best places to visit in lanzarote

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The 13 best things to do in Lanzarote

Looking to explore this wild wonderland in the Canary Islands? Enjoy the best things to do in luscious Lanzarote

There is much more to Lanzarote than Brits abroad and English breakfasts. Sure, you’ll find plenty of both, but if you can manage to swerve overdeveloped areas like Playa del Carmen and Costa Teguise you’ll find a wild wonderland waiting to be explored and adored.

This beautiful Canary Island is actually filled with palm-filled towns, gorgeous beaches and delicious fresh fish. Lanzarote is often a love letter to the heart and soul of influential artist César Manrique, with many stunning homes and attractions related to the great man. The best things to do in Lanzarote might surprise you.

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Gemma Bowes is a travel writer with expertise in Lanzarote . At Time Out, all of our  travel guides  are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our  editorial guidelines . 

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Lanzarote things to do

1.  Timanfaya National Park

What is it?  Volcanoes! But don’t worry, you won’t have to flee from bubbling lava. The dormant volcanoes haven’t erupted since 1824. Massive eruptions from more than 100 of them, between 1730-36, created the vast basalt landscape that covers around a quarter of the island. It’s now, largely, a national park. 

Why go?  This spectacular moonscape is too dangerous to explore on foot, but a coach tour gives an exciting overview of the sea of lava with 25 craters. At the Montanas del Fuego centre, you can watch guides drop straw into a hole, where it bursts into flame. Dishes are cooked using geothermal heat at the El Diablo restaurant. An alternative, quirky way to explore is in an open-sided electric Twizy car.

2.  César Manrique Foundation: Taro de Tahiche

What is it?  Manrique’s to-die-for home/studio in Las Palmas is built into an old lava flow, with five underground cavern rooms in natural volcanic bubbles, interconnected with tunnels.

Why go?  Unless you’re a millionaire rock star, the Tahíche is  probably the coolest home you’ll ever step foot in, a blend of volcanic rock, clever architecture and art. Curvy swimming pools set into white terraces surrounded by palms and stunning mid-century furniture are offset by the bubbly black rock walls.

3.  Museo Atlántico

What is it?  Europe’s first underwater sculpture museum, in the sea near Marina Rubicon, features cement figures and sculptures by artist Jason deCaires Taylor, which are slowly being colonised by marine life.

Why go?  Lanzarote is famous for  scuba diving , but drifting through thought-provoking sculptures 12-metres down is a whole different experience. When you visit Museo Atlántico , look out for the Raft of Lampedusa, showing a dingy full of refugees.

4.  Natural swimming pools

What is it?  Outdoor sea swimming pools can be found around Lanzarote’s southern and eastern coasts, most natural formations in the rocks, with only steps and ladders added. Others are more built structures but with an opening to the sea.

Why go?  A calmer place to swim than out in the sea proper but wilder than a chlorinated pool, these seaside lidos are often deserted. Do some laps in Los Charcones near Playa Blanca, and Punta Mujeres in the north.

5.  Famara surfing

What is it?  Surfers worldwide are drawn to Famara’s epic beach and reef breaks, but its five-kilometre swathe of sand is a joy even for those who don’t like checking into the green room. The cool little town behind it is full of colourful surf cafes, bars and hostels.

Why go?  Paddle, run its length, or build a sandcastle, then duck into Restaurant El Risco for a delicious fish lunch. Or book a two-day surf course.

6.  Jameos del Agua caves

What is it?  Lanzarote’s most famous artist, César Manrique, gave the island a funkadelic aesthetic, of which this sexy underground location is the crowning glory. The Jameos del Agua caves  are home to a restaurant, curvy pool, and auditorium with bar seats built into the rocks and ferns cascading from the walls. 

Why go?  Imagine a fantasy party hosted by James Bond, Barbarella and Twiggy in the sixties – this would be the venue, and it will blow your mind. After dark, there are live music and gastronomy events.

7.  Haría

What is it? The drive up to the hilltop village of Haría might be a bit white-knuckle, but the reward is a super-chilled atmospheric enclave of whitewashed villas, towering palms and tropical plants that feels like some lost Arabic paradise.

Why go? The exotic vibe here is a world away from the tacky resorts in the south. Visit Haría 's Casa de César Manrique, one of the artist’s more homely abodes, in a palm grove. Here you’ll find an enviable haul of bubble chairs, zany textiles and art, plus unfinished work left as it was in his old studio.

8.  Teguise

What is it?  Found in 1402, Teguise is the oldest settlement in the Canaries and was Lanzarote’s capital for 450 years, thanks to its elevated position. It’s full of attractive white buildings, squares and palm trees, with a great Sunday market (top buys: local cheese and leather bags).

Why go?  It’s a charming place for pottering between craft shops and bars. Nearby in Nazaret, you’ll find LagOmar, another Manrique creation. Explore this home built from lava and caves and furnished with bits from shipwrecks, and then pop into the stylish museum restaurant.

9.  Arrieta

What is it?  A small village in the northeast of the island. You’ll find unspoilt white beach Playa de La Garita and a harbour where fishing boats bob. There are lovely places to eat a simple, relaxed lunch.

Why go?  A surprisingly good place to eat is  Marisqueria El Charcon , where the harbour juts out into the sea, and there are steps to the water that people fish from. It looks like a bog-standard cheap and cheery caff, with plastic chairs, but does plates of fresh fish and chips that will just make you happy.

10.  Jardín de Cactus

What is it?  A lovely garden full of cacti of every size, shape and variety, laid out like an amphitheatre in an old quarry. Mr Manrique is to thank once again for this ultra-Instagrammable attraction.

Why go? Jardín de Cactus  might just be  the coolest, spikiest place on earth, with 4,500 specimens of 450 species thriving in a sun-trap of a dip in the arid landscape. The stylish café/bar sells fresh juices and green-tinged cactus burgers made from prickly pear cactus and potato.

11.  El Golfo

What is it?  Where powerful Atlantic breakers pound the western volcanic coast, several paper tablecloth cafés, such as Restaurant Costa Azul, offer ringside seats. Feel the sea spray on your cheeks while devouring fresh fish with Canarian potatoes.

Why go?  It’s invigorating to watch the drama of waves smashing onto the black rocks a few feet away and seabirds soaring above. Prepare to scream when a big wave hits. The jagged rocks at Los Hervideros nearby provide good photo ops.

12.  Marina Rubicon

What is it?  This busy marina full of yachts and seafront cafes on the edge of the southern town of Puerto del Carmen is hugely popular with tourists and worth a trip for duty-free shopping.

Why go? The Marina  may verge on being a tad tacky, despite the upmarket stores, but it’s good fun if you need a retail hit but don’t fancy hitting the big city of Arrecife. Stores behind the seafront sell designer clothing, from the likes of Tommy Hilfiger and Lacoste, for bargain prices.

13.  Playa de Papagao

What is it?  A beach beauty. In fact, seven. A series of pale yellow stretches on a headland in the far south, separated by lava rock. They’re sheltered, with no scary undertows or currents.

Why go?  While other beaches on the island are interesting in their way – Playa del Charco de los Clicos for its black sand, red cliffs and a green lagoon, Playa Chica for its thriving seabeds – this is the go-to spot for soft sand and safe, easy swimming.

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30 amazing things to do in Lanzarote

The volcanic landscape of Lanzarote scattered with whitewashed villages has an austere quality, with spiky cactus and exotic palms, softened by a fringe of golden beaches. Situated just off the coast of Africa, the climate of the Canary Islands is balmy year round, making this a favourite winter sun destination. But look beyond the popular holiday resorts and you’ll find plenty of things to do in Lanzarote, from vineyards and volcano tours to the many cultural attractions designed by artist Cesar Manrique.

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Table of Contents

My top 5 things to do in Lanzarote

With so many amazing places to visit in Lanzarote (read on for over 30 that I recommend!), you may not have time to see them all, even on the typical 7-10 day break. So for those short of time I’ve listed my top 5 things to do first, to get you started. We stayed at the centrally located  Finca Malvasia on this leg of the trip.

• Timanfaya National Park or the surrounding Parque Natural de los Volcanes – to discover the unique volcanic landscapes of Lanzarote.
• Take a wine tour and go bodega hopping in the La Geria wine region – to taste the quality white wines and see how the vineyards thrive, despite the lack of water.
• Visit Playa Papagayo and the string of rocky coves nearby – beautiful and undeveloped, they sit within a protected reserve, for sheltered swimming on the warm south coast of Lanzarote.
• Visit Jameos del Agua , created by celebrated local artist Cesar Manrique – it’s a volcanic cave, turquoise lagoon, restaurant and events space all in one. If you can’t make it, try and visit at least one of the Cesar Manrique sites scattered around Lanzarote.
• Take a day trip to La Graciosa – the smaller island to the north of Lanzarote which is just half an hour by ferry and great for cycling and swimming.

1. Timanfaya National Park

The austere landscape of Lanzarote is shaped by the volcanic eruptions of the past, notably those from 1730-1736. During these six years a third of the island was covered with lava flow and ash. The Timanfaya National Park was created in 1974, taking a slice out of the surreal moonscape left by the cooling lava and it’s one of the most popular things to see in Lanzarote.

There are several different things to do within the park, which is accessed from the road between Mancha Blanca and Yaiza. Since the different attractions are spread along the road, you’ll ideally need to visit the Timanfaya National Park by car or take a guided tour .

Discover why Lanzarote is a top winter sun destination in Europe

What to see in Timanfaya National Park

Timanfaya National Park tickets are available at the booth for the Montañas del Fuego or Fire mountains, allowing you to drive up the access road to the car park. Leaving your car here, the ticket includes a 30 minute coach tour on the Ruta de los Volcanes that winds through the park to view the charcoal and ochre moonscape.

