Built in 1968, Manrique’s creative vision centers around a series of collapsed lava tubes, or Jameos, where pressure build-up had caused the roofs to fall in, making an atmospheric location for an open-top swimming pool. Additional highlights include a series of underground galleries devoted to the island’s volcanic history, a concert hall that makes use of the natural cave acoustics, and an underground lake, famous for its endemic population of blind Albino Crab (a species found only on Lanzarote).
Many full-day tours of the island (particularly its northern portion) include entrance into the caves. Admission grants visitors access to the entire complex, though food and drinks from the restaurant or club are not typically included.
Jameos del Agua is located on the northeastern coast of Lanzarote. The best way to get there is by hiring a car and driving yourself or joining a guided tour of the island that includes a stop at the caves.
The caves are typically open daily during normal business hours, while the restaurant and nightclub are only open on select nights (and often remain open quite late). Come in the daytime if you plan to swim, or after dark to enjoy one of the island’s most unique nightclub settings.
César Manrique was born on Lanzarote and ranks among the most famous artists from the Canary Islands. After living and studying abroad for many years, he returned to the island in the mid-1960s, and his works remain all around the island. To see more of his work, plan to visit the Cactus Garden, housed in an abandoned quarry; the Mirador del Rio observation point; Al Campesino; and the César Manrique Foundation, housed in the artist’s former home.