How to Visit The Cactus Garden in Lanzarote
Lanzarote’s Jardin de Cactus was a small yet fascinating highlight on our road trip around the island. Here’s how to visit the Cactus Garden, including essential information and what you’ll see there!
The work of renowned local artist César Manrique dominates the island of Lanzarote, and his last major gift to the country was a fascinating botanical site, Jardin de Cactus, opened in 1990.
Built on a former landfill deposit site, the multi-level terraces are home to around 4500 specimens from 500 species of cactus. As we moved around the garden, we saw specimens from all over the world – from native local plants to cacti from Africa, Asia and beyond.
Alongside the numerous cacti species, you’ll also uncover touches of Manrique’s design wherever you go, from water features to a beautiful spiral staircase in the cafe bar area.
Jardin de Cactus: Essential Info
Opening Hours: 10am-5pm (last entry at 4.30pm)
Entry Fee: €36 (adult), €18 (child aged 7-12). Discounts available for disabled visitors and Canarian residents.
Facilities: Toilets, cafe bar, gift shop
Wheelchair accessible? Mostly – there are ramps around the garden. However, some of the gravel paths are uneven so it can be slightly tricky to navigate certain areas.
Child-friendly? Yes – under 7s go free
Getting to Jardin de Cactus
The easiest way to get to the Cactus Garden is by driving, however there is a limited bus service from Arrecife that stops just outside the attraction.
By car:
Driving to the Cactus Garden is easy from all major tourist areas, and it’s a great stop on a full-day road trip in Lanzarote.
- From Puerto del Carmen: 30mins northeast via the LZ-2, LZ-3 and LZ-1
- From Playa Blanca: 30mins northeast via the LZ-702, LZ-2, LZ-3 and LZ-1
- From Costa Teguise: 15mins northeast via the LZ-14 and LZ-1
- From Arrecife: 20mins northeast via the LZ-1
By bus:
The 07, 08 and 09 bus services from Arrecife stop at the Cactus Garden. However, these services are infrequent and only run 3-5 times a day per service, so make sure you check the timetable here before you go.
By guided tour:
If you don’t have your own transport, you can visit the Cactus garden on a Lanzarote guided tour. This Premium Lanzarote Grand Tour also includes Timanfaya National Park, Mirador del Rio, Jameos del Agua and lunch in a restaurant in Haría.
If you’re interested in more of Manrique’s work, you can book a César Manrique legacy tour which includes the Monument to the Peasant, Mirador del Río, Fundación César Manrique and Jameos Del Agua OR Cueva de Los Verdes.
When’s the best time to visit Jardin de Cactus?
We visited in the morning, on our way to the Cueva de los Verdes. The attraction wasn’t overly busy at around 10.30am on a February day. As with most Lanzarote attractions, visiting early or later in the day is best for the quietest visitor experience. In the early afternoon, the area gets quite hot due to being sheltered from the wind – so make sure you bring a hat and sunglasses and wear SPF.
The garden is open year-round, however different times of the year showcase the cacti and plants in various states. August is the best time to see the garden in full bloom, when the cacti flowering season is at its peak.
Allow around an hour for your visit to the Cactus Garden.
What to see in Jardin de Cactus?
Some of the key cacti exhibits you’ll see here are:
- The Euphorbia Candelabrum: This 6m cactus from Africa was the very first exhibit planted in the garden.
- Cojines de Suegra: A group of around 20 short and rounded specimens from Mexico.
- Pachypodium lamerei: A unique specimen from Madagascar, with a rounded trunk and a crown of leaves.
Other than the abundant cacti plants (obviously), there are also some unique sculptural elements that fit seamlessly into the nature-led environment. Throughout the garden, you’ll find terraces and water features with unique design elements.
You can go inside the white and orange windmill that sits on top of the garden for the highest view of the space. Just below, there’s a small building with a cafer bar, that has a circular staircase – it makes for a great interior photo spot!
If you’re hungry or thirsty, you can also visit the on-site cafe, serving snacks and drinks.
