Top Five Attractions On The Island of Lanzarote
The popular holiday island of Lanzarote boasts a whole host of attractions. Encompassing natural wonders, beautiful beaches and the unique creations of the famous local artist César Manrique. But what are the top five must see spots that should figure on any visitor’s itinerary?
Lanzarote is located just off the coast of Morocco and is well established as a popular destination. Yet unlike some other Spanish sunspots there’s much more to do than just lounge by the pool here. As the island is blessed with more than it´s fair share of top tourist attractions and spectacular sights. Making holidays in Lanzarote the ideal choice for those who like to combine sunbathing with sightseeing.
Indeed the scenery and landscapes of Lanzarote are so dramatic that they are regularly used as a backdrop for major movies. Most recently the latest release from Spanish Director Pedro Almodovar – Broken Embraces.
Car hire in Lanzarote is cheap – starting from just €13 per day. Whilst the island is small, measuring just 60km by 40km. So it’s easy to get out and explore the key sights.
Valley of 1000 Palms
On an island that is as barren and arid as Lanzarote the verdant scenery of the Valley of 1000 Palms in the north of the island comes as something of a shock.
For centuries locals from the village of Haria which sites right in the heart of the Valley have been following the tradition of planting a Canarian palm for every new born baby. Creating an enormous oasis in the process.
The Green Lagoon
This emerald coloured land locked lake has been created by a chance interaction between salt from the sea, algae and volcanic minerals.
Resulting in this vibrant green lagoon – which was famously used as the location for the science fiction classic One Million Years BC.
Historic Teguise
Visiting the former island capital of Teguise is like travelling back in time. As this is the oldest Spanish settlement in the Canaries dating back to 1411.
And is home to a wealth of colonial architecture and historic buildings. Many of which – such as the Palacio Spinola – are open to the public today.
Jameos del Agua
Famous local artist César Manrique transformed this lava tunnel into a stunning underground concert venue and nightclub. Complete with restaurants and tropical gardens. As well as an elegant swimming pool reserved for the sole use of the King of Spain.
Timanfaya National Park
Visiting Lanzarote and ignoring the volcanic region would be like touring Egypt and passing over the pyramids. It just isn’t done. This whole area occupies around a quarter Lanzarote´s land mass and resembles the surface of the moon. Thanks to a series of enormous eruptions which rocked the island during the 1730´s.
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My top five must do’s in Lanzarote are:
1.Visit the Timanfaya National Park, the Montañas del Fuego are stunning, if you’re on a budget just hire a car and drive through the region rather.
2.Explore the section of coastline from Timanfaya to Playa Blanca, include El Golfo, El Charco de los Clicos (the green lagoon), Los Hervidores (blowholes) and Las Salinas (saltpans).
3.Visit Haría but drive over the top from Teguise past the windmills and drop down into the green valley after stopping at the top to admire the view, have lunch and visit the market (Saturday.) Then continue along to Mirador del Río to look over the water to La Graciosa.
4.Take the coast road from Órzola to Arrieta and explore the beautiful white sandy beaches stopping at Jameos del Agua.
5.Visit Teguise the old capital, on a Sunday there is a huge market for beautiful architecture, cobbled streets and artists.
Lanzarote….have you been yet?