The highest volcano in the north, Monte Corona, created a huge lava tube 21,000 years ago, when the lava from the volcano was flowing towards the sea. This tube is about 7 km long and the biggest we had seen on all the islands.
In about 20 spots, the roof of the tunnel had collapsed, forming a cavern known locally as a jameo. One of them forms the entrance to the cave of the Green family – los Verdes, hence the name of the cave.
We took a guided tour through the cave, which was in parts very narrow a low, before it opened up again. There were 2 tunnels above each other, in parts open, in parts separated by rocks. There is a concert hall integrated in the cave with great acoustics, we were told.
We finally reached the exit again and decided to explore another jameo further up the hill, which is called Jameo de la Paloma. We decided to hike there, as we didn’t expect much space to park the camper there.
Do you see the man in the picture? It gives a good impression how big this lava tube is. Another jameo from the same lava tube was transformed by Manrique into the Jameos del Agua. It is closer to the sea, but not the end of the tube, as it continues underwater, known as the Tunnel of Atlantis, the world’s longest known volcanic submarine lava tube.
We first reached the restaurant built into the rocks, before we descended to the subterranean salt lake. It is home to a unique and endemic species of squat lobster, a yellow-white and blind crustacean that is hardly one centimetre in length. But the white lobsters are clearly visible on the black stones of the lake.
After the cave came a café built on different levels before we reached the big opening, where a turquoise pool and plants were creating a spectacular scene, perfect for a Bond movie we thought. At the other end, a big auditorium was built into the cave, definitely a great place for concerts and other events.
As it was still sunny, we decided to find a beach with maybe some protection from the wind, which we found in direction to Òrzalo.
We spent the night behind the beach, quite protected from the wind. Let’s hope the weather stays like this. More soon!