At the end of the tour the guides create a water geyser and demonstrate the geothermal heat of the active volcano. You can also access the adjoining El Diablo restaurant designed by Cesar Manrique where chicken and steaks are roasted over an open barbeque, heated by underground volcanic activity.

A little further along the main road towards Mancha Blanca is the Timanfaya visitor centre. It’s free to visit and has a viewing platform over the volcanic lava fields, as well as interesting displays to explain the volcanic activity.

Also just off the road in the Yaiza direction is the Echadero de Camellos or camel station. Here you can take a ride in the camel train and visit the small museum to learn how camels were used in the past to work the land. The cost is €12 per camel for 2 people for a 20 minute ride.

Visitors on a budget can drive along the Mancha Blanca to Yaiza road through the park and look around the visitor centre for free. If you don’t want to pay for the Montañas del Fuego tour, an alternative is to drive to the parking spots in the nearby Parque Natural de los Volcanes , where there are interpretation boards and walking trails to some of the volcanoes.

To learn more about the park and activities available, read my article: Timanfaya National Park and the volcanoes of Lanzarote

2. Parque Natural de los Volcanes

Much of the volcanic landscape outside the Timanfaya Park is included in the Parque Natural de los Volcanes . There are parking areas with information boards and walking trails to a number of the volcanoes.

A great way to learn more about the geology, flora and fauna of this area is with an expert guide, on the 3 volcanoes tour we took with Eco-insider . If you prefer to visit independently, the following volcanoes have parking areas and walking trails around them.

Walking trails in the Parque Natural de los Volcanes

• Caldera Blanca / Montana Blanca – Head west from Mancha Blanca to find the car park at the start of this walking trail. This round trip takes a few hours, through the badlands or malpais , as the lava fields are known. Passing the smaller Caldereta, you’ll reach Caldera Blanca for an easy climb to the top of the crater and walk around the rim with views towards the coast. If you don’t have time for the long walk, the 3 volcanoes tour with Eco-insider will take you directly to the base by land rover.
• Montana Colorada / Caldera Colorada – an easy trail from a parking area runs around the volcanic cone, although you are not allowed to climb it. Beside the trail is a huge volcanic bomb which is thought to have been deposited by the lava flow in the 1730s eruptions.

• Caldera de los Cuervos / Volcán el Cuervo – From the parking area a well marked trail leads towards the crater and runs right inside, then around the crater to take you back to the car park.
• Montaña Los Rodeos – This 4 hour walk takes you along a straight dirt track to a high volcanic cone, with a trail that runs up to the peak, for views over the surrounding area. There is a parking area just south of La Mancha.

Read my article about our walking tour in the Parque Natural de los Volcanes and our 3 volcanoes tour with Eco-insider .

3. Lanzarote wines in the La Geria region

The La Geria region of Lanzarote is where you’ll find the vineyards and wineries, to learn about the island’s unique style of viniculture and taste the high quality wines. While the sweet Malmsey wine of the Canary Islands was praised by Shakespeare, most of the Lanzarote vineyards were planted after the 1730 eruptions, which covered the fertile farmlands with volcanic ash. Finca Malvasia Vineyard , where we stayed, is set in a working vineyard in the heart of this region.

The vineyards have a stark appearance, with vines planted individually in hollows, then covered in a mulch of grey picon gravel. With very low rainfall, the vineyards receive moisture from the northern trade winds and the dew that is channelled to the base of the vine. Low semi-circular stone walls known as zocos protect the vines and help to create a sheltered microclimate.

Making a bodega hopping wine tour is a fun thing to do in Lanzarote, either with a company like Wine Tours Lanzarote or on your own by driving around the different wineries. The main grape variety of Malvasia Volcanica makes a light, fresh white wine, but you can also look out for varieties such as Diego, Listan Negro and the Moscatel used to make sweet, perfumed dessert wines.

Check out my 7-day itinerary for hiking in La Gomera in the Canary Islands

Looking for a place to stay in Lanzarote? We can recommend the boutique vineyard accommodation at Finca Malvasia – read my review

Wineries to visit in Lanzarote

It’s easy to spot the wineries on the road between Monumento al Campesino and Uga, and they all offer wine tastings either as a small taste to try before you buy, or sold by the glass from their bar or restaurant. Larger wineries such as El Grifo or Bodegas Rubicon offer a wide range of wines and additional things to see like a wine museum or restaurant.

It’s also fun to explore down the side roads to find smaller boutique wineries like the El Tablero winery that sells direct to the public or the Vega Volcan smallholding that we discovered on our tour with Wine Tours Lanzarote. If you like hiking, you may enjoy this La Geria vineyards hiking tour which includes a wine tasting.

You can read more about Lanzarote wine in my article about our tour of the vineyards and wineries

4. Lanzarote beaches – Playa de Papagayo

Some of the most beautiful beaches in Lanzarote are around Playa de Papagayo to the south of the island, which provides an unspoiled alternative to the busy holiday resorts. This string of coves can either be accessed from the large car park at Playa Papagayo or by turning off on side tracks that lead to other beaches such as Playa Mujeres and Playa Caleta del Congrio.

The beaches are within the Los Ajaches reserve so there’s no development here. You’ll need to pay a small charge of €3 to take your car into the reserve, payable at a booth on the entry road. Expect scenic views from the cliff tops, sandy beaches and crystal clear water for swimming, making these beaches a great place to relax for a few hours.

The two beach restaurants get very busy, so bring your own picnic and water if you plan to spend the day here. These beaches are also visited by yachts and boat tours from Puerto del Carmen, so this is another way to enjoy their beauty for a day of sailing and swimming .

5. Jameos del Agua caves

The Jameos del Agua caves are one of the popular Lanzarote attractions designed by Lanzarote’s most famous artist, Cesar Manrique. Entering through a system of lava tubes, you pass a dark and mysterious underground lake, populated by tiny white albino crabs, sitting like tiny stars on the bottom.

The path leads you up into the sunlight, to a turquoise lagoon surrounded by palm trees and protected by walls of volcanic stone. There’s a 60s vibe and you half expect to spot Roger Moore or Sean Connery surrounded by a bevy of bikini clad Bond girls.

At one end of the lake is an underground auditorium used for concerts, created in another of the lava tubes. Scattered about the site are several cafes and the restaurant offers special evening events with live music. Jameos del Agua is my top tip for instagrammers – it’s incredibly photogenic even though it was created long before Instagram was invented!

This full day tour of Lanzarote includes Jameos del Agua as well as several other places around the island.

Looking for a place to stay in Lanzarote? We can recommend the eco-village at Finca de Arrieta – read my review

6. A day trip to La Graciosa

Take a day trip to the island of La Graciosa, just north of Lanzarote, for a relaxing day of cycling and swimming. The ferry ( book tickets in advance here ) takes just 30 minutes from Orzola and is part of the fun of the trip, as you spot seabirds and look up at the looming Famara cliffs topped by the Mirador del Rio. With only a few dirt tracks that criss-cross the island and one main town of Caleta del Sebo, a trip to this unspoiled island is like stepping back in time.

Read my article from our visit: Visit La Graciosa from Lanzarote: a day trip of cycling and swimming

One of the fun things to do in La Graciosa is to rent bikes and cycle through the volcanic landscape to discover golden beaches such as Playa de las Conchas and Playa de la Francesca. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants in Caleta del Sebo where you can eat delicious seafood and admire the views of the ocean and the fishing boats in the harbour. If you love sailing and swimming there are also plenty of sailing trips that will take you to La Graciosa for the day .

If you prefer, you can also walk the trails to reach the far side of the island or skirt along the south coast for sheltered beaches and swimming. La Graciosa is part of the UNESCO Biosphere reserve made up of the five Chinijo islands and it’s a glorious place to spend a day when the sun is shining .

South Coast – Things to do in Lanzarote

Having covered my top 5 things to do in Lanzarote, let’s take a tour around the rest of the island. We’ll start with the warm and sheltered south coast, home to numerous sandy beaches and the most popular holiday resorts.

7. Puerto del Carmen

Puerto del Carmen is the largest and busiest of the Lanzarote holiday resorts, with sandy beaches and plenty of bars and restaurants. This is where many expats have holiday homes and where you’ll get the typical package holiday experience of sun, sea and relaxation.

As holiday accommodation is plentiful, Puerto del Carmen is where you are most likely to find a bargain holiday if you are on a budget. Although the resort is a bit busy for my tastes as a place to stay, I enjoyed a wander round and here’s what I’d recommend if you are just visiting;

Explore my La Gomera travel guide – transport, accommodation and things to do

Top things to do in Puerto del Carmen

• Take a stroll from the old town harbour along the boardwalk overlooking the marina.
• If you have time, continue on the coastal walk following the cliffs to Puerto Calero.
• There’s a water bus from the old town harbour of Puerto del Carmen to Puerto Calero with Lineas Romero so you can walk one way and take the water bus on the return.

• In the opposite direction you can relax or swim from the beaches of Playa Chica and the long stretch of golden sand at Playa Blanca.
• Diving schools operate from Playa Chica, which is a small beach bounded by rocks, so it’s a good place for beginners to learn to dive .
• There are plenty of bars, restaurants and coffee shops on the strip that backs Playa Blanca as well as in other parts of the resort.

8. Puerto Calero

A little further along the coast from Puerto del Carmen is Puerto Calero, which is not so much a beach resort as a marina that’s oozing with style and money. There is some holiday accommodation but it’s mostly private apartments and villas rather than hotels , and the whole place is a lot smaller than Puerto del Carmen.

I popped in here for a walk around and thought it was a great place to stop for lunch or dinner at one of the restaurants around the marina. Sadly there’s no beach for swimming, but Puerto Calero will appeal to anyone who enjoys sailing and watching the yachts in the harbour. If you have a taste for designer shopping there’s also a small arcade of upscale clothes shops, with a few more gift stores set back from the marina.

