Lanzarote

The colors red, yellow, and orange shape the landscape of Timanfaya National Park, also known as Montañas del Fuego – Mountains of Fire. The barren volcanic landscape in the southwest of Lanzarote is occasionally adorned with lichens and thorn bushes.

Due to the volcanoes, the temperature just a few meters below the surface is so high that the heat is sufficient to ignite dry brushwood. The restaurant "El Diablo" takes advantage of this by placing the cooking area over a hole in the ground.

Visitors can explore the national park by bus, on dromedaries, or on foot through hikes. It must be noted that Timanfaya National Park may only be visited with a guided tour. Only the coastal path may be walked independently.

In the north of Lanzarote is the municipality of Haría. In the midst of the "Valley of a Thousand Palms" lies the eponymous capital, which stands out because of its white houses. Here you can leisurely stroll through the farmers' and artisans' market, enjoy the shade of the eucalyptus and laurel trees, or visit the church Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación.

Hikers can climb Monte Corona. When the volcano erupted, a cave about seven meters long formed. Part of it is the "Cueva de los Verdes", which can be visited for nearly a kilometer. In a hall inside the cave, there is even a stage where concerts are also held.

Anyone visiting Lanzarote will also admire some of the artworks by César Manrique. The famous artist was particularly passionate about the environment and preserving Lanzarote's original architecture. The harmonious interaction between humans and nature played a major role in his art. This is reflected, among other things, in Manrique's former residence, where he converted lava caves into living spaces. Thanks in part to César Manrique's efforts, Lanzarote was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1993.

On Lanzarote, there is a lot of celebrating, often and in a colorful way. The fiesta often starts late in the evening and continues well into the night. The biggest festival on Lanzarote is the carnival. Especially in Arrecife, Puerto del Carmen, Haría and Playa Blanca, carnival lovers are offered a lot: from numerous parades with dance and singing groups to carnival queens in magnificent dresses. Unusual are the „La Parranda Marinera de los Buches“, the fishermen's parade, and the „Los Diabletes de Teguise“, the dance of the devil masks. The carnival ends with the burial of the sardine, which is mourned in fun mainly by men in black widow costumes.

Although the carnival is the biggest festival on Lanzarote, it is by no means the only one. Many Christian as well as pagan fiestas take place on the Canary Island throughout the year.