Dan Pearson Studio

Lanzarote has proven to be a popular destination amongst staff members and friends this year. Far away from the crowded southern seashores, the north offers some of the most fascinating landscape scenes of the entire island

This photo was taken at La Geria valley where Malvasia vines are grown in 2m deep pits covered with lapilli (lava granules): they are protected from scorching winds and they absorb the dew trapped by the volcanic lava early in the morning.

There are also a few salt works scattered along the coast: the cones of salt crystals offer surreal and minimalistic landscapes and the basins where water evaporates look like frozen snow.

The colour palettes change dramatically as you drive around the island and they range from spooky blacks to deep reds and maroons which contrast well with the moss green indigenous vegetation.


Sometimes stunning associations of colour can be enjoyed in one single plant such as these Euphorbia paralia which grow on the sandy shores near Orzola or the bright red lichens which grow over nitrogen-rich boulders of lava.

It is also possible to walk through some of the lava tunnels like the Cueva des los Verdes which is currently used as a cultural centre and as a venue for concerts and theatrical plays.

Artist and sculptor Cesar Manrique made an important contribution to preserve the vernacular architecture of the island and to prevent savage concrete tourist resorts from spreading without control all over Lanzarote in the '50s and '60s. His house built over lava bubbles has been turned into a trust and displays fine examples of his creative genius.