This is also the base for sailing trips along the coast, or you can take the water bus to and from Puerto del Carmen as an alternative to the coastal path.

9. Arrecife – capital of Lanzarote

As the capital of Lanzarote since the 19th century, Arrecife has more of a working town feel than a holiday vibe. It’s the administrative and commercial centre of the island, with the bustle of locals going about their business. To get a feel for local life I’d recommend spending a few hours here, to wander around the old quarter and see some of the cultural attractions. Here are my top picks for things to do in Arrecife.

• We started with a wander around the Charco San Gines , an enclosed lagoon full of small fishing boats and leisure crafts that’s lined with cafes and restaurants.
• Our walk continued through the streets of the old quarter, past the old church of San Gines in a pretty square and the enclosed market or Ayuntamiento de Arrecife .
• On one of the main pedestrian streets leading to the seafront we stopped at La Casa Amarilla , which was originally the government headquarters. The elegant old building is now used as a cultural centre with changing exhibitions about life on Lanzarote.
• Reaching the seafront, we crossed the old stone bridge to visit the Castillo de San Gabriel , a small fortress that has been made into a museum about the history of Arrecife.
• Nearby on the seafront is the Casa de la Cultura , an art museum which has some original murals and artworks by local artist Cesar Manrique.
• Further along the seafront is the UNED library belonging to the university which has some original Cesar Manrique murals. It’s not generally open to the public but if things are quiet they may let you in to take a look.

Castillo de San José in Lanzarote

On the outskirts of Arrecife we visited Castillo de San José , a stone fortress guarding the harbour that was built in the 18th century. It now houses the International Contemporary Art Museum which was founded by Cesar Manrique, opening in 1976 to house a collection of contemporary art with leading local artists, including a few of Manrique’s own paintings.

South-West coast – things to do in Lanzarote

The south west coast of Lanzarote is the most sheltered part of the island, home to the glorious beaches around Playa Papagayo that I’ve already mentioned in my top 5 things to do. The main holiday resort here is Playa Blanca, with the swanky Marina Rubicon and from here the road skirts north along the coast with several interesting places to stop.

10. Marina Rubicon

The resort of Playa Blanca is full of holiday apartments and hotels with some pleasant beaches and a strip of shops and restaurants. On the edge of the resort Marina Rubicon is worth a stop, if you enjoy looking at at beautiful yachts and hanging out with the sailing community.

Like many marinas this tends to be a magnet for the stylish crowd, with bars, restaurants and upmarket shopping clustered around the harbour. There’s also an artisan market held at Marina Rubicon on Wednesday and Saturday with a range of local crafts and produce.

11. Lanzarote Underwater Museum

Just off the coast from Marina Rubicon is the Lanzarote underwater museum , also known as Museo Atlántico which is an underwater sculpture park. Divers will enjoy swimming around the cement figures which are 12 metres deep, created by artist Jason deCaires Taylor.

Dive tours are arranged from Playa Blanca and even if you don’t have a licence, you can take the beginner’s diving package which involves some basic training and then a dive with an instructor. Museo Atlántico has ten different groups of underwater figures which form a natural reef including the famous Raft of Lampedusa, a reference to the refugee crisis in Europe.

12. Las Salinas de Janubio

Follow the road north from Playa Blanca (along smaller LZ-701 road that runs parallel to the newer LZ-2) and you’ll arrive at Las Salinas de Janubio. This patchwork of salt flats makes a pretty photo at sunset and the Mirador de las Salinas restaurant is a good place to stop for lunch with a view.

In the past much of the coastline was covered with salt pans, to harvest sea salt that was used to preserve food in the days before refrigeration. Tours are also available of the salt pans run by the  Salinas de Janubio  on weekdays – check the website for times.

If you continue your drive around the coast, there’s a car park on the headland with access to the black volcanic sand beach of Playa de Janubio.

13. Los Hervideros

Continuing on the coast road brings you to Los Hervideros where the waves crash against the cliffs and bubble up through blowholes and lava tunnels. The name Los Hervideros literally means “boiling pots”, since the sea here washes in and out of the caves, churning and throwing up spray.

Follow the path from the car park to find balconies and viewpoints where you can feel the power of the Atlantic waves and look down into the blowholes and foaming water.

14. Charco de los clicos

Nearby, on the southern edge of the village of El Golfo is the curious green lagoon known as Charco de los Clicos, glowing in the sun like an emerald against the black sand. You can reach it easily in a short walk from the carpark to a viewpoint where you can look down on this green lagoon or “Lago Verde” and the black sand beach.

The green colour comes from the algae that live in the water and this area is protected as a nature reserve, with no swimming in the lagoon allowed. A path also leads down to the black sand beach where blue fishing boats are left on the shore, making a pretty picture. If you don’t have a car, this full day tour of Lanzarote includes a stop at Lago Verde and El Golfo.

15. El Golfo

After visiting Lago Verde, walk into the village of El Golfo, a quiet fishing village with white houses, that’s known for its seafood restaurants. I can recommend settling down for lunch on one of the restaurant terraces, with a view of the Atlantic waves breaking against the jagged black rocks.

From the car park at the furthest end of the village is a coastal path from El Golfo to Playa El Paso, which runs along the rugged coast on the edge of the Timanfaya lava field.

Central region – things to do in Lanzarote

The central part of Lanzarote was once fertile farmland, although much of it was covered by the lava flow and ash from volcanic eruptions in the 1730s. I’ve already mentioned the Timanfaya National Park and the La Geria wine region in my list of the top 5 things to do in Lanzarote but there are several other places that are well worth a stop.

Where to stay in Lanzarote

We stayed in the centre of Lanzarote at Finca Malvasia – boutique rural accommodation in the heart of the La Geria wine region, set among a working vineyard. The stylish cottages converted from the old winery are furnished in contemporary style, around a turquoise Cesar Manrique style swimming pool. Read my review of Finca Malvasia here .

In the north of Lanzarote we stayed at the delightful Finca de Arrieta with Lanzarote Retreats – a small eco-village on the northern coast at Arrieta which has a number of different villas, stone lodges and yurts with a relaxed and friendly vibe, that are ideal for independent travellers. Read my review of Finca de Arrieta here .

For more places to stay check out these Lanzarote hotels .

16. Museo-Casa del Campesino

The  Museo – Casa del Campesino is one of the sustainable tourism initiatives founded by artist Cesar Manrique and is dedicated to the farmers and artisans of Lanzarote. The traditional finca or farmstead hosts craft shops and workshops set around the courtyard, with an excellent restaurant serving local dishes.

I tried my hand at painting with the red dye from cochineal beetles that feed off the local cactus. Other workshops include making the Mojo Canarian sauce, plaiting palm leaves to make hats and baskets, and baking with the gofio cornmeal.

Monumento a la Fecundidad

Next to the Campesino is the Monumento a la Fecundidad (Monument to Fertility) designed by Cesar Manrique as a tribute to the farming communities of Lanzarote. The abstract sculpture made of old water tanks is reminiscent of an ear of corn, a camel or a goat depending on which way you look at it. If you’d like to discover more, you can take this Cesar Manrique full day tour which includes this and many other attractions designed by the artist.

17. Lagomar

LagOmar is a unique house and visitor attraction in Lanzarote that once belonged to 70s heart-throb Omar Sharif, who bought it after filming on the island. The property was the design of artist Jesús Soto, but Omar Sharif barely lived here, since the story goes that he lost it in a game of bridge and never returned to Lanzarote.

Built into the hillside, with not a straight line in sight, the property is full of hidden chambers and vistas over the turquoise pools and sheltered gardens. After falling into disrepair, LagOmar was redeveloped by new architect owners in the 1980s to create an artistic and cultural centre. This is a place where you’ll want to photograph every beautiful nook and cranny and we can also recommend the cafe and restaurant overlooking the lagoon pool.

18. Cesar Manrique Foundation at Tahiche

The Volcano House near Tahiche was the home of artist Cesar Manrique for 20 years from 1968 to 1988 and is now headquarters of the Cesar Manrique Foundation that maintains his artistic legacy. Although it was closed when we visited, it’s well worth a visit to see the place that Cesar Manrique himself designed, built into a series of lava bubbles left from the volcanic eruptions.

The lower floors enclosed by volcanic rock, house a characteristic turquoise lagoon pool and built in seating areas with sculptural plants and vegetation. The upper floors are spacious, light and bright, while the artists’ former studio is now used as an exhibition space.

Cesar Manrique later moved to a quieter home at The Palm House in Haria (also run by the Cesar Manrique Foundation) and used the Volcano House as his headquarters and exhibition space, until he sadly died in a car crash in 1992.

If you’d like to discover more, you can take this Cesar Manrique full day tour which includes this and many other attractions designed by the artist.

19. Teguise

Teguise is the former capital of Lanzarote which was founded in 1402 and definitely on my list of top places to go in Lanzarote. The old town area is mostly pedestrianised, so you can wander among the pretty whitewashed buildings and traditionally built houses, now converted into restaurants or gift shops. My top things to do in Teguise include:

Best things to do in Teguise

• Visit the Teguise market that takes place on Sundays in the morning until around 2pm for artisan crafts and traditional produce. On market day the town is lively but it’s quieter at other times and many shops are closed on Mondays.
• Wander around the gift and artisan shops – this is the place to find a great selection of stylish items and traditional crafts.
• Have a drink or lunch in one of the pavement cafes in the old town and watch the world go by – we can recommend Cantina Teguise which has a modern take on traditional dishes.
• Visit the Casa Museo Palacio Spinola , a gorgeous old mansion that now houses the Museo del Timple dedicated to Lanzarote’s traditional instrument similar to a small guitar.
• Look around the church of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the central square that built over the giant water cistern that held the town’s water supply.
• For a place to stay in the heart of the old town, take a look at the stylish boutique hotel Palacio Ico with 9 contemporary suites and bedrooms in an historic 17th century mansion.

