San Bartolome

If you are planning your holidays to San Bartolome in Lanzarote, the following information may help by giving you an overview on the resort and the surrounding area.

San Bartolome lies right in the heart of Lanzarote – both geographically and culturally. Formerly known as Ajei by the pre-Spanish Guanche inhabitants, the town started to grow during the 16th and 17th centuries. Before tourism took off, the main economic activity here was agriculture. Evidence of this pastoral past is everywhere – as over the centuries local farmers have experimented with two novel forms of irrigation.

Just to the north of San Bartolomé lies the famous wine fields of La Geria. Here, black volcanic picon and stone semi-circles are still used to release and retain overnight moisture and to protect young vines. To the east of the town, on the road running to Tahiche, lies what at first sight appears to be vitual desert. But these fields benefit from damp soil and sand, known as jable, which is blown in from the coast by the prevailing north wind. The additional moisture provided by these grains enables local farmers to grown crops, such a sweet potatoes and watermelon.

This resourcefulness was prominently celebrated by famous local artist and architect Cesar Manrique. For something different on your San Bartolomé holidays, just outside the resort, he created The Monumento al Campesino. This giant 15m high sculpture of a farmer with his flock is made from water tanks salvaged from old fishing boats. It is designed to highlight the endurance and inventiveness of the local farm workers and the historic significance of agricultural life on the island.

Things to do in on your San Bartolome Holiday

Monumento al Campesino
The full name of this monument is El Monumento Fecundidad al Campesino Lanzaroteño [the Fertility Monument to the Lanzaroteño Peasant]. This giant, white cubist, 15m [49ft] high sculpture of a farmer with his flock is made from water tanks and old fishing boats. It was designed by César Manrique to highlight the endurance and inventiveness of the local farm workers and the historic significance of agricultural life on the island. Look hard at the monument and with a little imagination you will be able to pick out a farmer with his donkey and camel.

Casa Museo del Campesino
This is located next to the moment and is a museum based on a traditional farmhouse and where you can see farm equipment and tools such as ploughs and saddlery. Potters and basket-weavers display their traditional skills.
Open: Daily between 10:00-18:00

Ethnographic Museum Tanit
This is located in a traditional 18th century house that belonged to the Perdomo family. It is a comprehensive collection of farming equipment, household items and muscial instruments showing how the island’s culture has changed over the last 200 years.
Open: Monday to Saturday 10:00-16:00

Eurokart
This is a more modern attraction – go karting in Bartolomé. Lanzarote’s go-karting track is located just to the south of San Bartolomé on the Arrecife road. Here you will find a bar and a children’s playground.
Open: 10:00 until sunset.

Disclaimer
By its very nature much of the information in our travel guides is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they are relying with the relevant authorities. Corona Holidays [UK] Limited cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.