César Manrique tour

Visit the works that César Manrique created in Lanzarote! You will enjoy spectacular views of the Mirador del Río, you will feel like a true archaeologist in the Cueva de Los Verdes and you will hallucinate with the great variety of cacti in the Cactus Garden of Lanzarote

An excursion to learn about the life and work of the artist César Manrique. We will start with the Monument to the Peasant, a creation with which the author wanted to honor the sacrificial work of the native peasant

We will travel to the village of Haría, north of Lanzarote, where one of the finest palm groves in the Canary Islands is located—the very place where the artist once resided. We will ascend to the highest point of the coastline to admire the magnificent Mirador del Río, another architectural creation by the Canarian painter and sculptor, situated atop the Risco de Famara. From there, we will enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the Chinijo Archipelago, which shares its territory with the La Graciosa marine reserve and the Islotes del Norte de Lanzarote, forming one of the largest protected areas in the country.

We will continue toward La Cueva de los Verdes—a mythical cave steeped in legend, which César Manrique himself adapted to transform it into a natural sanctuary of volcanic origin. The distinctive landscape features and the breathtaking beauty of this setting will inspire us to capture the essence of our visit to this place.

We shall admire another masterful work by Cesar Manrique, *Jameos del Agua*—an ancient landfill situated within the longest volcanic cave in the world, which the author brought to life by transforming it into a consecrated paradise.

Who was César Manrique?

César Manrique (1919–1992) was a distinguished Spanish artist and architect, born on the island of Lanzarote in the Canary Islands. He is internationally recognized as one of the foremost figures in contemporary art and in the conservation of the natural environment.

Manrique studied architecture at the University of La Laguna in Tenerife and later continued his training in Madrid. Throughout his career, he combined his passion for art, architecture, and nature to develop a distinctive style that left a profound mark on Lanzarote and beyond.

His work is characterized by a close relationship between art and its surroundings, seamlessly integrating natural elements with architectural structures in perfect harmony. He was a pioneer in designing public and tourist spaces that respect and integrate with the landscape, thereby promoting sustainable and responsible development.

Manrique has created numerous artistic installations on Lanzarote, his native island, such as the Jameos del Agua, the Cactus Garden, and the Mirador del Río. These sites have become iconic both nationally and internationally, attracting visitors from around the world.

In addition to his artistic work, Manrique was also a staunch advocate for environmental protection and the conservation of nature. He tirelessly worked to preserve the landscape of Lanzarote and its natural wealth, opposing large-scale construction and promoting the protection of the island.

The legacy of César Manrique is highly esteemed, and his influence extends far beyond Lanzarote. His innovative approach and his commitment to preserving the natural environment make him a prominent figure in the history of art and architecture. His work has left a profound imprint on the landscape and cultural identity of the Canary Islands.