The Canary Islands -
Lanzarote the Fire Island
Click on the name of the island below to reach the destination page :
CANARY ISLANDS Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro
Here you will find some basic Spanish vocabulary for your journey and Information on Spanish food and wine.
Lanzarote Facts & Figures
Lanzarote is about 125 km (78 miles) off the African Coast (Mauritania) and 1,000 km (621 miles) from the Iberian Peninsula. Lanza (Nickname) is the fourth-largest Canary Island with 845.9 square kilometer (326.6 square miles) and with 141,938 inhabitants it is the third-most populated island. Its capital is Arrecife.
The dimensions of the island is 60 km/37 mi. from north to south and 25 km/ 16 mi from west to east. Of the 213 km/132 mi of coastline are 16.5 km beaches the rest is mainly rocky. The highest mountain range of Famara is about 671 m/ 2,201 feet high.
Arrecife
Climate
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Lanzarote has a subtropical-desert climate. Rainfall in the summer is rare, it may rain between December to February on approx. 16 days. Sometimes the Calima, a hot, dry and sand-laden southerly to southeasterly wind blows from Northern Africa and the Sahara. Temperatures can rise to over 30 °C.
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The average temperature: winter means of 18 °C (64 °F) and summer means of 25 °C (77 °F). For more information just click HERE.
A Brief History
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Lanzarote’s early history, like the other Canary Islands is a mystery. Lanzarote is the oldest of the Canaries (about 180 million years old). Lanzarote was originally inhabited by Berbers from North Africa. Agriculture and fishing were the forms of livelihood for these first inhabitants. They became known as ‘Majos’.
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Greeks and Romans knew of the Canary Islands (Excavations in Lanzarote has shown this fact). The artifacts indicate that the Romans where trading with the people of the Canary Islands.
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From where the name Lanzarote comes from is not so sure, many historians believe the islands name originated from a Genoese Sailor called Lancelotto who landed 1312 on the island.
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Perhaps the most likely origin comes from a French nobleman, by the name of Lancelot who came to Lanzarote in one of Bethencourts expeditions. An important pre--conquest expedition was ordered by King Alfonso IV of Portugal in 1341. His sailors led by the Italian mariner Angiolino del Tegghia de Corbizz, sailed to the Canaries and counted up to 13 islands in the archipelago -- the seven major islands and six minor islands of the Canaries Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Palma, Gomera, Hierro, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, representing the former, and Lobos, Roque del Este, Roque del Oeste, La Graciosa, Montana Clara and Alegranza, the latter.
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1402, Jean de Bethencourt (Norman Privateer), Baron de La Grainville, and Gadifer de La Salle landed in Lanzarote and set up base at the Costa del Rubicón. The last mencey Guardafia signed a non-aggression and friendship pact with the invaders in return for protection against the marauding pirates and slavers. After Bethencourt left a power struggle broke out, involving the local leaders, let to a bloody conflict.
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1407, Jean de Bethencourt handed over the control to his nephew Maciot de Bethencourt, (first governor of Lanzarote). He married Princess Teguise of Lanzarote. They are the trunk that is part of the various branches of the Bethencourt family, Betancort and Betancor in Lanzarote, the Canary Islands and America. ( he was a tyrant, problems led to a dispute beteen Sapin and Portugal which endet 1479 withe the Treaty of Alcacovas.
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1584, Agustin de Herrera y Rojas, was appointed by King Philip II, I Marquis de Lanzarote. Noble prototype of the time, stressed at a very young age for his courage and bravery.
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1616, Sir Walter Raleigh, attacks Lanzarote. One of the many pirate attacks that struck the island and the archipelago during the XVI, XVII and XVIII centuries.
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1730-1736, the first historic volcanic eruptions. These leave the current morphology of the island, turning Lanzarote into a mythical place.
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1852, Arrecife, the capital of Lanzarote. Under the Law on Ports Franks, from August 10, Teguise, will no longer be the political and economic center of the island.
