Jardín de Cactus (Cactus Garden)

The basics

One of a handful of Lanzarote sites designed by César Manrique, the Jardín de Cactus is a beautifully curated garden with paths to water features, rock formations, and bizarre cactuses. It’s possible to book tickets to the garden online, and it’s an included stop on some tours of Lanzarote. Tours that visit the Jardín de Cactus may combine visits to the site with other César Manrique attractions, or outdoor highlights such as Timanfaya National Park and Cueva de los Verdes.

Things to know before you go

• From the garden to the onsite café, there’s art hidden around every corner here.
• Plan to bring plenty of sun protection, as there’s not much shade in the garden.
• Don’t miss the gift shop in the garden. It is a good place to pick up high-quality souvenirs and books of César Manrique’s artwork.

How to get there

The Jardín de Cactus is located on Avenida Garafí just north of Guatiza, about 10 miles (16 kilometers) north of Arrecife. Most visitors arrive by car or bicycle—there’s a bike rack near the garden entrance. Public buses from Arrecife, including lines 7, 9, and 26, stop directly in front of the garden.

When to get there

Open daily, the garden can be visited year-round. During hot weather, it’s a good idea to visit early or late in the day. Keep in mind that there's little wind in the garden and it can get quite hot.

César Manrique sites on Lanzarote

Visitors can find traces of César Manrique’s legacy and love for the Lanzarote landscape across the island. Jameos del Agua, a volcanic cave system that Manrique transformed into a cultural center, is located just north of the cactus garden. Also of note are the Cesar Manrique House Museum, where the artist lived and worked, and the cliff-top Mirador del Rio Cafe, which he designed; while the César Manrique Foundation and Casa Museo Del Campesino celebrate Lanzarote agricultural traditions.