Things to do in Lanzarote
Lanzarote An eerie, burntout island pockmarked by hundreds of extinct volcanoes, Lanzarote is the most physically astonishing of the Canaries. Its bizarrely spectacular landscape evokes in first-time visitors the sense of having been transported to the very beginning or end of time. A day or two is enough to see this awe-inspiring scenery, but many travelers are tempted to linger longer on some of the island's white sand beaches. Set 85 miles northeast of Las Palmas and only 65 miles from the coast of Morocco, Lanzarote has some 300 volcanoes, and petrified seas of lava -known as malpais (badland) writhe across parts of the island.
Nevertheless, its farms produce sumptuous melons, figs, onions, and tomatoes, thanks to a remarkable system of cultivation. Local farmers spread picon (black volcanic ash) on their fields to absorb and retain moisture, and thus manage to coax an abundant harvest in a land that has no running water and sparse rainfall. They also produce a notable wine from the malvasia (malmsey) grape, which is grown on vines planted in walled hollows to protect them from the hot, searing winds.
By such ingenuity and persistence, the native population (now 50,000) managed to survive from approximately the time when the Genoese navigator Lancelotto Malocello landed here in the 14th century (and gave the island its name) until mass tourism hit in the 1980s. Some 700,000 visitors now set foot on this eastern-most of the Canaries annually, and hotels and apartment blocks abound, as well as desalinization plants to provide water. Fortunately, new buildings may be no higher than three stories, billboards are banned, and construction is confined to three main zones.
Las Montañas del Fuego Lanzarote
Between 1730 and 1736 a series of terrifying eruptions devastated the western part of Lanzarote: burying farmland and a number of villages under volcanic debris. This area now makes up the Parqe Nacional de Timanfaya. Entering from Yaiza, a typcal whitewashed village In the south 14.5 miles (23 km) from Arrecife, visItors come to the Echadero de los CamelJos, where dromedaries wait to carry people on short journeys. Over the lava (there is a charge for this, in addition to the park admission). The main road through the park winds up a hill known as Islote de Hilario, where sub-surface temperatures reach upward of 800F.
Twigs placed in a hollow catch fire within seconds, and when a park ranger pours water down a vent in the earth's surface, a steam geyser instantly erupts. A tour bus cruises The Route of the Volcanoes (with commentary in English) for a close view of this lunar like landscape, where virtually no living creature exists. Before departing, try a volcano-broiled steak at EI Diablo, the park restaurant. The park is open daily; admission charge. Note: Strong footwear is recommended to explore the lava fields, and those with cameras should remember to bring a blower brush to clean off the dust.
La Geria, just 3km east of Yaiza, is one of the island's main wine producing centers. A short detour off the main road to Arrecife, north toward Mashache, offers views of the peculiar horseshoe-shaped stone structures in which the grapevines thrive. South of Yaiza, the coast contains a variety of natural wonders: the Salinas de J anubio salt flats; the dancing waters of Los Hervideros, which are jets of seawater shooting out of volcanic rock; and the EI Gofo green lagoon, separated from the sea by a large crater, where vendors sell semiprecious olivine stones collected in the area.
Lanzarote Car hire
Lanzarote car hire can be picked up at the airport on arrival, when pre-booked online. Car rentals in Lanzarote are reasonably priced and if you want to hire a car to tour the island, all the major car hire companies are represented at Lanzarote Airport, including Avis, Hertz and a host of local companies.
The north of Lanzarote
An 18mile (29km) drive north of Arrecife leads to Jameos del Agua, a beautiful grotto carved by nature out of black volcanic rock, with a lagoon-formed when molten lava met the sea-inhabited by blind white crabs. The grotto has been transformed into a natural, partially enclosed entertainment and shopping complex; at one end is a beautifully landscaped outdoor pool area. Folk music shows, with dinner and dancing; a terraced top floor bar with sweeping ocean views; and a mini-museum dedicated to volcanoes, including a large rock collection and a state-of-the-art video on volcaology, are some of the features here. The entertainment grotto is open daily.
Some 300 yards away is the Cueva de los Verdes (Green Cave), the world's largest volcanic tunnel, a place where the Guanche and later inhabitants took refuge from invaders. Extending nearly four miles to the sea, it was created by cooling lava. At the northernmost tip of the island, 7 miles (11 km) farther along, is the Mirador del Rio, a lookout point atop old fortifi cations where there is a breathtaking view of some of the smaller Canaries - Graciosa, Montana Clara, and Alegranza.
Returning southward, the road passes Haria, a village of white houses in a green valley dotted with hundreds of palms, and the last home of architect Cesar Manrique (who was killed in a car accident in 1992). The town is the most picturesque and authentic of the island's villages.
One of Lanzarote's most breathtaking views is from the heights of the Mirador de Haria, 3 miles (5 km) to the south. Farther on lies Teguise, the former island capital. Set on top of an extinct volcano, Teguise has a castle, the Castillo de Guanapay, which has the best views in town of some of the smaller Canaries. The town's colonial appearance, convents, churches, and the 18th-century Palacio Espinolas (now the seat of the local government) make it a worthwhile stop.
Things to do in Arrecife
The island's current capital, Arrecife, is not particularly interesting, but it does have two castles, the 16th-century Castillo de San Gabriel (open weekdays from 9 AM to 2 PM; admission charge) and the 18th-century Castillo de San Jose. The latter, renovated by Cesar Manrique, is now the home of the Museo deArtes Contemporaneas. Except for the hotel bars, there is very little nightlife in the capital; most of the action, such as it is, is in the beach areas.
