Arrecife, the capital of Lanzarote, is named after the rock reef that lines its beach. The 16th-century Castillo de San Gabriel was built to protect against pirates and showcases historical exhibits. Nearby, the Castillo de San José serves as both a fortress and an art museum, attracting visitors for its architecture and exhibits.
Tag Archives: Lanzorote
Long beach
As the day ends, we visit Long Beach in Puerto Del Carmen, known for its trendy atmosphere and upscale bars and restaurants. It’s an ideal place to relax and savour the sunset after a busy day, making it a popular destination for unwinding by the sea.
Playa de Famara
Famara beach features over five kilometres of pale golden sand and is renowned for water sports such as surfing, body boarding, windsurfing, and kite surfing, thanks to its wave swells and consistent winds. The winds also contribute to the iconic sand dunes visible alongside the road.
Teguise
Teguise, one of the earliest settlements in the Canary Islands, was the capital of Lanzarote until 1847. The town features numerous historically and artistically significant buildings. Visitors can explore the Aloe Vera museum and take photos with its mascot, adding a fun element to the experience.
Rock formations
Los Roferos, or Stratified city, is an abandoned quarry with uniquely eroded volcanic rock formations. Over thousands of years, natural elements have sculpted intriguing holes, tunnels, and caves, resulting in a surreal landscape. The continually changing site offers a captivating exploration opportunity, ideal for a brief half-hour visit.
Jardín de Cactus
The Jardín de Cactus in Guatiza features around 4,500 specimens from 450 species, representing 13 cactus families worldwide. Designed by César Manrique, this unique garden integrates vibrant architecture with its diverse cacti. Recognized internationally, it stands out as one of the most significant cactus gardens globally.
Haria
Haría, located in northern Lanzarote is nestled in the “valley of the thousand palm trees,” featuring one of the finest palm groves in the Canary Islands. The historic centre includes the church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación and the Plaza León y Castillo, with stunning mountain views nearby.
Island of extremes
Lanzarote is an island characterized by striking contrasts, featuring black lava landscapes that surprisingly support fertility. It offers stunning views, such as from the Mirador del Río, which overlooks the nearly uninhabited volcanic island of La Graciosa, situated just two kilometers north of Lanzarote across the Strait of El Río.
Mojón Blanco
Even in the Canary Islands, rain occasionally graces us with its prescence.
Mojón Blanco beach is known for its white sand and rocky features. Shelters provide refuge from the drizzle, while the pebbled landscape invites creativity and personal expression.
Cueva de les Verdes
La Cueva de los Verdes, located in the north of the island, is a remarkable cave system formed by an ancient lava tube approximately 3,000 years ago during the Monte Corona eruption. It spans nearly 8 kilometers and historically served as a refuge from Berber pirates, named after a local family.