Thanks to the singular vision of César Manrique, Lanzarote boasts unique places where architecture blends with nature.
He has imagined many Attractions that are among the best things to do in Lanzarote such as: the cactus garden, Mirador del Rio, Jameos del Agua…
Let us guide you through Lanzarote’s Centers of Art, Culture and Tourism (CACT).
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
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César Manrique attractions in Lanzarote – Introduction
César Manrique’s main works in Lanzarote
We’ll look at them in more detail later in the article, but the main ones are:
- Cactus Garden
- Jameos del Agua
- Mirador del Rio
About César Manrique
César Manrique left an indelible mark on Lanzarote thanks to his commitment to respecting the environment and integrating himself into it.
Here are a few facts about his life:
- Born in 1919 in Arrecife
- He studied at the San Fernando Academy of Fine Arts in Madrid.
- He has lived in Madrid and New York, and has exhibited all over the world.
- He returned to Lanzarote in the mid-sixties.
- His aim was to enhance landscapes and natural attractions in keeping with his principle – a respectful dialogue between art and the natural medium.
- Lanzarote’s main attractions are the Cactus Garden, Mirador del Rio, Jameos del Agua and the El Diablo restaurant in Timanfaya.
- He died in 1992
How to visit Lanzarote’s attractions by Manrique
- On excursion
If you don’t want to rent a car and drive, excursions leave from Costa Teguise, Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca to visit some of the best on a day dedicated to César Manrique. View program and book - By car
All are within easy reach by car. Most of them are located in the north of the island, north of Costa Teguise. So you can group them together over 1 or, preferably, 2 days. Note that you can buy a combined ticket for several attractions and save money (buy on the first site you visit).
1. Cactus Garden
One of our favorite Lanzarote attractions is the Cactus Garden.
César Manrique has imagined a fascinating transformation of this abandoned quarry.
He used the amphitheater to create a botanical garden with 4,500 cacti from all over the world (450 species).
It fits perfectly into the shape of the quarry and is dominated by a well-restored windmill.
Thanks to the structure, the cacti are protected from the strong winds that sometimes blow over Lanzarote and the plants flourish.
- Official name – Jardin de Cactus
- Allow 1h30 to 2 hours
- Toilets
- Coffee on site
- Wear comfortable shoes because the ground is cobbled and not always very comfortable.
- Protect yourself from the sun!
- Check opening hours and prices here.
- See more photos in our Cactus Garden article.
CHOOSING A HOTEL IN Lanzarote
Choosing where to stay:
Select by hotel type:
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Our favorite: Hotel Cala Lanzarote – See prices, photos and availability
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2. Jameos del Agua
Located in the north of the island, Jameos del Agua is a unique place where what remains of a volcanic tube has been transformed by César Manrique.
4000 years ago, the La Corona volcano erupted and a 6 km-long lava tube was formed.
Over time, certain sections of the tube collapsed, creating openings known as “Jameos”.
In the 1960s, 3 of these caves and a section of the remaining tube were completed with gardens, a swimming pool, a museum, an auditorium and a restaurant.
There’s also a salt lake with tiny white crabs.
- Official name – Jameos del Agua
- Allow 2 hours
- Sanitary facilities and restaurant on site
- Wear comfortable shoes
- Unfortunately, swimming in the magnificent pool is not permitted.
- Consult opening hours and prices here
- See more photos in our article Jameos Del Agua Lanzarote.
3. Mirador del Rio
Located on the Risco de Famara, the viewpoint overlooks the island of La Graciosa at an altitude of over 475m.
It was a 19th-century military fort.
César Manrique transformed it in the 1970s to camouflage it in the rocks and offer incredible views of the cliff, the island and the stretch of sea in between called El Rio. At the foot of the cliffs, you can also see the salt marshes of Salinas del Rio.
The interior building, with its white walls and curves, provides a beautiful frame for the magnificent scenery.
This is one of Lanzarote’s main attractions.
- Official name – Mirador del Rio
- Plan for 30 minutes
- Sanitary facilities and snacks on site
- Check opening hours and prices here.
- See more photos in our dedicated article
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4. César Manrique Foundation
The César Manrique Foundation is headquartered in a home he designed and where he lived for 20 years.
It was built in harmony with a lava flow formed during Lanzarote’s famous eruptions between 1730 and 1736.
The rooms are housed in volcanic bubbles and linked by tunnels.
Exploring the place is fun, but you’ll feel frustrated again at not being able to swim in the beautiful pool…
At the end, you can enjoy the showroom with paintings and lava entering the window.
Allow time to enjoy the garden and its sculptures.
- Official name – Fundacion César Manrique
- Located in Tahiche
- Allow 2 hours
- Sanitary facilities and snacks on site
- Check opening hours and priceshere.
5. Al Campesino
Al Campesino was designed by César Manrique as a tribute to the people who work in the fields and the hard work they put into growing crops in these difficult conditions.
The buildings resemble traditional houses with white walls and green borders. Inside is a museum where you can find local craftsmen doing traditional work.
But the place is visually iconic thanks to the 15 m-high sculpture, also by César Manrique (1968). It’s called Monumento a la Fecundidad (Monument to Fecundity) and seems to be the center of Lanzarote.
