Located at the top of the Risco de Famara, near the village of Yé in the north of Lanzarote, the Mirador del Río offers one of the most stunning panoramic views on the island. This viewpoint, which opened in 1973, was designed by the renowned artist and architect César Manrique. The construction of the Mirador was a challenging task, involving the excavation of rock at the summit of Famara to seamlessly blend the structure with the surrounding volcanic landscape. Manrique’s goal was to ensure that the viewpoint complemented the natural beauty of the area, without disrupting the striking views of the Chinijo Archipelago.
The Mirador del Río stands out with its semicircular stone façade, which mirrors the shape of the surrounding cliffs. Visitors enter through a small passageway, designed to keep distractions to a minimum. Once inside, the space opens up, revealing large windows that offer an uninterrupted view of the Chinijo Archipelago. This sudden shift from the narrow corridor to the vast view outside leaves visitors in awe. On clear days, the islands of La Graciosa, Montaña Clara, Roque del Oeste, and Alegranza are visible from the Mirador, with La Graciosa being the only inhabited islet, known for its fishing communities. Roque del Este remains out of sight from the viewpoint.
Perched nearly 500 meters above sea level, the Mirador del Río provides breathtaking views of the Risco de Famara and the ancient salt flats at its base. Just below, you can see a beautiful beach separated from La Graciosa by a narrow strip of sea called El Río, which is where the Mirador gets its name.
The entrance to the viewpoint is marked by a striking sculpture that symbolizes a fish and a bird, representing the key elements of the Chinijo Archipelago’s natural environment.
Once inside the Mirador, visitors are drawn to the expansive windows that frame the picturesque views. For a more immersive experience, it is possible to step outside just below the windows, or even climb to the top for an enhanced view. Inside the Mirador, the only notable decoration is a series of iron sculptures, which serve a functional purpose: they help reduce the reverberation caused by the rock’s acoustics. The integration of the gift shop into the design is also noteworthy, blending harmoniously with the surrounding architecture.
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