San Bartolomé
Located at a crossroads in the centre of Lanzarote, San Bartolomé is one of the smallest villages on Lanzarote, a unique spot where the island is divided by 2 very different characteristics.
To the north, the cultivated fields extend over the most fertile land, while to the south, Lanzarote is stripped bare to reveal its volcanic origins and the unique landscapes of the vineyards of La Geria.
Formerly known as Ajei (small village), San Bartolomé is one of the smallest municipalities on Lanzarote. The first inhabitants settled there to get away from the pirate attacks that took place in the coastal areas.
Far from what it might seem on an island that at first glance looks arid, the surroundings of San Bartolomé are surrounded by a wealth of agricultural land that is hidden in the dark ashes and protected from the wind by small volcanic stone walls.
What to see in San Bartolomé
Quiet and with a leisurely lifestyle, San Bartolomé is a town steeped in history, with buildings such as the Casa Palacio del Mayor Guerra, declared a historic-artistic monument, or the Casa Ajei, a beautiful example of the popular architecture of the time in rural areas.
These are some of the most outstanding places to visit in San Bartolomé:
- Monumento al Campesino: Created by César Manrique to pay homage to the workers of the countryside, the Monumento al Campesino is one of the most representative pieces of sculpture in Lanzarote.
- Next to the monument is the Casa Museo del Campesino, an old Canarian-style farmhouse with workshops in which the simplicity of the old working tools can be seen and it's possible to see different master craftsmen carrying out their work.
- Tanit Museum: Occupying the cellar of a traditional Canarian-style house, the Tanit Museum offers a journey through the history of Lanzarote, exhibiting different utensils that formed part of Lanzarote's roots.
- Church of San Bartolomé: Built at the end of the 18th century, the Church of San Bartolomé is an elegant temple with a Latin cross floor plan that forms the heart of the locality.
- El Grifo Wine Museum: Founded in 1775, El Grifo is the oldest winery in the Canary Islands. In its museum, you can see exhibitions on the ancient techniques of wine production as well as enjoy a wine tasting session.
How to get to San Bartolomé
San Bartolomé is located in the geographical centre of Lanzarote, which makes it one of the most visited places to travel from the north to the south of the island.
The most common way to get to San Bartolomé is by car, as most visitors to Lanzarote choose to hire a car to get around the island comfortably.
If you don't plan to hire a car in Lanzarote, it's also possible to get to San Bartolomé by bus from some nearby towns, although it's not the fastest or most comfortable option.
