In addition to the standard "see Lanzarote in a day" type trips run by most of
the major tour operators, these are a few of the islands other attractions that
may be worth a visit:
Gran Karting Club Lanzarote
The Gran Karting Club Lanzarote is situated close to Puerto del Carmen at the
junction of the LZ-2 and LZ-40 roads. The track is open everyday from around
10:00am to 9:00pm in the evening, and they offer a free pick up service from
anywhere on the island for groups of a minimum of 6 people. The lap distance of
the senior track is 1,281 metres, during which the karts can reach a maximum
speed of 80km/h or 50mph. For younger children aged 5 to 11 there is also a much
slower 100m kiddies circuit, and for teens aged 12 to 16 a 865m junior track.
Contact details for more information and bookings are:
Gran Karting Club Lanzarote
Ctra. LZ-2, km.7 Arrecife-Tias
35572
Tias
Telephone: +34 619 759 946
Fax: +34 619 758 393
Email:
grankartingclub@grankarting.com
Web site:
www.grankarting.com
Jameos del Agua
The Jameos del Agua are part of the same 6Km long lava tube that include the
Cuevas de Los Verdes. During the formation of the lava tube, the tremendous
pressure of the volcanic gases caused parts of the tunnel roof to explode,
exposing it to the outside world, and it is these open air caves that are now
known as the Jameos del Agua. The attraction is certainly not recommended for
anyone with mobility problems as the entrance is via a stone staircase which
leads into the first cave known as the "Jameo Chico". Here you will find a small
cafe bar that is adjacent to a small lake of extremely clear water. This lake is
home to a species of blind albino crabs called "Jameitos" which can only be
found here on Lanzarote, and in recognition, this unique species has been
adopted as the symbol of the Jameos del Agua. Taking the narrow footpath around
the lake then brings you into the larger "Jameo Grande" cavern which will truly
take your breath away. Contact details are;
Los Jameos del Agua
35520
Haria
Lanzarote
Telephone: +34 928 848 020
Jardin de Cactus
The Jardin de Cactus is situated a few miles south of Mala on the outskirts of
the village of Guatiza. The entrance to the park, which was the last work of
Cesar Manrique, is marked by an 8 metre high sculpture of a cactus, which unless
it is dark, is very difficult to miss. The Jardin de Cactus first opened to the
public in 1991 on the site of an abandoned quarry, and features examples of over
10,000 varieties of cacti taken from the Canary Islands, America and Madagascar.
Historically the cultivation of the cactus, and the cochineal beetle which lives
on its leaves, has played an important role in the local economy. The natural
red dye "carmine" is produced from the larva, which is then widely used in the
textile and cosmetic industries, as well as giving the drink Campari its very
distinctive colour. The Jardin de Cactus has a small restaurant with terrace,
along with a gift shop selling locally made handicrafts. Admission to the park
is quite reasonable at approximately 5€ per person and it is open each day from
10:00 to 19:00. Contact details for more information are:
Jardin de Cactus
Entre Guatiza y Mala
Teguise
Lanzarote
Telephone: +34 928 529 397
Fax: +34 928 529 681
La Casa de La Cultura Ajei
La Casa de La Cultura Ajei, or as it is known locally the Casa Ajei, is situated
in a recently refurbished 18th Century manor house near the centre of San
Bartolome, and contains displays of the tools and materials that were used by
traditional Canarian farmers as well as providing a base for local folk groups
and artists including the internationally known folk group Ajei. The Casa de La
Cultura Ajei is normally open Monday to Friday from 5pm to 10pm throughout the
year.
La Galleria El Aljibe de Haria
La Galleria El Aljibe de Haria is a small art gallery that is situated opposite
the main town hall building in the town of Haria. Contact details for more
information about future exhibitions is:
La Galleria El Aljibe de Haria
Plaza de la Constitucion, s/n
35520
Haria
Lanzarote
Telephone: +34 928 835 737
Email:
aljibedeharia@ayuntamientodeharia.org
Lanzarote de Caballo
Lanzarote de Caballo is a full equestrian centre that offers a programme of
horseback excursions and riding lessons to suit all abilities, riding through
the peaceful Lanzarote countryside. Contact details for more information:
Lanzarote a Caballo
Carretera Arrecife-Yaiza, Km 17
Lanzarote
Telephone: +34 928 830 314
Fax: +34 928 813 995
Los Hervideros
The cliffs of Los Hervideros, otherwise known as "The Boiling Pans" are a series
of caves and blow holes that have been eroded into a former lava flows since the
last eruption. As the Atlantic waves crash into these caves, mountains of white
surf are produced, giving the appearance of boiling water. This is certainly one
place on Lanzarote that swimming is not recommended at any time.
Mirador de Haria
The Mirador de Haria is approximately 5km, or 3 miles, south of the town of
Haria. The word "mirador" in Spanish translates into English as "vantage point"
or "lookout", and originally these miradors would have been used by the
islanders to keep a sharp lookout for invading forces or marauding pirates. On a
clear day the Mirador de Haria provides visitors with spectacular views north
towards Haria, and in recent years has become a popular stopping point on many
of the tour operators "see Lanzarote in a day" type island tours.
