Lanzarote - Do & See
In Lanzarote you can enjoy a wonderful mix of nature, culture and just simple relaxation. Experience the UNESCO Timanfaya National Park, visit the home of the world famous architect César Manrique or spend you days at the beach.
Timanfaya National Park
UNESCO designated the Timanfaya volcanic field a national park in 1993. The 200 square kilometre area affords an interesting geological phenomenon and contains 180 types of plant. Only ten metres below, in the Earth’s interior, the temperature reaches 600 degrees Celsius! Timanfaya is a living laboratory for biological research. The area was completely destroyed by repeated volcanic eruptions between 1730 and 1736, and later in 1824. Not surprisingly, one of the peaks is called Fire Mountain.
Puerto Del Carmen
Low, sugar-lump houses and over six km of sandy, golden beaches: Welcome to Lanzarote’s tourist centre. Water sports such as windsurfing, diving and angling are popular. There is much to offer in the way of restaurants, nightlife and shopping. Good wines and evening strolls on Puerto del Carmen’s beach promenade – with a gentle sea-breeze, the sound of laughter and the start of nightlife – are a life-affirming experience.
The César Manrique Foundation
The world-renowned architect César Manrique’s (1919-1992) studio and home house both his foundation and a fine art collection with works by, among others, Picasso, Miró and Chillida. The house is a perfect example of César Manrique’s art. Volcanic bubbles are incorporated into modern architecture. The building and garden were built on a lava pile from the period of volcanic eruption from 1730 and 1736.
Arrecife
The Canary Islands’ largest fishing fleet is found in the capital. Go down to the harbour with a plastic bag with a bit of luck, a fishing boat will berth. Visitors are sometimes given 10-12 sardines as a present. See the harbour, the construction of which was started in the 15th century, and the fortifications of Castillo de San Gabriel from 1574, and Castillo de San José from 1771. Arrecife is Lanzarote’s commercial centre with onions as an important export. A more original export is a pigment from a louse – cochineal. The louse lives on a cactus and contains a concentrated dose of red pigment which is used to colour Campari and lipstick.
Jameos Del Agua And Cueva De Los Verdes
One of the world’s most interesting cave formations is to be found 27 km north of the capital, Arrecife. When the volcano Monte de la Corona erupted 3,000 years ago, a subterranean complex of caves and lakes was created – Jameos del Agua. One of them is 62 m long and 21 m high. Here you can find everything from courtyards to subterranean auditoria.
Cueva de los Verdes is adjacent with its 7 km long volcanic tunnel. There is a subterranean lake in the largest cave.
