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The Canary Islands are known as the islands of eternal spring. Among the islands of the archipelago, the most north-eastern island is that of Lanzarote, which is about 100 km from the African coast of Morocco. The island is a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Among the things to visit in Lanzarote the most interesting is the volcanic nature of the island.
A VOLCANIC ISLAND
Lanzarote is an island of volcanic nature and the maximum and most spectacular example of this volcanic nature is preserved in the national park of Parque Nacional de Timanfaya. In this park the natural landscape is made up of volcanic cones, lava expanses, lapilli, craters and the colors of the lava erupted from the center of the Earth. The park occupies an area of 52 sq km characterized by huge mounds of black, brown and red lava.
In the park it is possible to travel – exclusively by bus – the “Ruta de los Vulcanos” a 14 km road that crosses one of the most scenic volcanic areas in the world. You cross the lava fields of the great volcanic eruption of 1730-1736 which covered a quarter of the island with lava, forever changing the appearance of Lanzarote.
Lanzarote emerged about 15 million years ago from the waters of the ocean. On the island there are several hundred volcanic craters. The highest peak of the island is Mount Peñas del Cache which has an altitude of 670 meters above sea level.
Lanzarote is an island characterized by lunar landscapes as opposed to marine landscapes. There are spectacular salt pans and volcanic cones, desert areas with sand dunes and barren and rocky landscapes. Beaches of volcanic sand and wild and rocky coasts.
On the island there are also areas cultivated with vines, generally Malvasia, Moscato and black grapes. The vines are planted between semi-circular walls that protect the plants from the wind. The harvest takes place once a year between the end of July and the whole month of August.
THE COASTS OF THE ISLAND
Along the coast of Lanzarote, the Playa del Papagayo in the extreme south of the island is worth a visit. Along the southwest coast of the island are the salt pans (Salinas de Janubio). Also in the same stretch of coast is “El Golfo” an ancient volcanic crater with vertical walls that plunge into the sea with a spectacular green lake next to the blue sea.
The house museum of the artist César Manrique in Jameos del Agua is set in a cactus garden with pools of water. Inside you can see a collection of paintings, sculptures and other works by the artist. It is a highly suggestive artistic continuum where art skilfully mixes with nature, with caves, pools and other spectacular artistic landscapes.
The Cueva de los Verdes is a fascinating lava cave formed by two large superimposed galleries. The artist here with plays of light has highlighted the beauty of nature. Long corridors follow labyrinths and underground lagoons. The cactus garden is also very beautiful, also the work of the artist César Manrique, here there are about 1,400 cactus plants of about 1,000 different species from all over the world.
