Jardin de Cactus Verified listing

Built in 1991, the Jardín de Cactus was the final major work of the celebrated Lanzarote artist César Manrique, created in an old volcanic ash quarry near Guatiza to transform a neglected landscape into a botanical masterpiece. The garden now spans approximately 5,000 m² and showcases around 4,500 cactus and succulent specimens from over 450 species gathered from regions such as the Americas, Madagascar, and the Canary Islands.

The site is laid out like an amphitheatre, with curved terraces built into volcanic stone walls that descend toward a central pond, blending art, architecture, and nature with Manrique's signature style. A restored 19th-century windmill crowns the top of the garden, offering panoramic views over the cacti and surrounding terrain. Within the complex are decorative sculptures, a café-restaurant serving cactus-inspired dishes—including cactus croquettes and burgers—and a gift shop offering local crafts and cactus-derived products.

The garden is open daily from around 10 AM to 5:45 PM, with last entry typically at 5:30 or 5:45 PM, and charges an admission fee of roughly €8.50 for adults and €4.25 for children aged 7–12 (younger children enter free), with discounted rates for Canary Island residents. The walk through the garden takes around an hour and is wheelchair-accessible, though the stone paths can be uneven in spots. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes, bring sun protection, and enjoy photography opportunities—especially at photogenic features like the eight-meter cactus at the entrance, the “mother-in-law’s seat” cactus, the mill, fountain, and panoramic viewpoints.