The Cueva de los Verdes is a stretch of the same lava tube that Jameos del Agua belongs to, formed when the La Corona volcano sent lava flowing towards the sea. The visit follows about a kilometre of galleries over several levels, with dripping lava formations, mineral and salt deposits and rock that shifts from ochre to grey, black and red. In the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries islanders hid in these galleries from raids by North African pirates, and the name is said to come from a family who once used the cave. In the 1960s the island council asked the artist Jesús Soto to adapt the space, and the cave opened to the public in 1964. His light and sound design is subtle: it points at the textures and depths rather than trying to explain them. A chamber inside the tube also serves as an auditorium for concerts and events. It is a quiet, slightly eerie visit that rewards a guide who takes their time.
How it works
Tickets are sold online only, for a specific date and time, so choose your slot before you travel. Arrive about fifteen minutes before it, and keep the QR code on your phone, since mobile coverage near the cave can be limited. The visit is guided, in Spanish and English, and takes roughly fifty minutes. The ticket covers the guided route, the lighting design, the passage through the auditorium and a final surprise that guides prefer not to reveal in advance.
What to expect
The temperature in the cave stays steady all year, so a light layer is enough. The route has uneven paths, stairs, narrow passages and low ceilings, which means it is not suitable for people with reduced mobility or claustrophobia, and tall visitors should mind their heads. Wear shoes with non-slip soles. Pushchairs are not allowed and there is no storage for them, so use a baby carrier for very young children. Photographs for personal use are allowed in permitted areas, and you should follow your guide’s instructions about where.
Making the most of it
Combine the cave with Jameos del Agua and Mirador del Río for a full northern day, starting at the cave because its slots are fixed and the other two are flexible. If you are travelling in winter, book a slot a day or two ahead, since winter is a popular sun-seeking season. Because tickets cannot be changed or refunded, check your plans before you buy, and arrive on time so you do not lose your place.
What to expect
The experience
A guided walk of roughly one kilometre through a lava tube, with lighting by Jesús Soto and a chamber used as an auditorium.
Best time
Any time of day, since the cave temperature is steady, but book a mid-morning slot to combine it with other northern sights.
How long
About fifty minutes for the guided route, plus arrival time.
Tips
Buy a timed ticket online, arrive fifteen minutes early, wear non-slip shoes and mind your head on low ceilings.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Visitors who like geology and a bit of atmosphere on a half day in the north.
- Families
- Children who can walk and follow a guide enjoy it, but pushchairs are not allowed and the route has stairs and low ceilings.
- Couples
- Pair it with a long lunch near Haría and a stop at Mirador del Río.
- Pair with
- Jameos del Agua, which is part of the same lava tube, and Mirador del Río.
- Time needed
- Under an hour for the cave, or half a day with the nearby sights.
Good questions
Is the Cueva de los Verdes guided?+
Yes, the visit is guided in Spanish and English and lasts about fifty minutes. The guide leads you along about a kilometre of galleries.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance?+
Yes, tickets are sold only online for a specific date and time. Arrive about fifteen minutes before your slot with the QR code ready.
Is it suitable for children and prams?+
Pushchairs are not allowed and there is no storage for them, so use a baby carrier. The route has uneven paths, stairs and low ceilings, so it suits children who can walk and follow instructions.
Is the cave good for people with claustrophobia or mobility problems?+
It is not recommended for either, because of narrow passages, stairs and low ceilings. Tall visitors should take care.
Can I cancel or change my ticket?+
No, online tickets cannot be changed or refunded. Choose a date and time you are sure of.
