A hugely popular holiday destination for tourists from across the globe, Lanzarote in the Canary Islands is situated on the easternmost part of the self-governing Canary Islands, in the Atlantic Ocean. It sits 1000km off the Iberian Peninsula and 125km from the coast of Africa. Lanzarote boasts wonderful weather and a truly spectacular volcanic landscape formed hundreds of years ago. It also has some stunning beaches and a veritable feast of amazing attractions and fun activities.
Nature's finest
Timanfaya National Park is one of the most spectacular attractions in Lanzarote and a definite must see. Commonly known as 'the fire mountain', this national park covers an area of more than 50km squared. The mountains were formed in the early 1700 due to an eruption of over 100 volcanoes that wrecked a good portion of the island, along with many of its inhabitants. Although there has been no volcanic eruptions since 1824, the mountains remain the same and this is attributed to lack of erosion due to low average rainfall in the resort. There are numerous Timanfaya National Park excursions to the area with buses and camels the common mode of transport, taking tourists to the 512' high trail for a clearer view of the island's awesome volcanic landscapes. There are some good restaurants located on the peak of the trails and the park's surrounding areas. Don't miss cooking an egg on the hot volcanic rocks!
One of the world's most fascinating examples of underground grottoes and connecting caves, Jameos del Agua is a roofless volcanic bubble that has been turned into a theatre, nightclub and auditorium. A creation of Cesar Manrique, a famous Spanish artist, this popular attraction draws millions of curious holidaymakers in their droves. A jameo is formed by a tunnel ceiling collapsing or when gases accumulate and explode. Jameos reveal volcanic passages that would otherwise be hidden from view. Manrique has built upon this natural phenomenon and created an awe-inspiring attraction, which ingeniously combines nature and man-made structures. A meandering stairway leads visitors into the jameo, there's also a lovely swimming pool that gorgeous garden. Bringing the jameo right up to speed in terms of modern tourist trappings, there's a bar and a dance floor, plus stunning concert cave at the far end of the Jameo Grande with a seating capacity of 600 people.
Lanzarote is not only famous for its amazing weather but also for its stunning natural attractions. Located near Los Hervideros, El Golfo is one of the island's most spectacular natural formations. A striking natural amphitheatre open to the sea, El Golfo was formed by Timanfaya volcano's eruptions and subsequent flooding - in 1730. The effervescent lagoon, which fills the base of the semicircular crater, is bright verdant in colour thanks to the algae living in the water. The eye-catching hue of the lagoon is different throughout the day depending on the pivot of the sun. At the foot of the crater lies the half-moon shaped bright green pond known as El Lago Verde, which is home to a plethora of micro-organisms and volcanic minerals significant to the lake. El Golfo offers visitors a good selection of restaurants, although leave you swimming stuff at home; you can't swim in the lagoon unfortunately!
El Hierro & La Palma are two small islands making up the Canary Island's archipelago; along with La Gomera they are the smallest islands in the archipelago. Both relatively undiscovered and unspoilt, both islands offer diverse stunning scenery, preserved landscapes and their own distinct charm. Walkers, climbers, botanists and birdwatchers and anyone in search of somewhere of the beaten track in the Canary Islands, will be in their element. The small but perfectly formed La Palma offers some fantastic beaches, plenty of outdoor activities; exploring the sub-tropical forest, Taburiente is a must. Definitely living up to its nicknames; The Green Pearl and La Isla Bonita, which means 'pretty island', La Palma is picturesque and green. It's a UNESCO-designated World Biosphere Reserve, so duly protected and preserved.
El Hierro is the tiniest of the archipelago islands and is also a biosphere reserve. Nicknamed the 'Meridian island', El Hierro is wilder and more remote than La Palma. It offers some fantastic scuba diving and a glorious rough and rugged volcanic coastline and spectacular mountainous terrain. The island is home to a large number of unique species of flora and fauna, including the ominously named El Hierro giant lizard. Nature lovers you have found your MeccaMass tourism in a concrete jungle this is not.
Situated in the northern part of Lanzarote, Guinate Tropical Park has been sitting pretty as a major tourist attraction for years. It's located at the foot of Mt Corona, an old volcanic centre and the highest point in the whole of Lanzarote. The picturesque and peaceful park is spacious and features some beautiful ponds and waterfalls. There is plenty of shadowy vegetation for shade ideal if you want to take a picnic and linger. This park is home to various species of reptiles, birds, fish and animals so don't forget your camera! The park is also home to Penguin Paradise bound to be a big hit with the little ones especially as it offers the opportunity to watch these charming monochrome creatures going about their business thanks to an underwater viewing pool. From here you can also easily walk to Famara cliffs, which are only a few meters from the park. Expect to enjoy amazing views of Montana Clara, La Graciosa and Alegranza islands. The two attractions combine to make a fab family day out.