20. Castillo Santa Barbara and Pirate museum

While you are visiting Teguise, you might want to drive up the hill overlooking the town to the Castillo Santa Barbara , a fortress on the volcanic hill that was started in the 14th century. The Castillo now houses the Museo de la Pirateria which documents the Berber pirate attacks on Teguise during the 16th and 17th century.

Most of the invaders came in search of slaves or those they could kidnap for ransom. The castle and Lanzarote Pirate Museum were closed for renovation at the time of our visit but should be open later in 2021.

North – things to do in Lanzarote

The north of Lanzarote has a wild and rocky character, in contrast with the sheltered and warm south coast. The prevailing winds from the north make the beaches windy and popular for surfing, with dramatic cliffs and a volcanic landscape mixed with fertile hidden valleys like that at Haria.

We stayed in the north of Lanzarote at the delightful Finca de Arrieta with Lanzarote Retreats – a small eco-village on the northern coast at Arrieta which has a number of different villas, stone lodges and yurts with a relaxed and friendly vibe, that are ideal for independent travellers. Read my review of Finca de Arrieta here .

In the centre of Lanzarote we stayed at Finca Malvasia – boutique rural accommodation in the heart of the La Geria wine region, set among a working vineyard. The stylish cottages converted from the old winery are furnished in contemporary style, around a turquoise Cesar Manrique style swimming pool. Read my review of Finca Malvasia here .

• For more places to stay check out these hotels in Lanzarote .

The small town of Haria has a peaceful, rural feel with an Arabic flavour due to the number of palm trees. It’s known as the Valley of 1000 Palms due to the local custom of planting two palm trees on the birth of a boy and one on the birth of a girl. As you approach on the hill road from Teguise you’ll get the most dramatic views of Haria as the road winds steeply down into the valley.

Most people visit on Saturday when the Haria market is in full swing, with artizan craft stalls set out on the main square of Plaza León y Castillo. At other times there isn’t a huge amount to see, other than wander around some of the craft shops or visit the Cesar Manrique House on the edge of town.

22. Cesar Manrique house museum – Haria

The Cesar Manrique house museum at Haria is in a quiet location on the edge of the town and was closed when I visited Lanzarote, but I’d love to go back to see it. After living for 20 years at his house in Tahiche (now the Cesar Manrique Foundation) the artist started work in 1986 on land that he had owned for some years, to renovate and rebuild an old farmhouse.

In this quieter location, set among the palm groves, Cesar Manrique made his home and had his studio until his untimely death in a car crash in 1992. The Palm House at Haria is the most intimate of the Manrique designed properties that are open to the public around Lanzarote, and has been left as if he had just walked out of the door.

The artist’s studio in a separate building has been conserved as it was on the day he died, with canvases and unfinished paintings stacked around the walls and floor and oil paints lying all around.

If you’d like to discover more, you can take this Cesar Manrique full day tour which includes many attractions designed by the artist.

23. Jardin de Cactus

The Jardin de Cactus was one of my favourite places to visit in Lanzarote, with a collection of 4500 cactus and succulents from all over the world. They are contained within a sheltered garden surrounded by the walls of an old quarry. The cactus garden is another creation of Cesar Manrique’s, who spotted the potential of this rofera or volcanic plug, with the photogenic windmill at one end.

We spent a pleasant couple of hours here, basking in the suntrap with the high rocky walls providing shelter from the wind. It’s amazing to see the variety and sculptural quality of the cactus that take many years to grow to such size. In case you don’t have a car, the Cactus garden is included in this full day Cesar Manrique tour .

There’s an excellent cafe with a terrace overlooking the garden, specialising in local dishes from Lanzarote . You might like to sample the cactus burgers made from the fleshy cactus leaves or other dishes made from prickly pear cactus fruit.

24. Cueva de los Verdes

Close to Jameos del Agua, which I’ve already mentioned in my top 5 things to do in Lanzarote, are the Cueva de los Verdes . The “Green Caves” are an underground complex of volcanic lava tubes from the eruption of nearby Volcán de la Corona. They were transformed into a tourist attraction by local artist Jesús Soto, who designed the illuminations with coloured lights and soft, atmospheric music.

Entrance is through a guided tour that takes you through the caves, with some narrow and claustrophobic passages opening up into a series of chambers. Within the final cave is an underground auditorium, which is used regularly for underground concerts. The Green Caves are included in this full day Cesar Manrique tour which covers many of the attractions designed by the artist.

25. Arrieta

We stayed at Arrieta in the north of Lanzarote at the relaxing eco-retreat of Finca de Arrieta , with Lanzarote Retreats ( read my review here). The eco-village is set just outside this laid back coastal village, made up mostly of whitewashed holiday homes and apartments with no hotels.

Even if you’re not staying at Finca de Arrieta, it’s worth a stop at the beach when you’re driving north along the coast road. I can recommend lunch at the Casa de la Playa beach restaurant right on the beach which serves excellent seafood or a drink at the Mojito van on the promenade. Read more about some of the best food in Lanzarote .

Playa de la Garita in Arrieta is a popular beach with surfers who are mesmerising to watch as they hang in the swell, waiting to catch the perfect wave.

Walking through town there’s another small beach with the unusual Casa Azul, which was built by a local man for his daughter so that she could recover from tuberculosis, which is said to be modelled on her doll’s house.

26. Mirador del Rio

Yet another creation of Cesar Manrique, the Mirador del Rio on the northern tip of Lanzarote, is part viewpoint, part visitor centre, part cafe. Sitting 400m high on top of the sheer Famara cliffs, the views are towards the island of La Graciosa and the “Rio” or strait of water that lies between it and Lanzarote.

We visited right at the end of the day, when the light was turning golden and illuminating the flat plain of Isla Graciosa with just a few bumps of the extinct volcanoes. There are several different viewing levels and numerous ‘selfie’ spots, as well as the coffee shop designed by Cesar Manrique with panoramic windows. The Mirador del Rio is included in this full day Cesar Manrique tour which covers many of the places designed by the artist.

Explore the volcanic landscape of Teide National Park in Tenerife

There’s a charge to visit, or you can buy a multi-visit card to include the other attractions run by CACT Lanzarote. If you’re on a budget you can just walk a little way down the road to find other viewpoints on the clifftop.

27. Famara surfing

On the north-west coast of Lanzarote, Famara beach is known for its long stretch of sand backed by dunes, which is a mecca for surfers. The Atlantic surf that pounds this beach makes it an obvious choice for surfing and other sports such as kitesurfing, with numerous surf schools that offer surfing lessons .

There’s a cool, hippy vibe here, with a string of cafes, seafood restaurants and side streets that are covered with sand between the low whitewashed houses facing the ocean. I can recommend the cafe of Las Bajas which had super- friendly staff, where they make the most amazing Venezuelan arepas, a spongy wrap made with corn flour and lots of tasty fillings.

Although I didn’t try out the surfing, I found it very soporific watching the surfers in action from the beach, willing them to stay on their board as they caught each wave.

28. Ermita de las Nieves

At the top of the Famara cliffs, looking down on the beach, is an amazing viewpoint at Ermita Nieves, well worth driving up to for the views. The small chapel, which is closed except for services, was established in the 15th century and is dedicated to the “Virgin of the Snows”.

In front is a large parking area and from here you can walk along the cliff top to look down on the town of Famara. There are numerous rocks and boulders where you can perch for that perfect Instagram image, making you look as if you are on the edge of a sheer drop even though you are a little way from the edge! For walkers there’s a path from here that winds steeply down the cliff and takes you to the beach at Famara.

Around Lanzarote

There are a few other things to do in Lanzarote that I want to recommend that aren’t specific to one part of the island.

29. Local markets in Lanzarote

The local markets in Lanzarote are a fun way to discover the artisan crafts and shop for authentic souvenirs. Look out for the stalls that sell traditional food products such as goats cheese, fig or mulberry jam, local breads and fresh vegetables like the local cherry tomatoes.

Some of the markets focus on fruit and vegetables, ideal if you are self-catering and want to buy locally grown produce. The best known are Haria market on Saturday and Teguise market on Sunday but there are many more. Here’s a list of some of the popular Lanzarote markets:

List of Lanzarote markets

• Teguise market – Sunday 9am – 2pm
• Haria market – Saturday 10am – 2pm Plaza León y Castillo
• Uga market Saturday / Sunday 10am – 2pm
• Puerto del Carmen – Friday 10am – 3pm Plaza del Varadero
• Puerto Calero market – Tuesday and Friday 10am – 2pm Plaza de Las Carpas
• Mancha Blanca market – Sunday 9am – 2pm by Church of Nuestra Señora de Los Dolores
• Playa Blanca market at Marina Rubicon Wednesday and Saturday 9am – 2pm
• Arrecife market – Saturday 9am – 2pm Old Town
• Arrecife market – Wednesday and Thursday 9am 2pm Charco de San Ginés
• Costa Teguise market – Wednesday 6pm – 10pm and Friday 5pm – 10pm Plaza del Pueblo Marinero
• Tahiche market – Thursday 9am – 2pm Plaza del C.S.C. Santiago el Mayor

30. Swim in the natural pools

For lovers of wild swimming, the natural swimming pools in Lanzarote make a fun change from the beaches. They are created on rocky shores where the rock formations have been enclosed and equipped with ladders and steps to make it safer to swim, sheltered from the waves and surf.

We visited the rock pools at Punta Mujeres, just north of Arrieta where we were staying. This small fishing village has a whole series of rock pools on the seafront, which are easy to locate as you walk along the promenade.

