Things to Do in Lanzarote - Grow to Love Cesar Manrique

To say that Cesar Manrique is an institution on Lanzarote would be something of an understatement - it's a bit like saying Real Madrid is the best football team in Spain outside Barcelona!

Not only is Manrique's influence to be seen everywhere you travel on the island now, his life-long passion for Lanzarote, its architecture, geology and volcanic history has probably contributed more to the island's development than can be claimed by any one individual since the island's modern founding in 1402 by the Normans under Jean de Bethancourt.

No visit to Lanzarote is complete (or even possible) without coming across at least some of Manrique's work, so this article aims to give you the lowdown on 'all things Manrique'. Take it with you when you next visit Lanzarote, and make sure you visit some, if not all, of these great cultural venues.

Parque Nacional de Timanfaya

Whilst Manrique cannot lay claim to the natural art of the Lanzarote landscape created by the volcanic eruptions of the 18th Century, he was instrumental in having the area around Timanfaya (Fire Mountain) area designated as a National Park. He also designed the current Visitor Centre/restaurant that features panoramic views, along with a barbecue that is heated by the still bubbling volcano and hot earth some 6 metres below the surface.

Mirador del Rio

The word Mirador means look out, or view, or vantage point; the Mirador del Rio is situated at the northernmost tip of the island, about as high above sea level as it is possible to be without being on a cloud. Manrique was responsible for the 1973 conversion of the site from what was previously an artillery store. The Mirador del Rio is a spectacular viewing point, hewn out of cliff face, some 600 metres up in the air. It looks down, as if from the cockpit of a plane, on the neighbouring island of La Graciosa and the chinijo (or 'child islands') of Alegranza, Montaña Clara, Roques Del Este and Oeste.

In addition to outdoor viewing points on three levels, there is a restaurant with a semi circular window looking North to the neighbouring islands, and a souvenir shop.

Jardin de Cactus

Cesar Manrique was well known for his projects based around the natural form and history of Lanzarote, and the Jardin de Cactus is his monument to this range of plants that thrive so well in their natural state on the island. Manrique also chose to position the Cactus Garden in the town of Guatiza, an area surrounded by cactus fields that were traditionally used to cultivate the cochineal beetle for their red dye. This used to be big business for Lanzarote, before the advent of modern dyes.

The cactus garden is laid out within a pit in the ground that dates back to 1850. There are now nearly 10,000 cactus plants within the garden, and over 1,400 species of cactus. The planted gardens are interspersed with walkways, there is a cafe/bar serving light refreshments, and a souvenir shop.

Cesar Manrique Fundacion

The Fundacion is on the site of Manrique's former home in Tahiche, where he lived from 1968 to 1987. The house is built within 5 inter-connected lava bubbles in the ground which together create magnificent outdoor and indoor living space of some 1,500 square metres. There is also a large museum housing many of Manrique's paintings, sculptures and ceramics. The Fundacion is a very peaceful and serene place to absorb and admire the creative genius that was Cesar Manrique. The artist himself is said to have considered the foundation as the emblem of his life's work.

Los Jameos del Aqua

The Jameos del Aqua were created from a volcanic eruption in prehistoric times, and forms part of a large and complex infrastructure of caves in the North of Lanzarote. Cesar Manrique's involvement here was in the design, ideas and planning of restaurant and concert areas within the caves, as well as some of the floral and planting installations that are there now. There is also another cave system, the Cueva de Los Verdes that starts only a short walk away, so its worth doing both visits together - allow up to 3 hours for both.

And finally, of course, on our 'all things Manrique' tour, there are those roundabout 'Mobiles'..

Variously referred to as 'mobiles' or even 'thingys', these are pieces of art sculpture positioned in the centre of roundabouts across Lanzarote. They can best be summarised as very clever pieces of engineering (another skill of Cesar Manrique) that usually move in the wind (thus being in harmony with another big feature of life and the weather on Lanzarote), and have been influenced to a greater or lesser degree by the modern school of artists and sculptors.

