Places of interest in Lanzarote
1. Mirador Del Rio
Located in the North of the island, this is a lookout point on the
edge of a cliff approximately 479 metres above sea level. The views
are spectacular over to the island of La Graciosa. Plus the added
extra of the views of the oldest salt plains - Las Salinas del Rio.
You can relax and enjoy a refreshing drink and maybe a spot of lunch
whilst enjoying the views. You will notice how the building has been
carved into the mountainside to blend in with the landscape.
Open daily from 10:00 – 18:00
2. Cuevas de los Verdes – The Green Caves
These green caves were originally the refuge place away from the
invading pirates. The caves are one of the longest in the world at
nearly 6km in length. To visit these caves you do need to be relatively
fit and healthy as there are lots of stairs to climb. Everyone joins
a guided tour and the guide will speak both in English and Spanish,
this walk usually takes around 60 minutes.
Open daily from 10:00 – 18:00 3. Jameos del Agua – The Water
Hollow – Magic Caves
These caves are well worth the visit. Jameos del Agua was formed
over 3000 years ago. The Jameos (translates as ‘hollow’)
was formed as a result of gas explosions within a volcanic bubble,
and over time the seawater has filled the tunnels until as now a
lagoon has been formed. The lagoon is home to thousands of tiny albino
blind crabs. The lagoon with its turquoise water is a real must to
see. (This gets very busy in the tourist peaks season, so our advice
would be to go early)
Open daily from 09.30 – 19.00
4. Cesar Manrique Foundation
A ‘must do’ visit for those who are intrigued by the
unique sculptures, which are to be found almost everywhere on the
island; from the airport to the centre of many roundabouts on the
island.
The foundation is to be found in what was Cesar Manrique’s
house, formed among the volcanic caves; it is the home of many varied
artists works, such as Picasso, Miro and Klee. A real insight into
the ‘soul’ of the island and its people.
Open Mon – Sat
10.00-18.00
5. Jardin de Cactus – Cactus gardens
These stunning gardens have been created by Cesar Manrique and
are home to over 1,400 different types of cacti. It is a tranquil
setting full of wonderful
cacti and has stunning panoramic views. There is also a working windmill
and is suitable for all people and pushchairs.
Open 10.00 – 18.00 (Café closes
at 17.00)
6. Museum of Contemporary Art
This was another one of Cesar Manrique’s creations, and has
been open since the 1970’s with various collections from artists
such as; Picasso, Bacon, Miro and of course Manrique. This museum
also has a craft museum,
which shows belongings and possessions used by the islanders in the past.
Open
daily from 11.00 – 21.00
7. Museum of Emigrants 8. Timanfaya National Park – The Fire Mountain
If sightseeing isn’t very high on your agenda. Make an effort
to go to Fire Mountain. The views to be had are truly unique to this
island.
Formed between 1730 and 1736, when more than 30 separate eruptions
devastated the landscape and destroyed many local villages. The last
eruption was in 1824. Though proof of the volcanoes activity is still
seen by the demonstration on the mountain. A short coach trip around
the national park will allow you to see the strangest of landscapes,
with stopping points to get all your photos.
At the foot of the mountain, you can enjoy a 15-minute ride on a
camel! A popular leftover from the Islands past.
Open daily 09.00 – 18.00
9. El Golfo
A very popular, traditional Canarian village blessed with a number
of excellent restaurants serving freshly caught fish as a speciality.
With the sea lapping
onto the beach just a few metres away. You can dine in a very relaxed atmosphere
and simply enjoy the surroundings. A perfect way to spend a lazy afternoon.
Arrive early to avoid disappointment!!
Adjacent to El Golfo is La Laguna de Los Ciclos, a small lake set
in what’s left of the inner rim of a volcano. The water in
the lake is the most vivid colour green. The colour is an intense
green, which is caused by algae and makes for spectacular viewing
against the black beach. |