The other well known rock pools of Los Charcones are in a more secluded location off the small LZ-701 road between Playa Blanca and las Salinas de Janubio. The access track is rocky and you’ll need good shoes to climb down to the pools to be rewarded by swimming in clear, turquoise water.

31. Eat seafood in Lanzarote

The seafood in Lanzarote is outstanding and inexpensive, much of it locally caught by the fishing boats that work from different ports. All around the island you’ll find seafood restaurants, overlooking a rocky shore or Chiringuita style on a sandy beach, where you can dine with a view of the ocean.

The waiter will recite a list of the fresh fish of the day but if you’re not sure what to order, a paradilla or platter for two is a good option, giving you a selection of fish and seafood.

Typical specialities are Sancocho (fish stew), pulpo a la plancha (grilled octopus) gambas al ajillo (garlic prawns in sizzling oil) and lapas (limpets) grilled with green Mojo sauce.

Read more about the delicious seafood: Food in Lanzarote: 25 dishes and drinks you’ll want to try!

32. Cesar Manrique wind toys

Driving around the island, we came across unusual sculptures on some of the roundabouts and learned that these juguetes del viento or “wind toys” were designed by artist Cesar Manrique. As they catch the trade winds from the north, the sculptures move and turn to catch the eye, in a reference to the windmills that were once common on Lanzarote.

The Cesar Manrique wind toys can be found at the following locations:

• Arrieta – near the garage on the roundabout into town
• Tahiche – on the roundabout closest to the Cesar Manrique Foundation Volcano House
• Tahiche – in the gardens of the Cesar Manrique Foundation Volcano House, which can only be viewed as part of a visit.
• Lanzarote airport – on the roundabout as you exit the airport
• Montaña Blanca – the roundabout on the road from Tías to San Bartolomé, where you turn off for Montaña Blanca.

Plan your trip to Lanzarote

For a comprehensive but compact guidebook covering all you need to know about Lanzarote, I recommend the Lanzarote Marco Polo pocket guide .

This is the guidebook that I used while were were there and it gives lots of background information and insider tips on the best things to see, including a free touring app with maps to download and use offline.

Looking a guidebook for Lanzarote? We used and can recommend the Marco Polo pocket guide

We stayed at two delightful places during our 10 day trip to Lanzarote

• Finca de Arrieta with Lanzarote Retreats – a small eco-village on the northern coast at Arrieta which has a number of different villas, stone lodges and yurts with a relaxed and friendly vibe, that are ideal for independent travellers. Read my review of Finca de Arrieta here .
• Finca Malvasia – boutique rural accommodation in the heart of the La Geria wine region, set among a working vineyard. The stylish cottages converted from the old winery are furnished in contemporary style, around a turquoise Cesar Manrique style swimming pool. Read my review of Finca Malvasia here .

Map of Lanzarote

Click on the my map of the best things to do in Lanzarote to explore some of the places mentioned in this article.

Pin it for later!

Some of the activities, attractions or tours mentioned were provided* by Lanzarote Tourism or the tour companies concerned, while other costs we covered ourselves.

* More info on my policies page

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com

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Monday 13th of June 2022

Great write up on Lanzarote! There are so many cool things to see on the island. Favourite hikes have to be Caldera Blanca and walking from Puerto Del Carmen to Puerto Calero. The diving is spectacular as well! So much marine life to see! The Angel Sharks and Seahorses are amazing to see!

Heather Cowper

Tuesday 14th of June 2022

@Rachel Thanks for your tips

Sunday 6th of June 2021

Wow! that sounds like a real adventure. I can't wait to visit Lanzarote and having fun in Volcanic Timanfaya National Park and those caves, which are amazing. Thanks, Heather for sharing your experience.

Monday 24th of May 2021

Okay now! I am LOVING the vibe there! You've made Lanzarote sound absolutely amazing. I lived in Spain for some time, but I've never been to the Canary Islands. I think after seeing this, that's going to have to be a priority in the future! Thanks for putting together this wonderful, in-depth guide to help inspire us! By the way, I'm Rocky from The Rocky Safari https://www.therockysafari.com/ travel blog. It's so fabulous to connect with you! Keep up the awesome work.

@Rocky So pleased you enjoyed the article, Lanzarote is really worth a visit!

Happy camper

Thursday 1st of April 2021

Lanzarote has been on my list of place to visit for some time. As an armature surfer and foodie it has the perfect balance of great food market and also I would love to visit the The Mojito van in Arrieta. Great in-depth article

Sunday 23rd of May 2021

@Happy Camper - so pleased you found it useful

25 BEST THINGS TO DO IN LANZAROTE [TRAVEL GUIDE]

What to see in Lanzarote? Where to Stay in Lanzarote? How long to stay in Lanzarote?

Lanzarote, often called the Island of a Thousand Volcanoes , is a small Canary Island , located in the northeast of the archipelago, near Fuerteventura .

We spent a couple of weeks in Lanzarote during our sabbatical year, and we are happy to share our ultimate Lanzarote travel guide with you.

Key Takeaways From a Trip to Lanzarote

– The climate is pleasant all year round in Lanzarote! – Lanzarote is unique due to its lunar-like landscape – The island offers amazing beaches such as playa Papagayo – A visit to Timanfaya National Park is a must – Admire the amazing work of Cesar Manrique such as the Jameos del Agua caves – You will need at least 3-4 days to visit Lanzarote

Check out this teaser about Lanzarote:

25 BEST THINGS TO DO IN LANZAROTE

1. playa papagayo, the most beautiful beach in lanzarote.

Papagayo beach is considered the most beautiful beach in Lanzarote. Named after the region, this beautiful beach is located in a wild area of Lanzarote fully protected. There used to be a village called El Papagayo above this beach, but it has been deserted for over ten years now.

The half-round shape of the picturesque bay leaning against the large black wall of rocks is very typical of the region. This beach is often used as an image for postcards .

The fine white sand and clear turquoise water are the reasons why this beach is so popular and often very crowded. There is a restaurant and parking nearby.

We loved this place. It is simply amazing. There are 4 different beaches which you can choose from: Playa Mujeres (the largest one and partially for nudists), Playa Papagayo, Playa del Pozo (our favorite one with Playa Mujeres) and Playa de la Cera

How to get there?

The beaches of Papagayo are located on the southern tip of Lanzarote. You will find many signs pointing to Papagayo Beach from the resort of Playa Blanca . The road is rocky and rough and it will take around 15 minutes by car to get to the first beach. There are different options to get to the beaches:

The beaches are about a twenty to forty-minute walk from the resort of Playa Blanca. The path leads from the end of the resort beach promenade along the coast. It’s a great way to take your time and admire the beautiful coast. However, not ideal with kids and as the path is not very easy.

El Papagayo can also be reached by bus number 30 from Playa Blanca. You have to get off at the last stop. From there the beaches of Papagayo are about a 20-minute walk on a small path.

By bicycle:

Another option to come to the beaches of Papagayo is by bicycle, following the same path as the car road. It’s a bit dusty when cars pass by, but it’s a nice way to discover the area.

Bikes can easily be hired in Playa Blanca for around € 12 per bike a day (and you skip the € 3 entry fee to the park). We actually opted for the electric bicycle, which brought us there in no time. We recommend this option.

> RENT YOUR eBIKE HERE

Those with a car will have to go through a dirt road 5km long. This road starts at the roundabout on the LZ-705 between Playa Blanca and Femés and ends just above the beaches.

Despite the unpaved roads, some car rental companies do not object to their cars going to the beaches of Papagayo. It would be better to check with the rental company though. The entrance to the dirt road is marked by a small hut and a gate. An entry fee of € 3 per person is required.

Location : here Read: FULL GUIDE FOR A VISIT TO PLAYA PAPAGAYO

2. Timanfaya National Park, the most impressive thing to see in Lanzarote

If there was only one must-see in Lanzarote, it would be Timanfaya National Park .

Magical, Breathtaking, Impressive, this is how we could describe this place. At Timanfaya National Park, you are in the land of volcanoes in a real lunar landscape. The park is the consequence of eruptions from 1730 to 1736 and then in 1824.

You can see the remains of lava flows which extend over several kilometers.

The volcanic landscape varies according to the age of the different eruptions. Here craters mix in extraordinary colors of black, brown, yellow, and red, but no green as nothing grows on this lava soil.

How to visit Timanfaya National Park ( official website )?

You can drive to the entrance of the park. It will cost €12 per adult and €6 per child. However, from there, you have to take a bus as it is not allowed to drive in the entire park by yourself. Once you pay the entry cost, you can join the bus tour for free.

The bus tour lasts about 45 minutes with explanations of the park in Spanish, English, and German.

However, be aware that this place can be very crowded. You may need to wait 30min to enter the park with your car unless you come early morning (which we did). When we left we saw the huge line of cars waiting to enter the park at around 11 am.

• Location : here

By tour bus

In hindsight, we think this is the best option. With the tour bus, you do not need to wait in line at the entrance, as they have the priority. The bus also takes you directly through the visit to the park, which makes it very convenient.

There are many tour operators that organize full-day trips. See here .

Read: COMPLETE GUIDE TO VISIT TIMANFAYA NATIONAL PARK

3. El Diable Restaurant, the most unique restaurant in Lanzarote

El Diable restaurant is actually inside the Timanfaya National Park . Here the barbecue is not electric, nor gas but rather the heat of the volcano!!

The restaurant has a stunning view of the park. We highly recommend stopping there for lunch if the timing works for you.

Right in front of the restaurant, you can also see the demonstration from the tour guide with the powerful geyser. This is the perfect way to finish your visit to Timanfaya National Park.

• Location: here
• Website: here

4. Camel Ride, one of the best things to do in Lanzarote

One of Lanzarote’s most popular tourist attractions is the camel ride along Timanfaya National Park.

