Lanzarote sightseeing tips
More than 15 million years ago the island of Lanzarote emerged after the break-up of the America and African plates. Born through fiery volcanic eruptions, causing lava streams to solidify and extravagant rock structures to form, Lanzarote is a blessed with a spectacular landscape, matched or rivalled by nowhere.
Asides its stunning volcanic vistas, there is plenty to do on Lanzarote, and it is the potent amalgamation of unsurpassable natural beauty and adventurous, cultural sight seeing that makes Lanzarote a popular tourist destination.
If you are lucky enough to be heading to Lanzarote this summer, you’ll be pleased to read the following Lanzarote sightseeing tips for this magical island.
Jameos del Agua
Jameos del Aqua is possibly Lanzarote’s number one tourist spot. Formed approximately 4,000 years ago when Montana La Coruna erupted, Jameos del Aqua is part of six kilometre-long lava tube of connecting caves and underground grottoes at the foot of the Montana La Coruna, in the north of the island.
Having been described by Hollywood legend Rita Heyworth as the “Eighth wonder of the world,” Jameos del Agua, since it was artistically developed for viewing in 1968 by Lanzarote’s most famous artist Cesar Manrique, really is a sight to behold and one that all the family will enjoy.
Castillo de San Jose
The journey to Castillo de San Jose, which was built in the mid 18th century by King Carlos III, is an experience in itself and is thoroughly recommended. Taking you through Puerto de Naos, Arrecife’s fishing port and the birth town of Cesar Manrique, the inspiring internationally renowned artist of the 20th century and one of Lanzarote’s best-loved sons.
This unique semicircular fortress was built primarily for military purposes as well as to provide work for the islanders. With a commanding hilltop position boasting stunning views of Naos port and the docks of Marmoles, San Jose Castle offers and exhilarating trip of history, scenic elevation and artistic genius.
In 1976 the fortress was converted into a Museum of Modern Art after Manrique persuaded town authorities to convert the old fortress. Today the museum exhibits the works of many prominent artists including Cesar Manrique, Miro, Picasso, Bacon, and Luis Feito.
Asides the museum, Castilla de San Jose has an elegant restaurant serving highly recommended cuisine and offering panoramic views overlooking the busy harbour of Puerto de los Mamoles.
Mirador del Rio
When an island, region or area is as beautiful as Lanzarote, it unsurprisingly contains many viewing points where you can go and take in the breathtaking view. In Spain these viewing points are known as ‘miradors’ and Lanzarote is naturally full of them.
One of the best miradors on Lanzarote is known as the Mirador del Rio, which was once again designed by one of the island’s most famous names, Cesar Manrique. Situated to the north of Lanzarote, Manrique designed the mirador in 1973, where the views can only be described as ‘sensational’.
From this elevation of 600 metres, you can really appreciate the immensity of the Atlantic, and this colossal ocean being broken up by the group of islets, Montana Clara, Alegranza and Roques del Este and Oeste.