Discover Lanzarote
Lanzarote belongs to the archipelago known as the Canary Islands, situated 78 miles off the coast of Africa it is one of the smaller islands and has managed to maintain a traditional harmony, developing a sustainability with its surroundings thanks to the tireless work of the famous César Manrique. A place where tourism, nature and art combine.
Regardless of whether you want sun soaked relaxation, adventure and water sports or history and heritage, Lanzarote has it all. The island's volcanic landscape is evident across the island, particularly in Timanfaya National Park, one of the many must visits Lanzarote has to offer. Despite being a volcanic island Lanzarote has a variety of beaches from golden sands in the north and the famous Papageyo beaches in the south to the darker volcanic sand of Puerto del Carmen, where you will find all manner of water sports including scuba diving, and surfing with many surf schools which are mainly situated in Famara on the west coast. If its wind surfing you prefer then head to Costa Teguise. If its art and heritage you prefer then I would recommend Art lovers can explore the works of César Manrique, whose influence is evident throughout the island, including at Jameos del Agua and the César Manrique Foundation.
For a taste of local culture, visit the island’s charming villages and markets, or tour the La Geria wine region, where vines grow in volcanic soil. The Cueva de los Verdes offers a stunning underground journey through ancient lava tunnels. Whether you want sun soaked relaxation, hiking, surfing, water sports and adventure, natural beauty, culture and heritage Lanzarote provides an unforgettable travel experience with something for everyone.
Timanfaya National Park
One of your must visits on Lanzarote. Located on the south west coast covering some 20 square miles, it gained national Park status a year after the last eruption in 1824 and is one of the most important National parks in Spain to this day. It was however, the eruption of 1730 which lasted for 6 years which formed the Mars-like landscapes of dormant volcanoes dotted in a sea of lava.
Timanfaya is easily accessible by car from Villa Feliza by taking the LZ2 towards Playa Blanca and following the signs for Parque Nacional de Timanafaya, start your day at the Visitors Centre just outside here you can learn the geological and morphological history of the volcanoes, venture down the man-made walkways into the National Park for some amazing photographs and best of all try out the eruption simulator where you experience what it was like for the people of Lanzarote during the eruptions. From the Visitors Centre head to the National park itself which is marked by El Diablo a statue of Devil holding a pitchfork created by César Manrique. Entrance to the national Park is 12 euros for adults and 6 euros for Children. On entering the national park you will see the camels to your left which you can stop and take a 20 minute ride up the side a volcano at an extra cost, then its onto the car park and El Diablo Reataurant a 360 degree structure again designed by César Manrique, here you can buy refreshments or dine in the restaurant, sampling food cooked over the heat from the volcano. There is a bus trip included in the admission price which will take you on a narrated tour of the Lunar Route lasting about 30 minutes on your return you will be invited to see some geothermal demonstrations of continued volcanic activity.
Prices
Adult 12.00€
Children (7-12) 6.00€
Canary Island Residents Adults 9.60€
Canary Island Residents €4.80
Lanzarote Residents €2
Open 09.00 hrs - 15.45 hrs
See the sights from The Mirador del Rio
Mirador del Río (Río Viewpoint) is one of the most unique architectural creations by César Manrique. It is located high up on the Risco de Famara escarpment, at an altitude of 474 metres, in the northernmost part of the island. From here you can gaze out at one of Lanzarote’s most spectacular panoramic views: the Parque Natural del Archipiélago Chinijo (Chinijo Archipelago National Park) and the Risco de Famara escarpment.
Adult 8.00€
Child 7 to 12 4.00€
Child 0 to 6 0.00€
Canario resident adult 5.00€
Canario resident child 7 to 12 2.50€Open 10.00hrs - 16.40hrs
Visit Jameos Del Agua
The Jameos del Agua was the first site to be created by César Manrique as a cultural centre in Lanzarote which opened back in 1966 and is part of the volcanic tunnel formed with the eruption of the Volcán de la Corona. The Túnel de la Atlántida stretches from la Corona to the sea a distance of 6 km in length and one of the longest tunnels of its kind in the world. Its name “Jameo” refers to the sections where the roof of the tunnel has collapsed leaving an opening in the ground, there are three such openings at the Jameos del Agua they are Jameo Chico, Jameo Grande and Jameo Redondo.
