Key takeaways
- Six kilometres of lava tube carved by molten rock thousands of years ago. The Corona tunnel system runs beneath Lanzarote's surface, visible at two distinct points on your tour.
- Cueva de los Verdes served as a refuge for islanders fleeing raids. The tunnel's narrow passages and hidden chambers made it an ideal shelter when danger approached from the sea.
- A jameo is a chamber where the lava tube's roof has collapsed, opening the underground to daylight and air. Jameos del Agua transforms one such collapse into a concert venue and lakeside gardens.
- Blind albino crabs live nowhere else on Earth, adapted over millennia to the pitch-black waters within the tunnel. These unique creatures thrive only in this isolated underground ecosystem.
- Artist César Manrique reimagined Jameos del Agua as a cultural space, creating an auditorium carved into the cavern itself. The same tunnel that hid islanders now hosts live performances and exhibitions.
How a 6km tunnel formed beneath Lanzarote
Beneath the volcanic landscape of Lanzarote runs one of the world's longest lava tubes: the Corona tunnel system, stretching 6 kilometres underground. This geological marvel was created roughly 3,000 years ago when molten lava flowed from volcanic eruptions, carving a passage through the rock as it cooled and solidified. The tunnel's formation left behind a hollow channel, which over centuries became a natural wonder hidden below the island's surface. Both stops on this tour, Cueva de los Verdes and Jameos del Agua, are sections of the same continuous tunnel system, offering visitors two distinct ways to experience this underground world.
The Corona tunnel represents a textbook example of how lava tubes develop in volcanic regions. As the exterior of the lava flow hardened and the interior continued to drain, it left behind the smooth, tube-shaped cavity visitors explore today. The walls bear evidence of the ancient eruptions, with layers of volcanic rock telling the story of Lanzarote's fiery past. Walking through these passages connects you directly to the island's geological history and the powerful forces that shaped its landscape.
Underground refuge from Berber pirates
For centuries, the Corona tunnel system served a critical purpose for islanders facing a very real threat. Berber and Turkish pirates regularly raided the coasts of Lanzarote, leaving residents to seek safety wherever they could. The deep underground passages of the lava tube became a natural fortress, offering protection that no surface structure could provide. Families would flee into the darkness of Cueva de los Verdes when danger approached, using the tunnel's labyrinthine passages to hide from intruders who would not venture into the mysterious depths below ground.
The name Cueva de los Verdes itself reflects this history. Local families with the surname Verde used these caves as a sanctuary, and the name stuck over generations. The tunnel's maze-like character made it an ideal refuge, as those unfamiliar with its passages would easily become lost in the darkness. For the people of Lanzarote, what began as a geological formation became a lifeline during periods of intense maritime threat, proving that nature's creations often serve purposes far beyond their origins.
The blind albino crabs of the deep
Deep within the Corona tunnel system lives one of nature's most extraordinary creatures: tiny albino crabs that have never seen sunlight. Over thousands of years, these crustaceans adapted to the permanent darkness of the underground lakes and streams that flow through the lava tube. Their eyes, no longer needed in an environment without light, disappeared entirely, and their bodies lost all pigmentation, becoming ghostly white. These blind albino crabs exist nowhere else on Earth, making them one of Lanzarote's most unique endemic species.
The crabs represent an incredible example of evolution shaped by environment. Isolated in underground pools, each generation became increasingly adapted to darkness, until the species became something entirely new. Scientists and visitors alike marvel at how life finds a way to flourish in the most unexpected places. The crabs remain a symbol of the tunnel's mysterious ecosystem, a reminder that the world beneath our feet holds secrets as strange and wonderful as any surface wonder. Spotting these creatures during the tour offers a glimpse into a hidden world that has evolved in isolation for millennia.
A hidden optical illusion in the stone
Among the wonders hidden within the Corona tunnel system is a natural optical illusion that surprises many visitors. As light penetrates the cave passages in particular ways, the volcanic rock formations create a visual phenomenon that tricks the eye and challenges perception. This geological quirk has fascinated tour guides and visitors for years, serving as a reminder that even in carefully studied environments, nature still holds surprises. The illusion appears and changes depending on where you stand and how the light catches the ancient stone.
Your guide will draw attention to this clever play of light and shadow, explaining the geological formations that create the effect. It is one of several reasons that exploring these caves with an experienced guide reveals details that would easily be missed otherwise. The optical illusion demonstrates how the caves continue to surprise and delight, offering moments of wonder that connect visitors to the ongoing mystery of the underground world.
Jameos del Agua: What is a jameo?
The term jameo refers to a section of a lava tube where the ceiling has collapsed, creating an open chamber that connects the underground passages to the surface above. Jameos del Agua takes its name from the underground lake, or agua, that collects in this collapsed section of the Corona tunnel. The result is a surreal landscape where volcanic formations meet water, creating an otherworldly environment that exists neither fully underground nor fully in daylight. This unique geological formation transforms the experience of exploring the tunnel from a purely cave adventure into something entirely different.
César Manrique's transformation of Jameos del Agua
In 1966, artist and architect César Manrique envisioned turning the natural jameo into something more: a public space that would allow visitors to experience the underground wonder while maintaining its pristine beauty. Manrique designed pathways, installed subtle lighting, and created gardens that complement rather than overwhelm the natural formations. His work respected the cave's geological integrity while making it accessible and magical for thousands of visitors each year. The result is a harmonious blend of nature and human creativity, where art enhances rather than dominates.
Manrique's contribution transformed Jameos del Agua into one of Lanzarote's most visited attractions while preserving its essential character. He also designed the famous underground concert auditorium within the jameo, a chamber where acoustic properties allow performances to take place in an underground setting unlike any other venue in the world. This space showcases Manrique's understanding of how human experience and natural wonder can coexist. Your visit to this section of the Corona tunnel will reveal the careful balance between preservation and accessibility that makes Jameos del Agua special.
Planning your 9-hour underground exploration
This guided day tour spans 9 hours and takes you through three remarkable destinations: Timanfaya National Park, Cueva de los Verdes, and Jameos del Agua. You will be picked up from one of 61 convenient locations across the island and transported in an air-conditioned bus, allowing you to relax between stops. Your guide will lead you through both cave systems, explaining the geology, history, and unique ecosystems you encounter. Entry to all three attractions is included, so you can move through the underground world without additional worries.
Plan to spend substantial time in each location, as the caves reward careful exploration. Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven volcanic surfaces, and bring a light jacket as the underground temperature remains cool year-round. The tour covers all logistics, from transportation to expert guidance, allowing you to focus entirely on the experience. By the end of the day, you will have journeyed through millions of years of geological history and witnessed one of nature's most spectacular underground systems.
