Lanzarote

Lanzarote natural areas

places not to miss during your Lanzarote walking holidays:

Charco de los Clicos

A lagoon inside the crater of a volcano? A green lagoon above it? It is not possible!

It is in Lanzarote; the greenish hue is caused by the algae that live in its waters.

La Geria

Like something out of a science fiction movie, fruit trees and vines are grown in conical holes throughout this area of dark, volcanic soil. Underground there is another unmissable highlight, the Naturalistas cave a length of 1600 km.

Timanfaya National Park

5000 hectares of Martian landscape, reddish and practically unaltered by human influence that has become one of the symbols of Lanzarote and a space protected by UNESCO.

Los Ajaches

The paradise of any hiker, a Garden of Eden for geologists due to the millions of years written on its rocks. Los Ajaches is a large volcanic structure that occupies the entire south of the island. It is also its oldest region of the island.

The volcanoes

Between Timanfaya and La Geria there is a natural park (another one) whose surface is the product of lava and its peculiar shapes that were formed when solidifying. Home of native birds and reptiles.

The Corona volcano (the crown)

Thousands of years were needed for this 600-meter-high volcano to rise. The Corona volcano declared a natural park in 1987 was turned into a natural monument in 1994.

Culture and gastronomy of Lanzarote

The millenary culture of Lanzarote has been developing greatly influenced by its characteristic environment and its peculiar climatic conditions. In addition to the different settlers who have inhabited the island.

Lanzarote presents a challenging territory to prosper and develop, in such a way that its inhabitants have always had to use their creativity to make a living through agriculture, fishing, livestock or crafts. These innovative practices, adapted to the circumstances, have developed the most unique traditions and products.

All this is especially notable with its gastronomy. Wrinkled potatoes, well-renowned cheeses, typical mojo sauce (with coriander, paprika, and either green or picón red) or gofio, the most distinctive product of Canarian cuisine that was already being used in pre-Hispanic times, based on toasted cereal flour.

We cannot forget fish, which is one of the most widely used raw ingredients in its cuisine. Tune, hake, grouper, corvina are some of the protagonists, either fried, roasted cooked or sautéed.

Regarding meats, goat is more popular than pork (including that of the Canarian black pig, a native breed of the archipelago) and its wine offer is very diverse. Perhaps we should highlight the volcanic malvasia wine and highlight its exclusive origin and how it affects its flavor profile.

For dessert, of course, bienmesabe. Typical sweet made with almonds, eggs, sugar, and lemon.

Bon appetit!

Cesar Manrique

César Manrique was a prominent artist and architect born on April 24^th, 1919, in Arrecife, Lanzarote, Spain. He passed on September 25^th, 1992. His life was marked by a deep connection to his homeland, Lanzarote and his love for nature and art.

He studied Fine Arts at the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando, in Madrid. After his education, he travelled around Europe where he was inspired by the avant-garde and architectural art movements.

Throughout his career, Manrique excelled in various artistic disciplines, including painting, sculpture, and architecture. His work often reflected his passion for nature and the synergy of art and nature.

In the 1960s, Manrique returned to his homeland Lanzarote, and became a passionate advocate for environmental conservation and the harmonization of tourism development with the island’s natural beauty.

César Manrique is famous for designing and developing unique architectural projects on Lanzarote, such as the Jameos del Agua (a series of volcanic caves converted into a cultural and tourist complex), the Mirador del Río (a viewpoint with spectacular views) and the César Manrique Foundation (a house-museum showcasing his art and life-philosophy).

Through his work, Manrique left a lasting impact on Lanzarote and the way sustainable tourism is approached on the island. His focus on landscape conservation and the integration of architecture with nature remains an important influence in the region.

César Manrique died tragically in a car accident in 1992, but his artistic legacy and commitment to preserving the environment and culture of Lanzarote continued to be celebrated and honored through his César Manrique Foundation and its influence on the island.

