LagOmar Museum

Nestled into the volcanic hillside above the peaceful village of Nazaret, LagOmar is a place that always captures the imagination. It is part cave house, part living artwork, and part local legend. The winding tunnels, sun-dappled terraces, sparkling pools and lush gardens were originally dreamed up by Cesar Manrique and brought to life by his trusted craftsman Jesus Soto. Many people know LagOmar for the story about Omar Sharif and a fateful card game, a tale that adds a touch of Hollywood glamour to this unique Lanzarote landmark.

Whether or not the story is true is something locals still enjoy discussing, but there is no question about the magic of the building itself. LagOmar is one of those places that never fails to surprise, with whitewashed walls curving out of the volcanic rock, water trickling through hidden caves, and palm trees somehow thriving in the most unlikely spots. Around every corner, there is something new to discover and another view to enjoy. These days, LagOmar welcomes visitors as a museum, art gallery, restaurant and cocktail bar, and it remains one of Lanzarote’s most atmospheric and memorable places to explore.

There is a story that many people share about LagOmar, and it goes a little like this. Back in 1972, Omar Sharif, the Egyptian actor famous for Lawrence of Arabia and Doctor Zhivago, came to Lanzarote to film The Mysterious Island. The production took him to some of the island’s most striking spots, including the Fire Mountains, Cueva de los Verdes, and the black sands of Las Malvas. While he was here, Sharif was introduced to the cave house in Nazaret, which was still unfinished at the time. He is said to have fallen for it straight away and decided to buy it from its owner, Sam Benady, a British developer.

It all sounds quite believable so far, but the tale takes an unexpected turn. As the story goes, just a couple of days after buying the house, Sharif attended a gathering there. Benady, knowing Sharif’s love of cards, invited him to play a game of bridge. What Sharif may not have realised was that Benady was a European Bridge Champion. Despite his own skill at the game, Sharif lost, and with that, the house he had owned for only two days changed hands once again. It is a story that has become part of local folklore.

How much of this tale is fact and how much is legend? The truth is, nobody can say for certain, and even those who look after LagOmar today admit that the story has grown over time. There are no official records to prove that Omar Sharif ever actually owned the house. What we do know is that he visited Lanzarote in 1972 for filming, he saw the house, and he agreed to let his name be linked to it. The museum embraces the story, with photos of Sharif and a bridge table on display. Whether every detail is true or not, it is a wonderful story to share. The house itself is well worth a visit, but the Omar Sharif connection adds a touch of old Hollywood charm that many visitors enjoy.

LagOmar is one of those places that really captures the imagination here on Lanzarote. Built in the early 1970s as a show home for the Oasis de Nazaret development, it was the vision of Cesar Manrique, brought to life by his close friend and collaborator Jesus Soto. If you have visited Mirador del Rio or Jameos del Agua, you will already be familiar with Soto’s unique touch. His talent for working with volcanic landscapes and natural light is on full display at LagOmar, which many consider his finest work.

The inspiration for LagOmar comes from the tales of Arabian Nights, and you can feel that sense of magic as soon as you step inside. There are no straight lines here – instead, everything curves and flows, with whitewashed walls arching gracefully, tunnels winding deep into the volcanic rock, and staircases leading you up to hidden terraces with sweeping views over Nazaret and beyond. Much of the building was created using lava rock from the old quarry, and it is said that some of the timber came from shipwrecks found off our coast. The result is a home that feels as if it has grown out of the hillside itself, blending perfectly with the landscape.

LagOmar is part home, part sculpture, and part cave, with a maze of staircases and narrow passages carved right into the rock. As you wander through, shafts of sunlight filter down from above, shifting and changing as the day goes on. Water features are dotted throughout, including a tunnel with stepping stones that always reminds me of something from an adventure story. Every corner you turn offers a new view or a hidden spot to discover, and exploring the place is always a real pleasure, no matter how many times you visit.

