Places Of Interest
Places Of Interest
Lanzarote’s beaches invite the visitor to enjoy the sea that laps the island’s shores, particularly since the average annual water temperature is around 19.5º C, however Lanzarote also boasts of numerous places of interest and diverse scenery that will leave you taking your breath away.
El Golfo
This is a lagoon of brilliant emerald green in the rim of half a volcanic crater, the other half of which is submerged in the sea. It is on the western edge of the Timanfaya National Park, and steep cliffs of black, red and grey offer a startling contrast with the bright green of the lagoon.
Los Hervideros
A mile from El Golfo, the wild ocean pounds into the caves, at a point where boiling lava and the Atlantic Ocean met to create a tormented landscape. The name means Boiling Springs. There are walkways down specially constructed steps with various vantage points offering spectacular views of the sea and coastline.
Green Caves
These caves were formed below the surface of a volcanic eruption. They are underground lava tunnels and include a magnificent optical illusion. The eerie music gives the authentic theme whilst visiting these caves which are open daily.
Jameos del agua
A jameo is the name given to a pit which opens as the result of a roof fall in an underground lava tunnel. There are two here connected by an underground lake. Cesar Manrique has designed a restaurant and auditorium inside these spectacular caves. You can also clearly see the white albino crabs in the bottom of the lake.
Cesar Manrique Foundation
The foundation was created in 1982 and has only recently been open to the public since he died in 1993. It is a private cultural foundation which is appreciated by anyone with a cultural and artistic interest. It houses a library collection, paintings, studies, sculptures and many more works from Cesar Manrique.
Mirador del Rio
Breathtaking views from this most northerly point of the Famara Cliffs overlooking the island La Graciosa and three tiny islets out to sea, as well as the multi- coloured salt ponds directly below on the seashore. Open daily 11:00 – 18:00.
Timanfaya National Park
This area is the result of 6 years of intermittent volcanic eruptions. A unique Camel ride around the rim of an extinct cone, a restaurant where food can be observed cooking from the heat of the vulcano below. A guided coach tour through scenery unchanged since the eruptions allows visitors a clear picture of the staggering natural catatrophe that took place. Open every day from 09:00 – 18:00.
Cactus gardens
These beautiful gardens are situated in the village of Guatiza on the North East coast of the island . It houses almost 10,000 varieties of cacti. The village itself is in the centre of Lanzarotes’ cochineal industry and the surrounding area has over 300 acres of the tunera cacti on which the cochineal beetle thrives. There is also a very picturesque windmill within the gardens for you to visit.
Country Farm Museum
Here you can discover the secret of Lanzarotes’ amazing and unique agricultural traditions. Explore the restored windmills and the agricultural museum, a photography exhibition of Lanzarote and a garden containing plant life unique to Lanzarote. This is found near the village of Tiagua and is open Monday to Friday 10am – 5pm and Saturday 10am – 2.30pm.
Guinate Bird Park
The park has more than 1000 tropical birds and its area includes many waterfalls and lagoons. There are shows throughout the day where you can sit back, relax and watch the antics of the performing cockatoos and parrots. This is situated in the north of the island, near Mount Corona.
Castillo de San Gabriel - Arrecife
A castle on a tiny offshore island reached by either a road bridge or an older footbridge. Now it serves as a small archaeological museum.
Castillo San Jose - Arrecife
International Contempory Art Museum which was originally built as a fortress in 1799 to protect the harbour from pirate attack. In the lower level a first class restaurant with floor to ceiling windows with panoramic views of the harbour.
Castillo de Guanapay
Is sometimes called Castillo de Santa Barbara. The castle stands on the rim of a crater overlooking the old capital, Teguise. It was first built in the 14th Century by Lancelloti Malocello, who gave his name to the island.
Salinas de Janubio
The Janubio saltpans lie in the flat base of an old crater besides an enclosed lagoon. The sea water evaporates and leaves mounds of white salt, which is used either for fish processing or for table salt.
La Geria
The wine growing region of Lanzarote where grapes are cultivated in a unique way. The young vines are planted inside shallow pits and are sheltered from the constant trade winds by semi – circular walls of dry volcanic rock. There are thousands of vines growing in this way , as far as the eye can see.
Haria
A village in the valley of a thousand palms. The villagers are all too aware of the lack of trees on the island. With its low white houses scattered in the green valley, Haria looks like a North African town.
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Photo Gallery: Lanzarote-UK