue to keep a secret. You will have to wait until the end of the tour for this special surprise – it is something you wont so easily forget as it is unique to the Cueva de los Verdes. Your patience will pay off!
GETTING TO CUEVA DE LOS VERDES
You can easily drive to Cueva de los Verdes, and there is a parking area right outside the caves entrance for you to park in. You can also take a public bus to get there, which will be the Linea 9 from the Arrecife Bus Station. Several coach tours with stops at most of the Lanzarote attractions can also take you to Cueva de los Verdes.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:
HOW LONG IS THE TOUR?
A standard tour through the Cueva de los Verdes should take around 45 minutes, which will take you across one kilometer of the cave.
HOW MUCH ARE THE TICKETS?
The entrance fee for adults is 9,50€, while children pay 4,75€.
Children under 7 years old get in for free.
Entrance fees after 3pm are at 20% off.
WHAT ARE THE OPENING HOURS?
Cueva de los Verdes is open every day from 10am to 6pm, but are open until 7pm in the summer months.
ARE THERE PUBLIC TOILETS?
In the parking area you will find some public toilets that are free for the visitors to use, however, naturally, in the caves itself there will be no access to restrooms.
IS THE CAVE ACCESSIBLE TO PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES?
The cave has only been minimally altered to allow a walk-through. Ramps and access for people with disabilities or wheelchairs are not available at Cueva de los Verdes. Visitors should be able to walk and climb through the cave with ease in order to visit it.
WHAT IS THE APPROPRIATE DRESS CODE?
It is recommended that you wear comfortable outdoor clothes that you can move in and shoes that have rubberized soles, in order to avoid slipping. Rubber slippers are not recommended, as they do not provide enough grip on slippery grounds. You can dress as you would outside, as the temperature inside the save tends to stay mild at around 18°C all year round.
CAN WE BRING A BABY PUSHCART?
Baby pushcarts can not be used inside the caves, as there aren’t any accessible platforms for them to be pushed on. Instead, it is recommended that they bring a baby carrier.
ARE PETS ALLOWED HERE?
Pets are not allowed at Cueva de los Verdes, except for guide dogs.
ARE YOU ALLOWED TO TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS?
You are indeed allowed, and even encouraged, to take photographs inside and outside the Cueva de los Verdes. In certain parts of the tour, you may be asked not to take photos – this is usually for safety reasons, or because your guide simply wants you to focus on where you are walking, so you don’t take a misstep. Don’t forget to take a photos inside the cave, by the entrance, in the auditorium and of course – of the secret spot.