The Jameos del Agua is part of the Monumento Natural del Malpaís de la Corona which protects the site which is also listed as one of scientific interest, only recently a new species was discovered living in the tunnel that was named after César Manrique.
From the entrance you descend into the Jameo Chico by a spiral staircase that allow you glimpses down into the café bar area which is built into the walls with vibrant orange sails, bright green plants a contrast against the dark volcanic rock, there is a dance floor and a balcony at the back where you see the lava tunnel disappear towards the sea.
Heading deeper into the ground we arrive at the natural lake, the water is clear and tidal the tiny blind albino crabs (Munidopsis polymorpha) are visible dotted against the black lava rock bottom. These crabs are are at most 1cm in size and very rare, unique to Lanzarote.
The Jameo Grande has a kidney shaped swimming pool that is a vibrant blue against the white painted sides with a lone 100 year old Canarian palm tree stretching out over the water, this is a backdrop for many visitors photos.
The auditorium is situated at the far end of the swimming pool, there are rows of white long bench style seats leading down to the stage area with dramatic under lighting and mirrors.
Manrique was incredible with his use of textures, he would take the natural elements such as wood and pebbles, set them into concrete and create a wonderful blend of art and nature.
Casa de los Volcanes is situated at the Jameos del Agua and contains lots of facts and information about vulcanology, the exhibition is spread though a number of rooms, containing images above and below ground of the Túnel de la Atlántida. There are some interesting interactive features, of the volcano bubbles as you walk past, the various mirrors are good fun, there was video's and a map that highlights the active volcanoes around the world.
There is a display of all the different colours of sand on the beaches in Lanzarote and the final room has a film of a volcano erupting with different images of a lava flows.
Prices
Adult Jameos + Casa de los Volcanes 20.00€
Child 7-12 Jameos + Casa de los Volcanes 10.00€
Adult 15.00€
Child 7 to 12 7.50€
Child 0 to 6 0.00€
Canary island residents Adult Jameos + Casa de los Volcanes 11.00€
Canary island residents Child Jameos + Casa de los Volcanes 5.50€
Canary Island resident adult 8.00€
Canary Island resident child 7 to 12 4.00€
Wander through the Cuevos De Los verde
If you’re looking for one of the top attractions in Lanzarote, then Cueva de los Verdes is up there with the best.
This is a mesmerising lava tube that really showcases what the volcanic landscape of Lanzarote is all about.
On arrival at the car park, all you could see is the black rocky landscape for mile after mile. Off in the far distance was a volcano, and it is possible to just make out the glittering coastline. If it wasn’t the big ‘Cueva de los Verdes’ sign, this could’ve been anywhere on the island. At the entrance you will see people start to disappear as they venture underground. From the surface, it’s hard to believe that there’s a giant network of underground caves just below your feet, but that’s makes Cueva de los Verdes so special. It’s hidden, out of sight, and silent. But when you stand deep in the bowels of these caves, you realise there’s an ethereal beauty to them. It feels like you’re on a journey to the centre of the earth.
Tickets to Cueva de los Verdes can only be purchased online.
Due to the sensitivity of the environment and limited parking, only customers with tickets in advance will be allowed access.
No tickets are sold at the ticket office! Plan your visit and secure your spot in advance for this journey into the earth.
https://www.guidetocanaryislands.com/cueva-de-los-verdes-lanzarote/
Prices
Adults 9.00€
Children 7-12 yrs 4.50€
Canary island Residents Adults 7-20€
Canary Island Residents Children 7-12 yrs 3.60€
Open 10.00hrs - 18.00hrs
César Manrique Foudation
The upper storey draws its inspiration from Lanzarote’s traditional architecture, enhanced with modern functional elements such as wide windows, large rooms and overhead lighting.