Other Artistic Centres of interest, related to Manrique’s work are:

1. Jameos del Agua: Located in a series of unique volcanic caves, this center combines natural and cultural elements to offer a unique experience. It includes and underground auditorium, a natural swimming pool, restaurants, and exhibition areas.
2. Mirador del Río: This viewpoint is located at the top of the cliffs of Famara, offering spectacular panoramic views of the island of La Graciosa and the Chinijo archipelago. The design of the building blends harmoniously with the natural surroundings.
3. Castillo de San José: This historic castle was restored by César Manrique and now houses a contemporary art museum, which includes a collection of works by Canarian artists and temporary exhibitions.
4. Monumento al Campesino: This center pays homage to Lanzarote’s agricultural culture and features distinctive architecture, sculptures, and a restaurant.

Activities in Lanzarote

Doing a Lanzarote walking holiday offers as many possibilities as the types of visitors that come to the island every year, every season. Walking holidays in Spain for solo travelers are also on high demand.

For the most intrepid and adventurous, its coasts are known throughout the world by surfers who are looking for strong emotions riding the wave, but also by more inexperienced ones who want to continue improving their technique. There are beaches for everyone.

With over 100 dive sites, the transparency of the waters and the mild climate allows for an unforgettable experience.

For those who seek tranquility and disconnect from the daily obligations, Lanzarote is a haven of peace. A good example, the Papagayo beaches, with a kilometer and a half of coastline in which the finest sand gives way to a calm sea in which different hues of green and blue are mixed. A trip on a catamaran or boat, a game of paddles on the sand or the most relaxed recreational sea fishing can put a perfect finishing touch to a wonderful holiday.

The options are almost limitless. From paragliding over Lanzarote to hiking the island from end to end and discovering all its volcanic splendor. Dolphin watching in their natural environment and going for a jet-ski ride are two other activities for the sea enthusiasts. On the other hand, if you would rather stay inland, going for a buggy tour or a bike route also offers an extraordinary experience.

The combination of those earthy tones and textures with the undulating blue of the Atlantic is one of the first rewards that the traveler’s eyes meet when they arrive in Lanzarote.

Its subtropical climate with little rainfall endows the island with mild temperatures and good atmospheric conditions all year round. When it’s the best time to visit Lanzarote? Any time is good.

As if it were not enough with it alone, Lanzarote also has its own archipelago within the Canary archipelago. Completed by La Graciosa and the depopulated islands of Alegranza, Montaña Clara, Roque del Este and Roque del Oeste, which form the Chinijo archipelago and the largest marine reserve in the EU with 700 km2. An amazing scenery for a Lanzarote walking holiday!

Recent history of Lanzarote

The recent history of Lanzarote is marked by its volcanic geology and the influence of different cultures over the last 5 centuries.

In the 15^th century, Jean de Béthencourt arrive in Lanzarote and began conquering the island. The Guanche resistance was strong but finally was defeated and the island became part of the Crown of Castile.

During the 16^th and 17^th centuries, the island suffered attacks by pirated, such as the English privateer Francis Drake. In addition, volcanic eruption affected life on the island on several occasions.

After the eruption of the Timanfaya volcano in 1730, the island started to depopulate due to the enormous destruction caused by it. It lasted 6 years and the lava covered 30% of the whole island. Lanzarote experienced a wave of emigration to other islands or to America in search of better economic opportunities.

Throughout the 19^th century, Lanzarote experienced a period of stability and economic growth, driven by agriculture and fishing. Fortifications and lighthouses were built to protect the island and guide ships.

By the 20^th century, Lanzarote and the Canary Islands in general became a increasingly popular tourist destination. The construction of its touristic infrastructure, such as hotels and airports, boosted the island’s economy. César Manrique played an important role in promoting sustainable tourism and preserving the island’s natural and cultural heritage.

Today, Lanzarote is known for its beautiful beaches, volcanic panoramas, vineyards, unique architecture, and outdoor activities. The island has managed to maintain much of its authenticity and natural beauty while adapting to the demands of the model tourism industry.