On the journey north from the airport, it is highly likely that you would have driven past The Jardin de Cactus, which 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

Although the village of Mala has few tourist attractions of its own, which for some people may be an attraction in itself, it is however conveniently located as a base from which to explore the attractions of northern Lanzarote. A couple of attractions in Haria that are certainly worth a mention here are firstly the small art gallery called "La Galleria El Aljibe de Haria" which is situated opposite the main town hall building. Contact details for more information about future exhibitions is:
La Galleria El Aljibe de Haria
Plaza de la Constitucion, s/n
35520
Haria
Telephone: +34 928 835 737
Email: aljibedeharia@ayuntamientodeharia.com

The second attraction is the "Museo Internacional de Miniaturas" or International Museum of Miniatures. Miniatures on display in the Museum include 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

Also certainly worth a visit is The Mirador de Haria, some 5km, or 3 miles, south of the village. 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.

To the north of Haria, where the Risco de Famara mountain range meets the Atlantic Ocean, you will also find the equally spectacular 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

Another popular attraction to be found in the north of the island is the Cueva de Los Verdes, which translates into English as the "Green Cave". The Cuevas de Los Verdes is part of a 6Km long lava tube which formed over 3,000 years ago when the Montaña La Corona last erupted and, combined with the nearby Jameos del Agua, this is widely recognised as being one of the longest volcanic tunnels in the world. In 1964 approximately 2km of the tunnel was opened to the public, following the installation of lighting to a design by Jesus Soto. A special feature of the Cuevas de Los Verdes is an optical illusion that will be shown to you towards the end of the guided tour, which for obvious reasons we will not spoil the surprise here. Contact details are;
Cuevas de Los Verdes
35520
Haria
Lanzarote
Telephone: +34 928 173 220

As mentioned briefly above, 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

The final attraction that is certainly worth a mention here is the Guinate Tropical Park. Guinate is a small village some 5km to the north west of Arrieta that overlooked by the imposing Monte Corona which is one of the highest mountains on Lanzarote. The park is on the outskirts of the village covering an area of over 45,000m2 and is home to a wide selection of exotic birds and wild animals from all over the world including parrots, mear cats and ostriches. There's a show approximately every hour throughout the day where you get to see a selection of the animals close up, along with a children's play area. Admission to the park is approximately 14€ for adults and 6€ for children. Contact details for more information:
Guinate Tropical Park
Calle Majadita, 14
Guinate
Lanzarote
Telephone: +34 928 835 500
Web site: www.guinatetropicalpark.com