The Canary Islands have something for everyone. As a very important part of Spanish tourism, the islands impress all kinds of tourists from around the world. An essential part of Canarian tourism is César Manrique's masterpieces and pools in Tenerife and other regions.
Born on 24 April 1919 in Arrecife, César Manrique was an architect, artist, sculptor, painter and a great lover of the environment. As a child, he was very fond of art and creativity. Manrique studied Fine Arts at the University of La Laguna. He then received a scholarship from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando, where he had the opportunity to graduate as a teacher of art and painting. As an environmentalist, he drew a great deal of inspiration from natural elements, which he reflected in his sustainable designs with a strong message about preserving nature.
Throughout his career, César Manrique created exceptional works that turned Tenerife into an exceptional destination. The best known is the Parque Marítimo, but the list doesn't end there. Out of many, here are some of César Manrique's most famous works in Tenerife.
Jameos del Agua
The third is called Jameo de la Cazuela and holds salt water from the sea. This César Manrique pool in Tenerife is mainly used for large events and parties in the Canary Islands. If you want to visit, the pool is open every day from 10:00 to 18:30.
This extraordinary work tops the list for its design, its beauty and César Manrique's artistic principles. The word “jameo” is of Guanche origin and refers to the hole created when the roof of a volcanic tube collapses. The Canarian architect transformed this volcanic tunnel into a beautiful setting thanks to his creative skills.
When they arrive at Los Jameos, visitors pass through the Jameo Chico, where there is a lake with crystal-clear water surrounded by natural vegetation and an artistic touch. There is also a restaurant where you can try delicious starters such as papas arrugadas with traditional mojos, crispy octopus, cream of vegetable soup and more. You can also enjoy the freshest seafood with the house wine. The restaurant doesn't disappoint vegetarians either: it offers grilled vegetable platters, fruit salad, mushroom risotto and desserts.
After enjoying the Jameo Chico, you head to the Jameo Grande, where you'll be amazed by the pool of blue water, the black rocks and the green of the cacti, palm trees and fig trees around the pool.
Mirador del Río
If you're planning a trip to the Canary Islands, or are already there, and want to enjoy the best panoramic views, you should head to the Mirador del Río. It sits at the top of the Risco de Famara, 474 metres above sea level, on the island of Lanzarote. Opened in 1973, it is considered a masterpiece of the Canarian architect César Manrique for the way it fuses architectural design with the natural surroundings.
As you enter the viewpoint, you are greeted by a magnificent sculpture of a bird and a fish representing the elements of the surroundings: air and water. Then you reach the “eyes” of the Mirador, two dome-shaped windows. From there you can see a strip of sea called El Río, which separates the two islands: Lanzarote and La Graciosa. From the other side of the Mirador del Río, you can see the Chinijo Archipelago.
To make the most of this extraordinary viewpoint, you can walk inside, where there are two sculptures created by César Manrique that fit his philosophy perfectly. When you want to recharge before visiting César Manrique's pools, you can stop at the café-bar in the same building. With a terrace offering the most spectacular views, you can relax and savour Canarian food. The bar serves cold sandwiches, hot paninis, a selection of pastries and anything you'd like to drink.
Monumento al Campesino
Another spectacular avant-garde work by Manrique stands in the geographical centre of Lanzarote, in the municipality of San Bartolomé. Built in 1969, the Casa Museo del Campesino was the Canarian sculptor's tribute to country people and his way of honouring the work of the farmers, who toiled from dawn to dusk, overcoming adversity to bring Lanzarote's countryside to life.
The Monumento al Campesino represents agriculture, crafts, traditional cuisine and, above all, architecture.
One thing that will catch your eye is the 15-metre-high statue, made from items the village had thrown away, such as water tanks and fishing boats. It stands on a pile of stones called La Peña de Tajaste. The pieces are arranged so that they form the image of a man sitting on a laden animal. Next to the monument you'll find a small village built on an old restored hamlet, with white-painted walls, green doors and windows, and cultural decoration. Here you can stroll through the workshops where artisans work with ceramics, embroidery and textiles. The best thing about this trip into the past is that entry is free, and you can plan a visit between 10:00 and 18:00.
End the day like a local from Lanzarote with a visit to the Restaurante Museo del Campesino, where you can enjoy typical traditional dishes such as sancocho, papas de la tierra, meat dishes, delicious desserts, all kinds of coffee, soft drinks and ice-cold drinks.
Lago Martiánez
Located in Puerto de la Cruz, Lago Martiánez is a leisure complex of approximately 100,000 square metres. When designing the lake, the Canarian architect set out to create the very best, applying his creative touch to the elements already there, such as the lookout huts, the palisades, the rock pools and the beach. As a result, he created an artificial lake with five islands in it! The leisure complex also has swimming pools, gardens, restaurants, terraces and sculptures by César Manrique.
Call it what you like: a water park, a leisure space or an open-air museum, as it has four pools for adults and three for children, artificial lakes, views of the Atlantic Ocean, sculptures by the Canarian sculptor and restaurants. It's a good suggestion for families, as this dreamy lake has a burger bar, two restaurants and five bars. In other words, a wide choice of food to satisfy your appetite!