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1982,Cesar Manrique, creates the foundation that bears his name. Queen Dona Sofia, President of Honor. The CM has become a cultural reference throughout the archipelago.
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Source: http://www.turismolanzarote.com/en/history at http://www.turismolanzarote.com/en/
Another good information source is http://www.lanzarote-guide.com/en/history
Lanzarote - first Impressions
 Flying to Lanzarote |  Arrecife |  Teguise |
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 Landscape Lanzarote |  Villa in Lanzarote |  Beach Lanzarote |
 Los Hervideros |  Yaiza Lanzarote |  Beach Impression |
 Teguise |  Wind chimes |  Castillo de Santa Bárbara |
 Lava Field Lanzarote |  View Fuerteventura |  Panorama Lanzarote |
 Landscape Lanzarote |
Port of Call - Arrecife Lanzarote
Arriving in Arrecife - Lanzarote
Port Naos is a deep water habour and serving as port and supply location for ships crossing the Atlantic, since the 15th century. it also is the habour for the fishing boats. You will find many seafood restaurants around the habour with the freshest fish you can get.
This days many cruise ships of any size dock in the habour from the Queen Mary 2 to the Independence of the Seas.
The port of Arrecife has two Cruise docks
The dock is ca. 1 km from the town center, many taxis are available at the dock. You will pass the Tourist
information on your way to town. Tourist office Avenida Olof Palme Arrife, Tel. 928 34 72 93
From here you have to use the shuttle bus, as the city center is about 7 km/4 mi away.
Check with your destination desk about the shuttle service.
In the small terminal building you will find a tourist information point and car rental companies (Cigar +34 928 822 900 , and further down the road Autos Cabrera Medina, S.L. Puerto de los Mármoles, s/n 928 51 35 53.
Driving in Lanzarote
It will take about about 25 minutes across the island and about 45 minutes from North to South. Most car hire companies are available on the island. The roads are in good condition.
Distance to Attractions in Lanzarote from Arrecife:
Cueva de los Verdes . . . 30 km
Jameos del Agua............ 30 km
Mirador del Río................ 37 km
Montañas del Fuego. . . . 35 km
Source : http://www.lanzaroteinformation.com/content/distance-table-lanzarote for more information just click
A 4 hour trip costs about 150 Euros and a complete Island trip about 180 Euros .
What to see and what to do in Arrecife
Nature
1. Timanfaya
The National Park TIMANFAYA is a must for every visitor coming to Lanzarote. 1974 the area was declared as National Park. The greatest recorded eruptions occurred between 1730 and 1736 in Lanzarote. About 1/4 of the island was buried under the lava. The last eruption in 1824 changed this area in to a "Luna Landscape" wit new Vulcanos. Even today it is simmering just below the surface: at a depth of 10 meters the temperature is around 600 degrees Celsius.
The guides will show it to you by pouring water into a pipe and steam will shoot out of the pipe in high speed. The restaurant El Diabolo uses the heat of the vulcano to barbecue the meat. Buses will take you on a 14 km journey around this moon like landscape.
Open from Mo.-So. from 9.00 to 19.00, in the winter 9.00 - 17.00, the restaurante opens from 12.00 to 15.30 . Entrance fees apply
Google Maps (Directions: LZ2 & LZ 67 27 min or LZ 20 & LZ 67 33 min)
Mancha Blanca Visitor Center Timanfya
Father Andrés Lorenzo Curbelo, a priest in Yaiza recorded the eruption (1730-36):
“On the first day of September, 1730 between nine and ten o’clock at night, the earth suddenly opened near Timanfaya, two miles from Yaiza. An enormous mountain emerged from the ground with flames coming from its summit. It continued burning for 19 days. Some days later, a new abyss developed and an avalanche of lava rushed down over Timanfaya, Rodeo and part of Mancha Blanca. The lava extended over to the northern areas to begin with, running as fast as water, though it soon slowed down and ran like honey. Read More
What to see and what to do in Lanzarote
2. El Golfo
When die vulcano "Montaña de Golfo erupted in 1730 half of it immersed into the sea. The bottom of the crater formed one of the most known landmarks in Lanzarote, the green Lagune (through algae) "Charco de los Clicos". Near by in the village El Golfo you will find many restaurantes next to the sea.