At the centre of LagOmar lies the cave house, a fascinating warren of rooms, tunnels and passageways shaped by hand from the volcanic rock of the Nazaret hillside. These caves are not the work of nature, but the result of quarrying, and it was Soto who recognised the unique charm in their irregular forms. The walls blend rough red and dark volcanic stone with smooth white plaster, and this mix of natural and crafted elements gives the whole place a striking character that you feel as soon as you step inside.

Step inside and you will find a fully furnished apartment, complete with living room, bedroom, bathroom and kitchen, just as it was when people called it home. The décor is understated yet stylish, and there is a surprising sense of warmth and cosiness, even though you are surrounded by stone. With no straight lines or sharp corners, every room feels fluid and natural, quite unlike any ordinary house. It is not hard to see why Sharif, or anyone else, would be instantly captivated by this place.

There is a room here devoted to Jesus Soto, celebrating his vision and his collaboration with Manrique. As you wander through the complex, you will also come across striking scrap metal sculptures by Mick Gonnel, which bring a modern artistic touch to these historic surroundings. Helpful information boards in English guide you through the story and design of LagOmar as you explore.

LagOmar’s gardens are set out in terraces that climb gently up the hillside, with winding paths leading you past palms, cacti, bougainvillea and aloe vera. There’s something special about the way the greenery stands out against the volcanic rock, especially as the afternoon sun begins to dip and the stones take on a golden glow. The colours seem to come alive, with the plants and the sky providing a beautiful backdrop.

At the heart of the lower gardens you’ll find the Blue Lagoon, a peaceful pool fringed by palms, rock walls and thick greenery. It’s easy to see why so many people are drawn to photograph it. The gentle splash of water jets adds to the sense of calm, and the whole area feels like a little oasis tucked away in the hillside. It’s a wonderful example of the creativity that Soto and Manrique brought to Lanzarote.

From the different terraces, you can look out over Nazaret and across the island. On a clear day, the views stretch all the way to the coast and up to the northern mountains. Every time I visit, I notice something new; there's always another view or detail waiting to be discovered.

LagOmar is so much more than a museum. Tucked away in this remarkable spot, you will find one of Lanzarote’s most memorable restaurants, along with a cocktail bar that truly stands apart from anything else in the Canary Islands. As the sun sets, the volcanic rock takes on a warm glow and the gardens come alive under the evening sky, creating an atmosphere that feels almost otherworldly. The menu brings together Canarian and Mediterranean flavours, and the food is every bit as impressive as the surroundings. Both lunch and dinner are served here, but if you are hoping to visit for dinner at the weekend, it is wise to book ahead.

La Cueva Bar is tucked inside one of the caves, offering cocktails in a setting that feels both intimate and unique to Lanzarote. From around 6pm, it becomes the perfect spot to unwind, enjoy a carefully mixed drink, and simply let the hours slip by. The volcanic stone, gentle lighting and inventive cocktails all come together to create a truly memorable evening. If you are dining at the restaurant, you may even be able to skip the museum admission fee.

LagOmar sits tucked away in Nazaret, just a short drive from Arrecife or Costa Teguise. You will find it easily signposted from the main LZ-20 road, and there is free parking right outside, which is always a bonus here on the island. The museum welcomes visitors every day from 10 in the morning until 6 in the evening, with the last entry at half past five. Tickets are €10 euros for adults and €3 for children under 12, and if you are a Canary Islands resident, you will benefit from a reduced rate. It is always worth checking their website or asking at the entrance for the latest prices, as they can change from time to time.

I would suggest setting aside at least an hour or two to really explore LagOmar, though if you love photography or have an eye for architecture, you may find yourself lingering much longer. There are wonderful views and hidden corners everywhere you look. Do wear comfortable shoes, as there are plenty of steps, uneven paths and narrow walkways to navigate. The terrain means it is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs, so do bear that in mind. Much of the site is open to the Lanzarote sunshine, so sun protection is a must.

LagOmar pairs beautifully with a wander around the historic town of Teguise, which is just a stone’s throw away. If you visit on a Sunday, you can experience the lively Teguise market in full swing, which is always a treat. The Fundacion Cesar Manrique in Tahiche is also nearby, and seeing both in one day gives you a real sense of how Manrique and Soto helped shape the unique character of Lanzarote’s architecture.