Cueva de Los Verdes
Cueva de los Verdes is located just up the road from Jameos del Agua on Lanzarote, so it’s a good idea to visit both at the same time.
Before visiting, I was a little nervous about heading through caves and tight spaces. However, it was easily navigable alongside our tour guide. This is not, however, suitable for people with accessibility limitations.
The guide spoke in Spanish and English, and the visit was very interesting.
Cueva de los Verdes, not Cuevas de los Verdes
One thing that was pointed out, is that the colour green doesn’t appear naturally in any rock within (the green in the photo is caused by a camera). The word “Verde” (Spanish for green) is actually thought to have come from a name for a family that reared livestock nearby.
It also turns out that I (and doubtless others) have been pronouncing and translating it incorrectly all these years. It is “Cueva de Los Verdes” (Greens’ Cave) rather than “Cuevas de los Verdes” (Green caves).
In addition to seeing the rocks and hearing about how the tunnels and spaces were formed, we were also told about some of Lanzarote’s pirate history and how the locals used the area for hiding in.
Safety and respect at Cueva de los Verdes
Do pay attention to what the guide tells you. This is for two main reasons: The first is “safety” (of course!) and the second is so that you do not ruin anything for new visitors. There are a couple of surprises along the way – so don’t ruin those for other people.
Please also keep an eye on your children. When we last visited, a lady thought it appropriate to allow her young daughter to clamber all over the rocks. Safety aside (falls and nasty scrapes are both a strong possibility), we would not wish to damage the fragile environment. Please show respect!
“Remember his name!”
It is also here that you will learn about Jesus Soto Morales – a fascinating artist from Fuerteventura who opened up and beautified the caves for visitors, using light and shadow to display the cave at its most beautiful. As the guide told us, “Remember his name” (Fight Club fans will know why we sniggered at hearing that). You can find out more about Morales here:
We would like to thank CACT Lanzarote for all their help during our latest visit to Lanzarote
Elle, along with Alan, is the owner of Spain Buddy and the busy web design business – Spain Web Design by Gandy-Draper.
Born a “Norverner”, she then spent most of her life “Dann Saff” before moving to Spain in 2006. Elle’s loves are Alan, the internet, dogs, good food, and dry white wine – although not necessarily in that order.
