| Mirador del Rio (El Rio Belvedere) |
| Breathtaking views from this most northerly point of the Famara Cliffs overlooking La Graciosa Isle and three tiny islets out to sea, as well as the multi-coloured salt ponds directly below on the seashore. The uninterrupted vista can be enjoyed from an indoor snack bar or an outdoor observation terrace. |
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| Montañas del Fuego (Fire Mountains, Timanfaya National Park) |
| This area resulted from six years of intermittent volcanic eruptions from 1730 to 1736. A camel ride round the rim of an extinct cone, a restaurant where food can be observed cooking from the heat of the volcano below, and a guided coach tour with multi-lingual commentary, through scenery unchanged since the eruptions, allows visitors a clear picture of the staggering natural catastrophe that took place. |
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| Casa Museo y Monumento al Campesino (House and Monument to the Farm Labourer) |
| The farm house museum - which contains a retaurant serving local cuisine - and monument were built as a tribute to the Lanzarote farmer. Nearby, artisans produce local arts and crafts in workshops adjoining a typical Lanzarote wine bodega. A second restaurant also opens for dinner with folklore music several nights a week. |
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| Castillo de San Jose (International Contemporary Art Museum) |
| Built as a fortress in 1799 to protect the harbour from pirate attacks, the interior was converted in 1974 to house a permanent exhibition of modern art in the upper halls and stairwell. On the lower level a first class restaurant with floor-to-ceiling wrap around windows, overlooking the harbour, serves excellent local and international cuisine. |
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| Cueva de los Verdes (The Greens' Cave) |
| Named after owners called Green and for colour in the roofs and walls, the Caves form a representative section of the seven kilometre long Atlantida volcanic tunnel, the longest volcanic tunnel in the world. A guided tour leaves hourly on the hour - watch out for a truly amazing optical illusion. This was a cave used by the inhabitants of Lanzarote in times of trouble. |
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| Jameos del Agua (Water Grotto) (image) |
| A grotto formed when a stream of molten lava met the nearby waters of the Atlantic, the Grotto contains an underground lake with an albino crab unique in the sea world at this depth, an outdoor pool area abounding with lush sub-tropical vegetation and a concert hall located amid an underground volcanic cavern. Volcanic history is depicted in the upper level. Breathtaking by day - folklore entertainment with buffet dinner three nights a week. |
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| Jardin del Cactus (The Cactus Garden) |
| Situated in Guatiza village on the north east coast, the Cactus Garden is home to over 10,000 cacti and succulents of 1,450 different species growing in beds at ground level and in several levels of terracing. This area is the centre of Lanzarote's cochineal industry with several hundered acres planted with the prickly pear (or, 'tuneracactus') from which the cochineal beetle is collected for it's dye. |
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| * the above descriptions are reproduced from a brochure issued by the Lanzarote Island Government. |
| El Golfo |
A stunning contrast of black beach, deep green lagoon and volcanic cliff, this unique sight can certainly be described as spectacular. El Golfo (the lagoon - not the nearby village of the same name) is the remaining half of a volcano which now forms part of the coastline. The western half has been carried away by the sea, leaving in it's place only a handful of rocks (which have survived erosion) rearing up out of the sea. The backdrop of the remaining half of the volcano reveals some bizarre formations - quite 'out of this world'.
The green lagoon is apparently caused by the algae living in the top layer of water. It is said to be very deep and to have subterranean links with the sea.
The adjoining village of El Golfo, which has a number of restaurants, faces the full force of the Atlantic Ocean. |
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| Famara |
| With it's magnificent backdrop of imposing cliffs, this beach on the north-west coast of the island is one to remember - and one for the family photograph album. The currents here are very strong and the waves can be huge. It is, therefore, not a beach from which most people would consider swimming. Ideal, of course, for those who enjoy windsurfing or surfboarding. A pleasant walk along the beach and over the rocks will bring you to the attractive little village of La Caleta. |
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| La Geria |
| The biggest wine growing region on the Canary Islands. Cacti are used in the cultivation of vines. A pit is dug, in which a cactus is planted. The vine is then grafted onto this. The whole area is next covered with picon and, finally, a low semi-circular dry-stone wall is built around the young plant. These walls, although basically practical, also create very interesting artistic patterns - especially when viewed in a mass. Yet another spectacular sight !! |
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| La Graciosa |
| Off the north coast of Lanzarote, La Graciosa has an area of about 27 square kilometres and it's highest point is just 266 metres above sea level. At it's narrowest the stretch of sea between this island and Lanzarote is about one kilometre, and only a few metres deep. It is rich in fish life. One of the smallest of the Canary Islands, La Graciosa is now (since 1986) a protected nature reserve. Around 500 people live here, making their living almost exclusively from fishing. The island can be reached by ferry from Orzola. |
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| Los Hervideros |
Los Hervideros |
The name means the 'boiling pots' - and you can understand how the area got that name when you see the sea pounding in at high tide - especially when there is a strong following wind. It is quite something to see the huge waves drive into the narrowing space between the cliffs and then explode into the numerous crevices and lava bubbles, from which they are repelled with great force. A sea spectacular.
Papagayo
At the southernmost tip of the island (virtually an extension of our town of Playa Blanca) are the crystal clear waters and white sands of Papagayo. The half dozen beaches are separated by rocky headlands. It's a bumpy ride to the beach on the unmade road and will cost you 500ptas for admission, but it is well worth it. Alternatively, a walk from Playa Blanca will take you about an hour and will be a rewarding experience. Views of the nearby islands of Fuerteventura and Lobos accompany you all the way. There are no services, so take some supplies and prepare for a climb down to the beach.
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| Puerto Calero |
| A beautiful marina has been constructed at Puerto Calero and this is one of my favourite places. It is a must for anyone interested in boats and sailing. It is possible to go for an underwater trip in a real (yellow) submarine - something which I haven't done yet, but which I intend to do before long. Puerto Calero is situated between Puerto del Carmen and Playa Quemada. A meal here, at one of the restaurants on the side of the jetty and surrounded by beautiful scenery, is a pleasant experience. |
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| Teguise Market |
| One of the weekly attractions staged on the island is the Sunday market at Teguise. Visitors flock from all parts. It starts at 0900hrs and you can try your hand at bargaining with the vendors. It is a very lively event. |
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