Art in the volcanic landscape – the César Manrique Route from La Graciosa
César Manrique (1919–1992) shaped Lanzarote like no other: artist, architect, environmental activist. His works combine art and nature in a way that is unique in the world. From the Mirador del Río, you can look directly out over La Graciosa – the perfect loop for a day trip.
The key Manrique sites
Mirador del Río – view of La Graciosa from above
Mirador del Ríoa viewpoint that Manrique built into the cliffs of Risco de Famara in 1973. The view: directly over La Graciosa, the El Río strait, Montaña Clara and Alegranza. Anyone who has been to La Graciosa and then stands here will see the island from a completely new perspective.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Admission | Adults €9 / Children (7–12 years) €4.50 Tickets |
| Opening hours | Approx. 10.00–16.30 daily |
| Location |
Northern cliffs of Lanzarote, ~15 km from Órzola |
Jameos del Agua – lava tunnels and art
Jameos del AguaLava tunnels right by the sea, transformed into a work of art by Manrique. Concert hall carved into the rock, underground lake home to the blind albino crab Munidopsis polymorpha.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Admission | Adults €17 / Children (7–12 years) €8.50 Tickets |
| Opening hours | Approx. 10:00–17:15 daily |
| Location |
North coast of Lanzarote, approx. 65 km from Órzola |
Fundación César Manrique
Fundación César Manrique in Tahíche: Manrique’s final home and studio, built into a lava bubble. Now a museum and foundation. A masterpiece of organic architecture.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Admission | Adults €10 / Children (7–12 years) €3 |
| Opening hours | Ca. 10:00–17:00 Uhr |
| Location | Tahíche, approx. 15 km from Arrecife |
The perfect Manrique day trip from La Graciosa
| Manrique day trip itinerary | |
|---|---|
| 08:40 | Ferry from Caleta del Sebo |
| 09:15–09:45 | Arrival in Órzola – Cortado – collect hire car |
| 10:00–11:00 | Mirador del Río: La Graciosa from above |
| 11:30–13:00 | Jameos del Agua |
| 13:30–14:30 | Lunch in Haría or Teguise |
| 15:00–17:00 | Fundación César Manrique in Tahíche |
| 18:00–19:00 | Return journey to Órzola – last ferry to La Graciosa |
Practical tips
- Book a hire car in Órzola in advance
- Visit the Mirador del Río first: take in the view of La Graciosa from above as a souvenir
- Last ferry: check the departure time in advance
Yes – with a hire car and an early start. Mirador del Río + Jameos del Agua + the Fundación make up the core itinerary.
Conclusion
- The César Manrique Route: art, volcanoes, views of La Graciosa – a very special day trip.
- Mirador del Río is the unmissable highlight: see La Graciosa from above.
- Book a hire car in advance, set off early, and don’t miss the last ferry.
This article is based on on-site research by the go-la-graciosa.com editorial team. Last updated: April 2026
