August is upon us, bathing us in the summer heat and giving us chance to relax and enjoy our well-deserved holiday. Lanzarote has everything you need: culture, leisure, gastronomy, unbeatable weather and paradisiacal beaches. Enjoy everything the island has to offer, it’s up to you! Will you join us?

1. Timanfaya – La Montaña de Fuego (Fire Mountain)

You can visit the moon this summer, without even leaving Lanzarote. The Fire Mountains of Timanfaya National Park are as close as you’ll ever get to a lunar landscape. We recommend that you access the park through the Taro entrance from 15:00 onwards, to avoid the long queues that form during the mornings. You’ll also make a significant saving, as you’ll get a 20% discount on the 10€ entrance fee after this time. Tours of the Volcanic Route are restricted to organised buses which will take you through 14 km circuit. It’s well worth taking the time to savour the ecological meat and vegetables that are roasted over the open volcanic pit at El Diablo Restaurant, cooked by the heat of the volcano itself.

2. Museo Atlántico (Atlantic Museum)

Do you love sports and the water? Then visit Museo Atlántico, a unique place created by British artist Jason deCaires Taylor at a depth of twelve metres in Colorado Bay, Playa Blanca. Imagine diving among more than 300 sculptures! The cost of the visit is €12, but can vary depending on the services you choose (diving course, transport, Eco guide) from one of the official dive centres. Visit the Museo Atlántico websitefor more information.

3. La Geria

La Geria, one of Lanzarote’s most characteristic landscapes, is an example of integration between man and nature. It’s one of the island’s main agricultural zones and is characterised by its distinctive grape vine cultivation. The region’s protected status aims to preserve this traditional agricultural landscape. Visiting the wineries and enjoying the good wines produced on the island is a must, as is a visit to the Monumento del Campesino, where you can savour good food in its restaurant, the see the folkloric performances every Sunday at 1400, or join one of the many organised workshops (create your own pella de gofio, pottery or Canarian sauces).

4. Jardin del Cactus

This great Lanzarote garden holds around 4500 specimens, gathers 450 different species, from 13 cactus families brought from all five continents. Antonio Martín, the man responsible for looking after over 4500 species of cactus in the beautiful venue designed by César Manrique, received the Carlo Scarpa 2017 award on behalf of the Cactus Garden. Calculate around an hour and a half for this visit, which costs only €5.80 for adults.

5. Mirador del Río

Mirador del Río

Lanzarote’s natural mirador (viewpoint) sits at an altitude of 400 m at the top of Famara cliffs, offering the most spectacular panoramic views of the island and Chinijo Archipelago. The centre, designed by César Manrique, is an absolute must for any visitor who get an overall picture of Lanzarote. It’s also well worth passing by its cafe, to try local goats cheese and delicious marmalades, available in a range of exotic flavours such as cactus. Remember to take binoculars if you have them. This visit only takes 45 minutes and the adult entrance fee is €4.75.

6. Cueva de Los Verdes

Cueva de Los Verdes

Visiting Cueva de los Verdesis like a journey to the centre of the earth. A one kilometre route of superimposed and interconnected galleries, giving you the opportunity to experience an unusual and stunningly beautiful setting The background music, lighting and even the strange intervention of water, combine to make this route a wonderful experience. The visit takes about 50 minutes, and there are a few surprises in store. Go during the afternoon if you want to avoid the queues, which will also entitle you to a 20% discount off the entrance fee .

7. Jameos del Agua

Jameos del Agua is set inside a volcanic tunnel created during the Monte Corona eruptions. They are named after an interior lake that was formed by infiltration, due to its location below sea level. This was the first centre created by Manrique, and reflects one of his creative cornerstones: harmony between art and nature. Blind crabs (Munidopsis Polimorpha), a species that is endemic to the island, are the main attraction of its lake. Jameos offers good food and even dinner in its beautiful restaurant, but also hosts noteworthy events such as the Jameos Music Festival, a series of events held on selected summer nights, and music concerts with local artists featuring the Canarian timple as the main instrument, in a fusion of traditional and modern music. When?  On Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday nights. You can also enjoying screenings of documentaries such as Las Manos in Jameos del Agua’s incredible auditorium.

8. Castillo de San José

Castillo de San José

If you’d like to discover an authentic castle and a piece of Arrecife’s history, then you must visit Castillo de San José, which is also the International Museum of Contemporary Art (MIAC). The museum collections reflect an artistic generation that created its work during the 50s and 70s. This is a must on your to-do list, both for its cultural and artistic offering and the lovely views from its restaurant, “QueMUAC”. Museum Nights, on Fridays and Saturdays, are the perfect option for a special night out. Savour dishes from an enticing menu and enjoy views over the bay and the horse sculptures that protect the 18th-century fortress, created by British artist Jason deCaires Taylor.

9. Casa Amarilla

foto Cabildo de Lanzarote

This is a former manor house in the centre of Arrecife, which was built in the 1920s. The building was declared a Site of Cultural Interest in 2002, and underwent an intensive rehabilitation process. The original facade has been preserved and today it has modern and functional facilities that host temporary exhibitions on the ground floor focusing on Lanzarote’s ethnical history and knowledge. If you happen to be in the capital, why not pop in and enjoy the its cultural initiatives. Highly recommended!

10. El Almacén

El Almacén

One more thing you must do this summer is visit the Centro Insular de Cultura (CIC) El Almacén, to see the variety of exhibitions, the films shown in its Buñuel Cinema and enjoy a snack at the delicatessen of the recently opened Bar Picasso. We can assure you that everything tastes better in a cultural setting such as this.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here