Lanzarote is the fourth largest of the Canary Islands and is located in the north-east of Fuerteventura. The island has a dramatic landscape: no trees, no bushes, less water. What’s interesting about Lanzarote is its volcanic origin, its volcanic lakes and caves.

I’ seen a lot during the fourteen days and all the time I seemed to be on the moon and sometimes was surprised to see the ocean next to me. But nevertheless the meagre island has vegetation: Cactuses! Cactuses in all shapes you can imagine! Some of them were in full bloom!

Once I made a tour through the famous winegrowing area La Geria. There were deep semi-circular cones made of black volcanic ash with lush green grape-vines in it. I tasted the wine at the vineyard and it was really good, so I bought some bottles for my next relaxing evening in the hotel.

From the Timanfaya National Park, which is the mountainous area of the island, I drove straight up to the north to see the “Mirador del Rio”. In the hotel they told me, that this is a must, a highlight, I should see it. And they were right! The immensity of the Atlantic Ocean is impressive, I could also see the island La Graciosa in the distance.

Back to the south I visited “La Cueva de los Verdes” near the volcano Monte de la Corona. The area has created a spectacular system of underground grotto. Its volcanic gallery is the longest in the world, about 6 km long!

A must is also the “Jardin de Cactus”, a cactus garden which shelters about 10,000 types of cactus.

For example in Arrieta, El Golfo or Orzola good fish restaurants can be found, as well as in the old downtown of Puerto del Carmen in Playa Blanca.

Staying power is one of the characteristics of Lanzarote. Than in the 18th century, the Timanfaya volcano spewed ash and lava for six years and a third of the fertile ground was buried under, which along the time formed the nowadays so bizarre landscape of the island.

Instead of pausing in despair, the indigenous people got creative and invented the dry cultivation of the fields, what has given a new face to the winegrowing area La Geria.

Another important celebration on the Canary Islands is the carnival, which is celebrated for weeks with salsa music and effortful outfits.

In honor of the patron saints, church parades and traditional celebrations are held, which end with lively get-together, music and good meal .

The architect and artist César Manrique which left pieces of evidence of his work everywhere like the residential building which houses the Fundaciòn César Manrique today was extremely formative for the island and its conception. Another masterpiece by the artist is the unusual volcano restaurant El Diabolo.