It’s not without good reason that César Manrique’s legacy, the network Centres of Art, Culture and Tourism in Lanzarote are visited by thousands of people every year… and they just keep getting better and better
The Centres of Art, Culture and Tourism (CACTs) are the jewel in Lanzarote’s crown of tourist attractions. In many cases they incorporate breathtaking surroundings with cultural and catering facilities. They all stand out for their beauty, the artistic vision of their creator, César Manrique and their extraordinary qualities that make them unique in the world.
The two most popular centres are the spectacular Montañas del Fuego volcanoes in Timanfaya and the stunning Jameos del Agua volcanic caverns. The Cueva de los Verdes caves have a remarkable volcanic tunnel and naturally-formed auditorium. The Mirador del Río affords incredible views over the Atlantic 400 metres below which can be contemplated from its exterior balcony or stylish café.
Arrecife is home to the International Museum of Contemporary Art (MIAC) in the Castillo de San José which serves up works of art and gourmet meals in its restaurant with panoramic views. Standing tall in San Bartolomé is the farmworkers monument and Casa Museo del Campesino with its spectacular column-free dining room where traditional Canarian dishes are served complemented by the most extensive wine list in Lanzarote. You can also see local artisans producing typical crafts. In Guatiza, the Jardín de Cactus restaurant offers a daily brunch menu, vegetarian and vegan food and dishes made from tunera cactus.
Lanzarote residents only have to pay a small entrance fee and now you can avoid the queues and pre-book tickets online via: cactlanzarote.com/en/buy-online-tickets/. The CACTs frequently update the menus in their restaurants and their latest initiative is Experiencia Insólita for a special VIP experience, available only in Timanfaya, Jameos and Jardín de Cactus. It is aimed at small groups and includes a personal guided tour (in Spanish and English) and rounds off with an exclusive gastronomic experience serving local produce and Lanzarote wines.
Experiencia Insólita guests in Timanfaya also get to visit Montaña Rajada, one of the most spectacular sights in the park, as well as the Tinecheide Refuge, normally off-limits to visitors. In Jameos del Agua, they can gain exclusive access to Jameo Chico and the entrance to the Atlantis Tunnel, as well as the Jameo de La Cazuela on the other side of the Auditorium. At the Jardín de Cactus, Experiencia Insólita guests are invited to see the gardens through the eyes of the artist in an immersive experience Manrique called ‘total art’, in which spatial intervention, public art, gardening, design, painting and sculpture all come together.
