The modern tourist centre "El Mirador del Río" (The Strait Lookout) is located near the summit of the rock massif "La Batería del Río", at 475 metres above sea level. Constructed in 1974, it is an authentic work of art of the most functional ecological architecture, due to its perfect integration into the surrounding landscape. On the same rock massif that previously was called "Atalaya Grande", in former times a sentry would stand guard to watch out for furtive landings.

The panoramic windows in its interior as well as the exterior balustrade situated on the edge of the precipice, offer one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the island, e.g. the most fascinating motives of the geographical units of the natural park "Los Islotes" or the rocky reef "El Risco de Famara".

The first to catch the eye is the "Risco de Famara", an imposing rocky reef with an average height of 480 metres, stretching along the coast for more than 15 kilometres. It constitutes one of the most important floral enclaves of the Canarian Archipelago. Not only the major part of the endemic plants of Lanzarote are to be found here, numbering about twenty species, but also a variety of those common to the other islands.

Down at the bottom of the precipice with its bizarre erosions formed throughout the centuries, there are the ancient salt works. The curious red colour of some of their segments is produced by the tiny crustacean artemia salina that proliferates in their waters.

Right in front is the enchanting islet of La Graciosa, separated from Lanzarote by "El Río", a strait that at its narrowest passage is 1 kilometre wide.

La Graciosa is part of the so-called Minor Archipelago and with its 27 square kilometres the largest and only inhabited one. Its population of just over 500 is concentrated at the small port of "Caleta del Sebo" and mainly lives on fishing.

Just behind La Graciosa, the islet of Montaña Clara is visible, the top of a volcano emerging from the sea that is only one square kilometre in size.

Much further away on the horizon, we can glimpse the rocky islet of Alegranza, the outermost northern point of the Canary Islands. It is of about 10 square kilometres in size and equipped with a most important beacon that was installed in 1865.

Both Alegranza and Montana Clara are important nesting sites for sea birds and their waters are abundant in marine life of the most varied species.

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