It was nonsense that we had to walk from our hotel to a neighbouring hotel to be picked up when the transport had to pass by our hotel to get to neighbouring hotel. First stop was the cactus gardens which most of us had understood we'd get into (at our expense) but no, this was a 10 minute photo opportunity in the car-park. Next stop 30 minutes at a beach? Wine tasting stop would be better at a local vineyard. Dropped in Haria at 5pm, all but one business closed. Manrique house also closed.☹️☹️
Get ready to fill your camera roll with the beauty of northern Lanzarote. From the Cactus Garden in Guatiza and sugar cube-like villages to the lava coast and family-run bodega, every stop reveals another layer of life here. Expert local guide, Ana, says, "we take the afternoon at a relaxed pace, soaking up the views and taking time to appreciate the connection between the ancient volcanic land and what we're able to craft and produce from it."
Your journey begins in Guatiza with a photo stop outside the iconic Cactus Garden, created by legendary local artist Cesar Manrique. From the sea of prickly green, you'll head to the turquoise of the Atlantic lapping against the black volcanic rock and white sands of Caletón Blanco. Ana, adds, “the contrasting landscapes will have you thinking you've travelled across countries, yet in just 20 minutes, you'll be in the Valley of a Thousand Palms, where arid stretches are replaced with wildflowers and green date palms.” You'll visit the valley's village of Haria, where you can drop into traditional craft shops or opt to visit the Cesar Manrique House Museum – just so you know, this is at your own cost.
Then, at the family-run bodega in Ye, you'll get a true taste of Lanzarote. Artisanal cheeses and wines produced from the island's mineral-rich terrain are on your tasting menu as you hear more about how they're made. Your final stop tops off the day – literally. From Mirador de las Nieves, you'll get sweeping views of the jagged volcanic cliffs that make this part of the island so unmissable.