• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to footer

ZigZag On Earth

Plan unforgettable road trips!

  • FRANCE
    • CORSICA
    • NORMANDY
    • PARIS
  • EUROPE
    • ANDALUCIA
    • CANARY ISLANDS
    • GREECE
    • ICELAND
    • ICELAND WINTER
    • PORTUGAL
    • SCOTLAND
    • SLOVENIA
  • REST OF WORLD
    • NEW ZEALAND
    • OMAN
  • EBOOKS
  • TIPS
  • PUZZLES
  • ABOUT

8 fascinating Lanzarote Attractions by Cesar Manrique (in photos)

Last updated on October 27, 2019 By Claire, the Travel Planning Geek

Thanks to the singular vision of César Manrique, Lanzarote has some unique locations where architecture is integrated with nature. He imagined many amazing Lanzarote Attractions that are some of the best things to do on the island such as: Cactus Garden, Mirador del Rio, Jameos del Agua... Let me guide you through the Art, Culture and Tourism Centers of Lanzarote (CACT).

Best Lanzarote Attractions Cesar Manrique Canary islands travel
Quick Navigation
Lanzarote Attractions by César Manrique - Video
About César Manrique
How to visit the Lanzarote Attractions by César Manrique
1. Cactus Garden
2. Jameos del Agua
3. Mirador del Rio 
4. César Manrique Foundation
5. Al Campesino
6. César Manrique's House Museum
And the Attractions in Lanzarote with Jesus Soto...
7. Montanas del Fuego - El Diablo Restaurant
8. LagOmar Museum
9. Cueva de los Verdes - Jesus Soto
The Impact of César Manrique on Lanzarote

Navigate back to the complete Canary Islands Guide

Share0
Share +10
Tweet0
Pin0

This article contains affiliate Links (info on the Disclosure page). If you purchase using my link, I get a commission at no extra cost to you.


Lanzarote Attractions by César Manrique - Video

Let's start with a short video that will take you on a visit of 7 places imagined by César Manrique. Admire how he integrated architecture within Nature, using abandoned quarry or natural volcanic feature.

They can be combined into one of the best day excursions in Lanzarote


About César Manrique

César Manrique has left an indelible mark on Lanzarote thanks to his engagement in respecting the environment and integrating with it.

Here are a few facts about his life

  • Born in 1919 in Arrecife
  • He studied at the San Fernando Fine Arts Academy in Madrid
  • He lived in Madrid and New York, and exhibited all around the world
  • He returned to Lanzarote in the mid-sixties
  • His objective was then to turn the landscapes and the natural attractions to value respecting his principle - respectful dialogue between art and the natural medium
  • His most prominent Lanzarote attractions are the Cactus Garden, Mirador del Rio, Jameos del Agua and the El Diablo restaurant in Timanfaya.
  • He died in 1992

You can read a bit more about his biography here.


How to visit the Lanzarote Attractions by César Manrique

By car

All of them are easily accessible by car. Most of them are located in the North of the island, North of Costa Teguise. So you can group them in one of preferably 2 days. Note that you can purchase a combined ticket for several of the attractions and save money (buy at the first site you visit).

All the locations listed in this article, as well as many others, are included in my eBook to help you easily plan your trip to Lanzarote:

Lanzarote ebook cover small

Plan your trip to Lanzarote with:

  • 7 easy-to-plan Maps
  • 44 Scenic locations in Lanzarote
  • 19 Scenic locations in Fuerteventura
  • Best times to visit and photograph
  • GPS coordinates and planning information to make the best of your time

LEARN MORE

By excursion

If you don't want to rent a car and drive, excursions depart from Costa Teguise, Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca to take you tour some of the best one over a day dedicated to César Manrique. Check out program and book

Where to stay in Lanzarote

If you are currently planning your trip, you can find my accommodation tips on my article about where to stay in Lanzarote


1. Cactus Garden

Best Lanzarote attractions - Cactus Garden
Best Lanzarote attractions - Cactus Garden 2

One of my favorite attractions in Lanzarote is the Cactus Garden.

César Manrique imagined how to transformed this abandoned old quarry in a fascinating way.
He used the amphitheater to create a botanical garden with 4500 cacti from all over the world (covering 450 species).
It integrates perfectly with 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 are striving.

See more photos on my article about the Cactus Garden

  • Official name -  Jardin de Cactus
  • Plan 1h30 to 2 hours
  • Facilities and coffee shop on site
  • Wear comfortable shoes because it is paved and not always aligned
  • Protect yourself from the sun!
  • Check opening hours and fares here
Best Lanzarote attractions - Cactus Garden 3

2. Jameos del Agua

Best Lanzarote attractions by César Manrique - Jameos del Agua
Best Lanzarote attractions by César Manrique - Jameos del Agua 2

Located on the North of the island, Jameos del Agua is the unique place where what remains of a volcanic tube has been transformed by César Manrique.

