Charco de los Clicos | Lanzarote

Information

Landmark: Charco de los Clicos
City: Lanzarote
Country: Canary Islands
Continent: Europe

Charco de los Clicos, Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Europe

The Charco de los Clicos is a distinctive green lagoon situated within a volcanic crater on the southwestern coast of Lanzarote, part of the Canary Islands archipelago.

This natural formation features an emerald-green lagoon contrasting sharply with the surrounding black volcanic sand beach and the reddish-orange hues of the crater walls. The lagoon is semi-circular, partially open to the Atlantic Ocean, though separated by a barrier of black volcanic pebbles and sand. The volcanic cliffs exhibit layers of black, red, and ochre rock, indicative of their geological origin. Vegetation in the immediate vicinity is sparse, typical of a recent volcanic landscape.

Location & Access Logistics

The site is located near the fishing village of El Golfo, approximately 30 kilometers southwest of Arrecife. Access is via the LZ-703 road, which leads directly to a designated parking area. From the parking, a short, marked trail leads to a viewpoint overlooking the lagoon. Public transport options are limited; a rental vehicle is the most practical method of access.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The Charco de los Clicos is a result of a hydromagmatic eruption, where magma interacted with seawater, forming a volcanic crater. The lagoon itself is a hypersaline body of water, formed by seawater filtering through the porous volcanic rock and mixing with subterranean water. Its characteristic green color is attributed to the presence of specific algae, primarily Ruppia maritima, which thrive in its high salinity and unique mineral composition.

Key Highlights & Activities

The primary activity is viewing the lagoon from the designated panoramic viewpoint. Visitors can observe the stark color contrast between the green water, black sand, and red volcanic cliffs. Photography is a popular activity due to the unique visual characteristics. Access to the lagoon itself and the black sand beach immediately surrounding it is restricted for environmental protection and safety.

Infrastructure & Amenities

There are no direct amenities at the viewpoint itself. Restrooms and several restaurants offering local cuisine are available in the nearby village of El Golfo, a short walk or drive away. Shade at the viewpoint is minimal. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available in the area.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit for photography is typically in the late afternoon, when the sun illuminates the green lagoon and the red crater walls, enhancing their colors. The site is accessible year-round, with spring and autumn offering milder temperatures for exploration. Viewing is not significantly impacted by tidal conditions.

Facts & Legends

The lagoon is a protected natural reserve within the Parque Natural de Los Volcanes. The name "Clicos" refers to a type of edible shellfish that once inhabited the lagoon. A local tip is to combine the visit with a meal at one of the seafood restaurants in El Golfo.