Wonders of Nature on Lanzarote's coastline

Lanzarote is well-known for its collection of natural treasures and rocky marvels, carved out over millions of years and now popular as day trips for holidaymakers the year round. If you make the 45-minute drive from Santa Rosa to the south west coast of the island, you’ll find two of the most spectacular.

El Golfo

The Green Lagoon, El Golfo, actually goes by several names. Also known as Charco de los Clicos or Lago Verde (“the Green Lake”), it’s a real must-see.

Ths famous lagoon was formed after an eruption of the nearby volcano in 1730, which allowed the crater to flood. It’s still connected to the ocean via an underground waterway, but the real spectacle comes from the vivid green of the water, caused by the algae which grows there. Although the shade of green does change with the light, the contrast with the black volcanic rock surrounding it is always striking. And with the bright blue of the ocean just a short distance away, you’ll want to make sure you bring your camera!

Sitting behind El Golfo is a backdrop of striking weathered cliff faces, where strange formations are gouged into the rock, crafted from years of coastal erosion. This weathered, dramatic scenery has made the area a favourite with filmmakers throughout the years, including the famous film ‘One Million Years B.C.’

El Golfo has now been named as a nature reserve, meaning people are no longer allowed to swim in the waters. However, the real delight of visiting the Green Lake is drinking in the spectacular scenery. Park up in the car park and follow the dirt track, which leads up to a viewpoint where you can really appreciate this natural wonder. Due to the lake’s location on the west of Lanzarote, it’s a fantastic place to watch the sunset. Evening is also a much quieter time to visit, after the buses of daytrippers have gone home.

The name El Golfo actually refers to the nearby fishing village, which is a great place to stop for lunch or dinner after visiting the lake. The seafood here is supposed to be some of the freshest in Lanzarote! Despite this reputuation, the village has avoided becoming a tourist trap, so you'll enjoy a very different experience compared with some of the other resorts on the island. The coastal restaurants allow for some fantastic views over the ocean, with the waves crashing against the shore while the sun sets over the water.

Los Hervideros

If you want to add an extra stop into your trip, the breathtaking Los Hervideros is less than a 10-minute drive from El Golfo. Literally translating to ‘Boiling Waters’, it’s a true tribute to the power and wonder of nature. 

Los Hervideros was created from several caves carved into the volcanic coastline, forming an intricate flooded maze. The result is a scary yet impressive landscape that’s sure to amaze. You can walk around and admire the view from various points, but one of the best is the small balcony made from the rocks themselves. This can be reached by a narrow, marked path and allows you to really see the waves up close. It won’t take more than half an hour to visit the site, so it’s worth waiting for the crowds to disperse and get the show all to yourself!

The best time to visit Los Hervideros is during high tide, or when there are big waves out on the ocean. If you’re feeling particularly brave, you could even come and visit this spectacle of nature during a windy or stormy day. However, it’s also lovely spot to visit in the sunshine, when the water is bubbling and you can really appreciate the dramatic formations and rich colour of the volcanic rocks.

One thing to keep in mind is that Los Hervideros is not a day trip for those who are unsteady on their feet. There are no railings to keep people from getting right to the edge of the gap, so pay attention to where you step and keep a close eye on any younger visitors.