Google Maps (32.5 km, 33min, LZ 2)
Better using a camel than walking
Timanfaya "Feuerberge"
Timanfaya Vulcanos, by M&W Hofmann
View of Yaiza
Starting the steam with water,Flickr
Steam from the hot pipe, vulcanic heat, Flickr
Better run away
Barbeque ala Timanfaya
Timanfaya Landscape, Flickr
3. Cuevas de los Verdes
The cave was formed around 3000-4500 years ago during a huge volcanic eruption of Montana Corona. Huge lava flows poured over the land in the direction of the sea. The upper lava flows cooled relatively quickly and solidified in the air. The lower lava flows continued under the solidified surface, leaving a cave as the lava flow finally dried up.
The cave begins at the foot of the volcano and leads to the coast, where it ends after about 1.5 kilometers under the sea surface. Since the ceiling broke in several places, shafts formed up to twenty meters deep, so-called jameos. Of the six-kilometer-long tunnel about two kilometers are walk-able, a large part has not yet been explored.
From time to time classical concerts are held in the cave.
Google Maps (27.5 km, 30 min, LZ 1)
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Jameos del Agua
are different lava caves located in the municipality of Haría, northern Lanzarote. It is part of a 4000 year old and 6 km long lava tube. César Manrique createt an art, toursm and cultural center. Jameos del Agua are subterranean salt lakes, gardens, pool, museum, auditorium and restaurantes.
Inside, there is a spectacular natural lake connected to the sea. It is home to a species of tiny, blind, albino crabs which only live here. You can also see a pool of turquoise water, the Tunnel of Atlantis, and the world’s only auditorium in a volcanic cave, with seats for 550 people.
Open: Daily 10.00 - 17.00 and 19.00 - 02.00 (Tuesday and Saturday only), Entrance fees apply
Google Maps (27.6 km, 31 min, LZ 1)
4. Mirador del Rio
is right at the end of Risco de Famara range.
It was used as lookout (479 m high) by Spanish settlers, dating back to the 16th century, to control the sea to avoid marauding pirates.
In the Spanish-American war over Cuba a fortress was build in 1898 and a gun battery was installed.
The view across the strait of El Rio towards the islands of the Chinijo Archipelago is incredible.
Arrecife - Mirador del Rio
Drive either Teguise, Haria, (LZ 10) and turn into LZ 201 until the Mirador (49 min) or drive the LZ 1 to Tahiche, passing Arrieta and follow the LZ 201 (36 min) until the mirador.
It is a tourist attraction with many people.
Just a little further you can find the Mirador Risco de Famara with less people. (37 min, LZ1)
Beneath the cliff you see the fishing village with its beaches. Turn towards the inland and you will get a fantastic view of Timanfaya.
5. Salinas de Janubio
Near the fishing village El Golfo (south coast) is the salt production plant "Salinas de Janubio" located.
The terraced salt gardens are one of the most important attractions in the region, as they shimmer in the sun in fascinating shades. Google Maps (LZ 2 33 km, 40 min)
Other Attractions
Jardin de Cactus
Museos:
Casa del Timple (Music Instrument)
Winter 09.00 – 16.00 Monday to Saturday 09.00 – 15.00 Sunday (and Festival Days) Summer 09.00 – 15.00 Daily
Google Maps (12.5 km, 19 min, LZ 1& LZ 10
LagOmar
Is a holiday residence/Museum. It was owned by by actor Omar Sharif. It is open to the public
as a museum. Open from 10.00 to 18.00, guided tours are every half hour.
