Lava and last looks

Our final day on Lanzarote and there is still so much to see! Today we’re exploring some of the islands evocative lava fields.

Sign of Parque Natural Los Volcanes with rugged volcanic terrain in the background
A long, straight road stretching towards a mountainous landscape with white buildings on the left side and a clear blue sky.
A rocky shoreline with dark volcanic rocks extending into a calm blue ocean under a clear sky.
A winding road leads towards a mountain with a rocky texture, and a few white buildings are visible in the foreground.
A person standing on rocky shoreline with ocean waves in the background.
A person walking along a rocky path in a volcanic landscape, with a mountain in the background and a partly cloudy sky.
Close-up of rugged volcanic rock formations with various textures and openings, under a blue sky.
Close-up of volcanic rock with a distant volcanic mountain under a blue sky.

Los Volcanes Natural Park is a stunning national park located near Timanfaya National Park. It offers rugged volcanic landscapes and various trekking routes for hikers to explore.

A person walking on a rocky volcanic landscape with a mountain in the background and cloudy blue sky.
Close-up view of rocky terrain featuring dark volcanic rocks with unique textures and cavities.
Lava field with rough, uneven terrain and scattered volcanic rocks, mountains visible in the background under a cloudy sky.
Rocky volcanic landscape with dark lava stones and a cloudy sky in the background.
A man standing in front of a rocky volcanic landscape with large boulders and loose stones.
A man standing on rocky terrain near a volcanic landscape, wearing a South Beach tank top and camo shorts.
A rocky volcanic landscape with a vast field of lava rocks and a distant mountain under a partly cloudy sky.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site covers over 10,000 hectares and is a sea of petrified lava as far as the eye can see.

A straight road leading towards a mountainous landscape under a cloudy sky.
A white heron standing on a rocky shoreline with clear blue water in the background.
Panoramic view of a sunset over a white-walled town with clouds and vibrant orange and yellow hues in the sky.
A scenic view of a coastline at sunset, featuring a calm sea, a rocky shoreline, and a hillside with white buildings under a colorful sky with clouds.
A scenic view of a coastal promenade at sunset, with a rocky shoreline, calm water, and clouds illuminated by warm colors in the sky. In the background, white buildings are visible on the hills against the fading daylight.

Then a last walk around our home for the week Puerto Del Carmen. It’s a perfect base to explore this fascinating island.

Coastal view featuring rocky formations, a palm tree, and colorful buildings in the background under a blue sky with some clouds.
Coastal view featuring white buildings with blue accents, palm trees, and rocky shoreline under a partly cloudy sky.
A person standing on a wooden walkway by the ocean, surrounded by palm trees and lush greenery.
A vibrant outdoor scene featuring tall palm trees, a yellow umbrella, and numerous potted plants arranged on terraced stone walls, with ropes and wooden boards nearby.
A vibrant garden scene featuring a spherical cactus surrounded by pink flowering plants and lush green foliage.
A rocky landscape with a tall cactus and a lush green tree in the foreground, and a white building with balconies in the background under a blue sky.
A rocky shoreline with clear water, featuring green and brown hues. A single white bird stands on a rock near the water's edge, with mountains in the background and a partly cloudy sky.
A lush garden featuring various cacti and ornamental plants, with a tall palm tree in the foreground and a white building in the background. The scene is vibrant and sunny, highlighting the greenery and colorful flora.
A close-up of a water bus with a pink sign that reads 'WATER BUS' on top and 'ASS BOTTOM' in bold red letters on the side, docked in a harbor.
A scenic view of a coastline featuring cacti on rocky land with clear blue water in the background.
A close-up of tall, green cacti with a backdrop of clear blue ocean and sky.
A scenic view of the ocean with a rocky shoreline, where two people are fishing or engaging in a similar activity, surrounded by cacti and a backdrop of hills under a bright blue sky with fluffy clouds.
A person wearing sunglasses and a striped shirt smiles while holding a large drink with a blue straw and an orange slice, with a harbor and boats visible in the background.
A person wearing sunglasses and a decorative headband is enjoying a large cocktail with an orange slice while sitting at a marina, with boats and hills in the background.

And a final plane spotting adventure rounds off our busy week exploring Lanzarote.

