things to see
Worthwhile visits
There are some essential places to visit on Lanzarote. We say they're essential because they will give you a sense of just why the island is so special and how Manrique took the landscape and turned it into a thing of such surreal beauty.
Here is a list of what we think are the most important places any visitor to the island should see. Well, to be honest there is a whole lot more to discover on the island but that would spoil the fun if we told you everything, wouldn't it?
Mirador Del Rio
designed by Cesar Manrique, this cliff top hideaway offers spectacular viwes across the straits to La Isla Graciosa. Half way between 007 and heaven!
timanfaya national park
tops the list of natural attractions, with a still-active volcano heating the stones underfoot and a moon-like landscape of lava flows. Entry price includes a coach tour through the the lunar landscape and is worth every minute and every penny!
Charco De los clicos
a green lagoon inside a cliff-backed cove that was once the crater of a volcano, is best seen when the afternoon sun brings out the many colors of its surrounding cliffs. Hunt for peridots on the beach. Above, restaurants in the little village of El Golfo overlook the sea and serve what is arguably the islands freshest seafood.
la geria wine region
where world-class wines are produced from volcanically grown vines. It quite is unlike any other vineyard landscape. For here the Malvasia grape vines grow not in long rows, but are widely spaced apart, each in its own depression in the black earth and half enclosed by a semi-circular wall of rough black lava to protect them, from the elements.
fundacion cesar manrique
close to the capital of Arrecife, is the beautiful and very livable home artist Cesar Manrique designed for himself. It is built below ground level in a partly collapsed lava tube, with dramatic sky-lit rooms and art exhibition space.
castillo san jose MIAC
orignally built as a protective fortress overlooking the harbour in Arrecife. The castillo is now home to a world class collection of modern art. With frequent specialist exhibitions it is a sight that's worth a visit. Excellent restaurant in one of the most unusual of locations.
jardin de cactus (Cactus Garden) in Guatiza,
makes stunning use of a former gravel pit, surrounding it with walls of lava stone, overlooked by an historic windmill. Nearly 10,000 cacti -- tiny delicate plants to giant thorny pincushions mix with big rough chunks of black lava and pools of colorful fish. The terrace café offers a view of the entire garden.
palacio spinola
built in the mid-1700s, was for many years the home of the islands governor . The graceful colonial building preserves its original appearance, with large rooms, fine woodwork and a chapel. A good time to tour is on Sunday, when Teguise is filled with market stalls and costumed musicians play at 11 am on the plaza outside. No need to take a tour local buses run all day from the resort towns.
jameos del agua
a huge lava tube in the Malpais de Corona that has collapsed to expose part of a cave with a pool in it, is another of Cesar Manriques works. Here he has transformed the gigantic bubble in the black lava into a semi-underground restaurant with a natural pool and an auditorium.
los hervideros
a lava tube formed by lava and gasses trapped beneath the surface, enters the sea, forming deep sea caves and blow-holes in the coarse black rocks. Heavy surf pounds this shore, constantly breaking and wearing the stone into more caves and blowholes.
lagomar
commissioned and built as a home for Omar Sharif, this incredible architectural wonder was famously lost in a game of cards! During the day Lagomar contains a museum describing the history of the house and works of art from local artists are on display within it's stunning poolside gardens. On friday and saturday nights Lagomar becomes an incredible nightclub. The bar and restaurant is open all day.
craft market haria
Palms and gardens set this northern town apart, as do the artists and craftsmen who choose to live and work here. By far the best crafts market on the island is here on Saturday mornings. All the vendors are local craftspeople or food producers, some of whom also exhibit at the Artisania.
sunday market teguise
Palms and gardens set this northern town apart, as do the artists and craftsmen who choose to live and work here.
By far the best market for anything from a handbag to a Tibetan altar, this market is a must see for every visitor. To be honest there is a lot of the usual tourist regalia for sale. But look a little deeper and you will find, handmade silver jewellery, locally made Aloe Vera products, wine, fresh vegetables and incredible gifts to take home.
Our advice is to go early, this way you can avoid the crowds before the tourist buses start to arrive. Ignore the first car park you see and head into the centre to see if you can get a space closer to the action. Most visitors worry they won't be able to park but you ususally have no problems finding a space. If you do, work your way out to the next closest car park.
Before hunting amongst the stalls and shops make sure you fortify yourselves with a bag of 'Churros' (a local type of doughnut) and a thick cup of chocolate or a "leche leche" milky coffee floating over a layer of condensed milk.
It is always worth bearing in mind that because Teguise is at a higher elevation the climate is about 5 degrees cooler and in the morning can be a touch chillier than the coast. We've seen many a visitor arrive wearing swimwear, sporting goosepimples the size of golfballs and frantically haggling over a beach towel to use as a poncho!
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