Lagomar Villa Museum Lanzarote

Lagomar House-Museum in Lanzarote

In a village near Villa de Teguise lies one of the most unique and beautiful houses: the Casa-Museo Lagomar in Lanzarote.

A one-of-a-kind artwork built into the very cliff of a volcano, it takes its name from the small town where it stands: Nazaret. From the volcanic windows of this house-museum, the views of the valley are unbeatable.

Its architectural style is one of its greatest attractions: a volcanic and oriental fusion that leaves no visitor indifferent. Beyond its visual appeal, its history has also sparked much discussion.

Like something straight out of a Hollywood film, the story of Lagomar is full of anecdotes and secrets. From its early beginnings as just a sketch by César Manrique—who later abandoned the project—to its present form.

In this article, we share all the curiosities of the Casa-Museo LagOmar in Lanzarote.

A villa guarded by a volcano

Lagomar is an oasis inspired and created by its very elements: lava and natural caves. The whimsical shapes carved by nature over the years allow us today to live in harmony with a unique natural space.

Built on a volcanic quarry, it is a villa to be enjoyed in every detail—from beams salvaged from shipwrecks along the island’s coast, to the lush vegetation decorating its grounds.

A small botanical garden with aloes, palm trees, and other native Canary plants completes the scene. Nature is everywhere, in every corner, enchanting with its contrasts of color.

Since opening as a museum in 2009, LagOmar has captured the hearts of travelers and locals alike. To enrich the experience, the property includes an exhibition hall, cocktail bar, and a Mediterranean restaurant.

A house inspired by César Manrique

In 1970, foreign investor Sam Benady commissioned César Manrique to design Lagomar—known then as Oasis de Nazaret—so he could host potential property buyers.

In his typical style, Manrique sketched a design that respected the surroundings, always advocating to use natural elements rather than destroy them.

However, due to disagreements, the project was continued by Jesús Soto, a close collaborator of Manrique, with whom he had worked on Jameos del Agua and the Monumento al Campesino. This is why Lagomar recalls other emblematic works of Lanzarote.

Today, art and architecture remain central thanks to the gallery and exhibition spaces, featuring both local and international artists.

Did Egyptian actor Omar Sharif live here?

In the 1970s, Egyptian actor Omar Sharif visited Lanzarote to film The Mysterious Island, based on Jules Verne’s novel. Playing Captain Nemo, he discovered Oasis de Nazaret and fell in love with it.

Legend says Sharif bought the villa from Benady, who then challenged him to a bridge match—with the property at stake. If Sharif won, he kept the villa; if not, Benady would regain ownership. Sharif lost, unaware that Benady was a European bridge champion.

As a tribute, the villa was renamed LagOmar. Though ownership has changed, the name has endured. Later, architects Beatriz van Hoff and Dominik von Boettinger expanded the property, always guided by local artists to preserve its natural beauty.

If you travel to Lanzarote and want to discover attractions beyond the tourist circuit, Casa-Museo Lagomar is a must-see. Don’t forget to add it to your itinerary!