Haria

Haria - Overview:

Haria was once described by Canarian author Alberto Vazquez as being "without doubt the most beautiful village on the island, if not the world." It offers unrivalled walks in the surrounding countryside with uninterrupted views. It has a selection of shops, bars and restaurants and is a five-minutes' drive from the fabulous La Garita beach.

Haria - Geography:

Haria lends its name to a wider municipality that basically encompasses the northern wedge of Lanzarote, but the village itself is home to only around 2,000 inhabitants. It is a palm-filled oasis that is green and verdant, providing a stunning contrast to the starker, southern landscapes of Lanzarote.

Cesar Manrique, Lanzarotes favourite son, chose to spend his retirement years in Harria. While his house is closed to the public, his final resting place in the pretty cemetery at the edge of the village is open to visitors.

Haria - History of the Valley of 1,000 Palms:

Haria nestles in the aptly named "Valley of 1,000 Palms" which is surrounded by the islands tallest mountain range the Risco de Famara, standing at around 670 metres at its highest point.

This location begins to explain why the region stays so green, as the altitude attracts cloud and overnight condensation from which the plant life below can draw water. But this alone still doesnt account for the proliferation of palm groves here. Indeed, much earthier influences account for the valley's fertility.

During the 17th and 18th centuries villagers celebrated the birth of a new baby by planting palms one for a girl and two for a boy, possibly in reaction to the burning of most of Haria's trees and plants by marauding pirates during raids in the 1570s.

Either way, this politically incorrect planting policy has now created an incredible spectacle that is one of Lanzarote's most stunning sights. Crowns of countless Canarian palms sway gently against the backdrop of white washed village houses in Harria. You could be forgiven for thinking it was a village in Africa or an oasis in the Middle East.

Haria, Lanzarote - Activities:

The sleepy little town of Haria is particularly tranquil. This is, of course, its main attraction, however, there is still plenty to see and do here.

Things do get a little livelier once a week when the Saturday morning market comes to life in the main Plaza de Leon y Castillo. This is a much smaller scale affair than Teguise market, with a very laid back atmosphere to match and none of the crowds all taking place against the backdrop of a pretty plaza that is lined with eucalyptus and laurel trees.

Around 20-30 stalls offer local produce, such as goats cheese, vegetables and honey, along with a whole variety of handicrafts.

Haria also has its own small art gallery La Galleria El Aljibe de Haria - which is uniquely located beneath the town's second smaller square (opposite the main town hall building) in an old water deposit!

The entertaining and rather grandly named International Museum of Miniatures in Calle Palmeral. This quirky space is a veritable small wonder and is home to various mini-marvels such as the smallest newspaper in the world and a football match painted on a grain of rice. The museum is open daily from 10am to 6pm.

Haria is a haven for walking and trekking and perhaps the best way to enjoy the atmosphere of the village is to just wander through its streets and squares.

Alternatively, follow the route of the dried out river bed that snakes through town as this offers some interesting insights into village life as well as some great views.

The volcanoes and valleys surrounding the town are also just crying out to be explored and feature prominently in walking guides to the island, attracting organised trekking tours and solo walkers alike.

Haria, Lanzarote - Our holiday accommodation and service:

Travel with secretdestinations.com holidays and enjoy privileged sophisticated holiday destinations in Lanzarote, including Haria. Holiday villas, apartments and hotels in beautiful coastal and rural locations. Privately owned villas, apartments and villas with pools, hand-picked for an authentic taste of unspoiled Lanzarote.

Additionally, all of the Canary Islands are ideal for a spot of winter sun. So if you're looking for an activity holiday walking, cycling, trekking, exploring Lanzarote's volcanoes in the Timanfaya Natural Park, or simply sunbathing and relaxing on fabulous beaches, call our holiday team today. We can also assist you with Canaries flights to Lanzarote, ferry travel and island car hire.