Destination Information

Jameos del Agua

Los Jameos del Agua is the first Art, Culture and Tourism Center created by César Manrique; a natural space created inside a volcanic tunnel. Inaugurated in 1968, the artist, painter and sculptor transformed the space into a unique work that represents the maximum expression of his ideology: artistic creation in harmony with the environment and nature. Like La Cueva de los Verdes, Los Jameos del Agua originated after the eruption of the La Corona Volcano. The word “jameo” derives from Guanche origin, and refers to the hole produced as a result of the collapse of the roof of a volcanic tube, in this case, the volcanic tube of La Corona. César Manrique was able to transform the environment and enhance its beauty even more, creating an idyllic symbiosis between the cave’s potential and his creative resources. His vivid hands, together with his privileged mind, modeled the basalt to give shape to a unique space in the world. The work was completed in 1977, resulting in Manrique’s first major intervention in the Lanzarote landscape and being declared a Site of Scientific Interest and an Asset of Cultural Interest in the category of Historic Garden. The space is formed by three jameos or openings. The Jameo Chico, where the access to the interior is made and the restaurant is located, as well as a hidden entrance to the famous Tunnel of La Atlántida; the Jameo Grande, where the swimming pool is located, and the Jameo de la Cazuela, which is located behind the stage of the auditorium. This is a natural auditorium with a capacity for 550 people formed by basalt stone that offers magnificent and extraordinary acoustics. The stage is located inside a section of the volcanic tube, giving it an unprecedented beauty and sound, and the seats are positioned following the natural slope of the floor, which goes from the access through the Jameo Grande to the opening of the next jameo. The subway aquatic habitat of the Jameos del Agua is of great richness, presenting a crystalline lagoon of about 7 meters deep. The origin is produced by the filtration of seawater, being below sea level. This curious volcanic ecosystem is home to some 77 endemic species of great scientific interest, among which the Munidopsis Polymorpha stands out: it is the famous Blind Crab, protagonist and symbol of the center. *The Blind Crab is in danger of extinction, and metals are highly dangerous for these small and beautiful animals. Therefore, it is strictly forbidden to throw coins or other objects into the lagoon. Please help us to protect their environment.