César Manrique’s Jardín de Cactus is one of Lanzarote’s finest sights, and one of its most underrated.
Set in a disused volcanic quarry near the village of Guatiza, this spiralling, terraced garden holds around 4,500 cacti from over 450 species across five continents. It’s as much a work of art as a botanical garden, and it was the last major project Manrique completed on his beloved island.
I visited on an easy bus journey from my base in Costa Teguise and spent a lovely few hours here. Here’s everything you need to plan your visit.
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🌵 Jardín de Cactus at a Glance
- 📍 Location: Guatiza, northeast Lanzarote
- 🕙 Open: Daily, 10am–5pm
- 🎟 Entry: €9 (adult, 2026)
- 🚗 Parking: Free
- ⏱ Time needed: 1–2 hours
Top tip: visit first thing or later in the afternoon to beat the crowds. It gets busy mid-morning, and the sheltered quarry can be very warm by noon.
What is the Jardín de Cactus?
Working alongside botanist Estanislao González Ferrer, Manrique transformed a disused quarry — previously used to extract volcanic gravel known as picon — into a terraced cactus wonderland. The result is quintessential Manrique: sculptural and architectural elements woven into the natural landscape, with volcanic stone, basalt monoliths and handworked masonry forming the backdrop for the plants.
Work began in 1976, but the garden wasn’t inaugurated until 1990, two years before the artist’s tragic death in a car accident. It’s listed as an Asset of Cultural Interest and has won international awards, including the Carlo Scarpa International Garden Award.
The location was no coincidence.
The area around Guatiza is Lanzarote’s traditional cactus-growing country, with hundreds of acres still given over to the cultivation of Tunera cacti. These are used to farm cochineal beetles, whose crushed larvae produce a vivid red dye that was once a major industry on the island.
What to Expect at the Cactus Garden
You’ll know you’ve arrived before you even buy your ticket. An 8-metre-tall metal cactus sculpture by Manrique guards the entrance, and the free car park is right in front of it.
Inside, the wow factor is immediate. The old quarry forms a natural amphitheatre, and the spiralling volcanic terraces show off the collection to magnificent effect.
There are tall and phallic ones, round and squat ones and others that resemble small, furry animals. On a clear day, the contrast of textures and flowers against volcanic stone and blue sky is almost poetic. It’s a photographer’s dream.
Look out for the Euphorbia Candelabrum just inside the entrance. This is the first cactus Manrique planted in the garden, back in 1989, now towering almost seven metres.
Pachypodium lamerei is another stunner — long spines topped with fragrant white flowers.
And I had a real soft spot for the dumpy little Mother-in-Law’s Cushions (Echinocactus grusonii) clustered beneath the windmill (el molino) that crowns the garden.
The windmill is one of the best-preserved on the island. Climb its steps for a high-level view across the terraces. At the bottom of the garden, a pond with orange fish and a striking Manrique stone sculpture makes for a good final stop.
The café
Fancy a cactus burger? Made from tunera cactus, potato and maize, served on a tomato bun with goat’s yoghurt mayo and smoked cheese, it’s the signature dish at the on-site café and absolutely worth trying.
The terrace has great views over the garden, and it’s a good spot for a cold drink after your wander.
Don’t miss the toilets
I’m serious. The Manrique artwork on the external walls of the toilet block is as much of a crowd-puller as the prickly plants themselves.
The garden also runs a specialist guided experience called Insólita for those who want a deeper visit. Check the official website for current details and availability.
Is the Cactus Garden Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. Even if you don’t consider yourself a plant person, the Jardín de Cactus works as a piece of art, a feat of landscape design and a fascinating window into Lanzarote’s volcanic character.
It pairs well with a visit to the Fundación César Manrique and fits easily into a wider day out on the island’s northern circuit as part of your Lanzarote itinerary.
How to Get to the Cactus Garden
By car: From Costa Teguise, it’s around 15 minutes along the LZ-1. From Arrecife, allow around 30 minutes. Puerto del Carmen is around 30 minutes; Playa Blanca around 50. Parking is free.
By bus: Buses 7, 9 and 26 run between Arrecife and the Jardín de Cactus. I travelled by bus from Costa Teguise and found it very straightforward. There are details on routes, stops and fares in my guide to getting around Lanzarote by bus. You can also check timetables at arrecifebus.com.
By tour: A guided excursion is a great way to combine the Cactus Garden with other Manrique sites without the hassle of driving. These two are well-rated:
- César Manrique Full-Day Tour — covers Mirador del Rio, Jardín de Cactus, Jameos del Agua and the Fundación César Manrique.
- Lanzarote Coast to Coast Tour — a 6-hour tour combining the Cactus Garden and LagOmar museum with a ferry to La Graciosa.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you need at the Cactus Garden, Lanzarote?
Allow at least an hour. Two hours gives you time to explore the terraces properly, climb the windmill and have something to eat at the café.
When is the best time to visit the Jardín de Cactus?
Early morning or late afternoon. Mid-morning gets busy and the sheltered quarry can get very hot by midday.
Can you get to the Cactus Garden by bus?
Yes — buses 7, 9 and 26 run from Arrecife. I did the journey from Costa Teguise with no issues at all.
Is there parking at the Jardín de Cactus?
Yes — there’s a free car park right outside the entrance.
Is the Cactus Garden suitable for children?
Yes. The wide paths and extraordinary variety of plants make it a good visit for families, and the entrance sculpture alone tends to go down well with younger visitors.
Planning a trip to Lanzarote? These guides will help:
- Lanzarote Solo Travel: The Ultimate Guide
- 18 Best Places to Visit in Lanzarote in One Week (+ Maps & Photos)
- How to Explore Lanzarote by Bus: Essential Tips, Popular Routes and Fares
- 5 Reasons to Visit Famara, Lanzarote: The Hawaii of Europe
- 10 Fabulous Things to Do in Arrecife, Lanzarote
About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.