Lanzarote Holidays, Top Attractions
Costa Teguise, Puerto Carmen, Playa Blanca, Timanfaya National Park
Apr 19, 2009
Lanzarote is the easternmost of the Canary islands, claiming some of the finest beaches and the unrivaled volcanic landscape of the Timanfaya National Park.
Roughly 100 km from the African coast, Lanzarote is the driest of the Canary islands, totaling 2500 hours of sunshine a year, bright and warm in winter but gently cooled by the Atlantic breeze in the hot summer months.
Lanzarote eastern Canary island owes much of its charm to Cesar Manrique, a local artist and architect who enhanced natural wonders and preserved traditional architecture, white, green and blue contrasting with black volcanic soil. Lanzarote top attractions include the dramatic volcanoes of the Timanfaya National Park and a coast fringed with golden sands.
Eastern Canary Best Beaches, Costa Teguise, Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca
- Costa Teguise: close to Arrecife and the pretty inland town of Teguise, this stretch of coast has sandy bays and coves framed by volcanic headlands. It’s a popular resort for windsurfing and there’s a golf course and a water fun park.
- Puerto del Carmen is the top holiday spot in Lanzarote with a sweeping beach, a gleaming harbour offering boat trips along the coast and a long palm-fringed promenade lined with seafood restaurants and souvenir shops.
- Playa Blanca has seen much development in recent years but with its golden beach on the southern tip of the island, it still feels away from it all. The nearby sands of Papagayo have a tropical feel, with secluded coves lapped by turquoise waters.
Timanfaya National Park, Lanzarote Volcanoes
- On the highest volcano, the Devils’ restaurant cooks by geothermal heat above a sea of lava and ash. All around, rangers demonstrate the raw power of nature as brushwood bursts into flames and water into mini-geysers. Great spot for fabulous sunsets.
- The Timanfaya National Park can be toured by coach from the restaurant, along a narrow road winding past craters and cones, dramatic rocks and towering lava walls. The volcanoes turn from grey to pink and gold, dotted with a few struggling plants.
- Short but popular dromedary rides are available on the Fire Mountains lower slopes, a memorable way to complement any visit. Guided treks offer a closer look at plants and rocks, with echoes of Planet of the Apes and other lunar landscapes shot in Timanfaya.
Cesar Manrique, Tahiche, Cactus Garden, Caves
- The Manrique Foundation in Tahiche was the home the artist designed for himself inside five volcanic bubbles. Set in the middle of a lava field and invisible above ground, it’s a surprising attraction and well worth a visit.
- The Agua and Los Verdes volcanic caves were adapted by Manrique so everyone could enjoy their natural beauty. The first has an underground lake, home to rare albino crabs, and both venues hold concerts in extraordinary settings.
- The Guatiza Cactus Garden was Manrique’s last work, a celebration of life in an apparent desert. Cacti in all shapes, colours and sizes sprout and bloom on black volcanic soil, in a circular sunken garden, hidden behind a wall and guarded by a windmill.
The copyright of the article Lanzarote Holidays, Top Attractions in Spain Travel is owned by Solange Hando. Permission to republish Lanzarote Holidays, Top Attractions in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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