Established on a coast sprinkled with cliffs, Arrecife has a pleasant beach and a lagoon full of charm, Charca of San Ginés, where the fishermen anchor their boats. The city also proposes places fed by history and culture, such as the castle San Gabriel, former fort of defense of the city.
Included Excursions
Jameos del Agua and Mirador del rio
Duration : 4h00
From the pier, embark your coach for a one-hour scenic drive to the picturesque village of Haria, known as the “valley of a thousand palms”. Surrounded by lush green fields and colourful meadows, you can admire whitewashed houses, shady palms, and tropical flowers line its narrow streets.
You will then continue to Mirador del Rio, Lanzarote's most famous viewpoint. This former gun emplacement has been converted in 1973 by local artiste Cesar Manrique into a recreational and ecological location. From the balustraded café or the vantage point of the balcony, you will have some of the most breath-taking views in the entire archipelago. Standing 500 meters above sea level, you can see the entire northern coastline, the straits of El Rio and Las Salinas del Rio, the island's oldest salt plains which have been used since Roman times.
After a coffee stop at Mirador del Rio, you will reboard your coach and travel to Los Jameos del Agua. This massive open-air cavern is part of a long volcanic tunnel that was formed 3,000 years ago by molten lava. Due to gasses pression, the tunnel collapsed in some parts creating large openings. In 1968, Manrique had the idea to turn these openings into a tropical garden with a pool, a bar and a 600-seat auditorium.
Upon arrival, you will climb down a stone staircase into the first cave known as Jameo Chico. You will continue along a pathway crossing a lake filled with tiny albino crabs, a rare and delicate marine crustacean. Following the footpath, you will reach Jameo Grande, a huge open-air cave lined with tropical plants and a turquoise pool. After visiting the auditorium, you will reboard your coach and get back to your ship.
This tour involves 1 km of walking on uneven and rocky surface with approximately 140 steps to negotiate at Los Jameos del Agua. The team recommends you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Timanfaya National Park and La Geria bodega
Duration : 4h00
From the pier, you will board your coach and start your journey at National Park Timanfaya and the famous Fire Mountains of Lanzarote.
Upon arrival, you will enjoy a guided tour of the park. The park’s lack of wildlife creates a surprising air of calm and silence. It´s hard to imagine what a volcanic eruption would be like, but the land is still bubbling beneath the surface and the craters and the active volcanoes will amaze you. Islote de Hilario is one of the most original islets, or kipukas, in the Canary Islands, and it stands out from other islets because it is covered by the pyroclasts of the Timanfaya eruption of 1730-1736. However, the main characteristic of this geological attraction is the presence of thermal anomalies. This area registers the highest thermal anomalies in the Canary Islands. Then, you will attend geothermal demonstrations and will gain an appreciation for the power of the active volcanoes under your feet.
After admiring this astonishing natural beauty of the national park, you will appreciate the El Golfo viewpoint overlooking El Charco de los Clicos, a green lake formed by a volcanic crater and located in the middle of a black sand beach.
The journey back to the pier passes by the beautiful Vineyards of La Geria, where of course you will have the chance to taste typical Lanzarote wine. This wine producing area is a few miles inland; the wall of volcanic rock divides the apparently barren field but, within these walls, the wine flourish under a layer of Picón (porous lava granules which absorb the dew at night and provide constant moisture to the plants).
This excursion involves walking on uneven ground and gravel, sometimes steep with steps. The team recommends you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Cesar Manrique Foundation and Cactus Garden
Duration : 3h30
César Manrique, the renowned Spanish artist, architect, and environmentalist, was definitely the most important artist to hail from the Canary Islands. He got popular as a painter, sculptor, architect, gardener, and outdoor designer. He was also a passionate defender of the environment. Thanks to his everlasting work, the coasts of Lanzarote stayed clear, hotel buildings were kept reduced, and the characteristics of villages and landscapes remain authentic.
Meet your guide, board your coach and drive to the César Manrique Foundation, or Fundación Cesar Manrique (FCM). It is a cultural institution and was established in 1982 by César Manrique. The foundation aims to preserve and promote the artistic and cultural legacy of the artist, as well as to foster the conservation and sustainable development of the island of Lanzarote. Manrique was deeply connected to Lanzarote and played a significant role in shaping the island's identity and protecting its natural beauty.
The Foundation is housed in Manrique's former residence. The building itself is an architectural masterpiece, blending harmoniously with the surrounding volcanic landscape. It integrates natural volcanic bubbles and caves into its design, showcasing Manrique's philosophy of merging art with nature. The rooms are filled with his paintings, sculptures, and personal objects, offering a glimpse into his creative process and inspirations.
One of Manrique's most significant contributions to Lanzarote was his emphasis on preserving the island's natural beauty and promoting sustainable development. He advocated for responsible tourism, highlighting the importance of maintaining a balance between economic growth and environmental conservation.
Then, you will re-board your coach and head to the Cactus Garden, which is a perfect example of how to combine architecture with the environment without destruction. Manrique created this brave monument maintaining the connection between art and nature, which is reflected in all his creations. The Cactus Garden, also known as Jardín de Cactus, is a tribute to the island's unique landscape.
The Cactus Garden was inaugurated in 1990 and is built within an old quarry, showcasing Manrique's ability to integrate art and nature. The garden features over 1,400 species of cacti from different parts of the world, creating a stunning display of shapes, sizes, and colors.
The garden is designed in a circular shape, with terraced levels that blend harmoniously with the surrounding volcanic environment. Manrique incorporated various elements into the garden's design, including stone walls, paths, and seating areas, all carefully crafted to complement the cacti.
At the center of the garden stands a restored windmill, which adds to the unique ambiance and serves as a symbol of Lanzarote's agricultural past. The windmill has been converted into a small museum that provides information about the history and cultivation of cacti on the island.
The garden's terraced layout offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, allowing visitors to appreciate both the natural beauty of the plants and the volcanic landscapes that define Lanzarote. Enjoy a refreshment at the café amidst the peaceful setting before heading back to the port and your ship.
This tour includes 1 km of walking over uneven surfaces and there are steps to negotiate. Passengers should wear comfortable walking shoes.
