The Cactus Garden, also known as Jardin de Cactus, is situated near the village Guatiza, in the northwest part of Lanzarote, one of the Canary Islands. This whimsical and unique garden has a worldwide appeal to the tourists because you literally won't find anything like it in other parts of the world.
It is very hard not to notice it, once you're in the area of Guatiza, since there is an almost 7-meter metal sculpture of a cactus near the entrance, welcoming you in its spiky vicinity. The Cactus Garden is the last work of art from the Lanzarote-born architect César Manrique, who greatly influenced the style of attractions on the island, including the famous volcanic formation Jameos del Agua. In this project, he also uses his main technique of combining artificial elements and natural textures to create an intricate and organic design, distinguished by its attention to details and vibrant color. In order to create the Cactus Garden, Manrique utilized a deserted quarry with a traditional Gofio flour mill nearby. Essentially, what the architect created was a labyrinth in the form of amphitheater, enclosed by walls.
Over 1,400 species of cacti are cultivated behind these walls and their fresh colors sharply contrast with the dark shade of volcanic rock and whiteness of the windmill, overwatching the garden. Jardin de Cactus is built-in levels so that you could get lost while exploring various stages one after another.
Descending into the garden, you have the chance to stumble upon the species, which are native to the Canaries, as well as foreign residents from Morocco, America, Peru, Mexico, Madagascar and many other distant lands. In the kingdom of these bizarre plants, you can marvel at the variety of shapes and textures, sizes and colors.
Maybe you will even catch the glimpse of flowers, especially if you come here during August and September. The duration of blossoming is very individual to each type - if you are really lucky, you might see the cacti which bloom only one day! If you're done with strolling through the labyrinth of cacti, you retreat to the shade of the cafeteria situated near the windmill. Here, you can enjoy some refreshments along with a general overview of the Cactus Garden. Then, you can come round the crafts shop that is close to the cafe. The design of the premises constantly reminds you where you are - the door handles are cactus-shaped and in the middle of the cafe there is a prickly sculpture, floating up from the fountain like a strange spiky organism.
If you like cacti or just enjoy unusual yet wonderful natural parks then the Cactus Garden is the place for you and your camera! Don't avoid it, because everything in it, from contents to the architecture and organization is magnificent and totally worth visiting.
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