History

The man who changed Lanzarote forever

Manuel Díaz Rijo created the first island-based desalination in the world and changed Lanzarote forever.

When Lanzarote went to the Oscars

Arrecife-born costume designer Paco Delgado has worked on a number of huge films throughout his career which earned him two Goya Awards and two Oscar nominations.

When Lanzarote featured on the big screen

Lanzarote has featured in a number of films, TV and videos over the years. Here’s our list of some of the island’s most famous and memorable appearances.

The road to Salina

In 1969 a film crew arrived at the Hotel Lancelot in Arrecife to film a “suspense thriller” on the island. French director Georges Lautner had assembled a cast that included Robert Walker (who had appeared in Easy Rider the year before), and Mimsy Farmer, a young actress who had appeared in biker movies in the US and would go on to appear in several Italian cult films.

From a dirt track to the most important tourist resort

How a dirt track, a few rocks and a long-ignored beach became the first and most important tourist resort on Lanzarote?

Lanzarote’s youngest resort

Puerto Calero is Lanzarote's youngest resort, a Blue Flag luxury sporting marina with a sleek, luxurious image and a unique character.

Costa Teguise’s first hotel

The Hotel Meliá Salinas was the first large hotel to be built in Costa Teguise, and the first five-star establishment on the island.

The history of El Almacén

On the 22nd February 1974, four Canarian artists - Luis Ibáñez, Pepe Dámaso, Gerardo Fontes and César Manrique – opened the doors of a “polydimensional arts centre” in the heart of Arrecife.

The tragic story of Casa Juanita

Chalet de Arrieta (or Casa Juanita) is a tourist attraction in Arrieta, as you can probably see why from the photo. However, this strange looking house has a devastating story behind it.

Lady on a camel

Before tourism arrived on Lanzarote, British and Irish visitors were few and far between. However, many left a lasting mark on the island.