Lanzarote was once unfairly dubbed Lanza-grotty by Monty Python’s Michael Palin. But this couldn’t be further from the truth, as this cool Canary Island is a hot destination, boasting amazing scenery, wonderful beaches and a host of things to do and see.
Most visitors to the island take in the main attractions, which include the Timanfaya National Park – the home of Lanzarote´s famous volcanic region. This is the area where eruptions devastated the terrain during a six year period in the 1730´s – but fortunately all of these volcanoes are now dormant, making the area safe for the million plus tourists who visit very year.
As well as the volcanic region Lanzarote is home to some amazing scenery in other parts of the island, such as the Valley of 1000 Palms, where much as the name suggests tourists can view a palm packed verdant valley, unusual on an island as dry and arid as this. There are also other natural wonders such as the Green Lagoon at El Golfo and the Boiling Pots at Los Hervidores which are well worth visiting too.
Much of the island has been shaped by the hand of a well known local artist called Cesar Manrique, who developed six main visitor attractions on Lanzarote, as well as finding time to create similar sights in other parts of Spain. These include the Cactus Garden – home to 10,000 plus plants, the Mirador del Rio and the Jameos del Agua. As well as the Monumento Al Campesino and his own home – now the César Manrique Foundation.
Many tourists also like to soak up the sights in Lanzarote´s capital city, Arrecife – which is home to two ancient castles as the best shopping on the island. One of these castles – the Castillo San Jose – also houses the Museum of International and Contemporary Art. Which is a great place to view some of Manrique´s canvasses, along with work by eminent such as Picasso. There´s also a stylish restaurant here, providing a further feast for the senses, with great views of the capital´s main port.
