La Cueva de los Verdes, in the northern part of Lanzarote, to the south-east of the volcano Monte de la Corona, forms part of a spectacular system of underground grottoes (the jameos). It is not only one of the most interesting volcanic formations on the island, but is also one of the longest volcanic galleries in the world (6 km long).

Cave entrance.

The caves and galleries were created as a result of a prehistoric eruption from the volcano Monte Corona between three and five thousand years ago when a major stream of lava was ejected toward the east coast into in the sea. The surface of the lava cooled rapidly and hardened, whilst steaming lava continued to flow underneath the petrified basaltic layer.

Hollowed out spaces were created which subsequently exploded once inflated by gases. This was not an isolated phenomenon since there are two superimposed galleries connected to one another by random vertical cavities. In 1964 a 2 km long path-way was opened to visitors. Sophisticated lighting was added to lend theatrical effects to this wonder of nature.

During the XVII century the caves offered refuge to local people from pirates and slave hunters.