El Golfo & Charco de los Clicos (Green Lagoon)

A dramatic volcanic crater half-eroded by the Atlantic Ocean, forming a natural amphitheatre around a striking bright-green lagoon — the Charco de los Clicos, also known as Lago Verde (Green Lake). The intense green colour comes from the high concentration of Ruppia maritima algae and sulphur-rich minerals in the water, separated from the ocean by a black sand and pebble beach. The crater walls behind the lagoon display vivid bands of red, orange, ochre, and black — a geology textbook exposed by erosion. The beach at El Golfo itself is a volcanic black sand and pebble beach with powerful Atlantic waves (swimming is dangerous here — strong currents). The village of El Golfo is famous for excellent seafood restaurants specialising in fresh fish and seafood, including grilled parrot fish, limpets (lapas), and caldo de pescado. The sunset over the Atlantic here, with the green lagoon and volcanic cliffs, is one of Lanzarote's iconic views.