Los Jameos del Agua is the first Art, Culture and Tourism Center created by César Manrique; a natural space created inside a volcanic tunnel. César Manrique was able to transform the environment and enhance its beauty even more, creating an idyllic symbiosis between the cave’s potential and his creative resources. His vivid hands, together with his privileged mind, modeled the basalt to give shape to a unique space in the world. ** If you only see one thing on this list, please go see this!! A Zack and Elena Favorite
The César Manrique Foundation is located in the centre of Lanzarote, in the house known as Taro de Tahiche. A painter, architect and sculptor, it was Manrique’s brainchild to make this island the most beautiful of all. This building, constructed on five volcanic bubbles, since converted into rooms, is an example of the artist’s own style of architecture. Here is where the visitor can best understand how Lanzarote was transformed, mixing art with nature while at the same time respecting the landscape and the traditions of the island.
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. **An Elena and Zack Favorite
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. 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. *** A Zack and Elena favorite. (Also if you visit this location, try the cactus liquor and cactus jam in the cafeteria)
The absence of vegetation, the extreme ruggedness of the terrain, the variety of colours, the silhouettes of the volcanoes and the jagged coastline – all these make Timanfaya extraordinarily beautiful. At the visitor center there is a restaurant that uses the vents of the volcano to cook its food!
The Papagayo beaches are widely recognized as the most beautiful on Lanzarote . Each sequential beach in the Papagayo location is listed below. Continue driving and the last beach to the right side is the best known ‘Playa del Papagayo’. Its a very picturesque and sheltered beach with a couple of bar/restaurants perched on the hill overlooking it. Playa del Papagayo is normally the busiest beach. Explore some of the other beaches if you wish to find somewhere a little quieter and that appeals to you own requirements. **It is a bit off the beaten track, you will need a rental car to access this beach Remember to bring lots of suncream and water as there are no regular shops nearby. *****Elena's and Zack's favorite beach
During the 1970s, actor Omar Sharif visited to film "The Mysterious Island" and fell in love with the island and LagOmar, the space that would become his home. Just two days after Omar had bought this spectacular property, Sam Benady, the developer who sold it to him, challenged the avid gambler to bet his new house on a card game. Benady had an ace up his sleeve though - he was also a champion bridge player and legend says that Sharif lost his dream house in the game! The house is built in an old volcanic rock quarry and formed around its natural caves, tunnels, and terraces. *** A Zack and Elena Favorite
Considered one of the wonders of nature on Lanzarote, Lago Verde, also known as Charco de los Clicos, or the green Lagoon; was so named due to the green color of its waters, provided by phytoplankton, different sulfurs, minerals and the great amount of unique microorganisms that inhabit this place. El Charco Verde is located on a black sand beach that together with the green color of the lagoon and the sea create an impressive landscape full of amazing contrasts.Visiting this place is free but we have to take care of it. Green Lake is a protected area so it is strictly forbidden to swim in it or to throw any kind of garbage in its surroundings.
Famara beach with its pale golden sand stretches out for over five kilometres. It can be seen in all its glory at low tide, when the water forms a thin film on the sand which reflects the sky and the cliffs like a gigantic mirror. And if low tide coincides with sunset, visitors can immortalize a picture postcard scene which is one of the most emblematic of the Canary Islands with the island of La Graciosa silhouetted on the horizon. Famara beach is an untamed sport’s beach ideal for doing water sports like surfing, body boarding, windsurfing and kite surfing, thanks to the swell of the waves and constant winds. You can even do air sports like parasailing and hang gliding by taking off from the top of the cliffs of Famara. But at low tide, the ocean drifts out and forms enormous pools of shallow calm water all along the beach which makes it an ideal place to relax in the sun and enjoy the marvels this beach has to offer like long walks next to the sea. **An Elena and Zack Favorite
In Playa Blanca in the south of Lanzarote, is a very inviting beach of white sand known as Flamingo beach. It is the perfect beach for the youngest members of the family because its tranquil waters and fine sand guarantee hours of fun for the children and of course, peace and tranquility for the other family members. Flamingo beach has showers and sunbeds with umbrellas so that sunbathing will be even more relaxing and comfortable.
The peaceful quiet atmosphere of Playa Blanca, in the south of the island, makes this area the perfect place to unwind. Sunbathing or enjoying a quiet walk along the promenade whilst watching the sunset are great ways to recharge your batteries. This town, located close to Timanfaya National Park and the Papagayo beaches, has a marina where a ferry can be taken to the neighbouring island of Fuerteventura.
Bodega La Geria is located in the heart of the winegrowing area of Lanzarote, known as La Geria, with an unrivaled view of Timanfaya National Park. Bodega La Geria is one of the leading wineries on the island and one of the most frequently visited in Spain. The winery is open to the public every day of the year and offers guided tours for its most curious visitors with prior reservations.
In a fishing village of white houses which still maintains the traditional touch, visitors and residents of all ages will enjoy the many different sensations of that ideal mix of sun, lava and delightful ocean. The human hand is only in evidence in some manmade access steps and sunbathing areas. The rest is pure nature topped with a sprinkle of salt. This kind of natural water park well deserves a lengthy visit in order to get to know its pools, sea mouth and already existing small capes. The visit is perfectly enhanced by dropping into the traditional bar right next to one of the most popular pools.
Puerto del Carmen (Pto. del Carmen) is the main tourist town on the island. Puerto Del Carmen hosts a variety of shops which sell mainly tourist-oriented products. The new town hosts bars, restaurants and tourist shops. The old town has many restaurants with outdoor terraces that overlook the marina below and the distant volcanic peaks.
Puerto Calero, Lanzarote’s most established yacht harbour, is proud to have been welcoming sailing visitors to the island for more than 35 years. Naturally protected in a warm and sunny microclimate with good support services, the marina is a perfect yachting retreat. One of Lanzarote’s preferred destinations, Puerto Calero’s landscaped gardens, harmonious design and tranquil setting makes for a marvellous place to relax and enjoy time with friends – especially after a long sail!