JAMEOS DEL AGUA

The Jameos del Agua is a site belonging to the same underground network as the Cueva de los Verdes. Jameos is usually used to designate the collapse of the roof of a volcanic cave, but here it also refers to a tube in the Monte Corona volcano, formed by lava flows during its eruption between 3,000 and 5,000 years ago. In this site, which is closer to the coast, more open and shallower than the Cueva de los Verdes, seawater seepage has formed a small salt lake in the cave, in which lives a tiny crustacean normally seen only in the sea, at a depth of several thousand metres. It's easy to spot because it's white, almost phosphorescent, and glistens amidst the coins tossed into the submarine-blue water (although it's forbidden to throw coins into the water, otherwise this rare crustacean will disappear).

In the middle of the day, a narrow opening in the center of the vaulted roof allows a few rays of sunlight to penetrate, producing a singularly beautiful effect when in contact with the crystal-clear water. The Jameos del Agua were designed by César Manrique in 1966. The native artist designed a restaurant, a 600-seat concert hall, a bar and a swimming pool, all set against a natural backdrop of rocks and subtropical greenery. The azure-blue pool has been closed to swimming since the 1980s, which is a shame... The House of Volcanoes (Casas de los volcanes), located outside the cave, is an international scientific center dedicated to the study of volcanology. A fascinating visit.

Beware: admission is very expensive, as this is mainly a commercial area set up on an incredible site, and the small museum does not justify such a high price. If you're on a tight budget, go to the Cueva de los Verdes, or eat there on a concert night (free of charge), as you'll enjoy it more and the acoustics are excellent.