A beach scene featuring large black rocks in the foreground and gentle ocean waves in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
Rocky shoreline with black stones and sandy beach, ocean waves in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
A smiling woman with sunglasses and a white headscarf stands on the beach, holding a book, with the ocean and blue sky in the background.
An airplane approaching for landing over a beach, with wind turbines visible in the background and a turtle resting on the sand in the foreground.
A rocky beach with a clear blue sky and gentle ocean waves in the background. A person walks along the shoreline.
An airplane is taking off against a backdrop of wind turbines and a clear blue sky.
A commercial airplane flying through a partly cloudy blue sky.
A man sitting on a rocky beach looking out at a sandy shoreline and distant mountains under a partly cloudy sky.
Airplane flying through a blue sky with clouds.

Weird art

If it’s weird, wacky or just amusing, count me in! Hence the reason we pull up to explore this roadside sculpture gallery!

A sculpture of a woman with long hair and a bare bust stands above a smaller statue of a child with a sign in front that has abstract mosaic patterns.
Two white plaster statues of human figures with raised arms, surrounded by greenery and scattered flowers.
A collection of white sculptures featuring human figures in various poses, positioned in front of a textured building with green windows under a cloudy sky.
Two weathered mannequins dressed in tattered clothing, set against a cloudy sky. One mannequin appears to be holding something while the other leans slightly, displaying signs of age and wear.
A white, abstract sculpture of a man waving and a woman in traditional attire, surrounded by small stone structures and vegetation. Two mosaic signs are positioned at their feet.
A white sculpture of a woman with raised arms and a goat next to a stone pedestal, set in a garden with trees.
A white stone sculpture of a figure with raised arms, surrounded by greenery and rocks.
White statues of human figures in an outdoor setting, with one figure appearing to salute, surrounded by several other abstract sculptures and vegetation.

The Museo Mara Mao was created by the self-taught artist José García Martín (1932-2019), popularly known as Pillimpo.

This unique artistic space represents one of the most outstanding examples of outsider art or art brut in the Canary archipelago.

A sculpture of a female figure standing in a field with green plants in the foreground and houses in the background.
White sculptures of human figures in a garden setting, with cloudy skies in the background.
A white statue of a standing figure with an outstretched arm, wearing a long coat and hat, set against a cloudy sky.
A man standing beside two large, white, lion sculptures on a street.
Two colorful statues standing on a white stone wall, with one statue in a brown coat and the other in a traditional outfit. The setting includes greenery in the background.
A white stone statue of a woman standing in a field with flowers, set against a backdrop of white buildings and hills.
Colorful sculptures of human figures standing in front of a white wall surrounded by palm trees and shrubs.
Two sculptures of figures, one with hands on their head and the other standing beside, set against a backdrop of palm trees and a white wall.
A white stone statue of a lion, featuring intricate details on its mane and body, displayed outdoors with green plants in the background and cloudy skies above.

The museum is the artist’s garden, transformed over several decades into a world of fantastical sculptures created from recycled materials.

The origin of this name came from a lyrical phrase he himself devised: “Mara Mao, ravine of sweet, enamored tears ,” to which he was particularly attached and which may have been part of one of his poems or songs.

View of a sculpture garden featuring abstract white sculptures among tall cacti under a cloudy sky.
A white statue of a male figure with one hand raised to its head, standing against a cloudy sky.
A white sculpture of a figure on a cross with a stern expression, while another smaller figure stands above, waving. The background is a textured wall made of white stones.
A white sculpture of an angel with outstretched arms, surrounded by other abstract figures and architecture under a cloudy sky.
Two large white sculptures of a woman and a man standing in a garden, surrounded by cacti and rocky terrain.
An outdoor sculpture garden featuring unique white statues, stone structures, and palm trees, under a cloudy sky.

Not all of his neighbours were impressed by the eclectic collection but today, Mara Mao is recognized as a prime example of folk art and a symbol of island inventiveness outside the mainstream.

Arrecife

Arrecife is the capital city of Lanzarote. The city owes its name to the rock reef (“arrecife” being Spanish for “reef”) which covers its local beach. 

The Charco de San Ginés is located in the heart of the capital of Lanzarote. The island’s first fishing settlement was built around this seawater lagoon.

