Jardín de Acolada

The Jardín de Acolada is listed in this guide as a cactus garden in Guatiza, in the north-east of Lanzarote, and the description supplied for it matches the famous Jardín de Cactus created by César Manrique, so the two entries may refer to the same site. What follows describes the setting, which is certain, and avoids claims that cannot be confirmed for a separate garden of this name. If you are planning a visit, check locally whether it is a distinct place or another name for the same garden.

Guatiza is a small village in the arid landscape of the north-east of the island, and it is surrounded by fields of prickly pear cactus, known locally as tuna. These plants were introduced in the nineteenth century to feed the cochineal insect, a tiny creature that lives on the cactus pads and produces a red pigment, carmine, used in dyes and food colouring. The cochineal industry once brought great wealth to the Canary Islands, and although synthetic dyes ended its heyday, the plantations still stand and a few producers continue to harvest the insects. The silvery green fields make a surprising sight against the black volcanic soil.

The garden itself is built into an old quarry, where volcanic sand used for farming was dug out, and the circular hollow provides a sheltered, sunken space protected from the wind. Manrique’s life ended in a road accident in 1992, and Manrique was one of Lanzarote’s greatest champions, and in the years before his death he shaped the island’s architecture and tourism with the principle that building should harmonise with the volcanic landscape, limiting height and using local materials, white walls and green or blue woodwork. The cactus garden was one of his last major projects. Its terraces, paths of lava rock, pools and bridges set the plants within a deliberate design, and a windmill stands above the entrance.

Walking down through the garden, visitors pass hundreds of species of cacti and succulents, from tall columns and barrel-shaped plants to spiny paddles and rare forms from the Americas and Africa. The strong light and the dark stone bring out the shapes and colours of the plants, and there is usually little shade, so a hat and water are advisable. A bar and a restaurant at the windmill offer refreshments, and food is sometimes served as brunch at certain times.

The garden fits well with a day exploring the north of the island, which includes the Fundación César Manrique, the Jameos del Agua and the Cueva de los Verdes. Check the opening hours and ticket prices on the official site before going.