In the late 19th century, the Spanish armed forces set up gun batteries overlooking El Río (the strait separating Lanzarote from Isla Graciosa), 2km north of Yé. César Manrique left his distinctive mark in 1973, ingeniously converting the gun emplacement into a spectacular, cave-like, 475m-high lookout point. The interior is washed in white, with spider-like iron installations adorning the ceiling. Vertiginous views sprawl across sweeping lava flows – frozen in time – falling to the ocean, and Isla Graciosa sparkles across the water.
Shutterstock / Kevin Eaves
Mirador del Río
Lanzarote
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Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
15.16 MILES
Upon returning definitively to Lanzarote, César Manrique built his spectacular house and creative centre, Taro de Tahíche, into the lava fields just…
21.82 MILES
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4.52 MILES
A yawning, kilometre-long chasm, the Cueva de los Verdes is the most spectacular segment of an almost 7km-long lava tube left behind by an eruption 5000…
4.99 MILES
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Museo Internacional de Arte Contemporáneo
17.06 MILES
Converted into an art gallery in 1976, on César Manrique's wish, the well-preserved 18th-century Castillo de San José houses one of the Canaries' major…
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5.2 MILES
Frozen in time, complete with Manrique's clothes in the cupboard and personal art collection adorning the walls, the palm-shaded final home of the island…
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5.27 MILES
One of the most magical swimming spots on Lanzarote, this cluster of glittering turquoise natural pools dots the coast in the tranquil whitewashed fishing…
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7.63 MILES
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Nearby Lanzarote attractions
1.01 MILES
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1.36 MILES
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1.76 MILES
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1.91 MILES
Gazing out on the Risco de Famara, the pretty 2km-long blonde strand immediately southwest of Caleta de Sebo is the most easily accessible of Isla…
2.34 MILES
A natural, untamed beauty graces this series of sheltered and rarely crowded sandy coves scattered around off the LZ1 east of town, with fine white sand…
2.7 MILES
A 3km, 30-minute walk southwest of Caleta de Sebo, little Playa Francesa is a beautiful golden-white strand lapped by turquoise Atlantic waves.
4.52 MILES
A yawning, kilometre-long chasm, the Cueva de los Verdes is the most spectacular segment of an almost 7km-long lava tube left behind by an eruption 5000…