Close-up of a wooden boat with a green base, showing weathered paint and markings.
An elderly man in a tank top and camo shorts exercises at an outdoor gym, using a modern apparatus for workout, with a sunny backdrop.
Scenic view of a harbor with several small boats on clear water, surrounded by palm trees and buildings under a blue sky with clouds.
A scenic view of a marina with multiple small boats anchored on calm water, surrounded by buildings and mountains under a partly cloudy sky.
A scenic view of a harbor with multiple boats docked, a gentle mountain range in the background, and a clear blue sky.
A scenic view of a harbor with various colorful boats floating on calm waters, surrounded by buildings and palm trees, with a mountain in the background.
A weathered wooden boat floating on calm blue water.
A colorful wooden boat with a blue and orange color scheme floating on still water, reflecting its shape and colors in the surface. There are a few small buoys nearby.
A scenic view of a harbor with numerous small boats floating on calm water, surrounded by buildings and mountains under a partly cloudy sky.
A peaceful marina scene with several boats docked in calm waters, and a person working on one of the boats. In the background, there are white buildings and palm trees under a partly cloudy sky.
Scenic view of a harbor with several boats floating on calm water, surrounded by white buildings and palm trees.

It was the presence of the Charco that led to Arrecife being known in the past as the Venice of the Atlantic.

Another famous sight is the Castillo de San Gabriel, an imposing stone fortress dating from the 16th century, with cannons and history exhibits.

To reach the castle you must cross the Puente de las Bolas. Built in the 16th century, its 175 metres connect the castle to dry land.

A close-up of a sticker on a metallic surface that reads 'STOP MASIVE TOURISM' in bold letters, with a hashtag '#CanariasSeHarta' underneath.
Bronze sculpture of a seated man looking towards the sea, with a fortress visible in the background and a clear blue sky.
Two boats floating in clear water, one is white with green accents and the other is green with a blue trim.
A bronze statue of a seated man with a thoughtful expression, located near a waterfront, under a clear blue sky.
A stone bridge with two towers and arches over clear water, with people standing on the bridge and a fortress in the background under a blue sky.
A person standing on a stone pathway leading to a scenic ocean view, framed by two tall stone pillars under a clear blue sky.
View of a stone bridge with towers leading to a historic fort, surrounded by clear turquoise water and blue sky.
A scenic view of a stone bridge leading to a fort, surrounded by clear turquoise water and blue sky.
A man with a bald head and glasses stands on a stone pathway beside an ocean, wearing a tank top that says 'SOUTH BEACH MIAMI' and camouflage shorts, with a fortress in the background.
Scenic view of a rocky coastline with a stone structure in the background, under a clear blue sky.

This historic castle was built to defend the island from pirate attacks and is located on a tiny island called Islote de los Ingleses.

Originally built as a small wooden fortress, this proved insufficient to prevent attacks and had to be rebuilt after it was burnt down by Amazigh pirates.

The subsequent stone castle was completed in the 16th century and become an important defensive post for the harbour.

A piece of art depicting two hands reaching towards each other, with a light blue background. The artwork is slightly weathered, lying on a concrete surface with some rust spots.
A rocky coastline with clear blue water in the foreground and a historic fortress perched on a hill in the background under a blue sky.
A stone fortification on a rocky coastline with clear blue water in the foreground under a clear sky.
Clear turquoise water with a rocky shoreline and an old building in the background under a blue sky.
A scenic view of a calm ocean with a sandy beach and rocky shoreline under a blue sky with scattered clouds. Two people are walking along the shore.
A clear body of water with visible rocks at the bottom, under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
A close-up view of an antique cannon with wooden wheels, positioned in front of a stone wall under a bright blue sky.
A scenic beach view featuring calm turquoise waters, sandy shores, and a person walking along the shoreline.
A coastal view showcasing a modern skyscraper beside a harbor filled with small boats, with mountains in the background and fluffy clouds in the blue sky.
A man with a bald head and sunglasses stands on a stone walkway by the water, wearing a tank top and camo shorts. A historic building is visible in the background.
A sandy beach with footprints leading to calm waters and a historic stone fort in the background under a cloudy sky.
A serene beach scene featuring clear blue water, a sandy shoreline, and gentle waves lapping against rocky edges. The sky is bright with scattered clouds, and distant boats are visible on the horizon.
A man with a beard wearing sunglasses and a blue backpack is sitting on a stone wall overlooking a beach and the sea in a coastal area.

We then take a wander into the town itself to check out more architecture and street art.