Mirador del Rio
During the late 19th Century when Spain was at war with America over the
ownership of Cuba, a small fortress and gun battery was built here to protect
the strategically important strait known as El Rio, which separated Lanzarote
from the nearby island of La Graciosa. In 1974 Cesar Manrique, recognising the
potential of the building, proposed a design that would transform the near
derelict shell into one of the grandest and most exclusive restaurants on
Lanzarote. Whilst these ambitious plans were never fully completed, it is now
possible to buy light snacks and drinks at the Mirador cafe, whilst admiring the
panoramic views over the north west coast of the island. Contact details are;
Mirador del Rio
35520
Haria
Lanzarote
Telephone: +34 928 173 536
Museo al Campesino
A little to the north of San Bartolome in the village of Mozaga it would be
difficult to miss the Monumento del Campesino, which is a 15 metre high
sculpture of a farmer with his flock that is made from water tanks salvaged from
old fishing boats. The Monumento del Campesino was created by Jesus Soto from an
original design by Cesar Manrique, and which represents the endurance and
inventiveness of the local farm workers along with the historic significance of
agricultural life on the island. Adjacent to the monument is the Museo al
Campesino, which is a restored Canarian farmhouse where visitors can sample
locally grown produce and wines. The Museo al Campesino is open everyday from
10am to 6pm and contact details are:
Museo al Campesino
35550
Mozaga
Lanzarote
Telephone: +34 928 520 136
Museo Internacional de Miniaturas
The Museo Internacional de Miniaturas or International Museum of Miniatures in
Haria have on display what is claimed to be the smallest newspaper in the world,
a football match painted on a grain of rice along with the smallest bible in the
world. The museum is open daily from 10am to 6pm and contact details are;
Museo Internacional de Miniaturas
Calle Palmeral
35520
Haria
Lanzarote
Rancho Texas Park
The Rancho Texas Park on the outskirt of Puerto del Carmen, is a recreation of
the American wild west complete with cowboys, indians, wig wams, buffalo,
crocodiles and many other exotic animals. Overall the park took over 5 years to
create and now covers an area of some 50,000 m². As you enter the attraction you
are met by Sofia, who is a huge owl with piercing yellow eyes, and with whom you
will undoubtedly be photographed with. During the day you can lose the children
for hours whilst they play in the Indian village or pan for gold amongst the
waters of the goldmine water wheel, although be sure to reserve their seats for
the eagle, crocodile and parrot shows that also take place at regular intervals
throughout the day. In keeping with their western theme, the park also has its
own riding stables where absolute novices can safely enjoy a short horseback
ride, and more experienced riders can undertake a 1/2 day trek down to the
beach. During the evening and after the main park closes for the day, their
Country and Western themed nights are also a very popular attraction where the
whole family can party the night away. Their own professional entertainment team
will endeavour to keep everyone entertained with a combination of live music and
line dancing along with special entertainment for the children. Central to the
evening is always their "eat as much as you can" American style BBQ complete
with beer, sangria or soft drinks all included within the entrance price.
Entrance to the park is quite reasonable at around 14€ for adults and 9€ for
children, although for those visitors staying in one of their 10 specially
designed lodges on site daily entrance is of course free. Contact details for
more information and bookings is:
Rancho Texas Lanzarote
Calle Noruega s/n
Puerto del Carmen
35510
Tias
Telephone: +34 928 841 286
Fax: +34 928 515 563
Email:
info@ranchotexaslanzarote.com
Web site:
www.ranchotexaslanzarote.com
Tanit Ethnic Museum
Almost adjacent to the Town Hall in San Bartolome is the Tanit Ethnic Museum,
which contains exhibits representing both the working and cultural life on
Lanzarote over the past 200 years. Founded by Jose Ferrer Perdomo and his wife
Remy de Quintana Reyes, the museum first opened its doors to the public on
February 18th 2000 and is located in the converted wine cellar of a traditional
18th Century Canarian house. The museum consists an exhibition gallery, chapel,
an old beam press, craft shop, market garden, a cafe with terrace, and a dance
floor. The museum name "Tanit" is taken from the Carthaginian goddess of love,
fortune and fertility with the "Tanit" symbol being engraved onto a stone block.
The museum is open Monday to Saturday throughout the year, except for Public
Holidays, and contact details for more information is:
Ethnographic Museum Tanit
Calle Constitucion, 1
35550
San Bartolome
Lanzarote
Telephone: +34 928 522 334
Fax: +34 928 802 549
Web Site:
www.museotanit.com
Timanfaya National Park
No visit to Lanzarote is complete without a visit to the Timanfaya National
Park. The park covering almost 1/4 of the surface of the island, was created
during the period 1st September 1730 until the 16th of April 1736, during which
time over 100 volcanos are known to have erupted destroying 20 villages and 420
homes in the process. Even now almost 300 years later, this area of Lanzarote is
still considered to be active, and volcanologists regularly record temperatures
of 600 degrees C just 10 metres below the surface, and 160 degrees C just 10
centimeters or 4" below the surface. Large groups of tourist visit Timanfaya
every day and as part of the experience are provided with a guided tour of the
park by bus with commentary given either in English or German. This tour is
included in the admission price, as it is forbidden for vehicles other than the
bus to enter the park. During the tour demonstrations of the immense heat
beneath the ground are given when a dry brush thrown into a hole in the ground
immediately catches fire, and when water is poured into a bore hole, seconds
later it erupts back into the air as steam. Visitors also have the opportunity
to visit the 'El Diablo' restaurant where traditional Canarian food is cooked
using only geothermal heat on a cast-iron grill placed over a large hole in the
ground. Admission to the park is very reasonable at around 6.61€ per person, and
the park is open every day from 10.00 - 18.00.