Cueva de los Verdes, the six-kilometre hiding place from pirates

The same lava flow that formed the Jameos carved a tunnel some six kilometres long, from the Corona volcano to the sea. The stretch open to visitors is called Cueva de los Verdes — the name comes not from any colour but from the Verdes, a family who kept pasture in the area.

Through the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries the island's coasts were raided by Barbary corsairs. People in the north had no fortress to shelter in and used the cave instead: they went in with their livestock and supplies and waited for the ships to leave. Inside you can still make out where they camped.

The trick nobody spoils

The guided route takes just under an hour and passes through chambers stacked on several levels, lit by a scheme designed by Jesús Soto. Near the end there is an optical effect no guide gives away in advance, and it is best not to have it explained beforehand.

It lies in Haría, a few hundred metres before Jameos del Agua coming from Arrecife. Wear closed shoes: the floor is uneven rock and in places you walk stooped.

Sources: Centros de Arte, Cultura y Turismo del Cabildo de Lanzarote.