El Golfo Caldera
A collapsed volcanic crater on Lanzarote cradling a vivid emerald lagoon, framed by black basalt and red lava — one of the Canary Islands' most striking geological spectacles.
About this spectacle
El Golfo Caldera is a dramatic collapsed volcanic crater on the northwestern tip of Lanzarote, part of Spain's Canary Islands. The crater's rim plunges steeply into a vivid green lagoon — the Lago de los Clicos — whose color comes from a rare algae thriving in the mineral-rich waters. Visitors stand on the black basaltic crater edge and look down at this jewel-like emerald pool, hemmed in from the Atlantic by a narrow band of dark volcanic sand and striking red and black lava deposits. The interplay of colors — deep green water, rust-red iron-oxidized rock, jet-black basalt, and turquoise sea beyond — creates a landscape of exceptional visual intensity. The Atlantic crashes loudly against the outer wall while the lagoon within sits eerily still. Wind is typically strong on the exposed rim. No swimming is permitted in the lagoon, but the short walk to the viewpoint is rewarding for photographers and geology enthusiasts alike.
When to go
Jan — Dec
Getting there
Nearest airport: ACE. Nearest city: Arrecife.
Booking options
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