Jardín de Cactus
A stunning botanical garden showcasing over 1,400 cactus species, masterfully integrated into a former quarry by artist César Manrique.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temperatures, fewer crowds
Jardín de Cactus
Best Time
Cooler temperatures, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning botanical garden showcasing over 1,400 cactus species, masterfully integrated into a former quarry by artist César Manrique.
"Absolutely fantastic hidden gem of a place. Beautiful gardens with over 4,500 varieties of cactus and they are so unique."
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Little shade here! Bring hats, sunscreen, and water. It gets very hot, especially in summer.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be walking on varied terrain and steps. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cactus Collection
Throughout the garden
Marvel at thousands of unique and rare cactus species from around the globe, a true botanical wonderland.
Restored Windmill
Upper terrace
Climb the historic windmill for panoramic views of the garden and surrounding volcanic landscape.
Manrique's Architecture
Entrance and cafe
Experience the seamless integration of art and nature in the garden's design, a hallmark of César Manrique's work.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
A Botanical Gem
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Little shade here! Bring hats, sunscreen, and water. It gets very hot, especially in summer.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be walking on varied terrain and steps. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring.
📸 Capture the Blooms
Many cacti bloom, creating stunning photo opportunities. Visit early for the best light and fewer people.
☕ Relax at the Cafe
Enjoy local food, cactus croquettes, or prickly pear juice with great views.
Tips
from all over the internet
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Little shade here! Bring hats, sunscreen, and water. It gets very hot, especially in summer.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be walking on varied terrain and steps. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring.
📸 Capture the Blooms
Many cacti bloom, creating stunning photo opportunities. Visit early for the best light and fewer people.
☕ Relax at the Cafe
Enjoy local food, cactus croquettes, or prickly pear juice with great views.
🛍️ Unique Souvenirs
The gift shop offers quality, unique items, including small cacti and aloe plants.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Jardín de Cactus as a beautiful and unique botanical experience, praising the vast collection of cacti and César Manrique's artistic integration of the garden into the landscape. The restored windmill and on-site cafe are also frequently mentioned positives. Some find it 'just' a cactus garden and suggest it might be skippable for short stays, while others highlight the heat and lack of shade as a drawback.
"Absolutely fantastic hidden gem of as place. Beautiful gardens with over 4,500 varieties of cactus and they are so unique. The facilities are fantastic with a lovely cafe and gift shop so you can even take some cactus and aloe home. There are little ponds filled with fish and birds flying around and dipping into the pools. Well worth a visit to walk around, but be aware there is little cover so it is a heat trap and sun cream and hats are advised."
Katherine Wilkins
"Amazing place to visit especially if you're a botany nerd. So many different crazy cacti to see. Great architecture with the natural landscape. Could visit every day and not be bored. Lovely and quiet even though there were a lot of visitors. Hot in the July afternoon but you can sit in the cafe or on the terrace in the shade. Food and snacks available, friendly service, felt relaxing, not super expensive , decent local food, nice souvenir shop and lovely ambient music. Look out for the toilet sign designs! Great place definitely worth €8.50"
Sarah Jane Redjeb
"Although gardens are very beautiful and well maintained, it is still “just” a cactus garden, not very different from others you can find around the world. In size it is not big, so you can visit it in a very short period of time. Coffee shop is small so there’s not a lot of place to seat. There’s a wide variety of cactus in display, half of them from Mexico but you can find species from all around the globe. Some of the cactus and suculentas in this garden are very rare so it’s quite interesting to get to see them all together in a single place. But as said, is not super memorable and if you are in the island for just a short while you can definitely skip this place for a future visit."
Raúl Manresa
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Jardín de Cactus is located in Guatiza, on the northeast coast of Lanzarote. You can reach it by car, taxi, or public bus (Line 9). Parking is available on-site.
Yes, bus line 9 connects Jardín de Cactus with Arrecife and other towns on the island. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information.
From Arrecife, take the LZ-1 north towards Teguise, then follow signs for Guatiza and Jardín de Cactus. The journey takes approximately 20-30 minutes.
Yes, there is a dedicated parking area available for visitors at the entrance of the garden.
Absolutely! Jardín de Cactus is often included in day tours of Lanzarote, especially those focusing on César Manrique's works.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is around €8.50 per adult. It's considered good value for the unique experience. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online.
The garden is typically open daily from around 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, but hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official website for current opening times.
