Capturing Lanzarote: A Novice's Cinematic Journey

 In 2013, during a memorable holiday to Lanzarote with my daughter, I embarked on an unexpected venture into filmmaking. While I was just beginning to explore the world of photography, videography was entirely new territory for me. Yet, armed with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet, I was determined to capture more than just still images; I wanted moving memories of our adventures and the breathtaking landscapes we encountered. These short recordings are a testament to that initial, enthusiastic attempt.

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Panoramic Vistas from Peñas del Chache

Our cinematic journey begins high above the island at Peñas del Chache, Lanzarote's highest public viewing point. Though a slightly loftier, militarily restricted area existed nearby, the sweeping panorama from our vantage point – a restaurant car park – was utterly unobstructed. Standing approximately 670 meters above sea level, I filmed the mesmerizing descent to the ocean below. This particular clip was captured during an organized island tour, providing a perfect opportunity to immortalize the island's dramatic topography. Peñas del Chache isn't just a daytime spectacle; it's a magnet for stargazers. With minimal light pollution, the summer nights here reveal a celestial tapestry where the constellations of Sagittarius and Scorpius blaze with particular brilliance.

Underwater Wonders at Aquarium Lanzarote

Our next series of clips transports us to the fascinating depths of Aquarium Lanzarote, conveniently located in Costa Teguise, just a short stroll from our hotel. While not sprawling in size, the aquarium offered a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Beyond housing a diverse array of marine life, it thoughtfully emphasizes species native to the Canary Islands, providing a unique glimpse into the local underwater ecosystems.

Wild Encounters at Rancho Texas Park

The adventure continued at Rancho Texas Park, where my recordings capture some of its animal inhabitants. This popular park offers engaging daytime shows, including captivating displays by sea lions and majestic birds of prey – thankfully, not together!

The Volcanic Heart of Timanfaya

Finally, the concluding clip in this collection takes us to the raw, untamed beauty of Timanfaya National Park, an iconic symbol of Lanzarote's volcanic soul.

There are also some slideshow videos of the island that can be seen on my YouTube channel, just search Lanzarote on my clips.

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Timanfaya: A Volcanic Revelation on Lanzarote

Back in July 2013, I found myself on a trip to Lanzarote, an island I initially had little enthusiasm for. It was my wife and daughter's plan, and honestly, the closer it got, the less I looked forward to it. Well, I'm happy to admit now how wrong I was! Lanzarote turned out to be one of the most enjoyable places I've ever visited, and I genuinely look forward to the day I can go back.

One of the many highlights of that trip was our island tour, which included a visit to Timanfaya National Park. I wasn't sure what to expect. Knowing it was home to an active volcano filled me with a mix of anticipation and a little trepidation. While there wasn't any flowing lava or bubbling pools to see (a slight disappointment, I'll confess!), the trip was still incredibly worthwhile.

We witnessed fascinating demonstrations of just how close the intense heat is to the surface, and we even got a peek inside the El Diablo Restaurant, where food is cooked directly over an open well of volcanic heat – truly a unique dining experience!

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Exploring the Fire Mountains

Timanfaya National Park was established in 1974 and encompasses nearly 20 square miles of southwestern Lanzarote. To protect its unique environment, public access is regulated, with most of the park viewable only via a guided coach trip. There's also an area where visitors can enjoy camel rides and a restaurant for refreshments. In 1993, the park, along with the rest of Lanzarote, was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a testament to its incredible and protected flora and fauna.

A Land Forged by Fire

While the volcano is active, it's considered dormant, with its last eruption occurring in 1824. The most significant volcanic activity to shape the island happened during a six-year period between 1730 and 1736. This intense period created much of the dramatic landscape we see today around the park. Sadly, it also led to the loss of several villages, including Tingfa, Mancha Blanca, and Timanfaya itself. Much of the island's most fertile land was covered in volcanic ash, making it a time of immense hardship for the inhabitants.

Today, this land is of immense interest to scientists. As one of the newest places on Earth, they are keen to study how it develops with minimal human interference.

Feeling the Heat

Though the volcanic activity isn't visible on the surface, it's certainly active just below ground. At a depth of only 13 meters, temperatures can soar to between 100 and 600 degrees Celsius! The park offers a fascinating geyser demonstration to vividly illustrate just how hot it is beneath your feet.

The pictures and video were taken using a Samsung Galaxy Tablet. Clicking any of the pictures below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

The Fire Pit is used as a demonstration to show how hot the temperature is
just underneath the surface of the park.

