El Lago Verde / Charco de los Clicos

Welcome to one of Lanzarote's most iconic and photogenic natural wonders: El Lago Verde, also known as the Charco de los Clicos. As you stand at the primary viewpoint overlooking this scene, you are witnessing a dramatic…

Standing here at the northern viewpoint, you get the most comprehensive understanding of the crater's structure. Look to your left and right; you can see the sheer, vertical walls of the volcano, composed of layers of solidified…

As we descend toward the beach, the texture of the ground changes. You are now walking on true black volcanic sand, composed of finely ground basalt and ash. …

We pause now to consider the namesake of this place: the 'Clicos.' As mentioned earlier, these were a type of small, edible bivalve that once flourished in the lagoon. For the people of the nearby village of El Golfo, the Clicos…

As you walk along the black sand, keep your eyes on the ground. You may notice small, translucent green crystals embedded in the darker volcanic rocks or scattered among the pebbles. …

The question everyone asks is: 'Why is it so green?' The answer is a fascinating mix of chemistry and biology. The lagoon is exceptionally high in sulfur, a legacy of the volcanic vents that once active here. …

Finally, we look toward the village of El Golfo, visible just around the northern bend of the coastline. This small fishing village is inextricably linked to the crater. …

As we depart from the Charco de los Clicos, let the image of that emerald-green water against the black sand linger in your mind. This place is more than just a beautiful photo opportunity; it is a profound lesson in the…