Charco Verde in Lanzarote

I couldn’t write about Lanzarote without dedicating an article to the famous Charco Verde in Lanzarote, also called Lago Verde or Charco de los Clicos. You’ve probably already seen videos on social media of the magnificent emerald-green, even fluorescent, lake. I had seen several myself. But I can assure you that seeing it in real life is something else! For context, it’s in the southwest of Lanzarote, just outside the village of El Golfo. It’s a natural spot that is both surprising and impressive. It clearly belongs among Lanzarote’s hidden gems and even its must-sees.

Charco Verde is gorgeous for its color, but also for its setting. It’s nestled inside an ancient volcanic crater and bordered by a black sand beach and turquoise water. Just imagine all those contrasts in a single scene! Since I stayed in El Golfo, I absolutely wanted to discover Charco Verde on my first day on this volcanic island. I can tell you it was an excellent spot to start my stay. Plus, I was able to go early in the morning, before there were too many people and with beautiful light. That made the colors stand out even more.

If Charco Verde is part of your trip too, I’m sharing all the essential info to visit it: how to get there, where to park, the best viewpoint to see it, as well as my experience on site, in more detail. So, ready?

As I was saying, Charco Verde is a unique place you can only see in Lanzarote. It feels like stepping straight into another world (I know I say that a lot when talking about Lanzarote, but I promise I’m not exaggerating!). For a bit of background, this green lake formed inside a collapsed volcanic crater. It’s not just the color of the lake that’s beautiful; it’s the whole setting and the palette of colors. Honestly, it’s a real shock—in the best way—when you arrive!

Between the lagoon’s intense green, the black sand beach, the red and black cliffs, and finally the deep blue ocean, you’re looking at a landscape that’s both spectacular and lunar! For the record, this lake formed following the famous eruptions of the 18th century. I’ve already mentioned them in other articles, because those volcanic eruptions, over six consecutive years, completely transformed and shaped the island of Lanzarote as we know it today. The lake’s striking color is due to the presence of microscopic algae and minerals.

The natural pigments of these algae change depending on the daylight—from deep green to fluorescent green. People say that to see it fluorescent, you should come around noon. But you can imagine how crowded it is at that time. Personally, I was lucky to go early in the morning and enjoy beautiful light to see the lake glowing bright green.

A small note: this natural site is protected, so you can only admire it from a viewpoint above. You can’t walk around it, and even less swim in it. It’s not a big deal—the spectacle is still very much there! And here’s a little anecdote: it’s also called “Charco de los Clicos,” which comes from a shellfish, the “clico,” that used to live in Lanzarote’s waters. Today, it has completely disappeared. But the name stuck.

In a nutshell: you absolutely must stop at Lago Verde. You can easily fit it into a one-day itinerary in southern Lanzarote. Even if the visit is quick, it’s just as memorable.

As I already mentioned, I had my accommodation in the village of El Golfo. It’s a super pleasant village that, even if it’s touristy, keeps all its authenticity. And most tourists are there during the day or at lunchtime while I was out exploring, so it wasn’t really bothersome. In the evening, the village became calm again; you could walk along the seafront, go to fresh fish restaurants, and even return to Charco Verde.

I was literally 7 minutes from the viewpoint and 2 minutes from the dirt path to reach it. I know, very precise—but that gives you a good idea, haha. So I headed to Charco Verde on my very first morning in Lanzarote. Honestly, I did the right thing: there weren’t too many people and the light was perfect. Plus, on the other days, the sun took longer to rise or the weather was grayer and more overcast. Since September is a very windy time for the island, it’s sometimes hard to get full sun and therefore beautiful light for photos, but also to admire the best natural colors.

There’s a fairly large parking lot right next to the start of the dirt path. In the evening and early in the day, there’s almost no one. Then, as the day goes on, it fills up very, very fast. When you take the small path, it’s very easy: no big rocks, hiking shoes aren’t necessary, unlike other must-sees on the island. It takes 5 minutes, and there are ropes on the side where there’s a drop. Even if you’re afraid of heights, it’s totally manageable, because the path is wide enough to pass other people (trust me, I speak from experience). And then comes the best moment: when you reach the end and see that magnificent panorama before your eyes. It was just incredible! Plus, there weren’t many people, so we could stand out front and admire the scene.

A tourist even asked if we wanted photos—we weren’t going to say no (of course, haha). It was nice, and we got some memories. Also, I suggest taking time to admire the other side: the landscapes to the right of the viewpoint. You see a black sand beach with the matching cliffs (red, purple, and black) and the ocean, more or less rough. That’s also very beautiful, and overall the viewpoint offers a 180° view, so you might as well make the most of it.

I know I’m repeating myself, but try to go in the morning or in the early evening: the famous golden hour light also brings out beautiful colors.