The parks restaurant can be seen to the left of the crater.

El Diablo, created by Cesar Manrique is the symbol of
Timanfaya National Park.

The restaurant uses geothermal heat channelled through open pits like this
to cook the food served.

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All the pictures and video remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Timanfaya Water Geyser.

In July 2013, I had the extraordinary opportunity to explore the otherworldly landscape of Timanfaya National Park on Lanzarote. This park, a testament to the raw power of volcanic forces, is a place where the earth itself seems to breathe. During my tour, I captured numerous photographs, previously shared, that attempt to convey the stark beauty of this volcanic terrain. However, it was the geyser demonstration near the restaurant area that truly brought the park's geothermal activity to life.

Witnessing this demonstration was a visceral experience. Park staff poured water into a seemingly innocuous hole in the earth, a conduit leading approximately 13 meters down into the island's fiery depths. Seconds later, the water returned with explosive force, erupting as a powerful geyser of steam and superheated water. This display, while seemingly simple, is a potent reminder of the volcanic heat that simmers just beneath the surface of Lanzarote. It's a direct connection to the volcanic eruptions that dramatically reshaped the island in the 18th century.

The demonstration highlights the residual heat from those historic eruptions, a heat that continues to manifest in remarkable ways. The Islote de Hilario, where this demonstration takes place, is a key location within the park, providing visitors with a safe way to witness these geothermal phenomena. The fact that the restaurant there uses this geothermal heat to cook food adds another layer of intrigue, showing how the islanders have learned to live with, and even utilize, this powerful natural force. I preserved this moment by capturing a video, which I've shared on my YouTube channel, allowing others to experience the dramatic geyser eruption first hand

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The video remains the copyright of Colin Green.

Discover the Vibrant Heart of Lanzarote at Teguise Market

Teguise, a historic town nestled in the heart of Lanzarote, comes alive every Sunday morning with the vibrant energy of its famous market. From 9 am to 2 pm, the streets of this charming town transform into a bustling hub of activity, attracting locals and tourists alike. With hundreds of stalls offering a diverse range of products, the Teguise Market is a treasure trove of unique finds and local delights. 

A Shopper's Paradise

The market boasts an impressive variety of goods, catering to every taste and budget. Here, you can find:

• Local crafts: Discover the artistry of Lanzarote with handcrafted ceramics, intricate lacework, and unique jewellery made from volcanic rock.
• Fashion and accessories: Browse through stalls offering trendy clothing, stylish bags, and eye-catching accessories.
• Food and produce: Indulge in the flavours of Lanzarote with fresh local produce, traditional cheeses, and delectable pastries.
• Souvenirs: Find the perfect memento of your trip with a wide selection of souvenirs, from keychains to traditional dolls.

Beyond Shopping

The Teguise Market is more than just a shopping destination. It's an immersive cultural experience. As you wander through the market, you'll be serenaded by live music, entertained by street performers, and surrounded by the lively atmosphere of this historic town.

Tips for Visiting the Teguise Market

• Arrive early: The market gets crowded quickly, so it's best to arrive early to avoid the rush and find parking easily.
• Bargain: Haggling is a common practice at the market, so don't be afraid to negotiate for a better price.
• Bring cash: While some vendors may accept cards, it's always a good idea to have cash on hand.
• Wear comfortable shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
• Stay hydrated: The weather in Lanzarote can be warm, so it's important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Explore Teguise

While you're in Teguise, take some time to explore the town's other attractions. Visit the historic Castillo de Santa Bárbara, wander through the charming streets, and soak in the town's rich history and culture.

Getting to Teguise Market

Teguise is located in the center of Lanzarote, making it easily accessible by car or bus. If you're driving, follow the signs to Teguise and park in one of the designated parking areas. Several bus routes also connect Teguise to other towns on the island.

A visit to the Teguise Market is a must for anyone visiting Lanzarote. It's a chance to experience the vibrant culture of the island, find unique treasures, and create lasting memories.

I was there for the Sunday market and took these pictures using a Samsung Galaxy Tablet on July 28, 2013. Clicking any image should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Clock Tower at the Church of Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe

Timanfaya in the distance

Santa Barbara Castle, home of the Pirate Museum overlooks the town

Crowds at the famous Teguise Market

The market and clock tower, Timanfaya once
again in the distance.

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All pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.