A close-up view of a textured stone structure in the foreground with a statue and white building in the background beneath a blue sky with scattered clouds.
Close-up view of a wooden building with a circular window and a digital screen on the upper part, showing a beachfront scene.
Exterior view of a wooden structure with decorative elements, displaying two digital screens featuring images. A black flag with white text stands in front of the structure under a blue sky.
Statue of Blas Cabrera Felipe, a physicist, in front of a white building with green windows and a chimney. The base of the statue includes an inscription detailing his contributions and the date of the statue's inauguration.
A small boat named 'AUX. EL TORMENTA' floating in clear blue water, surrounded by other boats and a rocky shoreline in the background.
A small green boat floating on clear blue water with a distant sailboat and pier in the background.
Colorful mural featuring a cartoon cat playing the saxophone, surrounded by playful elements like bubbles, a fish, a pig, and drinks.
Colorful mural featuring a pink flying pig, a sardine can, glasses of wine, and musical notes on a textured background.
Black and white mural depicting two children smiling, with colored balloons (pink, black, and white) attached. The background features faded text resembling newspaper pages.
A mixed media artwork displayed on a door, featuring an old photograph of a boy, a map of the Canary Islands, and a drawing of a fish. The surrounding area shows peeling paint and textures.
A mural depicting a vintage photograph of a woman holding hands with two children, set against a green background and a sign prohibiting stickering.
A close-up of an old, weathered teal-colored wooden window shutter against a white wall, showcasing peeling paint and a rustic appearance.
A tall white bell tower with a clock, surrounded by green trees against a blue sky with scattered clouds.
A mural on a wall featuring two girls sitting on a bench, surrounded by various printing textures and images, including a heron and a chicken. The mural includes a warning sign that reads 'Prohibido Pegar Este Les.'
Graffiti mural of an orange cat wearing a black top hat and striped shirt on a garage door, with the name 'KATU' displayed above.

f

A rustic green door with a number 6 above it, set against a white wall and a grey base. A leafy plant is positioned beside the door on the stone pavement.
A lush jade plant in a terracotta pot, with vibrant green leaves, set against a backdrop of green wooden lattice and a grey wall.
A green door with a weathered finish and a decorative knocker, framed by a lush, green succulent plant in the foreground.
A close-up of a textured, weathered door featuring a distinctive door knocker. The door is painted in light green and blue hues, showing signs of wear and scratches.
Close-up of a vibrant red and white amaryllis flower blooming among green foliage in a pot.
A potted plant arrangement featuring various types of foliage, including a tall stem with red leaves and shorter greenery, displayed against a green wooden wall.
A torn paper heart with wings, attached to a green wall, symbolizing themes of love and loss.
Graffiti on a green wall that reads 'PUNK'S NOT DEAD' with an anarchist symbol underneath.
A small white boat rests on the sandy shore next to calm blue water, with a backdrop of white buildings and palm trees under a partly cloudy sky.
A man standing on a stone walkway near a calm harbor with small boats, wearing sunglasses and a tank top, against a backdrop of white buildings and palm trees under a cloudy sky.
A rusty windmill stands on a stone pedestal by the water, with a backdrop of a blue sky and buildings in the distance.

The Castillo de San José (Castle of San José) is an historic fortress and art museum just down the road from Arrecife.

Even if you are an art lover, it is worth a quick pitstop to enjoy the architecture.

A stone castle with a rounded tower and distinctive architecture against a backdrop of blue water and palm trees, featuring colorful plants and rocky landscape in the foreground.
A sculpture of a wooden figure with pointed ears, positioned near a stone wall, on a gravel surface with scattered stones and greenery in the background, under a blue sky.
A person standing on a stone pathway surrounded by greenery and blooming flowers, with shipping containers and cranes visible in the background under a bright blue sky.
A person leaning over a flowerbed with bright pink hibiscus flowers, surrounded by gravel and stone pathways, near a harbor with shipping containers in the background.
A close-up of a spherical stone sculpture on a metal stand, set against a backdrop of rounded pebbles and a glass building near the water.
A man standing on a cobblestone walkway beside a calm blue sea, with a white building and greenery nearby.
A large, abstract bronze sculpture stands on a textured dark ground, with a blue sky and white clouds in the background.
A close-up of vibrant red hibiscus flowers in the foreground, with a stone structure featuring small windows in the background against a blue sky.
A coastal view showing a building with a glass facade reflecting the sea and sky. Green plants in the foreground and a harbor with buoys in the distance.
A man with a beard stands on a pathway made of smooth pebbles, alongside a large sculpture, in front of a modern building with large glass windows and a view of the sea.
A contemporary building with large glass windows overlooking a calm sea and a harbor, featuring green and red buoys in the water.
A man walking along a stone path beside the water, with a green buoy visible in the background and a building on the right.
A woman in a floral shirt poses for a selfie with a smiling expression while a man stands casually in the background at a harbor featuring ships and containers.
A close-up view of vibrant pink hibiscus flowers in the foreground with a stone building featuring a lookout tower in the background against a clear blue sky.
Bright red hibiscus flowers surrounded by green foliage against a textured rock background.
A close-up view of a rough stone wall featuring a barred window, with a vintage, rustic look.

