Jameos Del Agua
The Jameos del Agua is arguably the ultimate example of Cesar Manrique´s desire to fuse art with nature in order to create unique and sustainable tourist attractions on Lanzarote. As a counter to the golf courses and water parks that were springing up in other Spanish sun spots back in the 1960´s and 70´s as package tourism started to take off.
The Jameos is part of a 6 km long tunnel initially formed by the eruption of the nearby La Coroña volcano. And centuries ago was used by islanders as a hiding place from regular pirate raids and incursions on the island.
A jameos (derived from the language of the Guanche who inhabited the island prior to the Spanish conquest) is essentially an opening in the ground and the Jameos del Agua comprises three such openings, the Jameo Chico, the Jameo Grande and the Jameo Redondo.
The Jameos del Agua was Cesar Manrique´s first major public work on Lanzarote, created with the help of his close collaborator Jesus Soto and first opened to the public in 1966. Creating such a stir that it was soon attracting all sorts of VIP visitors from overseas. Such as Hollywood film legend Rita Heyworth, who described it as “The Eighth Wonder of the World”.
Visitors pass through a small entrance and down a beautifully crafted spiral staircase made of volcanic rock before entering the main volcanic chamber. Which is auditorium like in appearance and which is dominated by a natural lake, which is home to a species of blind albino crab that is unique to Lanzarote.
Plants and volcanic stone surround the lagoon, which then leads up and out into a brilliant white swimming pool area, which is apparently reserved for the sole use of the King of Spain!
A second spiral stone staircase brings visitors to the Casa de los Volcanes, which is home to a fascinating permanent exhibition about volcanic activity in the Canary Islands.
The Jameos is doubly atmospheric at nighttime, when visitors can enjoy a meal and traditional folk dancing and music on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays (information and reservations – 928 848 024).
Open :: Daily 10.00-18.30 Admission :: Adults €8 Children €4 Parking :: Free
