Royal Residence of La Mareta, Royal palace in Costa Teguise, Lanzarote, Spain
The Royal Residence of La Mareta stands near the coast with white walls and large windows, designed by architect César Manrique to blend with the surrounding landscape. The rooms open onto terraces that look toward the sea and the volcanic hills of the island.
King Hussein of Jordan commissioned the construction of this residence in the late 1970s before transferring ownership to King Juan Carlos I in 1989. The transfer turned the property into an official retreat for Spanish prime ministers and their guests.
The building opened to visitors for the first time in November 2018 during the celebrations for the 600th anniversary of Teguise. This moment allowed the public to see how architecture and volcanic landscape work together.
The property serves as an official vacation residence for Spanish prime ministers and receives international dignitaries throughout the year. Public visits happen only on special occasions, so it is worth checking ahead for openings.
The palace takes its name from an ancient cistern that collected rainwater and served as a drinking spot for animals in the area. This water source remained a reference point in the dry landscape of the island for generations.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
