Lanzarote – Exploring the North

Lanzarote is the 4th largest island in the Canarian archipelago, an idyllic place rich in natural resources with remarkable diverse landscapes, and with a very special climate that makes it an excellent place to enjoy contact with nature and perform a wide range of activities.

Our travel to Lanzarote was marked by our memorable stay with the warm hospitality of the Himmelsbach family at Lotus del Mar. Located in the north of the island, right next to the charming little village of Mala.

On the day we arrived, David Himmelsbach showed us around. From its history to each unique apartments built with character and charisma, he gave us a brief introduction about every corner of Lotus del Mar.

We end up our tour at the place where seminars, workshops, and meetings of all kinds take place. That was the moment when Paulina and I thought about going back to Lanzarote and give a workshop about travel blogging. The place was perfect and gather all the technical conditions for it.

Everything was set to explore the island, and since we were in the Northern part and by far our favorite one, we dedicated the initial days of our trip to it.

The first place we visited was Punta Mujeres, a very picturesque small non-touristy village where you can find a few sea water swimming pools in the coastline.

Next stop was Caleta del Mojón Blanco, a wild and unspoiled natural beach with white sand and crystal clear water providing a marvelous contrast to the surrounding dark black volcanic rock.

This beach is a real oasis of calm and beauty, completely off the beaten track. There are no sunbeds or parasols for hire but there are cute lava rock towers where you can protect yourself from the wind and have more privacy.

After enjoying the beach we went in direction of Mirador del Río, one of the best viewpoints of Lanzarote. At the top of the gigantic cliff, you can find a building designed by the island’s most influential artist and architect, César Manrique, who integrated it perfectly in its volcanic surroundings.
The panoramic views are breathtaking and you can see the eighth Canary Island, La Graciosa, and the group of islets part of the Chinijo Islands National Park.

Now was time to go underground and check one of the longest volcanic tunnels in the world, the Cueva de Los Verdes. One of the main attractions of Lanzarote and an iconic place that has been protecting locals from pirates and raiders for hundreds of years.

If you are a cactus lover you are going to freak out with the place we visited next.
The Cactus Garden is home to over 10,000 different plants, making it one of the greatest cactus collections in the world. It was also designed by César Manrique and it was his final project, which he worked on for 20 years.

Jameos del Agua, or “The Water Jameo,” is a partially collapsed section of a larger volcanic tunnel system also known as the “Tunnel of Atlantis”, the largest submerged volcanic tunnel in the world.
It’s also considered to be an example of an innovative architecture envisioned again by the famous Lanzarote artist Manrique. It was converted into a nightclub during the 60s and only after was added a concert hall within the cave, a bar, and a restaurant built into the side of the jameo where visitors can order food and drink while appreciating the beautiful surroundings.

Inside, there is an impressive cave system full of stalactites, stalagmites, and water systems. The Jameos del Agua is also home to a unique species of blind white crab that have adapted to the dark and sheltered Atlantic-fed pond.

Continue on our next blog post: Lanzarote – Exploring the South (It will be published very soon! Stay tuned!)

Love, Pedro.