On the road between the Salinas de Janubio and the village of El Golfo, the lava that poured into the sea during the eruptions of 1730 to 1736 cooled into a coast of black cliffs, caves and arches, and the Atlantic has been working on it ever since. At Los Hervideros, whose name means the boiling places, waves race into hollows in the rock, raise the level of the water and burst through gaps so that the sea seems to boil and spray. A network of marked footpaths and viewing platforms runs along the top of the cliffs, which makes it one of the easiest places on the island to see the meeting of lava and ocean without a long walk. A few minutes further on, near El Golfo, the Charco de los Clicos, also called the Charco Verde or Green Lagoon, is a small lagoon in a sea-flooded crater whose bright green colour comes from algae, with a viewpoint beside the car park. Together they make a short, dramatic, free stop on a southern day.
How it works
There is no ticket and no booking. Both places sit along the LZ-703 road on the southwest coast, within the protected volcanic landscape that includes Timanfaya, and each has its own car park. The lagoon can be viewed at any time from the viewpoint next to its car park, and a footpath leads down towards the beach.
At Los Hervideros you follow the marked paths along the cliff top, with signs and rails in the busiest places. Allow about half an hour at each stop, and a little longer if you like to photograph the surf in the caves.
What to expect
The sea is the star, and it is unpredictable. The local tourism guidance warns that the force of the waves can be dangerous, so stay on the marked paths, keep back from the edge and never turn your back on the water. Wind and spray can be strong, and the rock is sharp and uneven, so wear shoes with grip.
The best displays are on days with a decent swell, when the caves boom and spray rises, and calmer days are quieter and good for looking at the shapes in the rock. The green lagoon is a viewing stop rather than a swimming spot, and the colour is most vivid when the sun is higher in the sky.
Making the most of it
This fits neatly between Timanfaya and the Salinas de Janubio, so link the three in one southern day. Stopping at El Golfo for a fish lunch at one of the village’s seafront restaurants is a classic way to finish. Start the stops early or late in the day for softer light and fewer tour coaches, bring a layer for the breeze and carry water, because there is little shade.
Take care with children and dogs near the cliffs, and leave volcanic stones where they are so that the next visitor sees the same landscape.
What to expect
The experience
Two short, free stops: cliff-top paths above surging sea caves, and a viewpoint over a green crater lagoon.
Best time
Early or late in the day for softer light, and on a day with some swell to see the caves at their most dramatic.
How long
Allow about an hour for both, plus time for lunch in El Golfo if you stay.
Tips
Stay on the marked paths, keep well back from the edge, wear shoes with grip and carry water because there is little shade.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Visitors who want dramatic coastal scenery without a long walk or a ticket.
- Families
- Easy stops with short paths, but hold the hands of young children near the unfenced cliffs and the surf.
- Couples
- A good sunset stop on the southwest coast, followed by a fish dinner in El Golfo.
- Pair with
- Timanfaya, the Salinas de Janubio and a seafront lunch in El Golfo.
- Time needed
- About an hour, or a relaxed half day on the southwest road.
Good questions
Is there an entrance fee for Los Hervideros or the Green Lagoon?+
No, both are free to visit. There are car parks at each stop and no tickets or time slots.
Why is the lagoon green?+
The water fills an old crater that is open to the sea, and its colour comes from algae growing in it. The viewpoint beside the car park gives the best close look.
Is Los Hervideros safe?+
It is safe if you stay on the marked paths and behind the barriers. The sea can be unpredictable and dangerous, so keep away from the edge, especially in big swell.
Can I swim at the Green Lagoon?+
It is a viewing spot rather than a swimming spot. Check local conditions and warning signs before going down towards the beach.
How do I get there?+
Both stops are on the LZ-703 road on the southwest coast, between the Salinas de Janubio and El Golfo. A car or a tour makes it easy, since public transport is limited.