Rancho Texas Park offers plenty of fun for the whole family. This popular amusement/theme park is located in Puerto del Carmen, and is home to a number of wild animals, including pumas, buffalos, white tigers, Nile crocs, sea lions, parrots and various birds of prey. As well as a plethora of wild and wonderful creatures, the park has some beautifully landscaped gardens with waterfalls. Activities available within the park include canoeing and pony rides. There are also some good eateries available including Wildhorse Saloon and The Splash & Pool Terrace.
Situated in Haria, in the northern part of the resort, Cueva de los Verdes is ideal for people who love exploring natural wonders. These fascinating caves are a part of the complex system of jameos (underground grottoes and connecting caves) formed by the island's historic volcanic eruptions many years ago. Measuring 6km, Cueva de los Verdes is one of the best volcanic corridors in the world. With sophisticated lighting added to the caves' magical and eerie atmosphere, visitors can enjoy walking through a 2km pathway, which was opened in 1964. Everything in the caves is given a theatrical twist with the combination of the natural and the manmade lighting working together to great effect. This is both an enjoyable and educational attraction, offering an insight into the island's history, for example, locals used to hide in these caves from slave hunters and pirates in the 17th century.
Jardin de Cactus, or The Cactus Garden, is situated in Guatiza on the northern side of the island. Showcasing more than 10,000 plants, the park was a brainchild of Cesar Manrique (yep, him again), and celebrates the spiniest plant species in the world and is home to some of the finest species of cactus. The plants are cleverly displayed in the shape of a huge bowl against the background of an arena and this always becomes a sight to behold for both adults and children.
Take in some views
Mirador del Rio is another major attraction in Lanzarote well worth adding to your holiday tick list. This 479m high vantage point was used by the Spanish settlers in the 16th century to help spot the pirates who would raid the island and later is become an important part of the 1898 America-Spain war as they fought over the control of Cuba. A gun battery and fortress were built there to help prevent any American navy incursions during this war. Although the war is long gone, the site has become a major attraction and especially with the help of some modifications done by Cesar Manrique in 1974. While on a Mirador del Rio excursion, you will also be able to visit other places such as Ceuva de los Verdes caverns and Orzola, a nearby township. It is only 50km to the site from Puerto del Carmen.
Monumento Al Campesino is yet another towering attraction. The sculpture is formed using a number of water tanks made from old fishing boats, soldered together and painted white. This is yet another remarkable work of Cesar Manrique in collaboration with Jesus Soto. To add to the beauty of the monument, the sculpture is set on La Geria, a stunning landscape where a unique form of cultivation is carried out using the minimal rain water harvested there. Other features include La Casa Museo, a charming old country house with a wine press, crafts, ceramic and carpentry workshops among others.
For art lovers
Cesar Manrique is one of the best known artists in Lanzarote and much can be attributed to him when it comes to Lanzarote's art-related attractions. Fundación César Manrique is an enjoyable and educational attraction, and offers an interesting look at modern development of the island over the years. The foundation is housed in the artist's former home, which gives visitors a fascinating insight into his work, life and philosophy. A definite must see - the foundation is only a 10-minute walk from Costa Teguise.
The little town of Teguise is a good place to visit, especially if you love history and art. Built in the 15th century, this little town served as the initial capital of Lanzarote and boasts some beautiful colonial mansions. With the beautiful sunny and warm weather, walking through the cobbled streets all the way to Plaza de San Miguel can be exciting and you never seem to have enough. You will also find the busy market in Plaza de San Miguel to be exciting and especially on Sunday when everything is at the peak. While there, make sure to visit the ancient Convento de Santo Domingo and Convento de San Francisco, two historic buildings serving as museums in the town.
For wine lovers
After the 18th century volcanic eruption, the lava formed a stretch of Volcanic lava upon which the The Wine Museum of Lanzarote is built. Situated in old cellars of "El Grifo" the wineries are considered to be the oldest throughout the Canary Islands and for years there has been a consistent production of wine in the attraction. The walls of these family owned wineries are built using old and rugged materials reminiscent to Lanzarote's architecture while the ceiling beams consist of ship wreck materials that were salvaged in the 1700s.