Things To Do In Lanzarote

Lanzarote is not quite the hot-bed of attractions that Spanish islands such as Majorca and Ibiza are and its fair to say that you wont find theme parks or man-made attractions topping the bill of things to do. However, you will find an island with an interesting natural history, of which evidence can be seen in many current features of the land. Natural attractions are the islands strong point and if you are interested in how the natural layout of Lanzarote was shaped by its six year period of volcanic activity, then youll have ample opportunity to satisfy your curiosities. There are also several opportunities to learn something about the islands most famous artist, Csar Manrique.

The Caves of Los Verdes

Part of the 3,000-year-old Atlantida underground cave system, the Caves of Los Verdes are one of the islands greatest attractions. The caves, which were once used by the Guanches to hide from pirates, feature a six kilometre long volcanic tunnel, which is known to be the worlds longest of its kind. The caves are open daily for visitors to take self guided tours, with final admittance at 17:00.

Timanfaya National Park

Timanfaya National Park is the area of the island that was subject most to the effects of its volcanic activitybetween 1730 to 1736. During this time, over 100 volcanoes rose, erupted and caused devastation in the area, with the final activity concluding in 1824. The area, which was declared a national park in 1968, looks very similar to the way it did in the period following the activity. Visitors can observe demonstrations that indicate the high temperatures that still exist in the ground beneath parts of the park before heading to the 'El Diablo' restaurant, where food is cooked using heat harnessed from the sources below ground.

Castle San Jos

Located north of the islands capital of Arrecife, the Castle San Jos is a fortress that was constructed in 1799 on the orders of Carlos III and it overlooks the entrance to both the town and the harbour. As well as its innate historical interest, the castle features an art gallery, which was the creation of local artist, Csar Manrique, some 15 years ago and is now known as the International Museum of Contemporary Art. Magnificent views are available from the top of the castle and also from the restaurant located on the ground level.

Castillo de San Gabriel

First constructed in 1574 as a fortification for the harbour at Arrecife, the Castle of Saint Gabriel fell under attack from pirates less than 10 years later and was in fact destroyed by Morato Arraez in 1586. The castle was rebuilt in 1599 and served as a strategic military structure until the 1950s. Now a popular visitor attraction, the castle is home to an archaeological museum.

El Jardin del Cactus

Designed by the popular and now deceased local artist Csar Manrique, the Cactus Garden is home to an impressive selection of the thorny plants, chosen by botanist Estanislao Gonzales Ferrer. Some 1,000 different species are on display in a spectacular stone construction that bears close resemblance to an ancient Roman amphitheatre. A variety of metal sculptures are also on display as well as a restored windmill.

Museums

Culture lovers may find Lanzarote a bit of a let down, as it doesnt compare with some of Spains other islands in terms of its museums and art galleries. However a small selection of museums are available, among which is the Csar Manrique House, the last residence of the islands most famous artist. Visitors can see the house in a state close to how it was at the time of his death in 1992. Meanwhile, at the International Museum of Contemporary Art, based in the Castle San Jos, visitors can view works by Manrique and a variety of other modern Spanish artists. Finally, take a trip to the village of Yaiza in the south of the island and youll find the Galera Yaiza, a diverse collection of works by many of the islands best known artists.