The island of Lanzarote is famous for the contrasts offered by its nature and the place we are going to talk about today is an example of this. Surrounded by a volcano almost collapsed by the wind and the sea, on the edge of the Timanfaya National Park, in Lanzarote, is the Charco de los Clicos, also known as the Green Lake, an ancient volcanic crater that now contains a magical green water.
El Charco de los Clicos is located on the west coast of the municipality of Yaiza, in an area known as Los Hervideros. It is a lagoon that connects with the sea water through underground cracks and has been declared a Nature Reserve, so bathing there is totally forbidden, even touching its waters. However, nobody forbids you to visit it, and we can assure you that it is well worth it.
Contrast of colours
Seeing the contrast of the intense green of Charco de los Clicos with the black sand of this volcanic beach and the deep blue of the sea and the sky is a totally unique experience. The best thing to do is to observe this curious landscape from a certain height and then go to the shore for a walk.
Green waters and eroded rocks
It is not yet known what causes this surprising green colour, but it is assumed that it has something to do with the growth of algae in an environment with a particular mixture of minerals, among which are olivines, semi-precious stones typical of Lanzarote, which can be seen on the beach itself. The erosion caused by the sea and the passage of time on the volcanic rocks above the puddle is also very striking. In front of the Charco de los Clicos there is a beautiful black sand beach approximately 300 metres long, although bathing is not recommended in this area.
A magical place, don’t you think?