4000 years ago, the volcan La Corona erupted and a 6km long lava tube was formed.
Over time, some sections of the tube collapsed creating openings called "Jameos".

In the sixties, 3 of those caves and a section of the remaining tube were complemented with gardens, pool, a museum, an auditorium and restaurant.

There is also a salt lake with tiny white crabs.

See more photos on my article about Jameos del Agua Lanzarote.

  • Official name - Jameos del Agua
  • Plan 2 hours
  • Facilities and restaurant on site
  • Wear comfortable shoes 
  • It is sadly not allowed to swim in the magnificent pool
  • Check opening hours and fares here
Best Lanzarote attractions by César Manrique - Jameos del Agua 3

3. Mirador del Rio 

Best places to visit in lanzarote by César Manrique - Mirador del Rio
Best places to visit in lanzarote by César Manrique - Mirador del Rio 2

Located on the Risco de Famara, the viewpoint overlooks the island of La Graciosa at an altitude of over 475m.

It used to be a military fort from the 19th century. 
César Manrique transformed it in the 70s to be camouflaged in the rocks and to offer incredible views of the cliff, the island, and the stretch of sea in between called El rio.

At the bottom of the cliffs, you can also see the salt pans of Salinas del Rio.

The inside building with the white walls and curve offer great framing to the beautiful landscapes.

This is one of the top attractions in Lanzarote.

  • Official name - Mirador del Rio
  • Plan 30 minutes
  • Facilities and snack on site
  • Check opening hours and fares here
Best places to visit in lanzarote by César Manrique - Mirador del Rio 3

4. César Manrique Foundation

Lanzarote Foundation César Manrique Entrance
Lanzarote Foundation César Manrique - Lava bubble

The César Manrique foundation has established its headquarters in a dwelling designed by him and where he lived for 20 years.

It is built in harmony with a lava coulee formed during the famous Lanzarote eruptions between 1730 and 1736. Inspiring rooms have been set up in volcanic bubbles and connected by tunnels.
Exploring the place is a fun experience but you get frustrated again not to be able to swim in the beautiful swimming pool...

At the end you can enjoy the exhibition hall with paintings and the lava entering the window 🙂

Plan time to also enjoy the garden and its sculptures.

  • Official name - Fundacion César Manrique
  • Located in Tahiche
  • Plan 2 hours
  • Facilities and snack on site
  • Check opening hours and fares here
Lanzarote Fuondation César Manrique - Lava window

5. Al Campesino

Al Campesino by César Manrique Lanzarote - White sculpture
Al Campesino by César Manrique Lanzarote - museum

Al Campesino was designed by César Manrique as a tribute to the people working in the fields and their hard work to grow plants in these harsh conditions.

The buildings look like traditional homes with white walls and green wood. Inside is a museum where you can find local artisan doing traditional work.

But the place is visually iconic because of the 15m tall sculpture, also by César Manrique (1968). It is called Monumento a la Fecundidad (Fertility monument) and looks like the center of Lanzarote. 

I love the contrast of colors with whitewalls, green plants and wood, dark rocks and the blue sky.

  • Official name - Monumento Al Campesino
  • Plan 15min to 2 hours
  • Facilities and restaurant on site
  • Check opening hours here
Al Campesino by César Manrique Lanzarote - restaurant in cave

6. César Manrique's House Museum

César Manrique's Home in Haria Lanzarote
César Manrique's Home in Haria Lanzarote 2

Located in the Northern town of Haria, the house is located in the Palm grove. So if you are missing the presence of trees around you, this is a good place to go.

César Manrique used to live in where the foundation is (#4) but in 1986 he began building a new home  at a farmhouse. He lived there until his death in 1992.

Today it is a museum where furniture and items have been kept as they were. You can also enter his studio and see how he worked.

However, because this place is more about his intimacy and less about his work, this was my least favorite of the Lanzarote Attractions related to César Manrique. 

  • Official name - Casa/Museo César Manrique
  • Plan 1 hour
  • Facilities on site
  • No photos allowed inside
  • Check opening hours and fares here
César Manrique's Home in Haria Lanzarote 3

And the Attractions in Lanzarote with Jesus Soto...

On many projects, César Manrique has collaborated by another famous artist: Jesus Soto (1923 - 2005).

Born in Venezuela, he arrived in Lanzarote in his twenties. 
He was the quiet artist who brought to reality many concepts and ideas.
He was in charge of one of the Jameos del Agua entrance, spent time finding the right path for the Timanfaya route and participated in Mirador del Rio, Monumento al Compesino and the Cactus Garden.

