Lanzarote is an interesting little island, thanks in no small part to its genesis from volcanic flame.  Much of the island bears the scars of the massive volcanic eruptions in the 18th Century that left behind an otherworldly series of mountains, plugs and underground caverns – ‘Lunar’ is a word frequently used to describe the appearance of much of Lanzarote.  With a stroke of good fortune, the island also produced its most famous son, the artist Cesar Manrique, in the 20th Century, and this companion of Picasso – who lived on the island for just about his entire life - used all of his influence as a local hero to massively influence the development of Lanzarote.

On the one hand, modern development was kept in check – with but a few exceptions – ensuring that no building over four storeys tall was given planning permission, one of the measures allowing the island to avoid some of the unfortunate overdevelopment seen in mainland Spain.  On the other,  Manrique was simultaneously active in developing some of the most popular natural attractions open to the public on Lanzarote today. The Jameous del Agua is one of the islands older volcanic relics, created around 3000 years ago by an eruption which left the underground lava tunnels that form this grotto. 

A unique species of blind albino crab inhabits the beautiful underground lagoon that was tastefully developed for tourist consumption by Manrique.  His trademark juxtaposition of white and black, created by painting areas of the lava rock white, is a simple but striking effect that you will see in Manrique-influenced sites across the island. The Jardin de Cactus (Cactus Garden) was built by the artist in a disused quarry, and this multi-level garden again makes striking use of the native black volcanic rock.  Pools of fish are interspersed among the gnarly cacti, and a windmill onsite provides some photogenic views.

Of all the Manrique attractions on the island, it is perhaps the house that the artist fashioned for himself out of a volcanic plug that is the absolute must-see attraction if you visit Lanzarote.  Straight off the set of a 60’s Bond film, the house has been run by the Manrique foundation since the artists death in the 1990’s, and is a wonder in itself – and additionally, houses a collection of Manrique originals. Other attractions like the active volcano in the middle of the island offer something rather unique in terms of Mediterranean holidays; but the exclusivity of these features is thankfully not mirrored by the travel options, with plenty of the big package providers like Thomas Cook offering Lanzarote holidays