This park is wonderful and what is most unusual is seeing the moonscape. The camel ride costs 12 euros and last for about 20min. There is no need to book for this tour. Simply show up at the starting point at any time between 9:00 and 16:00.

If you’ve never been on a camel, go for it. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It may feel a bit scary when the camel stands up or lay down on his knees. But it’s fun and safe.

The starting point of the Camel Ride is just a few minutes away from the Timanfaya National Park entrance.

5. Teguise, the old capital of Lanzarote

Teguise in Lanzarote is considered the oldest town in the Canary Islands , dating back to the 13th century. This small town was the capital of Lanzarote for over 450 years, until 1852 when Arrecife became the new capital.

During the 1980s a strong campaign was launched to rehabilitate and restore Teguise . This resulted in the town being declared an architectural historic site.

Teguise is a very quiet town, where you can experience the true spirit of Lanzarote. There are several buildings and places you should visit and explore if you want to know more about the history of Lanzarote and its former capital.

As you walk through the narrow streets of Teguise in Lanzarote, you’ll see plenty of the island’s ancient architecture and buildings of great historical significance. A must-see if you are visiting Lanzarote.

• Read: BEST THINGS TO SEE IN TEGUISE

6. César Manrique Foundation, one of the most extraordinary visits to Lanzarote

If you don’t know yet who is César Manrique , you will quickly discover that he was key in making Lanzarote what it is today. Throughout your trip to Lanzarote, you will learn a lot about what we think is a genius.

The influence of César Manrique , the universal creator and pioneer of environmentalism, does not go unnoticed on the island. His work, and in particular his extraordinary vision of the relationship between nature and humans, can be seen everywhere in Lanzarote.

He also influences the way of thinking of the inhabitants of the island and of all Canarians in general.

Therefore, visiting his foundation is a must.

The foundation aims to encourage and publicize artistic, cultural and environmental activities . It is in his own and spectacular house that this foundation is installed on a surface of 1800 m² of living space, to which must be added 1200 m² of terraces and gardens.

Built on one of the most beautiful lava flows in Lanzarote, the foundation comprises five large natural volcanic bubbles. The contrast between the black of the lava and the white of the house is striking.

This house/foundation is a real marvel from an architectural point of view. A fascinating visit is guaranteed!

To find out more about the artist, we wrote a full post about César Manrique’s heritage in the Canary Islands here.

• Opening Hours:  10AM–6PM
• Admission:  8€ Adult / 1€ Child (0-12)

7. Mirador del Rio, the best viewpoint in Lanzarote

On the northern part of the island, you can visit the gorgeous Mirador del Rio with an extraordinary view of La Graciosa and the Corona volcano which culminates at 640 meters. Mirador del Rio was designed by Cesar Manrique .

It is fully integrated into the natural elements which allows you to discover one of the most beautiful views of the island.

You enter this site via a corridor with bright white walls with scattered plants and niches in which beautiful ceramics are displayed. At the end of this corridor, you discover this superb bright room with huge windows that give you one of the most spectacular views on the island of La Graciosa.

Near the fireplace, a beautiful staircase takes you to the souvenir shop and then to a panoramic terrace, the highest peak on the site. Simply STUNNING!

• Opening Hours:  10AM–5PM
• Admission:  5€ Adult / 2.5€ Child (0-12)

8. Jardín de Cactus, another beautiful thing to see in Lanzarote by Cesar Manrique

Another superb creation by the artist César Manrique that is really worth the visit: Jardin de Cactus .

When you arrive at the car park, you wouldn’t suspect this immense garden built in an old quarry. The garden is incredibly well integrated into the landscape that surrounds it.

As soon as you enter, you are captivated by this decor between the black of the soil made up of volcanic pebbles and the green of the cactus.

There, you see thousands of Cactus of all shapes and sizes from all over the world, from Madagascar to Peru via Mexico and Kenya… Impressive!

To discover them, walk along the many stone paths and stairs that teem in this circular garden. In the center, a water fountain with goldfish and a small stone bridge to rest during the visit.

• Read: FULL GUIDE FOR A VISIT TO THE CACTUS GARDEN IN LANZAROTE
• Location:  here
• Admission:  6. 5€ Adult / 3.25€ Child (0-12)

9. El Lago Verde, a magical place in Lanzarote

Located in El Golfo , a small fishing village of 150 inhabitants surrounded by lava and volcanic rocks, El Lago Verde is an extraordinary natural site . A small path of a few meters very easy to access takes you to discover this natural sight.

This small lake of 150 meters long with a green color due to the presence of seaweed, seagrass, and sulfur is breathtaking. Another specificity of this lagoon is its salinity which is denser than the Dead Sea.

We are speechless in front of this landscape and this contrast of colors between the blue of the sea, the black of the beach and the green of the lagoon.

El Lago Verde is one of the most exceptional sites not to be missed during your trip to Lanzarote.

The village of el Golfo is known for El Lago Verde but also for its fish restaurants which are located at the center of the village facing the sea.

Do not hesitate to take a short lunch break there. To digest, you can stroll on the coastal walk, which starts just a few meters from the restaurants.

• Entrance: free

10. Caleta de Famara, one of the best spots to surf in Lanzarote

Another thing to see in Lanzarote is the gorgeous Caleta de Famara . This small fishing village is famous for its huge beach and its dunes swept by frequent winds which attract surfers from all over the world .

The beach is covered with volcanic pebbles. Some were used to build semi-circular shelters that protect from the wind, very frequent in this part of the island.

You can also walk around the traditional village of Famara whose streets are covered in sands. The atmosphere is relaxed in a magical landscape. We wrote a full post about Famara here . Check it out to find out more about this charming village and surfer’s paradise.

• READ: 12 BEST SURF SPOTS IN THE CANARY ISLANDS

11. Casa-Museo César Manrique, an emotional visit in Lanzarote

This is the last residence of the artist César Manrique located in Haria on the northeast of the island. It is a beautiful traditional house in the middle of a small palm grove with its workshop at the end of the garden.

You enter the house through a small interior courtyard paved with volcanic stones and you will quickly discover the intimate universe of the artist: his bedroom with his personal effects, his pajamas on the bed, his outdoor bathroom protected by a veranda…

You expect to see the artist reappear at any moment.

The rest of the house is also furnished with familiar objects. An outdoor area with a swimming pool, and garden furniture invites you to relax. And at the end of the garden, the studio which has been reconstructed as if the artist had just left the room: unfinished canvases, pigments, and tables covered with drawings.

This was a very emotional visit, as throughout our trip to Lanzarote we learned more and more about Manrique’s life . We felt Manrique’s presence at every corner of the house. Unfortunately, it is not allowed to take photos inside the house…

We recommend adding this to your list of things to visit in Lanzarote. You can also combine this visit with a stroll through the traditional village of Haria where Manrique’s house is located. It’s a very traditional and quiet village.

• Opening Hours:  10:30AM–6PM
• Admission:  10€ Adult / 3.€ Child
• Read: THE HERITAGE OF CESAR MANRIQUE FOR LANZAORTE

12. La Cueva de los Verdes, a unique place in Lanzarote

La Cueva de los Verdes is a vast lava tunnel following the various eruptions of the Corona volcano which connects the heart of the volcano to the ocean over 6 kilometers. A 1 km long route without too much difficulty will allow you to discover this extraordinary natural phenomenon.

The cave can reach heights of up to 50 meters in a multitude of colors between black, brown, green, yellow and red due to the oxidation of the iron content of the basalts.

The temperature is quite mild inside at around 19°C.

The only downside is that the visit is not done alone but in groups of about fifty people with a guide for explanations in Spanish and English. Groups are formed as visitors arrive, with a waiting time of up to 20 minutes.

• Opening Hours:  10AM–4PM
• Admission:  Adult:  10€ / Children 7-12: 5€ / Children 0-6: free

13. Jameos del Agua, our favorite attraction in Lanzarote!

Jameos del Agua belongs to the system of caves and underground galleries resulting from volcanic eruptions that took place more than 3000 years ago, including the previously presented Cueva de los Verdes. T

he term Jameos is the Spanish name that determines the volcanic galleries that start from La Cueva de los Verdes and go to the sea.

César Manrique , the famous painter, sculptor, and architect from Lanzarote took advantage of this incredible natural phenomenon to adapt it and make it a place to visit.

First, you will climb a winding staircase to the first volcanic bubble called Jameo Grande which is almost 100 meters high and 30 meters wide.

Pass the interior lake and you will reach an exotic garden with a large and stunning swimming pool. Continue your visit in the huge auditorium where concerts are held from time to time.

This place is breathtaking. There are no words to describe its beauty. Jameos del Agua is in our top 5 places to see in Lanzarote.

• Opening Hours:  10AM–5:15PM
• Admission:  Adult: 10€ / Children 7-12: 5€ / Children 0-6: free
• Read: FULL GUIDE FOR A VISIT OF JAMEOS DEL AGUA IN LANZAROTE

14. Villa Lagomar, a dream home in Lanzarote

Villa Lagomar is our dream house. This beautiful villa was designed by César Manrique , again 😉

Lagomar is built directly on the rock, in a volcanic stone quarry. This house is really impressive by its volumes and its very luxuriant exteriors.

According to legend, Omar Sharif bought the house a few years after its construction (but only for a few days…). According to rumors, he would have lost his acquisition by betting it in a Bridge game.

This site is a cultural reference on Lanzarote, its lush gardens, incredible caves, water games, and labyrinths are worth a visit for nature lovers. We can’t recommend enough a visit to Villa Lagomar, another must-see in Lanzarote. You will also find a restaurant and a bar inside the villa.

