Mirador del Rio is a lookout point created by Cesar Manrique and located in the north of the island on top of the Famara cliffs, 479 meters (1,571 feet) above sea level. The views of the island of La Graciosa and over the islet of Montana Clara are simply breath-taking. Manrique excavated an opening at the top of the mountain to house a restaurant with a domed ceiling. On the outside the structure is camouflaged by lava rocks and a simple garden.
Open daily: 10.00 – 17.00hrs
Jameos del Agua is one of the most interesting galleries of connecting caves and underground grottoes in the world created by pre-historic volcanic eruptions. A lake is connected to the sea from underground and is home to a rare species of blind albino crabs. Cesar Manrique created a stunning setting of artistically arranged sub-tropical vegetation with a complex of restaurant, bars, outdoor pool and a concert cave with wonderful natural acoustics.
Open daily: 9:30 – 19:00hrs, Tuesday; Friday and Saturday night 19:00 – 3:00hrs.
Cueva de los Verdes is another spectacular system of underground grottoes. It is not only one of the most interesting volcanic formations on the island, but also one of the longest volcanic galleries in the world (6 km/11 miles long). The caves and galleries were created as a result of pre-historic eruptions from the volcano Monte Corona around 5,000 years ago. In 1964 a 2 km (3.7 miles) long path-way was opened to visitors. Sophisticated lighting was added to lend theatrical effects to this wonder of nature.
Open daily: 10:00 – 18:00hrs.
Cesar Manrique Fundacion is the late artists former home and today the islands cultural centre par excellence. Located in Tahiche and built on top of five volcanic bubbles, it has won international recogniton for its architecture and as it houses some of the works of the world-famous artist and exhibits Manrique´s private collection of prestigious artists like Picasso, Miro, Cillida, Klee and others. In this unique setting Manrique successfully combined painting, sculpture, design and landscape architecture.
Open daily: 10:00 – 18:00hrs.
Montanas del Fuego-Timanfaya covers 51 sq. kms (20 sq. miles) of volcano and lava fields where visitors can appreciate a great variety of geological phenomena and a large biological mix of some 180 different plant species. This region was devastated by intermittent volcanic eruptions over a six year period, 1730-1736, and again during the XIX century, mainly in 1824. A guided coach tour through scenery unchanged since the eruptions allows the visitor a clear picture of the staggering natural catastrophe that took place. The restaurant El Diablo, built by Cesar Manrique on top of a volcano in the park, serves meals grilled over geothermal heat.
Open daily: 10:00 – 18:00hrs.
Castillo de San Jose located in Arrecife was originally a fortress built between 1776 and 1779 by King Carlos III to protect the harbour from pirate attacks. Cesar Manrique, aware of the importance of this site and the need to preserve it as a lasting reminder of the past, converted the castle´s interior in 1974 to house a permanent and international exhibition of modern art. A restaurant is located on the lower level with floor-to-ceiling wrap around windows overlooking the harbour.
Open daily: 11:00 – 21:00hrs.
Jardin del Cactus is one of Cesar Manrique´s last creations situated in Guatiza where he turned an old quarry into an impressive cactus plantation. Yet again, it demonstrates Manrique´s unique ability in combining man´s artistry and nature´s resources along with architectural elements typical to the island. The garden is home to over 10,000 cacti and succulents of 1,450 different species.
Open daily: 10:00 – 18:00hrs.
Monumento al Campesino is a sculpture created by Cesar Manrique as a tribute to the Lanzarotean farmers who over the centuries evolved their own system of irrigation thereby overcoming adverse climatic conditions.
A museum and restaurant, styled after a typical farm house, are situated next to the momument.
Open daily: 10:00 – 18:00hrs.
El Golfo is a small fishman´s village located in the south of the island. A volcanic crater nearby (today reduced to half its orginal size) bears the same name and is filled with underground sea water creating a green lagoon. The stunning contrast of black beach and deep green colouring caused by the algae which inhabit its waters, forms a unique and spectacular sight.
Open daily: Any time.