Playa de Famara

Famara beach with its pale golden sand stretches out for over five kilometres.

Traffic sign warning about sand on the road, with symbols indicating caution and a sandy landscape in the background.
A shirtless older man with a beard stands on a beach, wearing blue swim shorts and sunglasses, holding a black shirt in one hand.
A sandy beach with a rocky area and gentle waves in the background, featuring several people walking along the shoreline under a clear blue sky.
A person with sunglasses and a headband smiling at the beach, with ocean and sand in the background.
Close-up view of a person relaxing on a sandy beach, with bare feet visible in the foreground and ocean waves in the background.

Famara beach is an untamed sport’s beach ideal for doing water sports like surfing, body boarding, windsurfing and kite surfing, thanks to the swell of the waves and constant winds.

A wooden lookout or observation tower set against a backdrop of blue skies and scattered clouds, surrounded by sandy terrain and distant mountains.
A person jumping joyfully in the sand dunes with the ocean in the background.
A car parked in a desert landscape with mountains in the background and a windmill-like structure.
A stop sign stands in a sandy landscape with rolling dunes and a distant mountain under a clear blue sky.

The constant winds also create one of the beach’s most iconic sights – sand dunes alongside the road.

A person jumping in the air on a sandy dune, with mountains in the background and a wooden structure nearby under a blue sky.
A white Audi Q3 parked on sandy terrain with mountains in the background under a clear blue sky.
A person jumping joyfully on a sandy hill with mountains in the background and a wooden structure nearby under a blue sky.
A wooden observation tower situated on sandy terrain with mountains in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
A person with a bald head, wearing a black tank top and blue shorts, is jumping in the air with arms raised, against a backdrop of sandy dunes and a blue ocean.
A sandy landscape with gentle dunes and scattered rocks, with a distant view of buildings and mountains under a clear blue sky.
A stop sign positioned on a dirt road in a sandy landscape with hills and a mountain in the background.

Teguise

The pretty little town of Teguise was one of the first settlements established in the Canary Islands.

A historic building with a prominent bell tower against a backdrop of clouds. The structure features a white exterior and decorative stonework.
A vintage wooden window with a teal green frame, featuring multiple rectangular panes, set against a white wall.
View of a traditional church facade featuring a large wooden entrance door with intricate carvings, round windows, and a decorative bell tower against a blue sky.
A historic church building featuring a tall bell tower and a large wooden door, set against a clear blue sky.

Capital of Lanzarote until 1847, it maintains a significant number of buildings of great historical and artistic value.

A vertical display of colorful, decorated bottle caps featuring various characters and designs, including a smiling face, a bee, and a cat, placed against a backdrop of a building.
A colorful cross decorated with various ornaments, flowers, and buttons, set against a white wall and trees.
A stained glass window depicting a figure in robes with a halo, set against a colorful background.
Bronze lion statue in the foreground with a clock tower and palm trees in the background under a clear blue sky.
A man standing next to a stop sign that reads 'STOP MASS TOURISM' in a sunny outdoor setting.

Clearly the impacts of over tourism are being felt even here, as the street sign above shows a distinctly anti tourist sentiment!

I was amused and disturbed in equal measure by the poster below appearing to show a baby being fed directly from a goat!

Metal sculpture of a mythical figure with a trident above a fish skeleton, displayed on a white wall, with succulent plants in a pot below.
A rustic shop exterior featuring a sign that reads 'La Villa' with images of a goat and a woman. A wooden barrel is in the foreground, and a decorative goat sculpture is nearby, with bottles displayed on a rack.
Close-up of vibrant, red and green succulent plants, showcasing intricate rosette patterns.
Bronze statue of a person wearing a traditional outfit, holding a hat and looking down. The background features a blue sky.
A tall green cactus in an orange pot next to three woven cactus decorations on a stone pathway beside a white wall.
A metal sculpture of a person holding a sign that reads 'CACTUS', with a lizard design on their torso and a tail extending down.
Metal cactus sculpture mounted on a wall with a sign pointing to 'Souvenirs'. A smaller cactus is positioned nearby.
A bright blue sky above a white wall with a green wooden door and a black cross nearby, labeled 'CRUZ'.

