Cueva de los cerebros

Cueva de los Cerebros, the Brain Cave, is a shallow volcanic lava tube on Tenerife's west coast, near Playa Abama. The cave is about 70 metres long, with a grotto at the end where you can breathe fresh air. Descriptions differ on access, with one describing a shore entry and another a boat descent to the entrance at around 10 metres. Depth is up to 12 metres (39 feet).

It takes its name from brain-shaped growths in its protected darkness, described as a rare coral or as brain-shaped sponges. The broad opening leads into a tube where the rock floor rises and falls and the main passage splits into smaller branches and chambers. In places fresh and salt water meet and form a shimmering halocline.

Bigeyes, Canarian lobsters, shrimp and brittle stars live around the walls and crevices, and stingrays sometimes rest under ledges near the entrance. The cave is part of a Special Area of Conservation and the interior is fragile.