La Cueva de los Verdes
Just a short distance further west lies another main visitors’ attraction – the Cueva de los Verdes (Green’s Cave) – a complex of caves and galleries at various levels. Also part of the long lava tube system – called Tunél de Atlántida – this is one of the longest lava caves in the world.
Known by the local population since the 17th century, this cave complex was used as hiding place from pirates and slave traders. Its name has actually nothing to do with the colour ‘green’ (which is the translation of ‘verde’), as it derives from a shepherd family with the name ‘Verde’, who occupied these caves during the 18th and 19th century.
With artificial lighting being installed in 1964, a section of about 2 km of this cave was opened to visitors, who on an hour-long guided circular tour on narrow passageways can take in the sights and sounds of this spectacular masterpiece of Mother Nature, where human intervention has been kept to a minimum – only passageways with stairs and railings spoiling the natural beauty. The attraction of this intriguing maze of gigantic caves, caverns and galleries on different levels – with layers of up to four galleries, mounting up to 40 m in some places – has only been accentuated by ingenious lighting, which makes these impressive rock formations reflect in multiple colours, atmospheric music all along heightening this experience.
After about a kilometre you arrive at a turning point with a cave, which has been converted into a small auditorium with outstanding acoustics. Spectacular effects of light and colour on its rugged walls make this an ideal background for all kinds of performances to complement the cultural offer of the neighbouring Jameos del Agua.
One of the caves at the end of this tour features a small lake, which – although only 20 cm (8 inches) deep – appears to be far deeper as result of an optical illusion, achieved by clever lighting, set by the local artist Jesús Soto.
In some places getting quite narrow and low – one cave can only be entered by one person at the time – this tour is unfortunately not suitable for everybody.
Opening hours:
Daily from 10.00 to 18.00 hrs
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