We love the contrast of colors with white walls, green plants and wood, dark rocks and blue sky.
- Official name – Monumento Al Campesino
- Plan 15 minutes to 2 hours (sculpture only or visit to craftsmen)
- Sanitary facilities and restaurant on site
- Consult opening hours here
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Lanzarote
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- A small car is all you need.
- But you can also choose a larger one if you wish, as the parking spaces are rather large.
- Demand is high, so book early.
6. César Manrique House Museum
Located in the northern town of Haria, the house is set in the palm grove. So, if you miss the presence of trees around you, this is a good place to go.
César Manrique used to live where the foundation is (#4), but in 1986 he began building a new house on a farm. He lived there until his death in 1992.
Today, it’s a museum where furniture and objects have been preserved as they were. You can also enter his workshop and see how he worked.
However, because this place is more about his intimacy and less about his work, it wasn’t our favorite of the Lanzarote Attractions linked to César Manrique.
- Official name – Casa/Museo César Manrique
- Plan 1 hour
- On-site sanitary facilities
- No photos allowed inside
- Check opening hours and prices here.
And the attractions of Lanzarote with Jesus Soto…
On many projects, César Manrique collaborated with another famous artist: Jesus Soto (1923 – 2005).
Born in Venezuela, he arrived in Lanzarote when he was in his early 20s.
He was the discreet artist who brought many of Manrique’s concepts and ideas to reality.
He was responsible for one of the entrances to Jameos del Agua, spent time finding the right path for the Timanfaya route and took part in Mirador del Rio, Monumento al Compesino and the Cactus Garden.
He is best known for lighting the Green Caves (Cueva de los Verdes).
The CACT tourist center even claims that it was he who asked the political leader to convince César Manrique to return to Lanzarote.
However, it is much less well known…
HAVE FUN WITH THESE Lanzarote activities
- Dolphin watching
- Buggy / Quad
- Kayak excursion
- But also: Diving at the Museum of the Atlantic, Catamaran outings, Paddle excursions, Parasailing
7. Mountains of fire – Restaurant El Diablo
Inside the magnificent Timanfaya National Park, the only structure is the El Diablo restaurant at the starting point of the bus tour.
It was designed in 1970 by César Manrique to offer splendid views of this unique, colorful and surreal volcanic landscape.
Inside, it’s equally fascinating, with a giant grill using the Earth’s natural heat.
He also designed the bus route to the park, which was realized by Jésus Soto.
- Official name – Parque Nacional Timanfaya
- Sanitary facilities and restaurant on site
- Access beyond the restaurant is by bus only
- Check opening hours and prices here.
- See our article
8. LagOmar Museum
LagOmar is one of Lanzarote’s most spectacular private properties.
Conceived by César Manrique and designed by Jesus Soto, it was built in a quarry with natural tunnels and caves. It’s a whole labyrinth to explore!
In the 70s, Omar Sharif came to Lanzarote to film “The Mysterious Island” and bought it.
In the 90s, it was enhanced by German and Uruguayan architects with flora, reclaimed wood beams and many other materials.
Today, it can be visited as a museum.
- Official name: Lag-O-Mar
- Plan 1 hour
- Sanitary facilities and restaurant on site
- Come early or late to avoid the buses because the space is small.
- Check opening hours and prices here.
- See our article on the museum
9. Cueva de los Verdes de Jesus Soto
In 1965, Jesus Soto was commissioned to light one of the sections of La Corona’s 6 km lava tube.
It was to enable cavers to work.
But the artist has done nothing simple. He created a new world by placing the lights precisely to enhance the cave experience.
Today, if you’re not claustrophobic, you can enjoy this underground walk with its beautiful colors and rock formations.
At the end, there’s a fantastic surprise, but we won’t spoil it for you.
A fascinating Lanzarote attraction.
- Official name – Cueva de los Verdes
- Allow 1h30 (or 2 hours waiting time)
- Sanitary facilities in the parking lot
- Wear comfortable shoes
- No big backpacks
- Consult opening hours and prices here
- See our article.
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César Manrique’s impact on Lanzarote
This is one of the main reasons why Lanzarote is one of our favorite Canary Islands.
The architecture hasn’t gone crazy and there’s harmony with the terrain.
With the exception of Arrecife and one other building, all the houses are white and of limited height. Thanks to its lobbying for tourism development in harmony with nature, strict building regulations have been put in place and all the towns have retained much of their charm.
Video – virtual visit
Let’s continue with a short video that takes you on a tour of 7 places imagined by César Manrique. Admire how he integrated architecture with nature, using abandoned quarries or natural volcanic features.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Lanzarote
- Best of
Most beautiful landscapes
Best things to do in Lanzarote
Most beautiful beaches
Most beautiful villages
Best boat tours
César Manrique’s attractions
Secret places, off the beaten track
Most beautiful hikes
- Practical advice
25 tips for a successful trip to Lanzarote
How to get around
How to rent a car in Lanzarote
Driving tips
Where to stay in Lanzarote
Best hotels in Lanzarote
Best excursions
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 1 week – 10 days
