Charco de los Clicos
Charco de los Clicos, also known as the Green Lagoon, is one of Lanzarote’s most striking natural landmarks. Located on the west coast of the island near the village of El Golfo, this vivid green lagoon sits within the remains of an ancient volcanic crater, creating a dramatic contrast between black sand, colourful volcanic cliffs, and the deep blue Atlantic Ocean.
The lagoon was formed when part of a volcanic crater collapsed and became partly flooded by seawater. Today, Charco de los Clicos is separated from the ocean by a narrow strip of black volcanic beach, although water still reaches it through underground fissures. Its unusual green colour comes from algae and minerals in the water, giving the site its distinctive appearance.
The surrounding landscape is just as impressive as the lagoon itself. Red, yellow, grey, and black volcanic rocks rise around the crater, showing the different mineral layers left behind by volcanic activity. These colours, combined with the green water and Atlantic coastline, make Charco de los Clicos one of the most photographed places in Lanzarote.
The best views are from the Mirador de El Golfo viewpoint, which overlooks the lagoon, beach, crater walls, and ocean beyond. From here, visitors can appreciate the full shape of the volcanic formation and the way the lagoon sits within the wider coastal landscape. The viewpoint is easy to access and is the safest and most practical place to enjoy the scenery.
Visitors can also walk towards the nearby black sand beach, although the lagoon itself is protected and swimming is not allowed. The area is environmentally sensitive, so it is important to stay on marked paths, avoid disturbing the landscape, and leave no litter. The fragile setting is part of what makes the site so special.
Charco de los Clicos is especially popular with photographers. The colours change depending on the light, and late afternoon can be a particularly atmospheric time to visit. The contrast between the black beach, green lagoon, volcanic cliffs, and Atlantic waves creates a scene that feels unmistakably Lanzarote.
The name “Charco de los Clicos” is linked to a type of shellfish once found in the area. Although the lagoon’s wildlife and conditions have changed over time, the name remains part of the site’s local identity. Its protected status reflects both its ecological value and its importance as a rare volcanic coastal feature.
The location has also attracted attention beyond tourism. Its dramatic scenery has been used as a film setting, adding to its reputation as one of the island’s most visually distinctive places. Even so, the main appeal remains the natural drama of the landscape itself.
Charco de los Clicos is easy to combine with other attractions in southwest Lanzarote. The village of El Golfo is close by and is a good place to stop for seafood or a coastal walk. Los Hervideros, Salinas de Janubio, Playa de Janubio, La Geria, and Timanfaya National Park are also within reach, making the lagoon a strong stop on a scenic day route.
A visit to Charco de los Clicos is ideal for travellers interested in geology, photography, coastal scenery, and Lanzarote’s volcanic landscape. It is not a place for swimming or a long beach day, but it is one of the island’s most memorable viewpoints and a powerful reminder of how volcanic activity has shaped Lanzarote’s coastline.