Google Maps (10.7 km, 16 min, LZ1 & LZ 10)
The Pirate Museum
It is within the walls of Castillo Santa Barabara overlooking Teguise. The museum offers an inside view into the world of privateers & buccaneers during the 16th and 17th centuries.Daily from 10.00 to 16.00
Google Maps (12.5 km, 17 min, LZ1 & LZ 10)
Museum of International & Contemporary Art
The museum is located in Arrecife in the fort Castillo de San Jose in the port. Cesar Manrique initiated
the museum and directed the the refurbishment of the castle.Open daily 10.00 to 20.00
The museo is located in the Bahia de Las Coloradas (south coast), in Castillo del Aquila. It promotes
education, preservation and protection of the marine and natural environment. It is 12 meters deep in
clear waters. A area of 2 500 square meters fordivers and scuba divers.
Google Maps (34.7 km, 38 min, LZ 2)
Fundación Cesar Manrique
Biographie Cesar Manrique, an artist, architect, sculptor and conservationist
Manrique's wind chimes:
In Arrieta stands the "Juguete del Viento", a bronze-colored wind chime with spirals and cap-shaped wind blades, which are constantly in motion due to the trade wind.
Another one with rectangular wind leaves stands at a crossroads between Tias and San Bartolomé.
In Tahiche there are two wind chimes, the first one, a stainless steel is located on the main road and the other one stands on a traffic island.
Another stands on the property of the former Mansion of Manrique, which today houses the foundation "Fundación César Manrique".
In Costa Teguise is a work of the artist with round metal blades on a high tower of lava stones.
![Fobos, Wind Toy by Cesar Manrique Tahiche, By H. Zell (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/69b47e_e1109e2aa8424cdf88a861a19a709558~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_214,h_327,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/69b47e_e1109e2aa8424cdf88a861a19a709558~mv2.jpg)
Volcano House
César Manrique Foundation. Tahíche
César Manrique Foundation is headquartered in a spectacular dwelling designed by César Manrique himself upon his return from New York City, when he decided to locate permanently at Lanzarote. This was his home for the 20 years running from 1968 to 1988, the longest he ever lived in a single place. It is sited in the midst of a lava coulee formed during the violent eruptions that rocked the island between 1730 and 1736. This 3 000 square metre building engages in constant dialogue with the natural surrounds on its 30 000-square metre lot and beyond: here, volcano and architecture blend in mutual respect. For more Information click the link
Source: http://fcmanrique.org/casas-museo-visitas/fundacion-cesar-manrique-tahiche/?lang=en
Every day (including holidays) from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Google Maps (6.6 km, 11 min LZ 1)
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Palm grove House
César Manrique House Museum.Haría
The César Manrique House Museum is located in a handsome palm grove in the picturesque village of Haria, which still conserves many of Lanzarote’s traditions. In Haría, the artist found the quietude and harmony with nature that he had always pursued. For more Information click the link
Source: http://fcmanrique.org/casas-museo-visitas/casa-museo-cesar-manrique-haria/?lang=en
Every day (including holidays) from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Google Maps (32.4 km 34 min, LZ 1 & LZ 10)
Wine in Lanzarote
If you expect lush green vineyards and hills, you will not find them. Instead you see rows of round craters with a semi-circular lava rock wall.
Wine producers create wide holes like a crater (approximately 10ft/3m wide and 8ft/2.5m deep) to enable vine roots to reach down below the layer of ash known as lapilli or picon working like a porouses mulch. The ash is suited to water retention (important in this desert-like environment). It also keeps the soil temperature constant (thermo-regulation).
The vine stock is individual planted, each of them in its crater. Vines are protected from strong coastal winds by semi-circular stone walls known as zocos or abrigos. The downside of this type of cultivation is, everything (harvesting, pruning) must be done by hand and vine density and yields are low.
About 1500 employees work in vineyards and together they produce ca. 2 million litres.
Types of Grapes
WHITE:
Malvasia (white) accounting for 75% of vineyard plantings.
The grape can make dry (clean and crisp) or sweet wines (honeyed and complex).