And above all, I think that even if you go and the lake is a deeper green and less fluorescent, you’ll still appreciate it. What matters, in the end, is that there aren’t too many people and that you take time to observe the natural beauty of the place. I think we can all agree that a place this beautiful—where you only have time to snap a photo and then have to move aside—makes the experience far less enjoyable than it should be. If you’re staying in the north, it means getting up a bit early. But for one day of your vacation, the effort is worth it. Of course, it’s up to you!

You’re starting to get used to it now—here’s all the practical information you need to know about Charco Verde. Since it’s a must-see, it’s always helpful to know a few tips before you go.

I already mentioned it a bit above. But if you came straight to the practical section, here’s my answer in more detail. Charco Verde is located on the west coast of the volcanic island, in the small village of El Golfo. Roughly speaking, it’s 20 minutes from the resort town of Playa Blanca and 35 minutes from the capital, Arrecife. This protected natural site is part of the Los Volcanes Natural Park, on the border with Timanfaya National Park (with the famous Fire Mountains).

Lago Verde is right at the exit or entrance of the village (depending on the direction you arrive from), with a fairly well-laid-out parking lot, unlike other sites in Lanzarote. Once parked, you can set off on the small dirt path—well marked—for 5 minutes. Then all you have to do is enjoy and take your best photos of the green lake, the ancient crater, and the volcanic beach.

Let me reassure you right away—Charco Verde is very accessible, especially if you’ve rented a car. On my end, I rented one through the comparison site Discover Cars. I’ve used this comparison tool several times and I’m really happy with it. It’s simple and convenient for finding good deals.

If you’re driving, the roads to Charco Verde are paved and well maintained. In some sections, it even looks like they were just redone! Roughly speaking, from Playa Blanca you’ll take the LZ-703 toward the northwest of the island before turning toward El Golfo (a 20–25 minute drive). Everything is well signposted—you can’t miss the village.

From Arrecife or the airport (which is 5–10 minutes from the capital), plan on 35–40 minutes by taking the LZ-2 to the village of Yaiza, then the LZ-704 toward El Golfo. Not only is it an easy road, it’s also very scenic, lined with lava fields. Once you arrive in El Golfo, parking is free and directly on the left.

If you don’t have a car, you still have options for getting to Charco Verde. You can take bus line 60 from Playa Blanca or Arrecife: it stops in Yaiza, right next to El Golfo. From there, you’ll need to take a taxi to Charco Verde, because walking isn’t really feasible. It takes longer, and there’s no pedestrian path along that road. Normally, the fare should be around fifteen euros. If there are several of you, it’s not very expensive.

Another option is simply to take a taxi from Playa Blanca or Arrecife: it comes to about twenty euros, but the ride will be more direct. And again, if there are several of you, you can easily split the fare.

One last option: if you want to discover the entire southwest of Lanzarote along the way, you can go on a tour with a local agency. That way you can just relax and discover several must-sees at the same time as Charco Verde. I think it’s worth it! I’ll talk again below about the spots not to miss around Lago Verde. You’ll see—there are quite a few!

If you’re planning your trip, I recommend reading our article on how to get around Lanzarote! It should help and save you time!

So, even though I suggested the morning around 9 a.m., know that you can see Charco Verde at any time of day. But if you want to make the most of it, I recommend prioritizing the morning or late afternoon.

In my view, the morning is still the best time to see Charco Verde, because there are fewer people and the light is beautiful while staying soft. That’s what best highlights the different contrasts of this protected site in Los Volcanes Park. Plus, usually the winds are still calm at that time. It’s therefore more pleasant—and more practical for photos if you want to strike a pose, haha.

A second good option is late afternoon, between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. By then, most tourists have already left. You’ll have the spot almost to yourself. And the light is golden and beautiful. If you love photography, it’s a real spectacle to capture at that time.

Even if some people recommend going at noon, it’s crowded and the light can be a bit strong and harsh—both for photos and for your eyes. Plus, it’s hot and windy on this part of the island, especially from July to September.

One last photo tip: if it’s gray or cloudy, the lake’s color leans toward khaki, whereas with full sun the green is very fluorescent. So, depending on your preferences, I recommend checking the weather before you come. And if, like me, you’re staying nearby, you can go several times to capture different shades.

Still in the spirit of sharing our tips on the island of volcanoes, I invite you to read our guide to the best times to visit Lanzarote.

As promised above, I’m going to share what to see around Charco Verde in Lanzarote. The advantage of Charco Verde is that it’s at the heart of the island’s west coast. It’s a magnificent area—both rich and preserved. Since I was staying there, I was able to make the most of it. Here are the must-see spots in the southwest of the island:

• Los Hervideros: this is simply the spot closest to Charco Verde. It’s about a 6-minute drive away. You’ll arrive amid black volcanic cliffs caused by the eruptions. It’s where the waves crash forcefully against the rocky walls. The place is even more impressive when the ocean is rough. You’ll have lava fields on one side and the water on the other.
• Salinas de Janubio (Janubio Salt Pans): a few minutes’ drive farther, you’ll come across the Janubio salt pans. From the viewpoint, the salt pans form a mosaic of pink, white, beige, and ocher gradients, depending on the daylight.
• El Golfo, the village: while visiting Charco Verde, take the opportunity to enjoy a quiet break. You can stroll through this fishing village and eat on a terrace facing the sea. There are fresh fish restaurants, but I particularly recommend El Pescador—it’s truly a gem. I ate there twice and it was a delight!