• Admission:  Adult: 6€ / Children 2€

15. Los Hervideros, the wild coast of Lanzarote

Not far from El Golfo and El Lago Verde, about 5km, you can visit Los Hervideros. There you will find impressive cliffs and huge waves crashing onto it. The ocean is engulfed in huge volcanic caves.

Los Hervideros has magnificent landscapes with small volcanoes in the background.

It is easy to access, free, and with a large car park. Small paths allow you to discover this exceptional site. A staircase giving access to a small balcony allows you to approach a little closer to admire the show of the ocean. Not to be missed during your stay in Lanzarote.

16. Casa Museo del Campesino, a must-see in Lanzarote

Built in the geographical center of the island, this monument, built by César Manrique, is a monument in honor of the farmers of the island. 15 meters high, the structure representing a farmer and his dromedary, was built from old metal tanks that were used to transport water.

Right next to the monument you can visit a house museum where you can discover crafts, rural life, and local culture as well as a restaurant; everything has also been designed by Manrique .

• Admission:  free

17. The wine road in Lanzarote

In this volcanic and desert land, you might think that nothing grows, but think again! You will see in the middle of the volcanoes a multitude of vineyards that offer a striking contrast between the green of the plant and the black of the soil.

Small rounded stone walls surround the foot to protect it from the strong winds of the island.

A very beautiful road connecting the villages of Yaiza and Teguise makes you discover the vineyard of Geria, the most important of Lanzarote.

For photo enthusiasts, the landscapes are incredibly beautiful and conducive to very beautiful shots.

18. Wine tasting in Lanzarote

Along this road, you will see many wine producers. You can stop and visit their vineyards as well as try their wines.

We recommend a stop at El Grifo Winery as they also have a museum and offer tour guides which will explain you more about the techniques to grow wines in the region. Check their website for more information on the guided visit here .

There are other smaller wineries to visit such as El Tablero, which is more a boutique winery or Bodegas Rubicon, which is another very famous wine producer in Lanzarote.

19. Playa Blanca and Marina Rubicon, one of the best places to stay in Lanzarote

Playa Blanca in Lanzarote was once a peaceful fishing village and within a decade it has transformed into a tourist area with a stunning coastline, sandy beaches, and a beautiful marina. This place is located on the southern tip of Lanzarote.

One of the best things to do in Playa Blanca is to walk and enjoy the scenery , the good weather, and the pleasant temperatures. Marina Rubicon is just 15-20 minutes from the city center and is where all the boat trips depart from, either for diving trips or to go to the Papagayo beaches . It is also from Playa Blanca that you can take a ferry to Fuerteventura .

You’ll find some good cafes and restaurants. We really like this area.

We wrote a full post about Playa Blanca, you can check it out here.

To book you ferry to Fuerteventura, we recommend using Direct Ferry, which compares the prices of all ferry companies and gives you the better price. Check it out here .

20. Underwater Museum, Museo Atl ántico

Museo Atlántico is the first underwater museum in Europe . It might not be for everyone, but Museo Atlántico is an underwater attraction unique in Europe and located just off the coast of Playa Blanca.

You can go underwater to see the beautiful statues, which have started to attract marine life and in doing so have revived the ecosystem around this part of the island of Lanzarote. If you love scuba diving, don’t miss this great experience in Playa Blanca!

• Opening hours: 9AM–6PM (closed on Sunday)

21. Salinas de Janubio

Las Salinas de Janubio is a salt flat located at Caleta de Janubio on the southwest of Lanzarote. Resembling a giant patchwork with rectangles filled with water, others dry and others covered with a layer of salt, all with the sea in the background, they offer one of the most beautiful postcard images from Lanzarote.

This large cove was formed between the years 1730 and 1736 after volcanic eruptions which isolated it from the sea by a sandbar and thus created an interior water area.

We didn’t visit the area, but we stopped at the lookout area for a photo. It was a quick stop on our way back to our hotel.

22. Go on a day trip to la Graciosa

La Graciosa is often called the eighth island of the Canaries. And with only 600 inhabitants, no paved roads, and some truly impressive beaches, visiting La Graciosa is certainly an ideal destination for day-trippers and holidaymakers alike.

The island is a gem that has been hidden from mass tourism and protected from development even during the last real estate boom, mainly because it was declared a natural park.

Its arid volcanic landscapes and spectacular pristine beaches are unspoiled by huge holiday resorts that grace the rest of the Canary Islands .

So be sure to visit La Graciosa.

The ferry from Lanzarote takes 30min. You will need to book in advance here . You can opt for a day trip around the island which include lunch and water activities. This is one of the best activities in Lanzarote. More info here .

At La Graciosa make sure to visit Playa de las Conchas and Playa Francesca, the 2 most beautiful beaches on the island. You can also eat some great seafood at Caleta del Sebo.

23. Visit Arrieta, a charming village in Lanzarote

Located in the northeast of Lanzarote, Arrieta clearly stands out from the other seaside resorts in the south of the island. Stuck in a fishing village with many small restaurants, you can enjoy fresh fish with a view of the sea. Its calmness and authenticity will charm you.

It is also famous for surfing with great surf spots in this area . We just made a stop there after our visit to Jameos del Agua and ate delicious fresh seafood.

Don’t miss the Blue house here , called Casa Juanita. This curious building is situated along the coast in the Northern village of Arrieta, it stands out from the small white typical buildings with its painted red and blue bricks and a garden complete with grass.

You can find this property next to the old fishing harbor and a small beach with a sea pool.

The house was built by Don Juan de Leon Perdomo in 1916. He was a local from Arrieta before he emigrated to Argentina in the early 20th century. He made his fortune there selling wheat and met and married Juana Alemán. The couple had a daughter in 1904, and they named her after her mother.

24. Visit Puerto Calero, a chic place in Lanzarote!

Puerto Calero is a charming little marina, as well as many equally charming shops. Bars and restaurants are on the waterfront while designer clothing shops are found in the charming “fashion street” at the back.

If you like to walk, climb the stairs to join the seafront promenade, which leads you (west) to the superb Hesperia hotel. The marina has a ship repair shed and can accommodate around 450 boats, up to 75 meters in length.

25. Puerto del Carmen is a great place to visit as a family!

The town of Puerto del Carmen is located on the southeast coast of Lanzarote, in the Canary Islands . It is one of the main tourist centers of the island, ten minutes from the airport.

This seaside resort is visited every year by many tourists looking for the ideal place for their holidays on the island of Lanzarote. Its geographical position, in the center of the island, is a wonderful starting point for your day trips.

The seaside resort of Puerto del Carmen lacks nothing: water sports, beautiful beaches, many shops, hiking trails, lots of apartments, cycling paths, bars and restaurants, a zoo…

The range of activities offered in this town is one of the most complete on the island, especially if you plan to travel to Lanzarote with your family.

BEST ACTIVITIES IN LANZAROTE

1. scuba diving.

Start your vacation in Lanzarote with a scuba diving session. This is an opportunity to discover the island’s marine world. The island offers a great diversity of underwater species. To discover the best diving spots, leave from Playa Blanca or Puerto del Carmen.

If you’ve never scuba-dived before, a guide will explain the right steps to take to swim underwater. Conversely, if you are already an expert and have your PADI, you will be able to rent equipment to explore the depths of the Atlantic.

Another outdoor activity in Lanzarote, and always on the sea; is surfing. For all surf lovers, the Canary Islands are a real treasure. Lanzarote is nicknamed “Hawaii of Europe” because of the variety of beaches for surfers, whether beginners or professionals.

Although every month of the year are ideal for surfing, winter is particularly recommended for the most experienced. Indeed, during this period, the waves are more intense.

Among the best spots for surfing in Lanzarote are El Quemao, La Santa, and Caleta Caballo.

3. Windsurf / Kitesurf

As with surfing, Lanzarote offers exceptional conditions for windsurfing or kitesurfing. To take full advantage of it, stay away from the most touristy places. Off the beaten track, the waves and the wind are perfect for windsurfing.

In addition to exceptional conditions, the island offers breathtaking landscapes. If you want to discover the best spots to practice this outdoor activity in Lanzarote, we recommend Las Cucharas de Costa Teguise. This place is suitable for both beginners and experts.

With its lunar landscape, the island offers exceptional trails for hikers.

Among the best treks to do in Lanzarote, here is our selection:

Caldera Blanca : for three to four hours, you explore one of the smallest volcanoes in the Parque Nacional de Timanfaya. This hike is ideal for less sporty people with an ascent of medium difficulty

Guatiza : in this region, you can go for a hike of more than 27 kilometers. The path offers you magnificent landscapes to admire from the Mirador which is in the direction of Haria.

5. Boat tour

If you want to relax a full day on a boat with plenty of activities such as snorkeling and SUP, go on a boat trip from Lanzarote.

If you are lucky you will even see dolphins. There are many companies offering boat tours from Playa Blanca or other parts of the island. You can also sail around La Graciosa which is an amazing experience.

BEST ACCOMMODATIONS IN LANZAROTE

In the west of the island, there are constant winds that make surfers happy all year round. In the north of Lanzarote, you have magnificent views, the vegetation is more beautiful but the atmosphere is much quieter.

To the South (Playa Blanca to be precise), which we recommend the most, you have beautiful beaches, better weather, and good options for accommodations. In the South-East this is where most of the tourist resorts are located, which combine beaches, bars, and restaurants.

We wrote a full post here about the best places to stay in Lanzarote. However, we like to recommend Playa Banca the most. So here we will focus on Playa Blanca , which is our favorite area to stay in Lanzarote.

Hotel The Volcan Lanzarote

If your budget allows, then we highly recommend Hotel The Volcan in Playa Blanca . This hotel is located right by Marina Rubicon with many restaurants and bars around. The beach is just a few minutes walk.

This hotel has a very large swimming pool and offers an excellent breakfast.

This hotel has a breathtaking view, directly facing the ocean. Iberostar has 3 large swimming pool, including 1 dedicated for kids only.

