An Underground Oasis: Discovering Jameos del Agua in Lanzarote

On July 30, 2013, with my Samsung Galaxy Tablet, I had the pleasure of exploring one of Lanzarote's most extraordinary attractions: Jameos del Agua. This unique site is a brilliant fusion of art, nature, and architecture, born from a collapsed volcanic tube and transformed into a cultural center by the visionary artist and architect, César Manrique.

The journey begins as you descend into the cool, dark embrace of the earth. The air, thick with the scent of salt and rock, leads you into a subterranean world. The most captivating sight is the saltwater lake, a tranquil body of water nestled deep within the cavern. Its waters are home to a rare and fascinating creature: the squat lobster. These tiny, white, and blind crustaceans are an endemic species, found nowhere else on Earth. Peering into the crystal-clear water, you can spot them scuttling along the rocks, a silent community thriving in the perpetual darkness.

Further into the cavern, the space opens up, revealing a breathtaking auditorium carved directly from the volcanic rock. The stage and seating are a testament to Manrique's genius, blending seamlessly with the natural contours of the cave. I can only imagine the incredible acoustics and the magical atmosphere of a concert held in such a unique venue.

Emerging from the depths, you are greeted by an explosion of light and color. The path leads to a sun-drenched pool area, a stark and beautiful contrast to the dark cavern below. The stunningly white pool, surrounded by black volcanic rock and vibrant green palms, is an image of pure, tranquil beauty. It is said that only the King of Spain is allowed to swim in this pool, adding to the mystique of the place.

The gardens surrounding the pool are a lush haven, with native plants thriving in the volcanic soil. As you climb the stairs, you are treated to a view of the pool from above, and the unique architecture continues to impress. The stairs themselves, with their abstract design and a natural light source filtering down from an opening in the cave ceiling, feel like a piece of art in their own right.

Jameos del Agua first opened to the public in 1966, and it truly embodies César Manrique’s philosophy of harmonizing art with nature. By preserving the natural landscape and enhancing it with his creative touch, he created a place that is not just an attraction, but an experience. It's a reminder of the power of art to transform, and the incredible beauty that can arise when we work in harmony with the natural world.

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The lobster sign at the entrance.

The swimming pool area, the guide I was with claimed that only the King
of Spain is allowed to swim here.

The stairs up from the saltwater cave to the swimming pool
and bar area.

The auditorium, the guide claimed gives one of the best sounds around.

The saltwater cave that is home to the squat lobster.

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Lanzarote's Spark: Where a Tablet and a View Ignited a Passion

In the summer of 2013, I found myself on the volcanic shores of Lanzarote, a place that, at the time, held little more than the promise of a sunny getaway. Little did I know, this island, sculpted by fire and time, would ignite a passion within me that I never knew existed: photography.

With a few days to spare and a desire to explore beyond the resort, I embarked on a comprehensive island tour. It was a decision that would forever alter my perspective. From the surreal, Martian landscapes of Timanfaya National Park, where the earth still breathes with volcanic heat, to the mesmerizing emerald hues of the Green Lagoon, each stop was a revelation. Jameos del Agua, a subterranean wonderland crafted by César Manrique, offered a glimpse into the harmonious blend of nature and art.

But it was El Mirador de Guinate, perched on the northernmost tip of the island, that truly captivated me. Standing there, overlooking the narrow strait of El Rio, with the serene island of La Graciosa floating in the distance, I felt a profound sense of awe. The landscape was a symphony of blues and browns, a panorama that stretched beyond the horizon.

Nestled within the municipality of Haria, El Mirador de Guinate is more than just a viewpoint. It’s an experience. The surrounding tropical park, a lush oasis against the stark volcanic backdrop, teems with diverse flora and fauna. As I wandered through its winding paths, I encountered vibrant birds, exotic plants, and the tranquil atmosphere that permeated the entire area.

Armed with nothing more than my trusty Samsung Galaxy Tablet, I began to capture these moments. It wasn’t a deliberate act of artistic expression at first; it was simply an attempt to hold onto the beauty I was witnessing. Yet, as I reviewed the images on the tablet’s screen, something shifted within me. I saw the world in a new light, framed and composed, captured in time.

The date was July 30th, 2013. A seemingly ordinary day, but one that marked the beginning of my photographic journey. The simplicity of my tablet, a tool I had previously used for casual browsing and entertainment, became the catalyst for a newfound passion. It was a reminder that inspiration can strike in the most unexpected places and with the most unassuming tools.

Looking back, those images, are more than just snapshots. They are a testament to the transformative power of travel, the unexpected beauty of Lanzarote, and the serendipitous discovery of a creative outlet. They are a reminder that sometimes, all it takes is a stunning view and a simple device to ignite a spark within.

Lanzarote, with its unique landscapes and captivating vistas, offered me more than just a holiday. It offered me a new way of seeing the world, a perspective that continues to shape my creative endeavours to this day. It was a lesson in appreciating the beauty that surrounds us and the potential that lies within the most unexpected moments. And it all started with a tablet and a view from El Mirador de Guinate.

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Caleta del Sebo, the largest settlement on La Graciosa with a population
of over 730. The islands only ferry service runs from here connecting
with Orzola, Lanzarote.

The looking down towards the waters edge is approx 500 feet
from where the picture was taken. 

The western tip of La Graciosa.

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Peñas del Cache: Lanzarote's Majestic Summit

Peñas del Cache, reaching a height of 672 meters above sea level, offers the highest panoramic views on the island of Lanzarote. This popular destination attracts both stargazers, drawn to the clear, dark skies, and sightseers eager to witness the breathtaking vistas stretching across the island and the vast Atlantic Ocean. The name "Peñas del Cache" is believed to originate from the Guanche language, the language of Lanzarote's original inhabitants, and is thought to mean simply "the height."

While a military observation post slightly higher than the public viewing area overlooks Peñas del Cache, access to this post is restricted. The readily accessible viewing point is located in the northern part of the island, within the municipality of Haría.

Geologically, Peñas del Cache is a stratovolcano, a formation built up over millennia by layers of hardened lava and tephra (volcanic ash). Scientists estimate its formation occurred during the Miocene period, which spanned approximately 5 to 23 million years ago. Adding to the area's rich history, archaeological evidence of the Majos, the ancient inhabitants of Lanzarote, has been discovered near Peñas del Cache, offering a glimpse into the island's past.

 

These pictures were taken in July 2013 with my Samsung Galaxy tablet. Clicking any picture below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography Zazzle store.

The Atlantic ocean which surrounds Lanzarote can be seen down at
sea level.

Here is a short film set to music from my YouTube channel taken form the view point.

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