Jameos Del Agua

Lanzarote has many star attractions.  But this collapsed, 6km long lava tube, located in the North of the island close to Punta Mujeres often tops the bill for most tourists – attracting close on 700,000 visitors in 2006.

The Jameos Del Agua´s popularity is attributable to the fact that this incredible natural space has been further enhanced by Cesar Manrique.  Who - with the help of fellow architects Luis Morales and Jesus Soto - transformed it into a stunning subterrenean auditorium.

Tropical gardens, bars and a restaurant surround an underground lagoon. The atmosphere is hushed and cathedral like. Blind albino crabs – unique to Lanzarote - glisten in the water like jewels.

Visitors emerge from this underground area and encounter a dream like swimming pool.  Which is so opulent that it is reserved for the sole and exclusive use of the King of Spain. 

Behind the pool lies a concert hall - formed from  volcanic rock – with incredible accoustics.  Which has provided a stunning backdrop for many classical and avant garde concerts since it was first built in 1987.

The Jameos Del Agua is so high impact that it was declared the “Eighth Wonder of the World” by Hollywood legend Rita Heyworth when she visited as a guest of Manrique.  And it continues to wow visitors today.

Written by Nick Ball, editor of the Lanzarote tourist information guide Lanzarote Guidebook.