Discovering Manrique´s Lanzarote
June 5th, 2010
Lanzarote Geysir
Few holiday destinations have as much to offer as the island of Lanzarote. Apart from the obvious features that appeal to holidaymakers, such as glorious sandy beaches and translucent coastal waters, it also has lots more besides. In terms of cultural offerings, for a small island, there are few other places around the world that have as much in the way of attractions. And the quality of these sites is altogether different from the water parks and tropical zoos found elsewhere.
The reason for this diversity is the result of one man’s vision for his native island. The artist César Manrique spent many of his most productive years developing Lanzarote’s main attractions and also shaping the island’s architectural heritage. An exceptionally gifted man, Manrique’s understanding of environmental issues was well ahead of the crowd. It is his intervention that has stopped the numerous apartments in Lanzarote from aping high rise blocks elsewhere in Spain and the Canaries. His creativity was behind the numerous sites of art and culture that are dotted around Lanzarote.
Most of which are located in extremely beautiful areas of the island and work in harmony with the surrounding environment rather than against it. The appeal of these centres is such that many visitors are drawn to explore them and the island during their stay. And the easiest way in which to do this is with Lanzarote car hire which is extremely affordable.
The most impressive of Manrique’s creations has to be the Jameos del Agua, which he transformed from an open volcanic lava tunnel where locals dumped their rubbish into a nightclub cum bar cum restaurant and museum. Feted by movies stars such as Rita Heyworth, who famously called it the ‘eighth wonder of the world’ it is a must on any itinerary.
What is sometimes more surprising is that an artist and architect of Manrique’s calibre is relatively unknown in the UK, despite the fact that his output was as prodigious as Picasso. But this can be easily remedied by holidaymakers who are curious to find out more about him. Flights to Lanzarote from the UK are a comfortable four hours, making long weekends in the sun entirely possible. And the variety of accommodation in Lanzarote that is now available means there is something to suit every budget and taste. Whilst the weather makes it a viable hotspot in winter as much as in summer.