Listan Blanco (Palomino) for whites. Very important to dry white wine production, expressing the minerality of the region’s terroir well. It is essential for the Sherry production.
Other white grapes are : Moscatel, Burrablanca, Diego(Vigiriega), Pedro Ximenes, Airen, Breval (Verdelho)
Listan Negro is the most widespread red grape in the Canary Islands, it is for light, fruity, Beaujolais-like style of wines made using carbonic maceration.
Negramoll (Tinta Negra) it produces easy-drinking red wines (not very tannic)
Other red grapes are Tintilla ( Trousseau), Baboso (a.k.a. Alfrochiero), and more.
Sparkling whites and barrel fermented reds are also made.
Lanzarote's wines show typically mineral characteristics and good acidity thanks to the island's unique growing conditions.
Lanzarote Wine Regions
Lanzarote is a Spanish Denominación de Origen (DO) for wines that covers the entire island of Lanzarote, in the Canary Islands, Spain. It acquired its DO in 1993, and there are currently 2,300 ha under cultivation.
There are four subzones:
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La Geria, the largest and located in the south
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San Bartolomé/Tías (Masdache), in the centre
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Tinajo, in the centre-west
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Haría-Ye, in the north
Wine Museum El Grifo
Museum: from 10:30 a.m. to 6:00p.m. Daily (including bank holidays)
Summer timetable, from July 19 to September 17 from 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Vineyards and Wineries in Lanzarote
1. Bodegas Castillo de Guanapay, Calle La Asomada 39, Tías. Tel: 928 804 579
2. Bodegas El Alto, Camino Las Quemadas 12, La Vegueta, Tinajo. Tel: 928 173 510
3. Bodegas El Campesino, Calle Guadarfia 2, San Bartolomé. Tel: 678 753 133
4. Bodegas El Grifo, Lugar de El Grifo, San Bartolomé. Tel: 928 524 036 Web: www.elgrifo.com
5. Bodegas Guiduan, Avenida de los Volcanes 116, Tinajo. Tel: 928 840 715
6. Bodegas La Geria, Carretera La Geria km 19, Yaiza. Tel: 928 173 178 Web: www.lageria.com
7. Bodegas La Grieta, Calle Aulaga 14, Punta Mujeres, Haría. Tel: 928 848 110
8. Bodegas Los Bermejos, Camino a Los Bermejos 7, La Florida, San Bartolomé. Tel: 928 522 463 Web: www.losbermejos.com
9. Bodegas Martinón, Camino del Mentidero 2, Masdache, Tías. Tel: 928 834 160 Web: www.bodegasmartinon.com
10. Bodegas Mozaga, Carretera Arrecife-Tinajo km 8, Mozaga, San Bartolomé. Tel: 928 520 485
11. Bodegas Reymar, Plaza de Los Dolores 19, Tinajo. Tel: 928 840 737
12. Bodegas Rubicón, Carretera Teguise-Yaiza 2, La Geria, Yaiza. Tel: 928 173 708
13. Bodegas Stratvs, Carretera La Geria km 18, Yaiza. Tel: 928 809 977 Web: www.stratvs.com
14. Bodegas Tierra de Volcanes, Calle Las Vistas 18, Yaiza. Tel: 630 889 454
15. Bodegas Vega de Yuco, Camino del Cabezo, Tías. Tel: 928 524 316 Web: www.vegadeyuco.es
16. Bodegas Viña Meseta, Camino El Peñón 14, La Vegueta, Tinajo. Tel: 928 840 425
17. Bodegas Vulcano de Lanzarote, Calle Victor Fernández Gopar 8, Tías. Tel: 928 834 456
Beaches
Lanzarote has over 100 beaches, just to name some : Playa Blanca, Playa Flamingo, Papagayo, Playa Grande (good for kids), Playa Chica (Watersport), Playa Cuchara (Teguise), Playa Jabillo.
It would be to much to talk about all of them, but the two following links will give all the necessary information to make your own decision.
http://www.lanzaroteinformation.com and https://www.beach-inspector.com