You can also visit the tiny Aloe Vera museum and force your loved ones to pose with the little mascot!

A man in casual clothing stands next to a large green aloe vera statue with big eyes and a friendly smile, in an indoor setting decorated with informational posters about aloe.
A person standing next to a green aloe vera statue with large eyes and a welcoming gesture, inside a white room with green informational panels in the background.
Exterior view of a white building with a sign that reads 'Artesanía Lanzaroteña', featuring decorative plants, a small table and chairs, and a unique tree in front.

Rock formations

Los Roferos, also called Stratified city or Antigua Rofera, is an abandoned quarry with years of erosion creating amazing rock structures.

A person in a black tank top and denim shorts stands in front of large, textured rock formations under a clear blue sky.
A large, textured volcanic rock formation with dark colors, against a blue sky with some clouds.
A person standing on a large rock formation, wearing a sleeveless shirt and shorts, against a backdrop of blue sky and clouds.
Unusual rock formations with a blue sky in the background.

This former quarry provides a surreal landscape to explore.

A man in a black tank top and sunglasses holds up a rock formation with a hole in it, set against a hilly landscape.

The ‘stratified city’ is composed of a series of torturous rock formations shaped over thousands of years by the island’s wind, sun and rain.

This natural erosion has created a surreal otherworldly landscape, with intriguing holes, tunnels and caves found in the rocks.

A close-up selfie of a woman wearing sunglasses and a headband, with a man in the background jumping in excitement under a rock arch.

The site is constantly changing its appearance, as the weather ensures that the rocks continue to erode over time.

Rock formations resembling sculptures against a backdrop of blue sky.
A man is standing on a rock formation with arms raised in celebration, wearing sunglasses and a tank top, with a blue sky and clouds in the background.
A man standing on a large rock formation under a clear blue sky, wearing a tank top and shorts.
A rugged rock formation with dark textures and cave-like openings under a blue sky.
A person standing on rock formations with a gray texture against a blue sky with clouds.

It’s well worth spending half an hour exploring this luna landscape.

A tall, white rock formation stands in the foreground with a volcanic mountain and blue sky in the background.
A rugged black volcanic rock formation under a partly cloudy blue sky, with scattered pebbles and sparse vegetation in the foreground.
Close-up of orange flowers with green leaves growing on rocky soil.
A close-up of a pink and purple poppy flower with a green seed pod beside it, set against a blurred natural background.
Close-up view of a textured gray rock in the foreground with a taller rock formation in the background against a blue sky with clouds.
Close-up of a blooming purple poppy flower with a yellow center and a green seed pod.
A rocky landscape featuring unique rock formations and small vegetation under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

Jardín de Cactus

Ready for a spikey tale?

The incredible Jardín de Cactus has around 4500 specimens of 450 different species, of 13 different families of cactus from the five continents.

A person smiling for a selfie in a cactus garden with a volcanic mountain in the background.
A large, round cactus with yellow spines is in the foreground, surrounded by various other cacti and lush greenery against a backdrop of stone walls and a blue sky with clouds.
A variety of cacti displayed on a rocky landscape with a clear blue sky in the background.
A landscape featuring large golden cacti among rocks, with a stone wall and a cloudy sky in the background.
A man with sunglasses stands among tall cacti in a desert landscape under a bright sky.
A man stands among various cacti and succulent plants in a garden. The landscape features a stone wall and a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.
A lush green cactus plant surrounded by dark gravel, with a stone wall and trees in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
A tall cactus in the foreground with a traditional windmill in the background against a cloudy sky.
A close-up view of various cacti, showcasing their distinctive spines and textures, with green and yellow hues, set against a rocky background and other plants.
A man standing next to a tall cactus in a desert-like landscape, wearing a green Puma t-shirt and denim shorts.
A desert landscape featuring various types of cacti, including tall, segmented cacti and smaller, bushy varieties. The ground is covered in black volcanic gravel, with a few rocks visible in the scene.
A lush display of tall cacti under a blue sky, featuring a variety of cactus shapes and sizes, including some with vibrant green flowering tops.
Close-up view of a cactus with yellow flowers and buds, showcasing its green spines and ridged texture.
A person standing next to a large cactus in a desert landscape, showing a surprised expression. Various other cacti and desert plants are visible in the background.
Close-up view of a round cactus with prominent spines, surrounded by other green plants and rocky terrain under a blue sky.