Most people say they grow on you, and even more say that after many years, they still haven't got a clue what they are about. But you do have to look at them and marvel at the combined skills in physics, art, sculpture, engineering and conceptualisation that created them. Perhaps that, in a nutshell, describes the varied genius that was Cesar Manrique.

5 Things to Remember When Preparing Your Trip to Lanzarote

Lanzarote is an all year found favourite holiday destinations with many Europeans, thanks to the warm climate 365 days a year.

Lanzarote is one of the seven Canary Islands just 70 miles or so from off the west coast of Africa. Despite it's location Lanzarote is actually part of Spain and the locals all speak Spanish (although many also speak very good English).

Before you set off for Lanzarote here are 5 things that you should remember during your travel preparations:

1. Your Passport - Assuming you are not Spanish, you will need a Passport to get into Lanzarote (and in most cases you need one to leave your own country!) Without a passport you will be refused entrance to the island under normal circumstances.

2. Your Money - Lanzarote is part of the EU and it's currency is the Euro. You can change your money once you arrive but we always find that you get a much better rate if you do so beforehand. In some cases it's always a good idea to take a credit card with you in case of an emergency.

3. Plane Tickets - You won't get very far without them. Make sure that you have got your plane tickets handy and if your airline requires you to check in 'online' before you get there then log on and get it done. Also check with your airline regarding your baggage and hand luggage to ensure you are within the weight limits.

4. Sun Tan Lotion - Seriously, you will need this, especially if you are travelling in the height of the summer season. Temperatures in Lanzarote can reach 40 degrees - that is seriously intense heat. Even in the 'cooler' months such as November temperatures can reach 23 degrees. Be prepared!

5. Your holiday documentation - I would always advise that you take a copy of your accommodation voucher and if required things like your car hire documentation. Of course, if you are going to hire a car whilst out there you will also need a copy of your driving license.

Depending on your circumstances and arrangements there might be other items that you need to consider taking with you. I always advise that you start to pack at least a week and a half in advance of your trip as it gives you time to think about what items you need to take. So many people leave things last minute and it usually ends up in tears as something gets left behind.

Top 10 Things to Do in Lanzarote, Canary Islands

Lanzarote is a heaven featuring exotic beaches and beautifully volcanic valleys and the island can be enjoyed all year round. About 300 volcanoes create a moonscape that covers the island. Lanzarote is also announced as Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.

There are numerous attractions and things to do in Lanzarote. "Top 10 Things to do in Lanzarote" can be explained as follows.

1. Mirador del Rio

Mirador del Rio is a popular view point located at 498 meters above sea level on the north of Lanzarote. Visitors may enjoy the most spectacular views of Lanzarote.

2. Lanzarote Beaches

Lanzarote beaches are excellent. Top beaches in Lanzarote include; Playa Blanca, Punta del Papagayo, Quemada, Puerto del Carmen, Arrecife, Costa Teguise, Charco del Palo, Playa de la Canteria, Graciosa Island, Famara and La Santa beaches.

3. Timanfaya National Park

Timanfaya National Park includes several volcanic lava fields and an ochre colored lunar landscape. It is one of the most beautiful places in Lanzarote. UNESCO declared the Timanfaya National Park a world biosphere Reserve in 1983.

4. Rancho Texas Park

Rancho Texas Park is a theme park worthy of its Indian village, Medicine man cave, gold mine and Lilliput farm.

5. Cueva de los Verdes

Cueva de los Verdes, also known as "Green Caves" is a vast volcanic landscape located in the Haria town of Lanzarote.

6. La Graciosa Island

La Graciosa Island is a nice excursion destination that hosts attractive beaches and white sand dunes.

7. Camel Safaris

Camel Safaris along the Volcano Park and craters of the Timanfaya National Park is a great attraction for the visitors.

8. Museum of Contemporary Art

A visit to the Museum of Contemporary Art in Puerto Naos is also a great cultural attraction in Lanzarote.

