Lanzarote is a place for extraordinary weddings. Genius architect and sculptor, César Manrique left an artistic legacy in Lanzarote which has transformed the island into a magical destination of global significance. Couples looking for a wedding destination will find everything they hoped for in Lanzarote.
A thousand beautiful thoughts
Lanzarote is the most eastern of the Canary Islands. It has 250 kilometres of gorgeous coastline. Weddings look great on beaches such as Famara, an oasis of calm with 2.8 kilometres of fine golden sand. This beautiful location is very close to Caleta de Famara, a picture postcard village dotted with cute little white houses. As you gaze out towards the ocean in this part of Lanzarote, you will dream a thousand beautiful thoughts.
Lani’s Suites de Luxe, in Puerto del Carmen, is the most romantic hotel in the world according to a 2019 survey of TripAdvisor users. The beachfront hotel has large gardens and intimate lighting for a romantic feel. César Manrique was one of the original architects of the hotel building, and it shows.
Jameos del Agua is a series of extraordinary volcanic tunnels and caverns. This unique location is ideal for couples who want a wedding full of poetry. The location complex contains an underground lake – made by the movements of the sea – where extremely rare bleached white crustaceans live. There is also an auditorium built by César Manrique. The architect took a great deal of effort to come up with a design for the assembly hall so that it blended into the natural beauty of a geological formation which is 6,000 years old.
The Balagué restaurant, in the town of Nazaret, does a fine job of using the beauty of nature to create a great venue. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs, and with a natural pool in its centre, this eating place has incomparable views especially in the evening when the moon lights up the landscape.
A water excursion, either on a sailboat or a catamaran, is a great way for couples to sample the romance of the ocean. Lanzarote offers great trips to the neighbouring island of La Graciosa. There is also the option of simply meandering down the impressive island coastline where the Papagayo beaches are recommended. These wild majestic golden sand coves with turquoise waters are sheltered from the wind and waves, so they are perfect for a refreshing swim. Water sports popular in the area include kayaking and paddle surfing. To discover the breadth of underwater life, snorkelling is also suggested.
The art of looking
The Timanfaya National Park, in the southwest of Lanzarote, is an impressive volcanic landscape which offers views that set hearts racing. It’s a great place for couples to hold hands and dream.
El Castillo de San José, or the San José Castle, is an old fortress in Arrecife that offers couples an historic location to set a wedding. César Manrique was behind the remodelling of the military stronghold into a venue which unites art and gastronomy. Within the walls of the castle there is an International Museum of Contemporary Art which allows for the juxtaposition of works by artists such as Tápies, Miró, Alechinsky, and Millares with the original 18th century stone walls. In the lower part of the castle, there is also a restaurant with an elegant, modern feel.
Cheese is an important part of the culture of Lanzarote, and a visit to the Finca de Uga cheese factory is a quirky addition to a wedding itinerary. Cheese from Lanzarote can also be part of the wedding day menu. The Finca de Uga cheese, for example, is highly respected. It was chosen as one of the 84 Super Gold cheeses at the World Cheese Awards, a contest in which more than 3,000 cheeses from the five different continents compete for prizes.
Romance in La Geria
A Lanzarote wedding can be toasted with a glass of local wine. Lanzarote has a rugged, volcanic landscape which gives wine from the area a spectacular taste. Such is the significance of the local wine that it has been protected from imitation with Denomination of Origin status. La Geria, in the municipality of Yaiza, is a key winemaking area where wineries such as La Geria and Rubicón – both awarded at Decanter, the prestigious British wine competition – are found. The El Grifo winery – which was awarded at the 34th edition of the Baco Awards – is also worth noting. The centre contains the El Grifo Wine Museum which will enthral wine lovers.
La Casa Museo del Campesino, or the Museum of Agricultural Workers, was designed by César Manrique as a tribute to the centuries of effort from local farmers to get crops to grow on the local volcanic soil. The museum welcomes visitors with a 15 metre tall Fertility Monument and contains exhibits related to architecture, agriculture, crafts, and traditional gastronomy. In the patio of the venue is access to a volcanic cave which César Manrique has adapted into a restaurant that offers diners an endearing atmosphere and authentic local food.
El Mirador del Río, or the River Viewpoint, was designed by César Manrique as a tribute to the natural beauty of Lanzarote. The vantage station, in the Riscos de Famara mountain region in the north of the island, is situated at a height of 400 metres. El Mirador del Río has the best views of Lanzarote, so it is the perfect spot for a bride and groom photo-shoot. To add to the quality of the day out, nearby restaurants offer exceptional cuisine.