Yes, you can purchase tickets at the entrance gate on the day of your visit. Buying online in advance is also an option.
Discounts may be available for children, seniors, or residents. It's advisable to check the official website or inquire at the ticket office for current offers.
Children aged 5 and up will likely find it interesting. Toddlers might find it less engaging, and caution is advised due to the cacti.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore over 1,400 species of cacti, admire César Manrique's architectural integration, climb the windmill for views, and relax at the cafe.
Most visitors spend 1-2 hours exploring the garden and enjoying the cafe. It's not a very large site.
While many areas are accessible, some paths may be challenging for wheelchairs or those with limited mobility. Wheelchair-accessible bathrooms are available.
Visiting in the morning or late afternoon is recommended to avoid the midday heat and larger crowds.
While official guided tours might not always be available, the garden's layout is intuitive. Information panels provide details about the species.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there's a cafe on-site offering food, snacks, and drinks, including unique items like cactus croquettes and prickly pear juice.
The cafe serves local dishes, snacks, and beverages. Popular items include cactus croquettes and prickly pear juice.
Prices are generally considered reasonable, especially considering the popular location. Two small beers cost around €4.50.
Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted within the garden or cafe area. It's best to purchase refreshments on-site.
While specific options may vary, the cafe often features local ingredients that can accommodate vegetarian preferences. Inquire about vegan options.
📸 📸 Photography
The diverse cactus species, the restored windmill, and the unique architectural elements offer numerous photo opportunities.
Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use. Be mindful of other visitors and avoid disturbing the plants.
Early morning or late afternoon provides softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the beauty of the garden.
Drone usage is typically restricted in such attractions to ensure visitor safety and preserve the environment. Check with management for specific regulations.
Avoid using flash photography directly on sensitive plants and be respectful of other visitors' experiences.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be prepared for the heat, as there's limited shade. Ensure kids wear hats, sunscreen, and stay hydrated. While the paths are generally good, keep a close eye on younger children to prevent them from touching the spiky plants. It's a relatively compact garden, making it manageable for a family outing without being overwhelming.
🌿 Botany Enthusiasts
The terraced design within a former quarry provides an excellent microclimate for these desert plants. You'll find everything from towering columnar cacti to intricate, small-form succulents. It's an opportunity to see species you might not encounter elsewhere, making it a highlight for any plant lover's itinerary.
🎨 Art & Architecture Lovers
Beyond the windmill, the architectural integration of the garden itself, with its flowing lines and use of natural materials, is a delight. It's a place where the landscape is sculpted as much as it is planted, creating a unique and inspiring environment that reflects Manrique's deep connection to Lanzarote.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Vision of César Manrique
Manrique's philosophy was to preserve the island's unique character while developing tourism sustainably. Jardín de Cactus exemplifies this by showcasing the island's native flora in a setting that feels both natural and curated. The terraced structure of the quarry allows for a diverse display of cacti, each section thoughtfully arranged. Visitors often remark on the seamless blend of the man-made and the natural, a signature of Manrique's work.
This approach makes Jardín de Cactus more than just a botanical garden; it's an artistic installation that celebrates the resilience and beauty of desert plants. The restored windmill, a prominent feature, offers not only historical interest but also breathtaking panoramic views, further enhancing the visitor experience and showcasing Manrique's holistic approach to design.
A World of Cacti
Many of the cacti on display are rare and unique, making this garden a valuable resource for botanical study and appreciation. The sheer variety ensures that there's always something new to discover, whether it's a bizarre-looking succulent or a vibrant cactus flower. The garden is meticulously maintained, ensuring that each plant is healthy and presented in its best form.
While the garden is a visual feast, it's important to remember the prickly nature of its inhabitants. Visitors are advised to admire the plants from a safe distance and avoid touching them. The presence of bees enjoying the cactus flowers, as noted in some social media posts, highlights the garden's role in supporting local ecosystems.
Visiting with Families
However, it's important to manage expectations for very young children. Toddlers might find the static nature of the plants less captivating, and the risk of a running child encountering a cactus is a concern for parents. The garden is also a heat trap, so ensuring children stay hydrated and protected from the sun is paramount. Consider a shorter visit focused on the highlights if you have very young children.
For families interested in botany or art, the garden offers educational value. The integration of art and nature, a key aspect of Manrique's work, can be a talking point. The gift shop also offers unique souvenirs that children might enjoy. Overall, it's a worthwhile visit for families looking for a different kind of attraction on the island.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit