Lagomar Museum: Omar Sharif’s House in Lanzarote

The Lagomar Museum is a house-museum excavated in the volcanic slope of Nazaret (Teguise, Lanzarote), with passages, terraces and rooms that merge with the rock. It is not a “museum” in the usual sense, but a house-work that can be visited on foot, going up and down stairs and discovering nooks and crannies.

What surprised me was to discover that the house is embedded in the mountain and linked to the inspiration of César Manrique and the work of Jesús Soto: it is a place to walk around leisurely and look around calmly.

The House of Omar Sharif: History and Myth

Legend has it that the actor fell in love with the place and lost it in a game of bridge. Beyond the story, what is memorable is the integration with the landscape: caves, passages, skylights and terraces overlooking Nazareth.

Did he really live here? Bridge chronology and myth

The myth is part of the charm; take it as the tourist folklore that accompanies a unique house. The visit is equally enjoyable if you focus on the spatial experience and the construction details.

Manrique & Jesús Soto: inspiration and work

The Lanzarote “school” is recognisable in the curves, the sheltered courtyards, the water as a common thread and a white that dialogues with the lava. This aesthetic coherence is what makes Lagomar “breathe island” in every room.

Architecture and a tour of the Lagomar museum: rooms, caves and viewpoints

• What to see: excavated courtyards, stairways connecting levels, water tunnel and viewpoints. Practical advice, when you go visit floor by floor and check for overlooked niches.
• Photo points: arches with backlighting, stone textures + white + sky. If you go early in the morning you have better light and less people.

Suggested circuit (gardens → water tunnel → upper rooms → terrace)

When I go I usually start with the entrance gardens, then the tunnel, go up to the upper rooms and usually finish on the terrace for an overview.

Mental map of the space (orients you on arrival)

• Level 0: access, gardens, first galleries.
• Level 1-2: excavated rooms, light courtyards, belvederes.
• Return points: side stairways leading back to the main circuit.
• Exit: terrace/bar area and passage to the shop.

Accessibility and pace of visit

There are slopes, flights of steps and narrow passages. When I went with my partner and friends, 1.5-2 h were enough for us counting photos and breaks. Comfortable shoes are essential. If you are travelling with children or pushchairs, consider doing the circuit in parts.

Lagomar Museum tickets and prices

Guidance based on experience and reviews; confirm at ticket office or website before you go.

Where to buy tickets and last admission

Buy at the ticket office; on busy days, go early. Check the last admission: the visit is worth the margin to enjoy corners and photos.

Returns and exchanges

Policy may vary. Keep your voucher and check conditions if you are a resident or apply for reduced rates.

Time and best time to go

Hours subject to change; check on day of visit.

A good advice I can give you is to go in the morning and leave the terrace for the end.

How to get there and where to park (Nazaret, Calle Los Loros)

Parking

Parking is available in the area, but avoid rush hour to avoid wandering around Nazareth.

Lagomar Cave: excavated spaces and water tunnels

The nickname “Cueva Lagomar” comes from its cavities carved into the volcanic slope, the passages and the iconic water tunnel that vertebrates part of the complex.

Here the light enters through skylights and courtyards, drawing moving shadows throughout the day; that is why each turn offers a different framing between rock, white and sky. In my case, this section was the one that most invited me to slow down and look at details: stone textures, reclaimed wood and small niches.

Services: Lagomar bar, shop and restaurant.

Inside there is a shop, bar and Lagomar restaurant, popular for dinners and drinks on the terrace. On my visits, I usually drop in for a beer in the café and a stop in the shop. If you plan to dine, make a reservation and confirm the timetable (it can vary, and some nights there is music or events).

Standards and good practice

• Respect the direction of travel when indicated.
• Avoid touching porous surfaces (stone and stucco).
• Do not leave litter; there are litter bins in the exit area.
• If you go with a tripod or want a photo session, ask for permission.

Photography tips (extra level)

• Early morning: soft light, unburnt white walls and bluer skies.
• Sunset: long shadows, contrasts and warm lights on rock.
• Framing: arcs and curved lines to guide the eye; reflections in sheets of water.
• Colours: clothes in earth tones or blues contrast well with white and lava.

Who is it worth it for? Manage expectations

If you are enthusiastic about organic architecture, art and photography, Lagomar is a must-see. If you’re looking for a classic museum of collections, it may not be your plan. What I learned is that the experience depends on what you are looking for and how you go about it.

What to combine on the same day (route ideas)

• Morning: Lagomar Museum + walk through Teguise (historic centre).
• Afternoon: nearby beach (Costa Teguise/Arrecife) or mirador del Río.
• Evening: LagOmar terrace (if operational) or dinner in the area.
• If you like the architecture-landscape contrast, go down to Los Hervideros in Yaiza and its lively volcanic coast.

Final tips and quick checklist

• 1.5-2 h to walk and photograph.
• Arrive early (soft light + less people).
• Comfortable footwear (stairs/levels).
• Confirm timetable and last admission.
• Ask resident price before paying.
• Book restaurant if you want dinner/terrace.
• Water, hat and sunscreen: inside the island = more sun.

Some questions to ask yourself if you want to visit the museum of Nazarete