LagOmar Lanzarote: The Volcanic House You Should Visit

Quick Answer

LagOmar is worth visiting if you enjoy unusual architecture, photography or places that show a different side of Lanzarote. The museum occupies a former volcanic quarry and includes the Casa Omar Sharif, gardens, terraces, tunnels and viewpoints. Allow 45 to 60 minutes. General admission is €10, with guided visits available at extra cost. Free parking opposite the entrance.

What Is LagOmar?

An architectural complex in Nazaret, near Teguise, where buildings and walkways follow the shapes of the volcanic rock rather than fighting them. The site was a quarry. Instead of levelling it, the designers used its caves, slopes and natural cavities to create connected rooms, gardens and terraces. The contrast between white walls, dark stone and planted areas is the whole point and also the reason the photographs look the way they do.

Who Designed It?

Not one person. César Manrique influenced the early development, while his collaborator Jesús Soto played an important role in the original work. Later, architects Beatriz van Hoff and Dominik von Boettinger restored and expanded the property, developing the gardens, pool and spaces that make up the museum complex visitors see today. Worth knowing because it explains why LagOmar feels related to Manrique's other projects without being exactly like them.

The Omar Sharif Story

LagOmar is linked to Omar Sharif, the actor known for Lawrence of Arabia and Doctor Zhivago. The museum's published history says he acquired the property during a visit to Lanzarote. The famous local story goes that he then lost it in a game of bridge shortly after buying it.

The bridge story should be treated as a legend rather than an established fact. Accounts differ and the details of how the property changed hands have not been conclusively documented. You do not need to believe it to enjoy the place. The architecture is interesting enough on its own and does not require a famous gambler to justify a visit.

What You Can See

The house and passages

The pleasure of LagOmar is discovering how its different levels fit together. Move between rooms, climb curved staircases and follow passages carved through the volcanic rock. The standard museum ticket includes access to the Casa Omar Sharif, gardens, terraces, tunnels and viewpoints.

Gardens, pool and terraces

Outside, white walls and greenery against rough volcanic stone. The central pool adds another contrast while the terraces offer different angles on the buildings and gardens. Take your time rather than rushing straight through. The pool is decorative and is not open for swimming.

Art gallery

LagOmar has an art gallery and exhibition spaces included in the museum visit. A guided-tour ticket adds commentary about the house, gardens and art. You do not need the guided tour simply to visit the gallery.

Tickets and Practical Information

General admission: €10 (around £9). Admission with guided tour: €16 (around £14). Early-entry experience: €35 (around £30). Opening hours are 10:00 to 18:00, last admission at 17:00. Closed 25 December and 1 January. The address is Calle los Loros 2, Nazaret, Lanzarote. Free parking opposite the entrance.

Wear comfortable shoes with a good grip. LagOmar has steep steps, uneven surfaces and narrow passages. Not all areas are wheelchair-accessible so contact the museum before visiting if you need step-free access.

Food and Drink

The complex has LagOmar Restaurant and La Cueva, a cocktail bar set inside a volcanic cave. Both are separate from the museum visit. The venue's website displays differing opening hours on some pages, which makes it particularly important to confirm the current schedule before booking. Contact details and reservation information are on the LagOmar website.

Getting There

LagOmar is in Nazaret in the municipality of Teguise. A hire car or taxi is the most convenient option and free parking is available opposite the entrance. You can reach Nazaret by bus but the museum states the relevant stop is approximately 20 minutes away on foot. Check the route and return journey before travelling.

Frequently Asked Questions Is LagOmar Lanzarote worth visiting?

Yes, if architecture, art or exploring unusual places is your thing. Its caves, gardens and staircases make the volcanic setting part of the experience rather than just a backdrop.

Did Omar Sharif own LagOmar?

The museum's published history says he acquired the property during a visit to Lanzarote. The story that he lost it in a bridge game shortly afterwards is a local legend. The museum's own account does not establish that he lived there long-term.

How much does LagOmar cost?

General admission is €10 (around £9). With a guided tour it is €16 (around £14). The early-entry experience is €35 (around £30).

How long do you need at LagOmar?

45 to 60 minutes for the museum. Allow longer if you want to explore slowly, take photographs or visit the restaurant or bar after.

Do you need to book in advance?

You can buy tickets on the official website. Booking ahead is sensible for guided tours or the early-entry experience as these have specific availability.

Can you swim in the pool?

No. The pools are part of the architectural setting and are not available for swimming.

To Wrap Up

LagOmar is one of those places that is easier to understand once you are inside it. A volcanic quarry that became a house that became a museum, with a famous gambler somewhere in the middle of the story and genuinely good architecture regardless of whether you believe the legend.

It is not a full-day attraction. It is the right kind of stop for a morning or afternoon when you want something that is not another viewpoint or another beach. Nazaret is close enough to Teguise to make both work in the same day.