LagOmar Lanzarote. A Place Out of a Million
I’ve been lucky enough to call Lanzarote my home since 1993, and even after all these years, the island still surprises me with places that feel almost unreal. One of those places maybe the most magical of all is LagOmar, tucked into the volcanic cliffs of Nazaret. Every time I go, I’m reminded why I fell in love with this island in the first place.
But before I tell you more, let me share a little bit of the story behind LagOmar itself, because understanding where it comes from only makes it more special.
LagOmar wasn’t just built it was created out of an old volcanic quarry. The original concept came from Lanzarote’s beloved artist and architect César Manrique, though the detailed design and construction were carried out by his collaborator Jesús Soto. Together, they transformed the rugged volcanic rock into a dream-like home that blends into the cliffs as if it grew straight out of the earth.
Over time, the house changed owners and eventually became the artistic, cultural,
and architectural jewel that visitors see today.
And then, of course, comes the legendary story that makes LagOmar even more famous… but I’ll get to that part later.
My very first visit to LagOmar was many years ago, for a friend’s wedding. I remember walking through the entrance and thinking, I’ve never seen anything like this before. The whole place felt like a dream carved into lava: sweeping red-stone cliffs, stairways twisting into the hillside, and caves that seemed to breathe with the island’s warm wind.
But what I remember most is how much the children loved it.
My daughter was still very little back then, and she and the other kids spent almost the entire wedding running in and out of the caves, appearing in one doorway and reappearing somewhere completely unexpected, giggling and exploring like little adventurers. LagOmar is full of hiding spots, tunnels, corners, and magical little passages perfect for curious children, and quite safe too.
LagOmar might not be enormous, but it’s truly one-of-a-kind. I honestly doubt you could find another place like it anywhere else in the world.
You can easily spend an hour wandering through its natural lava caves, terraces, and rooms carved into the volcanic hillside. Every space feels handcrafted by nature and polished by human imagination. There’s even a small souvenir shop, charming and unobtrusive, where you can find locally inspired pieces.
One of the surprises that delight first time visitors is discovering that LagOmar isn’t just an outdoor space. Inside the caves you’ll find a little bar, tucked quietly into the rock. There’s also a kitchen and bedroom preserved from the days when the house was actually lived in beautiful reminders that this place was once a real home.
After exploring the caves and rooms, I always love stopping for a café con leche in the small café on site. It’s the perfect pause to just breathe in the atmosphere.
Climbing up to the upper terraces and the reward is simply spectacular.
From up there, you can see much of Arrecife, the capital, spread out in the distance including our one and only high-rise building on the entire island, the Arrecife Gran Hotel. That building always stands out like a bookmark in the skyline.
But what truly steals the show are the loads of volcanoes that rise from the landscape in every direction. Their silhouettes run along the horizon like a dark, jagged necklace, reminding you of the island’s fiery origins. It’s one of those views that never stops feeling special, no matter how many times you’ve lived it.
Of course, I have to mention the famous story everyone loves the tale that gives LagOmar its romantic folklore.
According to the legend, actor Omar Sharif visited Lanzarote in the 1970s while filming The Mysterious Island. When he saw this incredible cave-house carved into volcanic stone, he fell in love instantly and bought it on the spot.
But then comes the twist:They say he owned the house for less than 24 hours.
Why? Because he reportedly lost it in a Game of bridge to the property developer.
Whether this story is true or just a clever bit of island mythology, no one knows for sure. But honestly? It fits the personality of the place. LagOmar is dramatic, surprising, playful and exactly the kind of home that should have an outrageous legend attached to it.
Even after decades of living on Lanzarote, LagOmar remains one of those places that takes my breath away every single time. It’s not just architecture. It’s not just history. It’s not just art.
It’s a feeling a blend of nature, imagination, mystery, and island spirit.
Whenever friends visit from abroad, it’s one of the first places I take them. And every time, without fail, they look at me with that expression that says, Wow… I didn’t expect this.
So if you’re coming to Lanzarote, make sure LagOmar is on your list.
Wander. Explore. Let yourself get lost.
And before you leave, sit with a coffee, breathe it all in, and enjoy this magical corner of the island.
Because LagOmar isn’t just a museum or a viewpoint.
It’s a story one that stays with you long after you’ve gone.
