Cultural activities

César Manrique (1919 - 1992) was an artist, architect, building consultant and conservationist and has made his mark on Lanzarote and the development of its tourism. He is best known for his ability to combine creativity with nature and for limiting touristic development of the island.

The César Manrique Foundation is a cultural center with many works of art of the island, created by the man himself, as well as his own art collection including some of the most prestigious artists of the world such as Picasso, Miró, Chillida and Klee.
The house and studio were built by Manrique in the lava cavities in the Taro Tahiche. See http://www.cesarmanrique.com

The Casa Museo y Monumento al Campesino (The house and monument to the farmer)
is also designed by César Manrique and built by J. Soto in 1968, the Monumento al Campesino is just befor Mozaga in the center of the island. Next to it, the Casa Museo al Campesino (House and Museum) is a museum, shop and restaurant serving typical Canarian cuisine. The museum and the monument were built as a tribute to the local farmers and their way of life. Over the centuries, farmers have developed a unique method of cultivation in an arid environment. The sculpture is composed of former water tanks and destroyed fishing boats and portrays the farmer with his cattle. Open every day from 11:00 to 17:00 hours.

Cueva de los Verdes, a refuge from pirates!
The Green Caves are a bit of a trip back in time to the days when they were the ideal refuge from invading pirates!
The caves, in one of the longest volcanic tunnels are 6 km long and form a perfectly defensible fortress. For this attraction you need to be in good health in order to climb the many stairs. Open every day from 10:00 to 18:00 hours (last tour starts at 17:00 hours).

Timanfaya National Park is the largest volcanic region in the Canary Islands. It is about 200 square kilometers and covers the central-western part of Lanzarote. The park consists of 32 volcanoes, whose eruptions between 1732 to 1736 covered a large part of Lanzarote in lava. You can only make a trip by bus in this rugged area where the earth is still hot. The park is open every day from 9:00 to 17:45 hours and the bus tour is included in the ticket.
The El Diablo restaurant, designed by Manrique, gives a nice view of the park and is open from 12:00 to 15:30 hours every day. It serves chicken and meats roasted on the volcanic heat.
Hiking enthusiasts can make beautiful trips with a guide from the national park.

Jameos del Agua was formed by a volcanic eruption that took place over 3,000 years ago from Mount Corona in the north of the island. The Jameos ('gut' or 'hollow') arose as a result of gas explosions within a volcanic bubble. In the course of the years seawater eroded from the tunnels until a lagoon formed. In the lagoon you can see thousands of small white crabs that have become blind through the evolution of life in low light. Jameos del Agua is very tastefully decorated by César Manrique.
There is a bar and restaurant. Open every day from 10:00 to 18:30 hours.

Mirador del Rio is a unique vantage point at a height of 475m with breathtaking views of the small inhabited island, La Graciosa and two small uninhabited islands, Montaña Clara and Alegranza. Cesar Manrique created a covered terrace with a cafe so people can come and enjoy the beautiful views in comfort. On the covered terrace is a small observatory. Open every day from 10:00 to 17:45 hours.

In the Jardin de Cactus you will find more than 1,400 different species of cacti to be admired in a garden designed by César Manrique. Open every day from 10:00 to 17:45 hours.

Castillo de San Jose in Arrecife, Museum of Modern Art, was built between 1776-1779 during the reign of King Carlos III. It is directly opposite the harbor and houses an exhibition of contemporary art. The Museum of Modern Art was one of the creations of César Manrique. It opened its doors in 1975. There is a fine collection of Spanish artists including some major celebrities of the world, such as Picasso, Miró and, of course, Manrique himself.
Open every day from 10:00 to 21:00 hours. There is an excellent restaurant with sea views beneath the museum.