• Timanfaya National Park: if you want a fully volcanic day, the park is only a 15-minute drive away. It’s the natural site not to miss to take the Ruta de los Volcanes and watch the geothermal demonstrations.

I warned you—there are some great surprises to discover in the southwest of Lanzarote. If I had to suggest an itinerary, it would be this: Salinas de Janubio → Los Hervideros → Charco Verde → lunch in El Golfo → Timanfaya National Park.

It makes for a full day, but it flows well and you can do it at your own pace, no problem. And it’s a good combo of nature, ocean, volcanic landscapes, and local cuisine.

On site, visiting Charco Verde is quick, since the parking lot is next to the path that leads to the viewpoint. It’s about a 5-minute walk from the parking lot—very short. After that, it really depends on you. If you want to take time to admire the landscape and take a few photos (or a lot, haha), I’d say the visit totals around twenty minutes if it’s not too crowded. But if you want to spend more time at the viewpoint, that’s absolutely possible. And I understand wanting to capture this natural spectacle from every angle. One cloud passing by with the wind is enough to slightly change the colors and reflections.

In any case, even if you’re spending little time in Lanzarote, discovering Charco Verde is quick. So—no excuse!

I can understand the temptation, given the color of the water and the volcanic scenery around, but swimming is prohibited. Charco Verde is part of a protected area—the Los Volcanes Natural Park.

Indeed, Charco Verde’s ecosystem is very fragile and truly needs to be respected and preserved. The famous algae that give it that green color are sensitive to pollution, non-natural products (even sunscreen—that’s saying something!), and temperature variations. For all these reasons, swimming in the lake is forbidden. It makes sense: it’s important to protect this natural setting.

Also, access to the black beach just below the lake is prohibited. There are barriers on site to block access. So if you really want to swim, there’s Montaña Bermeja beach, a 5-minute drive away. However, be careful, because this beach is exposed to currents and strong waves. For calmer swimming, head instead to the Los Ajaches Natural Park, with the famous Playa Papagayo, as well as Playa del Pozo and Playa Mujeres.

By the way, if you want to know everything about the best beaches in Lanzarote, we’ve written a guide on the subject.

I think you can guess: if you want to be as close as possible to Charco Verde, I recommend staying in the village of El Golfo. It’s a seaside village that’s calm and authentic, but also welcoming. I had a real crush on this village. I know that if I return to Lanzarote, I’ll stay there. I felt good there—it was ideal for me. Here are a few addresses that might interest you, depending on your budget:

High budget Viviendas El Pescador – Ancla: a true haven of peace for two in El Golfo, a bright and modern apartment with a private terrace that opens onto the sea and the mountains. In my opinion, it’s a great address to keep in mind!

Mid-range budget El Hotelito Del Golfo: in the heart of the village of El Golfo, this hotel offers beautiful panoramas of the ocean and even the volcanoes of Timanfaya National Park. Waking up in this property and looking out the window is a true feast for the eyes. Plus, it’s a lovely place to recharge and fully disconnect!

Affordable budget Sabbia Suite Casa Jalofa: a small one-bedroom apartment by the sea, in the heart of El Golfo. You can enjoy a large terrace, an equipped kitchen, and a comfortable living room. Pretty great, right?

For more accommodation options and to be close to El Golfo and its Charco Verde, I recommend looking at the village of Yaiza. If you prefer a more exclusive and luxurious setting, I recommend Puerto Calero, which is a little further away but a very good place to stay. To stay in the south of the island, there’s nothing better than the town of Playa Blanca!

You now know everything about Charco Verde in Lanzarote. As another spot not to miss, I recommend going to Las Grietas. I imagine you’ve already heard about it since, like Lago Verde, there are plenty of videos on social media. It’s also a must-see that left a mark on me. These are volcanic fissures you can enter. It’s super immersive and you can take very beautiful photos there. To stay in the south, we’ve written a whole guide on things to do in Playa Blanca.

Still on the theme of wild, volcanic landscapes, I recommend dedicating a day to visiting the island of La Graciosa. In my eyes, it’s one of the best days I spent in the Canaries.

See you very soon for more discoveries!

Written by Laura CALLES

Thanks to Mélanie and Sylvain, I had the chance to discover the Canary Islands, specifically Tenerife and Lanzarote, so that I could share these island paradises with you. Two real favorites of mine!

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