Tinajo

Lanzarote > What to see > Unique Spots > Tinajo

Tinajo is situated at the centre-west of the island. It is noteworthy for its volcanic, especially for the eruptions, coming down from Timanfaya and from its best-known volcano El Tinguatón, part of which is within the municipal limits and has deposited lava over much of its area.

This fact has made Tinajo a town of flourishing and productive agriculture, for the rofe (lapillius) or volcanic ash upon which its crops are grown retains humidity well so that, in spite of the scant rainfall of the zone, much of the extraordinarily high-quality produce native to the island can be produced here.

The continuous and constant eruptions which have devastated this municipality over the course of its history led to the awakening of a deep religious faith revolving around the Virgen of the Volcanoes, the patron of Lanzarote, and one of the religious figures most fervently revered in the Canary Islands; her protective veil, according to the legend, managed to hold back the great rivers of lava which were descending upon the inhabitants and houses of Mancha Blanca.

The Los Dolores hermitage was built in her honour, bringing together on religious feast day, every 15^th of September, a large number of pilgrims from all corners of the island.

In addition to the church of San Roque, which houses works by established Canary Island artists, and the hermitage of the Virgin of Regla, we can also contemplate marvels of nature such as El Cuchillo cauldron, several volcanic grottoes in which the inhabitants protected themselves from the pirate invasions, and Tinguatón volcano itslef, which entered into eruption during the 16^th and 17th Centuries. In a different vein, one can also enjoy one of the finest sport complexes, equipped for learning and playing any sport.