This work now offers a privileged view over the island of La Graciosa and the Chinijo archipelago, enabling the visitor to integrate with the landscape. But the lookout point itself is also a small work of natural art.

On this occasion, the river is not a river as such, but rather the arm of the Atlantic ocean that separates Lanzarote from the Chinijo archipelago. It is a natural park made up of the islands of La Graciosa (the only one which is inhabited), Alegranza, Montaña Clara, Roque del Este and Roque del Oeste.

There is no better view over Chinijo than the view from Mirador del Río. It is located in the highest point of the Risco de Famara mountains, 400 metres above the ocean which extends before it. This strategic location is no coincidence: the lookout point is located in what was once the site of an artillery battery, built in 1898, during the war over Cuba and the Philippines, due to fears of an attack from the United States Marines.

The Mirador del Río was opened in 1973 as one of the first sustainable tourism attractions in Lanzarote. César Manrique, with the help of Eduardo Cáceres and Jesús Soto, chose to excavate the area, which had been for military use, build the new building and then cover it all up again with a blanket of volcanic rock.

A building which blends into its surroundings 

The result is a building which completely blends in with the natural environment. On the outside, you can just make out some small, half-buried domes. Inside, the corridor leads visitors to a room which is home to two covered lookout points. The glazed surface has been designed to increase the panoramic view effect and to ensure that natural light floods into the room, defined by the white of its walls and ceilings and the wood of its floor.

A helicoid staircase leads to the upper level, where you will find the gift shop and upper terraces. However, the most spectacular view from the Mirador del Río (tel.: 928 526 551) can be seen from the balcony, which is accessed through the interior room. It practically throws the visitor into empty space, with La Graciosa to the front, El Risco beach and Salinas del Río at its feet and the horizon as the stage.

Crossing to La Graciosa 

It is highly likely that, after spending a few minutes in the Mirador del Río lookout point, you will want to discover up-close the island of La Graciosa, which can be clearly seen from the Mirador. To do this you need to make your way to Órzola, the town from where the  ferries leave, travelling daily to Caleta del Sebo, the island's port of entry. It is a gentle crossing which is only disturbed if the undertow of the Atlantic intensifies when going round Punta Faraones. If this does not happen, it seems you could almost touch the "river" bed with your hands.

Almost unexpectedly, in Caleta del Sebo you will find one of the best restaurants in Lanzarote, El Marinero (tel.: 928 842 070), where you can eat great fresh fish. In the departure, or return, port, Órzola, there is another good restaurant, La Perla del Atlántico (tel.: 928 842 589), where you can sample 'sancocho' stew. For the more carnivorous among you, the best thing to do is head inland to Yé, where you will find El Volcán de la Corona (tel.: 928 526 516). Its speciality is rotisserie meat, but they will always have some great papas arrugadas, or wrinkly potatoes, ready to serve.