For a look at more of Cesar Manrique's work, visit the Fundación Cesar Manrique, in the village of Taro, on the eastern end of Tahiche. The foundation, located in one of Manrique's former homes, illustrates the talent and tastes of the artist, who took advantage of an existing network of lava formations to create an impressive living space. It houses a bookshop, souvenir store, and a snack bar, and is open daily; weekend hours 10 AM to 2 PM.
Nevertheless, its farms produce sumptuous melons, figs, onions, and tomatoes, thanks to a remarkable system of cultivation. Local farmers spread picon (black volcanic ash) on their fields to absorb and retain moisture, and thus manage to coax an abundant harvest in a land that has no running water and sparse rainfall. They also produce a notable wine from the malvasia (malmsey) grape, which is grown on vines planted in walled hollows to protect them from the hot, searing winds.
By such ingenuity and persistence, the native population (now 50,000) managed to survive from approximately the time when the Genoese navigator Lancelotto Malocello landed here in the 14th century (and gave the island its name) until mass tourism hit in the 1980s. Some 700,000 visitors now set foot on this eastern-most of the Canaries annually, and hotels and apartment blocks abound, as well as desalinization plants to provide water. Fortunately, new buildings may be no higher than three stories, billboards are banned, and construction is confined to three main zones.
Las Montañas del Fuego Lanzarote
Between 1730 and 1736 a series of terrifying eruptions devastated the western part of Lanzarote: burying farmland and a number of villages under volcanic debris. This area now makes up the Parqe Nacional de Timanfaya. Entering from Yaiza, a typcal whitewashed village In the south 14.5 miles (23 km) from Arrecife, visItors come to the Echadero de los CamelJos, where dromedaries wait to carry people on short journeys. Over the lava (there is a charge for this, in addition to the park admission). The main road through the park winds up a hill known as Islote de Hilario, where sub-surface temperatures reach upward of 800F.
Twigs placed in a hollow catch fire within seconds, and when a park ranger pours water down a vent in the earth's surface, a steam geyser instantly erupts. A tour bus cruises The Route of the Volcanoes (with commentary in English) for a close view of this lunar like landscape, where virtually no living creature exists. Before departing, try a volcano-broiled steak at EI Diablo, the park restaurant. The park is open daily; admission charge. Note: Strong footwear is recommended to explore the lava fields, and those with cameras should remember to bring a blower brush to clean off the dust.
La Geria, just 3km east of Yaiza, is one of the island's main wine producing centers. A short detour off the main road to Arrecife, north toward Mashache, offers views of the peculiar horseshoe-shaped stone structures in which the grapevines thrive. South of Yaiza, the coast contains a variety of natural wonders: the Salinas de J anubio salt flats; the dancing waters of Los Hervideros, which are jets of seawater shooting out of volcanic rock; and the EI Gofo green lagoon, separated from the sea by a large crater, where vendors sell semiprecious olivine stones collected in the area.
Lanzarote Car hire
Lanzarote car hire can be picked up at the airport on arrival, when pre-booked online. Car rentals in Lanzarote are reasonably priced and if you want to hire a car to tour the island, all the major car hire companies are represented at Lanzarote Airport, including Avis, Hertz and a host of local companies.
The north of Lanzarote
An 18mile (29km) drive north of Arrecife leads to Jameos del Agua, a beautiful grotto carved by nature out of black volcanic rock, with a lagoon-formed when molten lava met the sea-inhabited by blind white crabs. The grotto has been transformed into a natural, partially enclosed entertainment and shopping complex; at one end is a beautifully landscaped outdoor pool area. Folk music shows, with dinner and dancing; a terraced top floor bar with sweeping ocean views; and a mini-museum dedicated to volcanoes, including a large rock collection and a state-of-the-art video on volcaology, are some of the features here. The entertainment grotto is open daily.
Some 300 yards away is the Cueva de los Verdes (Green Cave), the world's largest volcanic tunnel, a place where the Guanche and later inhabitants took refuge from invaders. Extending nearly four miles to the sea, it was created by cooling lava. At the northernmost tip of the island, 7 miles (11 km) farther along, is the Mirador del Rio, a lookout point atop old fortifi cations where there is a breathtaking view of some of the smaller Canaries - Graciosa, Montana Clara, and Alegranza.
Returning southward, the road passes Haria, a village of white houses in a green valley dotted with hundreds of palms, and the last home of architect Cesar Manrique (who was killed in a car accident in 1992). The town is the most picturesque and authentic of the island's villages.
One of Lanzarote's most breathtaking views is from the heights of the Mirador de Haria, 3 miles (5 km) to the south. Farther on lies Teguise, the former island capital. Set on top of an extinct volcano, Teguise has a castle, the Castillo de Guanapay, which has the best views in town of some of the smaller Canaries. The town's colonial appearance, convents, churches, and the 18th-century Palacio Espinolas (now the seat of the local government) make it a worthwhile stop.
Things to do in Arrecife
The island's current capital, Arrecife, is not particularly interesting, but it does have two castles, the 16th-century Castillo de San Gabriel (open weekdays from 9 AM to 2 PM; admission charge) and the 18th-century Castillo de San Jose. The latter, renovated by Cesar Manrique, is now the home of the Museo deArtes Contemporaneas. Except for the hotel bars, there is very little nightlife in the capital; most of the action, such as it is, is in the beach areas.
For a look at more of Cesar Manrique's work, visit the Fundación Cesar Manrique, in the village of Taro, on the eastern end of Tahiche. The foundation, located in one of Manrique's former homes, illustrates the talent and tastes of the artist, who took advantage of an existing network of lava formations to create an impressive living space. It houses a bookshop, souvenir store, and a snack bar, and is open daily; weekend hours 10 AM to 2 PM.
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