9. Cactus Garden

The Cactus Garden on the outskirts of Guatiza is a popular tourist attraction on the north of the island. There are more than 1,000 species of cactus are on show.

10. Aqua Park

Aqua park in Costa Teguise is a great attraction especially for the kids.

Lanzarote also hosts lots of cultural activities that give the visitors a chance to experience the culture and see local folklore at first hand. As for the festivals; the Classical Music Festival in February and the Visual Music Festival in October are the among the best festivals in Lanzarote. The island of Lanzarote is located in the Atlantic Ocean and offer variety of beaches, volcanic landscape and attractions to its visitors.

5 Things Do to in Lanzarote (Other Than Lie on a Beach)

Lanzarote attracts millions of visitors every year, from all over Europe. This is partly down to the climate as there are no 'seasons' in Lanzarote. It is sometimes said to be in a state of 'ever spring'. In the winter temperatures rarely drop below 20 degrees during the day although the nights can be much cooler.

Due to the climate, which it gets from its close proximity to the Sahara, Lanzarote is a very popular all year round beach holiday destination, but there is much more to the island that just lying on the sand and soaking up the rays.

The Island of Lanzarote has a history of volcanic activity that can be seen in the magnificence of the landscape, especially within the Timanfaya National park. This history, along with the artistic flair on one man, Cesar Manrique, has created an individual identity to Lanzarote, something that you will not see on the other islands in the Canary archipelago. This identity has also created some of the most unusual, if not amazing, visitor attractions in Europe. The natural wonders of the island and the creative mind of one man creates a number of ideas for things to do other than lie on the beach....

Here are 5 things you can do other than top up your tan:

1. Visit the Timanfaya National Park. The west side of the island was devastated by Volcanic eruptions in the 1800's which have left a distinguished mark on the landscape of the island. You can also visit the El Diablo restaurant and have your food cooked on a grill where the heat is supplied from natural sources, just a few feet underground.

2. Go Scuba Diving. The waters around Lanzarote are said to be some of the most active in the world. Lanzarote has a biosphere status, which means that the waters surrounding the island are protected. The marine life is attracted to the minerals in the volcanic rocks which makes Lanzarote one of the best places to go diving in the world!

3. Go Quad Biking! With such an amazing terrain who wouldn't want to jump on a quad and go biking around the island. There are specially created Quad tracks that go up the island through the Timanfaya National Park, although unfortunately Quad bikes are not allowed on the main roads as in some European Countries.

4. Take a ride in a yellow submarine. Yep, thats right. Head over to Puerto Calero and take a ride in a yellow submarine safari. If Scuba diving isn't for you then don't miss out on what the shores of Lanzarote have to offer. The submarine safaris are a great way of seeing the Lanzarote marine life and you don't even have to get wet!

5. Go Shopping. There are craft fairs and local markets happening in Lanzarote almost every day of the week. Playa Blanca holds a market at the Rubicon every Wednesday and Saturday morning and the main market on the island takes place in Teguise every Sunday. Local crafts can be purchased, along with Lanzarote wines and Aloe Vera.

So whilst many people simply associate Lanzarote with the sunshine, there is so much more to do. We haven't even listed the Cesar Manrique attractions here... thats for another time.

5 Things to Avoid When Booking Lanzarote Holidays

This article is designed to help you with tips on how to avoid the problems when booking Lanzarote holidays. It will help, not by telling you what you should do but by telling you about five things you'll want to avoid if you really want to avoid any issues when reserving Lanzarote holidays

So here are the 5 things you should avoid:

1. Don't sweat the small stuff when booking Lanzarote Holidays. The reason you should not do that is there are numerous things to bear in mind and there are much more important considerations. Instead, it is best to look at the big picture about the island first. What do you want your holiday in Lanzarote to involve? Are you happy with a beach holiday on Lanzarote or do you want to explore further.

