We must live with nature, not destroy it”. – César Manrique
Art and landscape. Why choose one over the other? For hundreds of years, the forces of nature have known how to work stone, fire and water to sculpt the mountains and valleys of an other-worldly island.
Witnessing such majesty, Lanzarote artists and natives were sure: we must live with nature, not destroy it.
This slogan was reinforced over the last century by artists such as César Manrique, and today, it defines the conservationism and sustainability underlying the tourism reaching the island.
Manrique’s indelible print
To talk about Lanzarote is to talk about César Manrique. During his life, this Lanzarote-born artist was the driving force behind several artistic projects. All of them were of a spatial and landscape nature, and sought to highlight the landscape and the island’s natural assets.
Of all his creations, the island-dwellers are most proud of Cueva de los Verdes and Jameos del Agua.
Jameos del Agua is the first of César Manrique’s large works in Lanzarote. The artist used a collapsed volcanic tube in the geological space of Haría to create a construction that would represent the island’s symbiosis between man and nature.
The Cueva de los Verdes is also in Haría, in the north of Lanzarote. This tunnel, formed by the La Corona Volcano, is one of the largest on the planet.
The creativity and illumination brought by César Manrique and Jesús Soto increase the natural beauty of the stone’s chromatism.
But this artist’s work was not limited to large works. César Manrique’s sculptures can also be spotted around Lanzarote. Although not the only one, the sculptor’s most renowned work is called “Juguetes del Viento”.
Created posthumously, these mobiles comprising spheres, circles and pyramids have been placed in several strategic places on the island to replace the former windmills.
To find out more about the creations and talent behind this genius, you can visit the Casa Museo César Manrique.
It is a tourist attraction that represents the traditional way of life on the island, and invites visitors to take a look at the rooms where the painter spent the last few years of his life.
The beautiful mystery of Lanzarote nights
The absolute clarity of the outdoor corners and spaces of Lanzarote make this island an ideal place to enjoy the secrets of the night sky.
Its skies have been called the clearest and least contaminated in Europe, making it an ideal destination for astrotourism.
During your holidays to the island we highly recommend enjoying the night sky, lifting your gaze and marvelling at the stars.
The best place to see stars in Lanzarote is at Peñas del Chache. At 670 metres, it is the highest peak on the island. Head there on a moonless night to observe the most dazzling region of the Milky Way. Don’t forget your binoculars.
“Doubt thou the stars are fire; Doubt that the sun doth move; Doubt truth to be a liar; But never doubt I love”. – Hamlet. Act. 2. Scene 2.
The mystical aridity of Timanfaya
Timanfaya National Park is the main natural attraction in Lanzarote. Its expanse over more than 51 square kilometres includes volcanoes and cliffs, resulting in a unique pattern that has made the island world-famous.
At Montañas del Fuego you can enter a volcanic world which brings life to everything you can see around you.
You can enjoy the route of the volcanoes and even venture to a demonstration of the geothermal activity that occurs on the island.
We are of cause talking about the famous geysers that reveal the heat emanating from the earth.
If you prefer the coast, make sure you don’t miss the cliffs of los Hervidors. The tones of the sun and the force of the water hitting against the stone make it by far the best place to watch the sun go down on the island of Lanzarote.
Remember:
The entire island of Lanzarote has been a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1993. Please respect the natural environment to continue conserving its beauty.
See you out there!
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