The lower storey is built around five natural volcanic bubbles interconnected by tunnels excavated in the lava. They constitute a surprisingly habitable setting and an exemplary intervention in a natural space. The swimming pool, the small ballroom, the oven, the barbeque… are also open to visitors, all surrounded by abundant plant life and the island’s ubiquitous basalt. The room located just before the exit is the painter’s former studio, today converted into an exhibition hall for paintings.
The landscaping around the house plays on the fascinating contrast between the inorganic black lava, volcanic ash and “socos” (low wind screens) on the one hand and fruit trees and other plants on the other.
Visitors to this house built in a sea of lava are guaranteed a unique experience.
OPENING HOURS:
Every day (including holidays) from 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM
The ticket counter closes at 5:30 PM.
Evacuation begins at 5:50 PM
The Museum and Home is closed on 1 January
TICKETS:
Standard price: €10 Joint ticket House Museum (Haría) + César Manrique Foundation (Tahíche): €17 / Children 7-12: €3 Joint ticket House Museum (Haría) + César Manrique Foundation (Tahíche): €4
Palm grove House. César Manrique House Museum. Haría
In early 1986, he began to build his new home, re-using and adapting a run-down farmhouse sited on farmland he had purchased in the nineteen seventies. Manrique revisited the language of traditional architecture with a modern vision governed by aesthetics and comfort. He lived here until his death in 1992. In 2013 the house was opened to the public as a home and museum. Visitors are afforded a view of the rooms and the studio where the painter worked and lived during the last few years of his life.
Two courtyards introduce the visitor to a surprising world of personal belongings, utensils, objects found by chance and handcrafted accessories that Manrique turned to an aesthetic purpose. This is a space characterised by noble materials and good taste. The exuberant indoor and outdoor plant life creates serene and inviting atmospheres. The studio is in a separate building where the artist painted daily, surrounded by oils, tables laden with drawings, easels and unfinished paintings. It has been conserved just as he left it when he died.
Visitors embark on a unique experience in the calm of a natural environment, a truly singular world that portrays Lanzarote’s great artist at his most personal.
Meander through the Jardin del Cactus
Located in Guatiza, municipality of Teguise, El Jardín de Cactus is the last great work of César Manrique in Lanzarote, a fascinating creation that houses about 4,500 specimens of cactus of about 500 species from five continents.
The artist chose an old deposit used as a landfill in an agricultural area of extensive cactus plantations dedicated to the cultivation of cochineal, thus representing the rehabilitation of a place of great landscape value on the island in a state of neglect.
After 20 years of creation, the work gives life to an architecture full of decorative and sculptural elements that integrate with the environment, further enhancing its natural beauty. The presence of volcanic stone and basaltic monoliths turned into sculptures, resulting from the time when earth was extracted, stands out; but it is the vivacity and exoticism of the cactus that enraptures the visitor in an authentic poetic scenario of shapes, textures and colors.
This set, internationally awarded and considered one of the most important cactus gardens in the world, summarizes the rich mixture of languages that Manrique practiced, and that he himself called total art: a combination of architecture, spatial intervention, sculpture, interior design or gardening that allow us to know him in his pure state.
Jardín de Cactus Ticket
Adult 8.00€Child 7 to 12 4.00 €
Child 0 to 6 0.00 €
Canario resident adult 5.00 €
Canario resident child 7 to 12 2.50€
Open 10.00hrs - 16.30hrs
Places worth a visit!
Monumento del Campensino
The Casa-Museo del Campesino offers a journey through traditional architecture, agriculture, crafts, set in a beautiful courtyard. The restaurant gives you the opportunity to sample some of Lanzarote's gastronomy,. Last but not least is the Monumento a la Fecundidad (Monument to Fertility) itself, an avant-garde work where Manrique paid his personal homage.
