The unique volcanic landscape of the island has been officially sanctioned by UNESCO, which has declared the whole island a Bioshpere Reserve. Particulary fascinating is the centre of Lanzarote - the mountains of fire - which is maintained as a national park. Take a bus tour and you will discover that the volcanic heat remains near the surface - guides will show that the intense heat is capable of burning a bundle of straw in seconds or grilling a steak. One of the highlights of a visit is a ride around the volcanoes on a camel, an animal traditionally used for farm work on the island. Other places on the Lanzarote well worth a visit include the beaches of Papagayo in the south; the cliffs and beach of famara to the west; the Cactus Garden, the Malpais De La Corana with the mysterious volcanic tubes of the Jameos Del Agua and Los Verdes Cave, and the splendid lookout of Mirador Del Rio in the northern part of the island. From here it is possible to see the nearby archipelago of Chinijo, consisting of the islands of La Graciosa, Montana Clara and Alegranza. Another key attraction for visitors is the work Cesar Manrique, a 20th-century artist, designer, sculptor and architect, who devorted his life to the island where he was born. Thanks to his determination and originality, the islanders began to appreciate their architecture of white walls, green windows and unique chimneys. The artist designed many of the structures which are now examples of the harmony that can exsist between architecture and nature, including the monementoal Campesino (monument to the peasant).
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