2. Don't overlook the possibility of getting a package holiday in Lanzarote. This is because packages are often cheaper than booking each part of your holiday seperately. As an alternative, just take a quick look at the holiday companies and their Lanzarote Holidays because the longer flight times from northern Europe mean that getting to Lanzarote is not as easy as other parts of Europe and cheap flight companies do not fly there as much.

3. Don't discount any type of accommodation. It is very clear that this is really important because there are many different types of accommodation in Lanzarote. What you should be doing instead is checking out Villas in Lanzarote, apartments in Lanzarote and Lanzarote Hotel accommodation seperately.

4. Don't say no to flight only deals to Lanzarote. The main reason why this is a blunder is that flights can be very inexpensive and accommodation on arriving can be found last minute. As an alternative you really ought to check out cheap flight websites for journeys to Lanzarote and separately check out accommodation websites.

5. Don't prevaricate. Resist doing this for just about any length of time because if you wait too long Lanzarote holidays fill up really quickly. You need to bear in mind that if there are only a few spaces left in a particular hotel or apartment complex then there are many others just like you looking for the perfect holiday on this paradise island of Lanzarote

If you want to avoid problems when booking Lanzarote holidays and succeed at getting the best holiday at the best price, make sure you stay away from these errors mentioned. Use the alternatives suggested if you want, but just avoiding the mistakes will improve your holidays in Lanzarote immeasurably.

Ten Things to Do Whilst on Holiday in Lanzarote

Lanzarote is a very popular island in the Canaries but just because it is small doesn't mean there isn't alot to do whilst you are there.

Here is our top 10 ten things to do whilst you are on holiday in Lanzarote.

1. Relax and enjoy the sun

One of the reasons you are probably visiting Lanzarote is to get some good weather and return home with a nice tan. There are plenty of beaches in Lanzarote where you will be able to lie back and relax - but don't forget the sun cream! It can get very hot in the summer.

2. Visit the Timanfaya National Park

The Timanfaya National Park (declared in 1968) is THE most popular tourist attraction in Lanzarote. Located in the south west the fire mountain nearly caused complete devastation to Lanzarote by killing off everything on the Island during a 5 year eruption.

3. Visit Jameos del Agua

Situated just across the road from The Green Caves, Jameos del Agua is located in the north of Lanzarote. The lava bubbles that form the attraction were caused by the eruption of Monte de la Corona around 3,000 years ago. Visit the blind albino crabs in one of their only natural habits above ground.

4. Submarine Trips

You can take part in Submarine Trips departing from Puerto Calero, or for the cheaper option the Aqua Sub departs from Playa Blanca harbour by the ferry port.

5. Water Sports

The island is buzzing with water sports, from diving, jet skis and wind-surfing there is plenty to keep the water junky occupied. Check out some of the waves up at La Santa!

6. Markets

One for the ladies! The best (in our opinion) market in the Canaries is Teguise Market, held every Sunday morning until 2pm. Playa Blanca also has two markets a week on a Wednesday and Saturday.

7. Wine tasting

Although you might find this surprising, Lanzarote has a big wine making industry. The vineyards invite visitors to see their manufacturing process and offer free samples! What are you waiting for?

8. Visit Fuerteventura

Take the short journey across the sea to the island of Fuerteventura. Just half an hour away from Playa Blanca by Ferry, Fuerteventura offers a totally different experience to Lanzarote and is well worth the day trip. If you want to explore Fuerteventura further we recommend hiring a car once you get over there. If you hire a car in Lanzarote check with your hire company to see if you are insured to take it over to Fuerteventura.

9. Bars and Restaurants

The holiday resorts in Lanzarote are not short of bars or restaurants. In Playa Blanca alone you will find Indian Cuisine, Chinese, Italian, Steak Houses and Mexican food. The warm evenings in Lanzarote, especially in the summer, make sitting out at a bar very pleasant indeed!

10. Quad Bike Safaris

Not for the faint hearted, the Quad Bike Safari lasts around 3 hours. You will see some of the most stunning parts of the Island on road but 80% off road.

