The small Canary Island of Lanzarote is big on attractions. As this volcanic speck of Spain boasts a whole host of natural wonders as well as plenty of unique man made attractions. Ensuring that holidays in Lanzarote * offer much more than just sunshine and sun loungers alone.

Timanfaya National Park

Lanzarote´s best known and most popular attraction boasts scenery so dramatic that it is often used as the backdrop for major motion pictures. Over the years science fiction classics such as One Million Years BC have been filmed here. Whilst more recently the Fire Mountains as they are known locally have provided the backdrop for key scenes in the soon to be released Warner’s blockbuster Clash of the Titans 3. Starring Liam Neeson and released in April.

The 300 odd volcanoes here were created by a massive six year eruption in the 1730´s which transformed the interior of the island and which today stands testimony to the awesome destructive powers of Mother Nature. If you’re visiting Lanzarote this is an absolute must see.

Valley of 1000 Palms

Lanzarote is a very dry, arid island with little in the way of rainfall. The north however provides a very verdant contrast to the volcanic vistas of the south. Especially in and around the aptly named Valley of 1000 Palms. Where locals have been following a tradition for centuries of planting a Canarian palm for every new born baby.

Jardin de Cactus

If these prickly plant species are your thing then you’ll love Lanzarote´s cactus garden. This is one of seven similar tourist centres crated by César Manrique and is home to over 10,000 examples of the plant world’s spiniest species.

César Manrique Foundation

César Manrique was a locally born artist who fought against over development on Lanzarote – and won. Securing a ban on all high rise buildings and advertising hoardings. He was sadly killed in a car crash in 1992. But his work is continued by the César Manrique Foundation. Which today occupies his former home and studio in Tahiche.

The Foundation is housed in what has to be the most unusual property in Lanzarote – as it has been built over five bubbles in the surrounding lava flow. It is open to the public daily and exhibits the artist’s canvasses along with he works of contemporise such as Picasso.

Author: Nick Ball. He is a long term resident of Lanzarote and edits Lanzarote Guidebook – the in-depth island information guide. Visit their website to download your free copy. LanzaroteGuideBook.
Image courtesy of LanzaroteGuidebook.com.

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