Discover the Cueva de las Palomas in Lanzarote

How to get to the Cueva de las Palomas in Lanzarote?

The Cueva de las Palomas Natural Monument is near Masdache, in the direction of the town of Tinajo. You will find it on the side of the country road that leads to La Vegueta.

The cave is part of a network of Canarian Protected Natural Areas and occupies a surface area of just over two hectares. It is located underground in the protected landscape of La Geria, in a large lava lake created by the Tisalaya volcano.

From the right-hand side of the road, heading north-east, you can begin the route that leads underground and ends on the other side of the road, where the cave’s exit is located.

How long does it take to get to the Cueva de las Palomas?

As Lanzarote’s Cueva de las Palomas is just over 1,600 metres long, it doesn’t take long to walk through it. Although it is easily accessible inside, you should still take care when moving around. Given its beauty and a variety of smaller chambers, you will probably take quite some time to explore it.

The walk can take about an hour to get to the cave from the Juan Bello volcano path. The entire distance there and back is just under 8 kilometres which can be completed in about two hours.

How difficult is the route to the Cueva de las Palomas?

The route to the Cueva de las Palomas in Lanzarote is not a difficult one. It depends a little on where you start the walk, but if you leave the car about two kilometres from the cave, the whole route is on a tarmac road, so it is easy enough to complete it.

What is the best time of year to visit the Cueva de las Palomas?

As we always say, any time is a good time to visit and explore the island because temperatures are pleasant all year round. However, to avoid the large influx of visitors and the hottest months, it is best to visit the Cueva de las Palomas de Lanzarote in spring or in early autumn.

What kind of landscapes and views can be enjoyed along the route?

The Cueva de las Palomas in Lanzarote is located under La Geria, which means that the landscape is volcanic and full of vineyards. It is quite a spectacle!

Inside the cave, you can find lava river fronts, formations of staphyrophytes and lateral terraces. The volcanic tube was formed by rivers of solidified lava and has a number of galleries and side chambers, some of which may or may not be connected.

In terms of flora and fauna, there is very little in the cave due to the lack of light. You will see some lichens at the entrance and insects as you go deeper into the cave, but not much else.

Visitor opinions about the Cueva de las Palomas

For the conservation of the Cueva de las Palomas de Lanzarote, it is necessary to get authorisation to enter the cave. Groups may not exceed ten people and must be accompanied by a guide from the Protected Natural Areas.

Those who have visited the cave say that it is perfectly safe to walk through if the necessary precautions are taken. They also say that due to the great natural beauty that can be seen inside the cave, it is well worth the visit.

Visitors also point out how important it is to be careful not to break the staphylites (solidified lava droplets in the shape of cones up to 20 centimetres long), as they are very unique formations and not very abundant in the Canary Islands’ caves.