Where art and nature combine: The Jameos Del Aqua, Lanzarote
Located within the Natural Monument of Malpaís and declared as a Site of Scientific Interest, Jameos Del Aqua, like the Cueva de los Verdes, is found inside a volcanic tunnel produced by an eruption on Lanzarote eons ago. It owes its name to a unique geological formation, an internal lake caused by filtration below sea level.
The Jameos Del Aqua has been transformed by dramatic lighting, and adapted into the first Centre for Art, Culture and Tourism by César Manrique, one of the island’s most famous artists. His alterations are serpentine; his curves represent strong organic characters and blend with the surrounding natural elements. The site has now been open since 1966, but since 1987 has become an important scientific and educational centre for volcanology.
The entrance through a door and down an ingenious spiral staircase constructed from volcanic stone and wood, opens into the “Jameo Chico”. This space highlights abundant vegetation and ornamental elements, exotic blossoms of palms, cactus, and fig trees. You will then see the lake which is home to a dozen species, including blind crabs who, living in darkness and lack pigmentation, are the symbol of the Jameos. Its cathedral character is reinforced by the presence of a hole in the top where, when sunny, a beam of light strikes the water.
You can cross the lake and ascend through a landscaped wall, before entering the “Big Jameo” which has a spectacular Auditorium inside the volcanic grotto. The tunnel system including the Cueva de los Verdes, is one of the longest in the world at over six kilometres long. A partial blockage separates various parts but eventually the tunnel enters the sea in an underwater section called “Tunnel of Atlantis”.
This island is a great place to have a self-catering holiday with your family or friends. Here are a couple of suggestions specially picked by Vintage travel…
Villa Oasis is a three bedroom, two-bathroom village home. It has panoramic vistas of the nearby sea, and boasts a privileged village location within a pretty enclave of traditional homes. This house is also very close to one of the island’s main restaurants. This superb property sleeps six people and is very tastefully furnished.
Casa Mariola is a three-bedroom contemporary home, with three bathrooms and can sleep up to six guests in comfort. In the picturesque south-western corner of Lanzarote, this modern property with a panoramic vista from the roof terrace, is near the pretty rural community of Las Breñas The rooms are light and airy with a real contemporary feel.