Contenido
What is the Casa del Agua in Famara?
The Casa del Agua de Lanzarote is an old house built as a refuge in the mid 1970s at the top of the Risco de Famara to take advantage of the natural aquifers at this point of the island.
It was inhabited during the nineties by a German citizen, who died as a result of a landslide from the cliff.
His philosophy was that anyone who found the house could live in it rent and expense free and, indeed, there have been several people who have squatted in the house in the years since.
The house itself is of no interest but the views from its lookout point are magical, which is why it receives so many visitors throughout the year.
Where is it located?
The Casa del Agua is located on the Risco de Famara, next to a cistern from which fresh water gushes out of the mountainside.
The Risco de Famara is a mountainous formation 671 metres high located in the north of Lanzarote, between the towns of Teguise and Haría.
It has a cliff overlooking the beach of Famara, the largest on the island and perfect for surfers and kitesurfers. And also under the Risco there are some abandoned salt mines and an unspoilt beach, Playa del Risco.
What is the best route to get to the Casa del Agua?
The route to the Casa del Agua de Famara starts at the far end of Famara beach, i.e. the car park at the end of the road to the beach.
You will have to follow the path at the end of the road, which winds along the lower slope of the mountain. It will take you about half an hour to see the Casa del Agua, where you will enjoy spectacular views of Famara beach.
The more adventurous can walk down to the pebble beach to see the water galleries carved into the mountain but this depends on your skill and preparation, as it is not comfortable to walk this part of the route. If you dare, it is curious to see along the way the remains of the mining wagons, rails and the old pipeline that were used to extract water in this area.
To return, you will have to retrace your steps, as it is not a circular route.
What makes the Casa del Agua route special?
In general, the Risco de Famara area is of great natural and scenic value, as it is home to most of the ecosystems present in Lanzarote.
It is also an area rich in water, such as the natural aquifer that gave rise to the construction of the Casa del Agua.
Its endemic species and biodiversity have led to the Risco de Famara being classified as a Natural Park. The secret lies in its humid microclimate, which has allowed the concentration of more than 700 species of plants.
What is the duration of the Casa del Agua route in Famara and its level of difficulty?
The route that takes you to the Casa del Agua is of low difficulty. It is a walk of just 6 kilometres, which takes about two and a half hours.
For most people it is a stroll, but it is true that in some sections it is more difficult to walk and you have to be careful with possible landslides. Therefore, a great deal of caution is required to enjoy the route.