Things To Remember Before Renting A Cheap Car Hire In Lanzarote

Planning to enjoy a holiday in Lanzarote with your family and friends? You can have a more wonderful time and explore more of the island with your family, if you include a Lanzarote car rental on your list of "must haves" for the holiday; it should be the most important thing aside from your hotel accommodation.

Choosing to have a car rental means you can explore the many wonderful scenic spots around the island at your own pace and with great leisure. Some of the most beautiful places you should not fail to visit are the Cueva de los Verdes, Timanfaya National Park, and Playa Blanca; all of which are accessible by car, and are quite hassle free to drive to and visit on your own.

Hiring a car to be used while on your holiday on Lanzarote is very easy and convenient. There are plenty of options to choose from; since there are many well known popular car rentals with services on Lanzarote; most have branches near the Arrecife Airport so you can either rent as soon as you arrive, or you can book online in advance. There is a wide array of car types to choose from, so that you can find one that will fit your off-road adventure needs.

If you want to have the convenience of leaving the airport at your desired time, then you can pre-book your Car Rental. Lanzarote airport can be a very busy place and by pre-booking you will have transport available, without having to worry about the fixed schedules of resorts shuttles and buses. And most of all, you will also have the freedom to choose the places you want to visit, when you want to go, and you wont have to depend on the scheduled times and places visited by your hotel buses.

You can obtain a rented car either at the airport or off-site, depending on your choice and which would be more convenient for you. If you opt for an off-site car rental, a representative will meet you at the airport and transport you to your desired off-site location. You can save more if you go to an off-site location to collect the car. This is because the company would need not to pay the extra overhead of renting premium space at the airport.

There are some things to remember before hiring a rented car in Lanzarote. First and foremost, make sure to get car hire insurance. There is always the possibility of some little fender-bender accidents, and if or when this happen, the insurance company can take care of everything without you having to stress or worry.

Secondly you will need a temporary or international drivers licence. If you have any questions, you can always ask the personnel at the insurance company to help get you the paperwork you need to have a temporary driver's license. The traffic laws and street signs in Lanzarote are not that different from those of Europe, Spain and Germany so driving should not be any problem.

Car rentals on Lanzarote come at quite affordable and reasonable prices. So when you book for your Lanzarote holidays make sure not to forget to inquire about Car Rental. Lanzarote is a great place to visit and I can assure you, that you're going to have a wonderful stay in the Canaries while on Lanzarote.

Things to Look Out for When Trying to Select Great Holiday Deals to Lanzarote

Lanzarote has fast become an extremely popular holiday destination for millions of tourists every year. It is part of the Canary Islands and is blessed by glorious summers and mild winters. Whatever your taste and budget you will find just what you are looking for on this idyllic paradise. If you are after cheap holidays to Lanzarote then there are various things you need to do. However, perhaps more importantly when trying to search for cheap holiday deals to Lanzarote you need to avoid certain mistakes you can make to ensure that you find the best prices.

Before we look at things to think about when deciding on your holiday, Lanzarote has many attractions, these are;

Timanfaya National Park - This lies south of the Island and contains over 30 volcanic cones within its boundary, as a result it has become one of the most popular excursions.

Beaches in Arrecife - The town has two of the best known beaches which are the Playa del Ruducto and the Playa del Cable. These extend all the way to the airport and because of their good maintenance have earned blue flags.

Central Lanzarote contains areas such as Teguise. Although it does not have the picturesque settings of the North and South, it is full of history and ancient architecture. This includes buildings like churches and noble homes. If you're looking for somewhere interesting to go then this is the place.

Don't Worry About The Small Things When Booking Your Holiday:

You shouldn't concern yourself about the small items when booking your Lanzarote holiday and in that way you will be sure to find some cheap holiday prices. There are far bigger things you should consider when booking your dream vacation. You need to research as much as you can about the island in question and find out what it is all about. You should think about what you want your holiday to contain and what you want to do there. You may want a beach holiday or maybe something a bit different and explore some of the other areas this place has to offer.