He is most famous for the lighting in the Green Caves (Cueva de los Verdes)

The CACT tourism center even states that he was the one who asked the political leader to convinced César Manrique to return to Lanzarote.
Yet, he is far lesser known...


7. Montanas del Fuego - El Diablo Restaurant

Cesar Manrique in Timanfaya Lanzarote - El Diable Restaurant

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 is also fascinating with a giant grill using the natural heat of the Earth.

He also imagined the bus route to see the park which was made a reality by Jesus Soto. Check out my photos of the most iconic attractions in Lanzarote.


  • Official name - Parque Nacional Timanfaya
  • Facilities and restaurant on site
  • Access past the restaurant only by bus
  • Check opening hours and fares here
Cesar Manrique in Timanfaya Lanzarote - El Diable sign

8. LagOmar Museum

Best attractions in Lanzarote by César Manrique - Lagomar entrance
Best attractions in Lanzarote by César Manrique - Lagomar visit

LagOmar is one of the Lanzarote's most spectacular private properties.

Imagined by César Manrique and designed by Jesus Soto, it was built in a quarry with natural tunnels and caves. It is quite a labyrinth to explore!

In the 70s, Oman Sharif came to Lanzarote whiel filming "the Mysterious island" and bought it.

In the 90s it was enhanced by architects from Germany and Uruguay with flora, reclaimed wood beams and many other material.

Today it can be visited as a museum.
Learn more on my article

  • Official name - Lag-O-Mar
  • Plan 1 hour
  • Facilities and restaurant on site
  • Come early or late to avoid the bus because the space is small.
  • Check opening hours and fares here
Best attractions in Lanzarote by César Manrique - Lagomar visit 2

9. Cueva de los Verdes - Jesus Soto

Best Lanzarote attractions by Jesus Soto - Cueva de los verdes lake
Best Lanzarote attractions by Jesus Soto - Cueva de los verdes lake

In 1965, Jesus Soto was asked to provide lighting in one of the section of the 6km long lava tube from La Corona.
It was to allow speleologists to work.

However the artist in him, did nothing simple. He created a new world placing the lights specifically to enhance the cave experience.

Today, it you are not claustrophobic, you can enjoy this walk underground with beautiful colors and formation.

At the end is a fantastic surprise, but I won't spoil it for you.

A fascinating Lanzarote attraction.
Learn more on my article about the Lanzarote caves

  • Official name - Cueva de los Verdes
  • Plan 1h30 (or 2hours is queuing)
  • Facilities at the carpark
  • Wear comfortable shoes
  • No big backpacks
  • Check opening hours and fares here
Best Lanzarote attractions by Jesus Soto - Cueva de los verdes tunnel

The Impact of César Manrique on Lanzarote

It is one of the main reasons Lanzarote is my favorite of the Canary islands.
The architecture has not gone crazy and there is harmony on the land.
Except for Arrecife and 1 other building, all the houses are white and limited in height. Thanks to his lobbying for a tourism development in accordance with nature, strong construction rules have been put in place and all the towns have kept a lot of charm.

View of Playa Blanca

All the locations listed in this article, as well as many others, are included in my eBook to help you easily plan your trip to Lanzarote:

Lanzarote ebook cover small

Plan your trip to Lanzarote with:

  • 7 easy-to-plan Maps
  • 44 Scenic locations in Lanzarote
  • 19 Scenic locations in Fuerteventura
  • Best times to visit and photograph
  • GPS coordinates and planning information to make the most of your time

LEARN MORE


Want to see more of the CANARY ISLANDS?

PREVIOUS: 

BEST LANZAROTE PHOTOGRAPHY LOCATIONS

NEXT: 

BEST LANZAROTE BEACHES

Tourism Canary Islands Travel Guide

Inspired by his work?

Share0
Share +10
Tweet0
Pin0

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:

11 Amazing Lanzarote Excursions, Tours and boat trips (with photos)
Read More 
Where to stay in Lanzarote (in 2021) – Best Areas + Best Hotels
Read More 
Best Lanzarote Photography Locations – Amazing landscapes and architecture
Read More 
Top 21+ Things to do in Lanzarote – Inspiring, Scenic and Fun (with photos)
Read More 

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Footer

Search

Follow us on Facebook

Follow up on Pinterest

Website in French: ZigZagvoyages.fr

Website in German: ZigZagreisen.de

Privacy / Terms of Use / Disclosure Policies / Refund policy

Become an affiliate for the ZigZag road trip guide

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. ZigZagOnEarth.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Amazon.uk and Amazon.ca

Copyright © 2021 ZigZag On Earth · Log in

If you continue browsing this site we assume you agree with the use of cookies in this website.OkRead more