EL Golfo
The 150-metre-long lagoon is wedged between a black sand beach and the black, red and yellow cliffs of a volcano with half of the crater engulfed in the ocean. The site is superb as much by the nature of the elements as by their colors, especially a little before sunset.
This lagoon is accessible by a small path that rises from a car park at the entrance to El Golfo or by a path along the ocean from another car park located further south of the village. Swimming in the lagoon is not allowed.
Los Hervideros
The name Los Hervideros translates to the “boiling pots” and a visit here is worth timing with a high tide or full moon to experience the full power of the waves crashing into the rocky cliffs, you are left feeling dwarfed by the immense power of nature. In fact, the roughest ocean days are a fabulous time to visit Los Hervideros.
There are winding footpaths throughout the cliff top here with lots of peep holes down to the sea below. There is a stairway leading to balconies which have been built into the rock face which make great viewing platforms, offering a striking view of the raging elements, and the opportunity for photographs.
Keep and eye out in the area for Olivine, which is a naturally occurring gemstone, which you can find in the area.
The site consists of a lava flow dating from the thirteenth century eruptions reaching the ocean.
Salinas de Janubia
The main use of salt production was in the fish industry for preservation. With the invention of the refrigerator, the production decreased considerably. A small part of the production is still sold as high quality table salt.
Laid out in a geometric pattern, with each of the saltpans showing a different colour depending on the amount of water in it, the Salinas could be mistaken as an intentionally created, enormous piece of art.
This is a leading attraction for visitors who like to take photographs of the impressive landscape.
Off the beaten track
Las Grietas
Las Grietas is one of the lesser known sites and just 5 minutes away from Villa Feliza. Las Grietas (The Cracks) of Lanzarote are a huge rock formation 600 meters high formed on the slope of the Montaña Blanca volcano. This crack extends for about twenty meters through a narrow corridor of solidified lava to its final wall. Then you will have to turn around to get out!
These small canyons have been drilled in Montaña Blanca by the action of water over the years. There are three cracks in total separated by only a few meters between them.
The most interesting is the main one but you can walk through all of them through a very narrow natural corridor with irregular walls.
The Cracks of Lanzarote are an impressive sample of the volcanic origin of the island. Volcanic cracks are geological formations that are produced by the cooling of lava from an eruption in contrast to that of the rock that supports it.
Las Grietas of Lanzarote are one of those unknown landscapes for mass tourism.
Situated on the LZ-35 the road running between San Bartolomé and Tias, there are places to park and a tunnel under the road, follow the trail that goes up the mountain its only a few meters, and the trail ends right where Las Grietas begin. It will be like entering a tongue of lava, but already cold.
You can also climb up the side to the top of the lava tongue and see the cracks from above, behind the White Mountain (but watch out here because the sand can be slippery if you don’t wear the right shoes). From there you will also have incredible views of the island between Puerto del Carmen and Arrecife. Quite a spectacle!
Emita de las Nieves
The Mirador de la Ermita de las Nieves is a natural lookout point where you can take in the island’s volcanic landscape and enjoy some incredible sunsets.
It is a pilgrimage site where it is said that the “Virgen de las Nieves” – the island’s patron saint, appeared before a priest in 1427.
In her honour, a chapel was built on the highest point of Lanzarote, at 650 metres above sea level.
Pirates burnt it down, but it was rebuilt in 1724 so that the local farmers could pilgrimage here to ask for rain for their crops.
Today people still take part in pilgrimages to pay honour to the patron saint, and the chapel was completely renovated in 1966.
What has never changed at the lookout point are the magnificent views over the Chinijo Archipelago and Playa de Famara, on Lanzarote’s east coast.
Castillo de Santa Barbara
The fortress of Santa Bárbara, lying on the volcano of Guanapay, is the result of several constructions which date back to the middle of the 15th century, when Agustín de Herrera y Rojas decided to build an impregnable refuge against the pirate attacks which Lanzarote was continuously suffering.
