Keys to the Centres: the Routes
For a better understanding of the Art, Culture and Tourism Centres, two main thematic routes can be identified: the North Route and the South Route. These are connected to an imaginary central "axis" which, starting from Arrecife (the island's capital), would split the island in two.
North Route
Broadly speaking, the relief in the north of the island is steeper and more precipitous than the south. We can situate two major geographical features that define the landscape: El Risco de Famara, which runs lengthways over 22 kilometres in the northernmost reaches of Lanzarote. This is the steepest part of the island and is of great environmental interest.On the other side, La Corona volcano, the eruptive activity of which (dating back, according
to geologists, 3,000 ? 5,000 years) gave rise to an extensive volcanic field ? a place of great interest and landscape beauty, known as "malpaís" ? which extends from the foot of the volcano to the coast.
Additionally, in the north of the island, there is a group of islets known as the Chinijo Archipelago: La Graciosa, Alegranza, Montaña Clara, Roque del Este and Roque del Oeste, also known as Roque del Infierno. These, together with El Risco de Famara, constitute an area of exceptional value in terms of nature and landscape in the Canary Islands.
Centres in the North
The following centres are situated on the North Route: El Mirador del Río, high up on the Risco de Famara; La Cueva de los Verdes and Los Jameos del Agua, in the Malpaís of La Corona; and the final spatial work of César Manrique, and perhaps the most metaphorical: the Jardín de Cactus (Cactus Garden) in Guatiza.
How can I visit the northern region?
The ideal visit has to combine a tour of the Centres with the localities and countryside of the north of the island, which is of great beauty and full of local colour.
There we find villages with a real maritime flavour, away from hubbub of tourists, such as Arrieta, Punta Mujeres and Órzola, and quiet villages in the interior of the island, like Haría, Guatiza or Teguise which all hold a great many attractions for visitors.
As an additional activity, in Orzola, the Isla de la Graciosa can be reached by boat.
