The royal residence of La Mareta, in Costa Teguise, opens its doors to the public for the first time this summer. The palace, a gift from King Hussein of Jordan to Juan Carlos I, is an example of integrated architecture by César Manrique.
The Palace of La Mareta, the royal residence located in Costa Teguise, Lanzarote, will open its doors to the public during the months of July and August. This is the first time that this site, previously reserved for the Royal Family and authorities, will be regularly open for visits.
The initiative comes from the Teguise Town Hall, which has reached an agreement with Patrimonio Nacional to organise guided tours. Residents of the island and tourists will be able to closely explore this 2,000 square metre palace built on a 31,000 square metre plot, of which 10,000 are gardens.
A palace with diplomatic history
La Mareta was commissioned by King Hussein of Jordan, who fell in love with Lanzarote during a visit. The Hashemite monarch commissioned the project to architect Fernando Higueras and artist César Manrique, with the premise that the construction would integrate into the volcanic landscape.
The result is a set of white buildings with large windows and green balconies, blending with the surroundings. The name La Mareta comes from a traditional cistern that already existed on the site. In 1989, King Hussein gifted the property to Juan Carlos I, and since then it has been part of the state heritage.
The residence has been used sporadically by the Royal Family, especially by the emeritus king. It has also served as accommodation for visiting heads of state in the Canary Islands. Its opening to the public marks a change in the management of this asset.
This is the visit to La Mareta
Visits will be conducted in small groups of 15 people, with a tour lasting approximately one hour. Access will be granted to the main building, the bungalows, and the gardens, which include two swimming pools, a helipad, and direct access to the sea.
The entrance fee will be 12 euros for adults and 6 euros for children and residents of Lanzarote. Reservations can be made through the Teguise Town Hall website starting June 1. Capacity is limited, so it is recommended to book in advance.
For architecture and history enthusiasts, it is a unique opportunity to see a space that combines Manrique's style with the functionality of a royal residence. And for the island's residents, it means reclaiming a piece of their heritage that has so far been off-limits.
La Mareta is not Marivent: there are no grand halls or extravagance. Its charm lies in its simplicity and integration with the landscape. Those who visit will take away a very different image from what they expect of a royal palace. Perhaps that is why, and because it is in Lanzarote, it is worth the getaway.
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