During a family holiday at Sands Beach Resort hotel, you may like to check out history and art at the same time in the capital city of Arrecife. This city was at the forefront of repelling pirates that tried to plunder the island, and has several battlements for protection.

The Castillo de San Jose, at Puerto Naos, was one such stronghold, but now it has a new purpose, attracting tourists each day from 11am until 9pm, to see the history and relax in it’s restaurant and it is also the home of the MIAC, the International Museum of Contemporary Art. This years big art competition has taken on a green theme with discarded items being used to create renewable art.

From March 31 to May 26, the day of the judging, the 20 finalists will work on their entries in the hope of catching the international judges eyes and winning a prize. The winner will pocket 4,000 euros, second will get 2,500 euros and the third 1,000 euros.

The MIAC was set up in 1974 by Cesar Manrique, the artist, sculptor and designer who  guided the development of modern Lanzarote and after his death in 1992, his foundation carried on his good work, ensuring that the island grows in a sensitive and sustainable manner.