"I have always sought in nature its essential condition, its hidden sense: the meaning of my life."

César Manrique

Mirador del Rio

El Mirador is built into the cliff where previously a battery of canons was installed for use in the war between Spain and the U.S.A. over Cuba in the 19th century. It was built in 1973, 479 metres above sea level. It is not simply an excavation in the cliff, but rather a building with two enormous buried domes, so as to hide the construction. It was conceived by the artist, César Manrique, with the collaboration of Jesus Soto and the architect, Eduardo Caceres.

It enjoys magnificent views over La Graciosa and Las Salinas del Río the oldest salt plains of the archipelago. If you don't have a head for heights you can seek refuge in the coffee shop and comfort yourself with a hi-calorie gateau. César Manrique has left his characteristic touch with subtle lighting, pottery in the niches and hollows and several pieces of his sculpture. The spiral staircase has a wonderful open design. The shop has a selection of Manrique-abilia.