Don't Dismiss The Possibility Of Obtaining A Package Holiday To Lanzarote:

You shouldn't completely disregard package holidays when looking for cheap holidays Lanzarote. In fact if you are looking for the best prices then this is most definitely a viable option. Packages that you purchase are quite often much cheaper than if you were to book each of those components separately. Companies tend to offer these as they are popular and appealing. In some ways the discounted price is really like a reward for committing to the trip.

Don't Rule Out Any Type Of Accommodation:

Don't overlook any accommodation on offer through holiday companies. This is a very important aspect of booking your holiday in Lanzarote. There are some people that shy away from hostels and prefer to look for the high class hotels. The truth of the matter is that there are plenty of different types of accommodation in Lanzarote and they all have their own merits. You should not limit yourself to just looking at one type of accommodation but sometimes you may find a bargain by considering villas, apartments or hotel accommodation. If you look into different types then you should look at each one separately.

Don't Discard Flight Only Deals That You Find To Lanzarote:

It is very important when trying to find cheap holiday bargains that you don't dismiss flight only deals to Lanzarote out of hand. The main reason why you should really look at these deals is that flight prices can raise dramatically unless you are careful. However when it comes to accommodation you can normally find cheap deals when you arrive at your destination at the final minute. Alternatively you should really check out cheap websites for flights and then separate websites for accommodation.

Don't Wait Too Long To Book:

Some people believe that you can get some cheap holidays Lanzarote by booking at the last minute on websites. However, this is not usually the case when it comes to this holiday destination as it gets very popular and can fill up quickly. By avoiding all these mistakes and booking early you should be able to get great prices for your perfect holiday.

Top 10 Things to Do on Your Lanzarote Holidays

If you're off on holiday to Lanzarote then you'll be looking for some fun activities to keep you amused. I've put together some top tips for your Lanzarote holiday.

Take in the sunshine

Let's be honest, the main reason you want to get away to Lanzarote on holiday this year is to enjoy the warmer climate and beautiful sunshine. So, make sure you top up your tan whilst on your Lanzarote holidays.

Make a splash

This Canary Island has copious water sports to have a go at. Whether you fancy whizzing by on a get jet ski, exploring the underwater world with some scuba diving or a spot of windsurfing, Lanzarote has it all.

Safari on a Quad bike

Experience stunning areas on the island by off roading on a quad bike, this wild ride will offer you spectacular views and real adventure on your holiday.

Eat to your heart's content

There's an abundance of restaurants and bars in Lanzarote. You can enjoy the local specialties or there is a whole host international cuisine options from Indian and Chinese to a good old bag of fish and chips.

Shopping

You'll be able to find some fantastic markets to pick up some souvenirs. One of the best markets in Lanzarote is Teguise market, check it out if you want to get yourself a great bargain.

Island hop to Fuerteventura

The island of Fuerteventura is only a short boat trip away. It's a great day trip offering a entirely different experience to Lanzarote - it's well worth a day trip on your holiday.

Enjoy a glass of wine... or two

Lanzarote has a fantastic wine making industry and the vineyards are very welcoming. You'll learn about the process of making wine and get to try plenty of samples. You can even buy a bottle or two of your favourites to take home.

Fishing

The sea fishing in Lanzarote is famous, so catch yourself some dinner with a boat trip onto the ocean. A Lanzarote holiday is a great way to enjoy the thrills of sea fishing.

Take a trip to Jameos del Agua

The lava bubbles of Jameos del Agua bring visitors from all over Lanzarote. The bubbles were caused by the eruption of Monte de la Corona 3000 years ago. Don't miss the blind albino crabs.

Visit Timanfaya National Park

We've saved the best for last - Timanfaya national park is the most popular attraction in Lanzarote. Don't miss a visit to this fabulous tourist attraction on your Lanzarote Places