| If you are looking for an unusual vacation that offers | | | | Most of the points of interest that you will |
| other-world landscaping with a mixture of artistry, | | | | experience during your Lanzarote holidays have one |
| sophistication, and primitive bartering thrown in, a trip | | | | man standing in the shadows of their creation. Cesar |
| to experience Lanzarote holiday attractions might be | | | | Manrique, a locally-born artist and architect became a |
| the ideal solution. This fascinating little island, the most | | | | powerful and persuasive advocate for preserving the |
| eastern and fourth largest of the Spanish Canary | | | | culture and uniqueness of this island during his lifetime. |
| Islands, sits off the coast off northwest Africa in the | | | | It was he who persuaded locals to limit the height of |
| Atlantic Ocean. Created by the breaking apart of the | | | | any new building to that of a palm tree. Gaudy |
| African and American continental plates, Lanzarote | | | | high-rises do not exist here, thanks to his early |
| has been the site of the world's longest lasting | | | | intervention. After his death a foundation in his name |
| volcanic eruption, continuing for almost 6 six years | | | | was set up Tara de Tahiche at his former dream |
| back in the 1730s. With ¼ of the island covered in | | | | home. Situating it in the middle of a lava field, |
| lava, the island bears the scars of that catastrophe | | | | Manrique actually used naturally formed volcanic |
| to this day; however, tourists from around the world | | | | bubbles to create unique architectural living spaces. |
| come now to marvel at the geology of a surface | | | | Above the subterranean rooms are levels |
| most closely resembling that of the moon. | | | | constructed of traditional Lanzarote materials and |
| A visit to Timanfaya National Park is definitely a must | | | | architecture. This beautiful home includes lovely |
| if you want to see Fire Mountain, the origin of the | | | | garden areas, a café, and a gift shop as well as |
| massive volcanic eruption. Sitting in the southwest | | | | samples of Manrique's incredible artistry. |
| part of the island, the Park offers fantastic sunsets | | | | You'll find more of Manrique's creative touch at the |
| and impressive ethereal landscapes. You can explore | | | | Cactus Gardens or "Jardin de Cactus." Over 10,000 |
| by camel back or in the comfort of modern coach | | | | plants representing more than 1400 species have |
| transportation. Choosing the 16 km chartered bus trip | | | | been collected and displayed here by botanist |
| is a great way to absorb the total effects of the | | | | Estanislao Gonzales Ferrer. This was Manrique's last |
| volcano on the geography of the land. Sturdy | | | | finished work, spanning almost 20 years. You won't |
| footwear and warm jackets are recommended for a | | | | miss the giant green metallic sculpture, including |
| comfortable sight-seeing experience. | | | | spikes, which welcome visitors to the main entrance. |
| With a population of only about 140,000, of which | | | | The restored windmill and strange metal sculptures |
| 75% are Spanish, Lanzarote may not be a big or | | | | that surround the freshwater lake create a stark |
| heavily populated island, but the once-capital of | | | | beauty unlike any other. A café and a gift shop |
| Teguise comes alive every Sunday of the year. | | | | complete the visit. |
| Tourists love to wander through the hundreds of | | | | For a breath-taking view from a natural cliff 479 |
| stalls lining the cobbled streets and in the main square. | | | | meters high, you must visit the northern end of the |
| The Teguise Market offers the atmosphere of a | | | | island. The Mirador Del Rio allows you to look out to |
| typical Spanish village backed by 500 years of history. | | | | the archaic island of La Graciosa. This special site was |
| Holiday gifts and souvenirs are plentiful at excellent | | | | also created by Manrique in 1974, and you can still |
| prices. You can find everything from handbags to | | | | see his vision in the hidden balustrade café and bar |
| hair-braiding, from tablecloths to pottery, and you can | | | | area that have been integrated into the lava rock |
| even enjoy the social aspect of haggling over prices. | | | | formations. This ecological wonder was once |
| Local entertainers playing pan pipes usually set up in | | | | considered to be one of the "most important new |
| the local square. Food is abundant too. You can order | | | | buildings in the world." |
| a proper English breakfast with fresh orange juice | | | | The island of Lanzarote may be small by world |
| and just-cooked doughnuts, or you can try some of | | | | standards, but it offers big lifetime experiences for |
| the local specialties. Numerous cafes and bars | | | | those who want something a little less |
| sprinkled throughout the market offer cool places to | | | | commercialized, a place that has built on its own |
| relax and soak in the local color. Choose to arrive by | | | | unique volcanic history. You have a standing invitation |
| rental car or bus as taxis are expensive for this | | | | to come and share, to be present in the richness of |
| distance. | | | | the past at Lanzarote. |