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We always knew that the last programme in this series was going to include some clips and out-takes that we were unable to show in other programmes because of time restrictions, so it made sense that we made Lanzarote our last port of call. Lanzarote is, in it's own way, a very beautiful island but historic it is not. Of course it does have some history which we will get to in a minute but nothing like as much as we've already seen in other countries. So Lanzarote it was for a bit of history and a lot of fun.
Lanzarote is 795 sq km and ahs a population of 54,000 and was formed from volcanic eruptions about 16 million years ago. The south of the island was devastated by more eruptions between 1730 and 1736 and again in 1812 and 1824. Following these blasts the islanders were about to leave the island for good because a thick black ash had fallen covering all of the land and crops. Literally as they packed their bags they noticed that the ash held moisture in and that far from killing some plants, it actually made them grow faster.
I like the black barren landscape of Lanzarote, I think it has an artistic quality all of it's own. In fact I would go so far as to say that the different layers of volcanic rock, ranging from jet black to bright red, makes the island more interesting than any other of the Canaries.
Lanzarote is without question regarded as a tourist success story not because they have managed to out sell anywhere else - quite the opposite. All over the island you will see strange metal sculptures that generally have moving parts that are driven by the wind. These works of art were created by an artist called Cesar Manrique. Cesar studied all over the world including America and he saw what greed and over marketing could do to a country. On his return he managed to convince the island's fathers that regulations should be put in place to stop Lanzarote losing it's charm, whilst still allowing for growth of tourism.
Astonishingly they agreed with him and to this day no building can be more than three stories high, advertising boards are not allowed and all architectural designs must be in the style of Lanzarote. Hence you now have a very well laid out and pretty island. I bet Tenerife and Gran Canaria are kicking themselves!
Cesar also built a beautiful cactus park where thousands of cacti are artistically planted around rocks and sculptures. It may sound a bit strange but it's well worth a visit.
He also designed Mirador Rio or rather redesigned it. This was an ancient look out post. A naturally formed slab of rock on the very top of a huge cliff over the ocean which gave islanders hours of warning, should empty ships or pirates approach. Cesar realised it's potential and turned it into a tourist attraction with a café, art studio, and photo point, all done with his usual flair. Old man Cesar was killed in a car crash outside his own house but his influence lives on as does the islanders love fro him. His studio and house are open to the public.
Tegiuse is the oldest town on the island founded in 15th century not long after the Spanish Knights had finally seen off the islands first settlers, the Guanches. Teguise although very small even today, was the island's capital right up until 1852. There are dozens of old buildings to admire many built by wealthy Geonese merchants.
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