This castle was not only used as a watchtower to sight the pirates coming from the sea, but its facilities were also used as a refuge for the local population, as dungeons for prisoners and even as a military pigeon loft.
Lanzarote was one of the most threatened islands by international pirates. Thus, the Museum deals with two historical perspectives: the study of piracy in Teguise and the study of international piracy in the Canary Islands.
The history of Teguise as the old capital of the island and features a model of the old town, showing the political, military and religious power of Villa de Teguise. As most of the population of Lanzarote lived in Villa de Teguise, this town was, over centuries, the main target of pirates’ attacks, especially in search of slaves. The second hall deals with the most important plunders suffered in Lanzarote from 1551 until 1618, led by Berber pirates such as Morato Arráez, Tabac Arráez and Soliman. The visit becomes more and more interesting as we enter the hall “Trades in Teguise”. Comics, caricatures and small sculptures depict the population living in the town during that period. international piracy in the Canary Islands.
Beaches
Playa Chica
Playa Chica is a small beach ibetween Playa Grande and the Old Harbour of Puerto del Carmen. It is especially good for snorkelling and feeding the fish as it is usually calm and warm. It is a favourite with the locals so can get busy late afternoon and at weekends. There are public toilets, a restaurant and bar and sunbeds and parasols can be hired.
There are also many water sports which can be done frome here:- scuba diving, parascending, wave riding, banana boats etc.
Playa Honda
This is the closest beach to Villa Feliza it is about 3km away, it has good parking and is easily assessible. Running parallel to the beach is a promenade which runs from Puerto del Carmen to Arrecife along which there are many, Bars, Cafés and Restaurants selling local fish and Canarian tapas. The beach has no sunbeds and is very quiet during the week.
There is a lifeguard on duty and there is also footbaths and showers.
Playa de la Garita
There is plenty of parking available and lots of facilities nearby including toilets, cafes, restaurants, petrol garage and supermarket plus all the facilities in Arrieta town itself.
Beaches
Famara Beach
Famara is said to have been one of César Manrique‘s favorite places. And it’s definitely one of the most beautiful beaches on Lanzarote.
Playa Redcuto
The main beach in the Arrecife, it's golden sand stretches along & coast for over a 1/2 km. finishing at the Gran Hotel de Arrecife and Puenta and Islote de la Fermina. El Reducto has been awarded with the blue flag for standards of quality, safety and provision of security, there is a lifeguard station with a lifeguard on duty. However, there are no sunbeds or umbrellas to rent, so remember to take towels, natural shade is provided by the tall coconut trees at the rear of the Beach. Toilets & showers are situated in the middle.
This beach has been made into a safe haven for swimming with the installation of large boulders on either side , creating a large pool area. There is a promenade, behind the beach, which is lined with shops, bars and a variety of restaurants with a choice of cuisines.
Charco de Palo
Head to the town of Mala, which is located between Arrieta and Guatiza and look for the detour towards Charco del Palo. It is well signposted, but if you are not familiar it is easy to pass it by.
Once you reach your destination, don´t be surprised if you see naked people walking along the street. Here, it is completely permitted to practice nudism and people really respect it.
If you want to form part of the image, you can shed your clothing and feel the sea breeze and the sun caressing your skin. Take advantage of this moment to feel free. However, if wearing no clothes isn´t for you, don´t worry, nobody will force you to and nor will they look badly upon you for this. It is forbidden to forbid and everyone respects one another.
Relax on Papagayo Beach
These beaches are approximately 15 minutes away from Playa Blanca and assessible by car, via a rough and rocky road. Alternatively, you can take a taxi boat trip from Playa Blanca harbour or Marina Rubicon.
The beaches are characterized by fine golden sand, separated by cliffs, and offer stunning scenery. One beach, also known as Papagayo Beach itself, is a picturesque oyster-shaped cove carved into reddish rocks.
Visitors can enjoy a lovely walk along the beaches, snorkeling, and looking for fish. However, be aware that the beach can get crowded after 9 am, and there is limited shade.