The garden is situated in the village of Guatiza, in a former quarry where volcanic sand lapilli was extracted to spread on cultivated areas to retain moisture.

A person in a light blue shirt playfully poses next to a large round cactus in a cactus garden, surrounded by various other cacti and landscaping.

The Cactus Garden is the brainchild of artist of César Manrique and along with the cacti, the architecture is brimming with decorative and sculptural elements.

A man stands among large, round cacti in a rocky landscape under a partly cloudy sky.
Close-up of a flowering plant with bright red flowers and green leaves, surrounded by gravel.
A vibrant pink flower blooming atop a cactus, surrounded by soft, hairy cactus spines and a reflective body of water in the background.
A variety of cacti with distinctive shapes and textures, including round golden cacti and tall, slender green cacti, set against a backdrop of rocky terrain.
A close-up of a vibrant green succulent plant with distinct yellow edges, set against a backdrop of dark volcanic rocks.
A close-up of a flowering cactus with vibrant yellow blooms and pink buds, along with a person's face partially visible above it.
A close-up view of tall, spiny cacti with multiple arms against a background of rocky terrain and blue sky.
A cluster of tall, green cactus plants growing against a rocky, reddish-brown background.
Close-up view of a vibrant green and purple cactus with prominent spines, set against a blurred background of other cacti in a garden.
A person standing on the stairs of a white windmill with a turquoise sky and scattered clouds in the background.
A large cactus with broad pads and spines, located beside a stone wall, under a blue sky with some clouds.
Close-up of several round cacti with white spines and pink flower buds, placed on a textured volcanic rock surface.
Close-up view of a spherical cactus with spines, positioned on textured stone pavement, beside a low-growing succulent plant and a white building.
Close-up of a colorful cactus with yellow and red pads, surrounded by dark ground.
Artistic chandelier made of thin metal rods and glass elements, suspended from a circular skylight, with a view of rocky landscape and greenery through a large window.
A person stands on a wooden spiral staircase under a modern light fixture, surrounded by stone walls and greenery.
A man standing among large, spherical cacti in a garden with various types of cacti and a rocky background.
Close-up of a cactus with green pads and red fruit, set against a backdrop of dark, volcanic rocks.
Close-up of a cactus with red spines and yellow flowers at the top.

This internationally awarded complex is considered one of the most important cactus gardens in the world.

It’s not hard to see why with the prickly plants poking out from everywhere, and everything, you can imagine.

A close-up of a round, textured stone surface with a green succulent plant growing in the center, surrounded by rugged rock.
A close-up of a round cactus with strong spines, located on a textured stone surface near a white building with a curved staircase.
A person standing on a curved wooden staircase with a modern light installation made of glass globes and bamboo sticks, surrounded by natural stone walls and greenery.
A close-up view of a vibrant cactus with reddish-yellow pads and sharp spines, set against a dark gravel background.
Top view of a vibrant cactus with red spines and small yellow flowers on top against a dark background.
A close-up view of a cactus with large, flat green pads and red fruit (tunas) around its edges, set against a background of dark volcanic rocks.
A man stands among large, round cacti in a desert garden with volcanic rock in the background.
Close-up of a circular cactus with white fur-like spines resting on a black gravel surface.
Close-up image of a cluster of Mammillaria bombycina cacti situated on black gravel, accompanied by a plant identification label.
Close-up of a cactus with a vibrant yellow flower blooming on top, surrounded by green pads and spines.
A desert landscape featuring various cacti arranged on dark volcanic soil, with a tall, spiny cactus prominently displayed in the foreground and smaller round cacti scattered around.
A woman poses for a selfie among tall cacti with a rocky background and a blue sky.
A close-up view of a flowering plant with pink blossoms and green leaves against a dark background.
A close-up of tall cacti with pinkish spines, set against a rocky landscape with other cacti and people in the background.
A close-up view of a cactus with yellow tips and colorful flowers, set against a dark gravel background.
A group of tall cacti with a large green cactus in the foreground and several other cacti in the background, set against a cloudy sky.
A close-up of a tall, multi-branches cactus with thick, segmented arms, surrounded by other desert plants and a rocky background under a cloudy sky.
A view of a desert garden filled with various cacti and succulent plants, seen through a circular window. The scene includes a stone pathway and a mountainous backdrop under a partly cloudy sky.

