You may think that the treeless, volcanic, rugged terrain of Lanzarote would be the least attractive of the fourth largest Canary Island. However, this picturesque and fascinating island located just 80 miles from the west coast of Africa has it all. Year-round sunshine, traditional villages, captivating beaches, and a heady mix of activities for those with a taste for adventure.
Unless you have visited the island, you may have yet to hear of Cesar Manrique, but the artist and architect had a big vision for Lanzarote to pioneer sustainable tourism. From the early 1980s, his influence on the government ensured a limit on high-rise development of more than three storeys while also banning roadside hoardings and overhead cables, allowing the natural beauty of its valleys, beaches, and little villages to become the focus of attention.
Lanzarote isn’t a big island, but it certainly packs a punch – it only takes 90 minutes to drive from one end to the other. However, a wave of new cultural attractions and activities and a rise in luxury villas have revealed undiscovered areas of the island, previously hidden away from passing visitors. In contrast to the landscape, houses are white-washed and adhere to the tradition of colouring windows and doors in blue, representing the ocean or green, originally from left-over paint used on their fishing boats. This care for the aesthetics of the island is another example of Manrique’s influence over Lanzarote.
Often used in movies for moonscape locations, Lanzarote’s terrain can be unrelenting at times, just waiting for a cactus or colourful bush to break the monotony of the lunar landscape. However, well-signed walking trails lace the island, making it a haven for hikers of all abilities, with the natural array of vivid shapes and contrasting colours of its volcanic landscape offering a unique experience.
It is sensible to choose an area to stay in to maximise your enjoyment of your time here. There are three main resorts, Puerto Del Carmen, Costa Teguise, and Playa Blanca, each with its own personality and offering beaches, bars, restaurants, shops, promenades, and nightlife.
Over 60% of visitors choose to stay in Puerto del Carmen, which stretches several kilometres along the coast and offers several sandy beaches and hundreds of bars and eateries. Playa Blanca has several five-star resorts, and the area is quieter and low-key than Puerto del Carmen. While it is a beautiful place to stay, those looking for more lively bars, nightclubs and music venues may be disappointed. Nearby, Papagayo is the iconic beach of Lanzarote, attracting numerous tourists in the summer despite access being down a long dirt road and the beach having no shops and only one small restaurant, coupled with a small entry fee.
Costa Teguise is a purpose-built resort originally financed by mining conglomerate Rio Tinto in the 1970s. Today, it attracts many visitors and provides extensive accommodation options, beach bars, and a more prevalent café culture than elsewhere on the island.
The island capital of Arrecife may not be the most popular spot for beach lovers, but anyone interested in history will enjoy staying or visiting this port city. It dates back to the 15th century when it was a sleepy fishing village. It has a few attractions, including Castillo de San Gabriel, a fortress with a museum perched on a promontory originally built to defend the island.
Venturing into the less developed north of the island, you can experience Lanzarote’s raw, rugged beauty away from the crowds. Part of it is the protected UNESCO Biosphere Park, known for its landscape and wildlife. Most visitors come here for another of Manrique’s creations – Mirador del Rio. The restaurant and viewing platform of Mirador del Rio offers spectacular views across the Bocanya Strait to the Island of La Graciosa. It is a unique and unexpected oasis on the edge of the soaring cliffs.
On the north-eastern part of the island, Jameos del Agua, meaning water opening, was the first site to be built by Manrique as a cultural centre. It is part of a volcanic tunnel formed after an eruption extending 6km from La Corona to the sea. There is also a 550-seat natural auditorium with outstanding acoustics set aside for a variety of events.
Informally known as the wine valley of Lanzarote, La Geria is home to some of the most unique vineyards in Spain. Farmers dig holes and surround them with volcanic rock walls to help keep the soil temperature constant and protect the vines from the strong coastal winds. These formations create mini-craters and are visually quite extraordinary. Vineyards can be found in Yaiza, Tinajo, Tias and San Bartolome. However, this method is labour-intensive and is gradually being overtaken by more effective production methods. Another reason to visit now before they are gone forever.
Timanfaya National Park is the main tourist attraction on Lanzarote. It was formed by the volcano’s last eruption 300 years ago. Timanfaya means “fire mountain,” and although the volcano is no longer active, bus tours take you around the mesmerising landscape, explaining the history of the eruption and its effect on the island. Guided hiking tours and short camel rides are also available.
Built in a disused quarry, the Cactus Garden is another Cesar Manrique brainchild and is hugely popular with visitors. It displays over 4,500 species of cacti in exquisitely designed gardens and has a restaurant offering a unique twist on the island’s culinary delights.
Lanzarote is an intriguing island escape. From the otherworldly moonlike terrain to sophisticated coastal resorts, this island provides unique and contrasting attractions, coupled with hopes of a sustainable future in an ever-expanding world.
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