Wonders of nature on Lanzarote's coastline

Lanzarote is well-known for its collection of natural treasures and rocky marvels, carved out over millions of years and now popular day trips for holidaymakers the year round. If you make the 45-minute drive from Santa Rosa to the South West Coast of the island, you’ll find two of the most spectacular.

El Golfo

The Green Lagoon, El Golfo, actually goes by several names. Also known as Charco de los Clicos or Lago Verde (“the Green Lake”), it’s a real must-see for holidaymakers.

An eruption of the nearby volcano in 1730 caused the crater to flood and formed the famous lagoon. It’s still connected to the ocean via an underground waterway, but the real spectacle comes from the vivid green of the water, caused by the algae which grows there. Although the shade of green does change with the light, the contrast with the black volcanic rock surrounding it is always striking. And with the bright blue of the ocean just a short distance away, you’ll want to make sure you bring your camera!

Sitting behind El Golfo is a backdrop of striking weathered cliff faces, where strange formations are gouged into the rock, crafted from years of erosion from the sea. This weathered, dramatic scenery has made the area a favourite with filmmakers throughout the years – who can forget Raquel Welch draped in animal skins in ‘One Million Years B.C.’?

El Golfo has now been named as a nature reserve, meaning people are no longer allowed to swim in the waters, which are fenced off. However, the real delight of visiting the Green Lake is drinking in the spectacular scenery. Park up in the car park and follow the dirt pathway, which leads up to a viewpoint where you can really appreciate this natural wonder. Due to the lake’s location on the west of Lanzarote, it’s also a fantastic place to watch the sunset. Evening is also a much quieter time to visit, after the buses of daytrippers have gone home.

The name El Golfo actually refers to the nearby fishing village, which is a great place to stop for lunch or dinner after visiting the lake. The seafood here is supposed to be some of the freshest in Lanzarote! However, it’s certainly not a tourist trap, so you'll enjoy a very different kind of experience compared with some of the other resorts throughout the island. The coastal restaurants do allow for some fantastic views over the ocean, with the waves crashing against the shore while the sun sets over the water.

Los Hervideros

If you want to add an extra stop into your trip, the breathtaking Los Hervideros is less than a 10-minute drive from El Golfo. Literally translating to ‘Boiling Waters’, it’s a true tribute to the power and wonder of nature. 

Los Hervideros was created from several caves carved into lava, creating an intricate maze where the water comes crashing in to flood the space. The result is a scary yet impressive landscape that’s sure to amaze. You can walk around and admire the view from various points, but one of the best is the small balcony made from the lava rocks, which can be reached by a narrow, marked path. Here you can really see the waves up close. It won’t take more than half an hour to visit the site, so it’s worth waiting for the crowds to disperse and get the show all to yourself!

The best time to visit Los Hervideros is during high tide, or when there are particularly big waves out on the ocean. If you’re feeling particularly brave, you could even come and visit this spectacle of nature during a windy storm, where the water is particularly rough. However, it’s also lovely spot to visit on a sunny day, when the water is bubbling and you can really appreciate the dramatic formations and rich colour of the volcanic rocks.

However, one thing to keep in mind is that Los Hervideros is not a day trip for those who are unsteady on their feet. There are no railings to keep people from getting right to the edge of the gap, so pay attention to where you step and keep a close eye on any younger visitors.

Once all that sea air has tired you out, jump back in the car and head back to our charming Santa Rosa property. With 77 one and two-bed apartments in a beautiful location, easy access to the wonderful beaches of the Costa Teguise, as well as plenty of other facilities, it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy Lanzarote’s beautiful weather!

If you’re interested in staying at Santa Rosa, as well as our many other properties throughout Europe and the UK, make sure to find out more or request a brochure.