Holidays on Manriques Lanzarote

There are plenty of attractive holiday destinations around the world. But few can match the cultural attractions of Lanzarote, which is located in the Canary Islands. As this Spanish outpost is home to the many creations of a well known, locally born artist called C?sar Manrique. Who had a profound influence over the development of tourism on the island.

As a popular holiday destination for the beach crowd Lanzarote has a rich cultural background as well,and with an excellent choice of Lanzarote holiday villas finding accommodation on the island will not be a chore

It?s impossible to visit Lanzarote without coming across the name of C?sar Manrique. His presence is ubiquitous – right from the airport which he had a hand in designing through to the white colour that all of the apartments and holiday villas in Lanzarote are painted. And it also thanks largely to him that the island is not covered in high rise buildings and apartment complexes. Whilst advertising billboards are also noticeable by their absence.

Manrique was born in the island capital of Arrecife in 1919 and developed a deep love for his birthplace from a very young age. Fostered by long summers spent on the beach at Famara in the north of the island, where his family kept a holiday home. And where the huge 8km long bay is flanked by the majestic sight of the Famara massif cliff range.

Against his parents wishes Manrique left for the University of Belle Artes in Madrid to study – and here he hooked up with other members of the Spanish surrealist movement. Becoming an important force within this school. Going on to accept an invitation from the Rockefellers to go and exhibit his work in New York, the modern art world’s capital city during the 1960?s. Where he also became a contemporary of prime movers such as Andy Warhol.

In the late 1960?s though mass market tourism and package holidays were just starting to take off. As General Franco opened Spain up in order to secure much needed foreign currency. Manrique, fearing that his birthplace could become buried beneath a sea of hotels and apartment blocks, returned to Lanzarote – and began his campaign for controlled development on the island.

Upon his return Manrique set about creating an environment that would be acceptable and not detract from the culture of the island, but at the same time allow for tourst development and in a visionary blend of nature and construction he ha left the island with a lasting legacy that will be enjoyed for years to come.

Additional information about available Lanzarote self catering apartments can be found on the Lanzarote1.com website.

Tags: Destinantions, holidays, Lanzarote, Spain, travel