El Jardin del Cactus

El Jardin del Cactus was designed by Cesar Manrique. This impressive collection of Cacti, which were selected by the Botanist Estanislao Gonzales Ferrer, features well over 1000 species of Cactus. The restored windmill and strange metal sculptures make for an impressive contrast against the dry volcanic landscape.

The Jardin de Cactus in Guatiza is a celebration of the plants world spiniest species. Orchestrated by Cesar Manrique with the assistance of eminent botanist Estanislao Gonzales Ferrer.

The Cactus Garden is built into a former quarry – giving the site an amphitheatre like shape, which displays the 10,000 plus plants drawn from over 1400 different species to great effect. And is symbolically located right in the heart of Lanzarote’s traditional cactus growing country – where 300 acres are still given over to the exclusive cultivation of the Tunera cacti.

This particular type of cacti is especially attractive to the cochineal beetle. And in centuries past the island prospered on the cultivation and harvesting of this insect, whose larvae were crushed and used to create a red dye that coloured sweets, food and even the coats of 19th Century British soldiers.

Opening Hours: 10.00 – 18.00, admission: €3.