There’s a tasty cafe on site, with a variety of cactus themed foods (plus lovely cake too!) and also a windmill –  the Guatiza mill.

Even the toilets have the artist’s touch, with his unique artwork decorating the doors.

A person taking a selfie in front of large round cacti with yellow flowers, wearing sunglasses and a light blue shirt.
A tall striped cactus stands prominently in a garden filled with various cacti, against a backdrop of rocky formations and a cloudy sky.
A woman with sunglasses and a headband stands in front of tall cacti in a sunny outdoor setting.
A woman with short brown hair, wearing sunglasses and an ear cuff, poses in front of a tall cactus with many green branches. She is dressed in a light blue top and has a white headband.
Cluster of green cactus with vibrant pink spines on a dark gravel surface.
A landscape featuring tall cacti in front of a large volcanic rock formation under a cloudy sky.
A vibrant display of various cacti and succulents in a rocky landscape under a partly cloudy sky.
A man wearing sunglasses and a green Puma T-shirt stands in a cactus garden, surrounded by various cacti and desert vegetation.
A glass of rosé wine next to a slice of cake on a plate, with sunglasses resting on a wooden table outdoors.
Close-up view of vibrant purple succulents with green centers, surrounded by rocky terrain.
A circular metal window featuring a cactus design, framed by textured stone walls.
A vibrant cactus garden featuring a variety of succulents and rocky terrain, with visitors exploring the area under a clear blue sky.
A vibrant cactus garden featuring various cacti species set against a backdrop of a traditional windmill under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
A scenic view of a landscaped garden featuring large volcanic rock formations surrounded by cacti and a calm water pond.
A tall cactus with thick, vertical green stems and yellow flowers at the top, next to a metal gardening tool with a spiked top.
A scenic view of a garden featuring various cacti and succulents, with a mountain backdrop and a traditional windmill in the distance. There are people walking along stone paths and enjoying the vibrant landscape under a clear blue sky.
A traditional windmill on a rocky hill surrounded by various types of cacti and greenery under a blue sky.
Close-up view of a large succulent plant with long, pointed leaves displaying a variety of green hues and slight reddish edges, against a clear blue sky.
Close-up view of various cacti with distinct shapes and textures, displaying their spines and vibrant colors against a rocky background.
A landscaped garden featuring various cacti and succulents, with stone pathways and a windmill in the background under a blue sky.
A close-up view of a cactus with vibrant red flowers blooming among its sharp thorns.
Close-up of a colorful cactus with fuzzy round clusters on top, set against a textured dark gravel background.
A diverse array of cacti in a desert landscape, featuring tall cylindrical cacti, spiky varieties, and unique rock formations under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
A close-up view of a unique, textured plant resembling a cactus, sitting on dark gravel ground.
Close-up of vibrant yellow flowers with slender petals, set against a blurred background of green plants and dark soil.
A man standing next to large cacti and a rocky landscape under a blue sky.
Close-up of a flowering cactus with long spines against a black gravel background.
A large cactus in the foreground with a round top and spines, overlooking a traditional windmill with blades, against a blue sky with fluffy clouds.
A person standing beside large cacti in a rocky landscape under a blue sky with some clouds.
A man wearing sunglasses and a green Puma t-shirt stands in front of a variety of cactus plants in a desert landscape.
Close-up of a cactus with bright orange flowers and long spines, set against a textured black surface.
Close-up of a vibrant barrel cactus with bright red spines and yellow blooms, set against a dark gravel background.
A tall, slender cactus surrounded by various smaller plants and rocky terrain under a bright blue sky.
A minimalist line drawing of a woman standing confidently, featuring exaggerated curves and a simple facial expression. The figure is outlined in black against a white wall, surrounded by stylized plants.
A close-up of a round green cactus with spiny edges, adorned with bright yellow flowers on top, surrounded by similar cacti in a rocky landscape.
A black line drawing of a smiling figure with outstretched arms, surrounded by cacti and other plants, on a white wall.
A rocky landscape with a large stone figure in the foreground and a traditional windmill on a hill in the background, under a blue sky with fluffy clouds.