El Golfo

Far removed from the golden sands and azure waters of Lanzarote’s principal beach resorts, the coastal landscape of El Golfo harbors one of the island’s most unique geological areas. A rare  example  of  an  ancient hydro-volcano,  a  combination  of  volcanic  eruptions  and  sea erosions have imprinted the shore with a half-moon shaped crater lake, Lago Verde (Green Lake), separated from the sea by a stretch of black sand.
Looking down over the beach from the surrounding cliff tops is the best way to view the site, an otherworldly landscape famous for its startling contrasts of colors and shapes. The lime-green  waters of  the  crater lake (the  result  of  the Ruppia Maritima algae that  lives in the waters) appear almost luminous against the black sand beach, itself a peculiar blend of black volcanic sand and green Olivine stones, and the small bay is framed by a rugged chain of eroded volcanic rocks.

Practical Info

The coastal village and crater lake of El Golfo lie along the southwest coast of Lanzarote, close  to  the  Timanfaya  National  Park and can be reached  by  car  or  by  hiking  the 10km coastal walk from Playa de la Madera. Admission to the beach and lagoon is free.