On the island of Lanzarote, jewel of the Canary archipelago, there is a place of singular beauty that has captivated travellers and locals alike: the Charco de los Clicos, also known as Charco Verde. This lagoon, which lies in an old volcanic crater located in the municipality of Yaiza, represents a visual spectacle that will allow you to connect deeply with nature.
Location and origin of the name
The Charco de los Clicos is located near the village of El Golfo, on the west coast of Lanzarote. Its name comes from the term “clico”, which was the name given by the locals to a very tasty mollusc. The term “green” comes, as you can imagine, from the colour of the water.
The colour green and its mysterious origin
The most outstanding feature of the Charco de los Clicos is its intense and mysterious green colour. This tone is the result of the presence of microorganisms, specifically algae, that flourish in the salty and volcanic waters of the lagoon. Among these algae, the microalgae known as Ruppia Maritima, whose presence contributes greatly to the greenish hue of the water, stands out.
Dreamlike landscape
Being there will allow you to live an unforgettable experience, because of the contrasts of the Charco Verde, with the black sand of the beach, the deep blue of the sea and the reddish colour of the cliff. To enjoy this experience to the fullest you have 2 options: visit the viewpoint of El Golfo to have an “aerial” view of the landscape or go down the path to appreciate this wonder of nature from up close, definitely the perfect place for you to capture some dream photographs!
Relationship with the Volcanoes Nature Reserve
El Charco de los Clicos is part of the Volcanoes Nature Reserve, an extensive protected area that encompasses volcanic landscapes that are unique in the world. It is also within the scope of the Timanfaya National Park, another volcanic wonder that you must visit during your trip to Lanzarote.
Another positive aspect is that the Volcanoes Nature Reserve is home to a varied fauna and flora adapted to the extreme conditions of the volcanic environment. These birds, including the yellow-legged gull and the shag, find the Charco de los Clicos an ideal place to feed and rest, so you’ll be able to observe them in their natural habitat.
To bear in mind
In order to preserve this wonder of nature, it is completely forbidden to bathe in Charco Verde. Due to its beauty and fragility, the puddle is protected by the environmental laws of the Canary Islands. Measures have been put in place to preserve this unique ecosystem and ensure its survival for future generations. At Banana Palm Bay we encourage you not to leave any waste behind during your stay and thus contribute to the conservation of this paradise.
The Charco de los Clicos is much more than just a green lagoon; it is a natural treasure that holds the magic and beauty of the island of Lanzarote. Its volcanic origin, hypnotic green colour and surrounding landscape make it an essential destination if you are a nature and photography lover. To visit this place is to enter a world of contrasts and sensations that will linger in your memory long after you leave its shores.