The beach is located just a few minutes walk from the hotel. In front of the hotel, you have the famous Playa Blanca promenade with restaurants and bars along the way.

Ona Las Casita

If you are a little bit more on a budget, then we recommend Ona Las Casita . This lovely bungalow is perfectly located near the beach and the main promenade at Playa Blanca.

The bungalow has a kitchen, so you can cook at home to save a bit of money. The place was super clean when we stayed there and we ate pretty much every day on the outdoor terrace. We love this place which has the perfect value for money.

HOW TO GET AROUND IN LANZAROTE?

To maximize the things to see on the islands, we highly recommend renting a car in Lanzarote. It is very easy to drive on the island, and if you have a GPS then you do not have to worry about direction.

If you stay in Playa Blanca, taking a taxi will already cost you around 45 to 50 euros. Then a round trip is already 100 euros. During our stay in Lanzarote, we were able to rent a car for 30 euros per day if you choose a Fiat 500 for example.

Once you reach the Canary Islands, it is highly recommended to rent a car . To get the cheaper rate we used Rentalcars.com .

If you do not wish to drive in Lanzarote, you have the option to hire a private driver for a day here or to join a tour group here .

BEST TIME TO VISIT LANZAROTE?

You can visit Lanzarote all year round as the temperature are mild even in Winter. However, the best time to travel to Lanzarote is from July to November. Over the year, the average temperature varies moderately. It is always around 21°C.

Temperatures are lowest in February, with lows around 18°C. With an average maximum temperature of 25°C, it is in August that the temperatures are the highest.

There are usually 11 days of rainfall each year in Lanzarote. June is the least rainy month with almost no rain and December the rainiest with up to 18 mm and 2 days of precipitation.

READ: BEST TIME TO VISIT THE CANARY ISLANDS

BEST DISHES IN LANZAROTE?

Taste the many delights that the island of Lanzarote has to offer. Gastronomy in Lanzarote, and throughout the Canary Islands, has some of its roots in Spanish cuisine and is also influenced by recipes from Africa and Latin America. In addition, there are traditions inherited from the natives of the island.

Let’s start with the Spanish tapas influences. These small portions are served all over Lanzarote and vary depending on where you eat. Some traditional tapas dishes include Padrón peppers, which are small green peppers cooked in sea salt and olive oil. They are often on the menu with entrees. Other dishes often served are meatballs (Albóndigas) in tomato sauce and a tortilla (Spanish omelet). There are dozens of different tapas recipes.

Canarians are good with stew, they put a lot of love and care into making an appetizing dish of meat and spiced vegetables. Taste the rabbit stew (conejo), a local specialty. You will rarely see cattle on Lanzarote, mainly due to the landscape, so most meat is imported from South America and other islands in the archipelago. Of course, choice cuts of meat are on the menu of any decent restaurant. Cabrito (kid meat) is a big favorite and is sometimes called baifo in the Canary Islands.

If you like fish, you will love Lanzarote. Being an island, the fish and seafood supplies are limitless. It’s the biggest business in the Canaries with trawling boats heading out to sea every day to meet the demand for tasty fish. Tuna (atún), sea bass (de lubina), hake (merluza), swordfish (pez espada), crab (cangrejo), lobster (langosta), mussels (mejillones)… you name it!

Vegetables and fruits

Lanzarote is blessed with an exceptional climate all year round, which helps farmers grow fruit in abundance. You will see farmers’ markets all over the island. These are vibrant and colorful places ideal for buying locally grown fruits and vegetables.

A real Canarian experience is tasting papas arrugadas, potatoes that are boiled in salted water with their skins on. They will often be served with mojos (sauces), to dip the potatoes in and have more flavor… delicious! In general, they are served with two types of sauces: mojo picón, a red sauce that is hot and made with chili and mojo verde, a green sauce that is mild and made with herbs.

If you go to Lanzarote you have to try the local goat cheese. It is sold in supermarkets and will appear on most menus. It is often fried or served with an accompaniment such as olives or a savory honey sauce.

Another great Canarian specialty is called gofio, a type of flour made from roasted corn, wheat and barley. It is an important part of the local diet and is added to various foods such as ice cream, a kind of bread that is similar to polenta, and milk for children as well as soups and thick sauces. Gofio was used during the time of the Guanches (1st known inhabitants of the Canary Islands ) and was thought to be one of the staple foods in their diet.

The traditional preparation of gofio has been passed down for centuries from generation to generation, making it the second most consumed food product in the whole archipelago, coming just after bananas!

The wine produced from grapes grown on the volcanic plains is one of the best surprises the island has to offer when it comes to complementing a good meal. The most appreciated is the Malvasias, a generally strong wine. Wine is also used for very popular local drinks like tinto de verano (literally “red summer wine” consisting of red wine mixed with lemonade) and sangria.

FINAL THOUGHTS ABOUT LANZAROTE

Lanzarote is one of the most surprising islands in the Canaries and probably the most unique one. Its lunar landscape, amazing beaches, beautiful sights thanks to the work of Manrique, and its many activities make it one of the best places to visit in Europe.

If you are still not convinced, you can click here to check the 10 best reasons why you should visit Lanzarote.

We completely fell in love with this magical island. We would even consider moving here some days. Why not?! It’s warm all year round, we can surf, do plenty of yoga, go hiking. It’s perfect for our lifestyle.

If you are traveling to Lanzarote for the first time, we recommend at least 1 week. There is so much to see, that it’s really hard to squeeze everything in just a few days…

If you have any questions to prepare for your trip to Lanzarote, feel free to leave a comment below, we usually respond very quickly.

Here are all our articles about the Canary Islands.

HAPPY TRAVELS!

• VISIT TIMANFAYA NATIONAL PARK IN LANZAROTE
• DISCOVER PLAYA BLANCA IN LANZAROTE
• GUIDE FOR PAPAGAYO BEACH IN LANZAROTE
• BEST THINGS TO SEE IN TEGUISE
• LEARN ABOUT CÉSAR MANRIQUE’S HERITAGE IN THE CANARY ISLANDS
• VISIT THE CACTUS GARDEN IN LANZAROTE
• FAMARA, A CHARMING VILLAGE AND SURF PARADISE
• BEST PLACES TO STAY IN LANZAROTE
• BEST TIME OF THE YEAR TO VISIT LANZAROTE
• JAMEOS DEL AGUA, ONE OF OUR FAVORITE PLACES IN LANZAROTE

We are Hammer and Guillaume, a fun couple traveling the world. We will take you to some of the most amazing places on earth. Hammer is a yoga instructor and Guillaume a true water baby, enjoying all kinds of water sports. Follow-us to get the latest update about our travels.

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25 Best Things to Do in Lanzarote, Spain + MAP

Home | Travel | Europe | Spain | Canary Islands | Lanzarote | 25 Best Things to Do in Lanzarote, Spain + MAP

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If you’re looking for the best things to do in Lanzarote , you’ve come to the right place. This Canary Island has plenty to offer, including countless activities and an unbeatable year-round climate that attracts many tourists.

In fact, we once took a trip here in the middle of January and were still able to go swimming at some stunning beaches. This island is a declared UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, so we also enjoyed hiking in some of the best national parks in Spain . For all these reasons, Lanzarote is considered one of the most beautiful Canary Islands .

With so many lovely places to visit in Lanzarote , it’s a good idea to rent a car so you can quickly and easily get around the island. With your own vehicle, you can even reach the more remote attractions on Lanzarote .

Of course, if you don’t want to drive or you have limited time here, you can take this tour that covers the best areas in Lanzarote in one day. In case you have more time, it’s definitely worth spending several days on the island to really explore.

To help you plan your trip to Lanzarote , I’m sharing my top tips, including what to see in Lanzarote , where to stay, and the best restaurants. And don’t forget that you can find cheap flights to Lanzarote , making this an affordable destination for your next holiday!

1. Timanfaya National Park, one of the best places to visit in Lanzarote

First, visiting Timanfaya National Park is one of the best things to do in Lanzarote , as it’s one of the most impressive places to visit in Spain .

This park features some very interesting geomorphological structures dating back to the volcanic eruptions of 1730, 1736, and 1824. As a result, there isn’t any vegetation here, although there are lichen that create an otherworldly landscape that you won’t find anywhere else. Plus, the volcanic cones and the badlands have red, orange, ochre, and black tones that provide a beautiful contrast.

The best way to experience Timanfaya National Park is by traversing the volcano route , which is only accessible by a bus that takes you to the Montañas del Fuego (Fire Mountains). You can also go to the camel stables and book a camel ride, but we prefer to avoid animal attractions and instead explore the park on foot.

If you’re staying far from the park and don’t have a way to get there, you can book an excursion to Timanfaya . This way, you’ll have transportation and the help of a guide who will share all kinds of interesting information and tips. I recommend this full-day tour , which departs from Costa Teguise, Arrecife, and Puerto del Carmen.

If you’re traveling with kids, visiting Timanfaya is an excellent thing for families to do in Lanzarote . You should also stop at El Diablo Restaurant, which does cooking demonstrations using the heat from the fumaroles.

2. Visit Cueva de los Verdes, a popular thing to do in Lanzarote

Cueva de los Verdes is another important attraction in Lanzarote that you should see. It is not just a lava tube formed thousands of years ago, but also an artistic monument created by César Manrique, the most celebrated artist in Lanzarote.

Over 4,000 years ago, the La Corona Volcano erupted, and lava flowed through the area, which eventually cooled and formed lava tubes. The tubes extend about 3.7 miles long and were used as a refuge from pirate attacks in the 17 th century.

Nowadays, a section of these volcanic tubes is open to visitors, thanks to the efforts and craftsmanship of César Manrique. His aim was to make several natural landmarks in Lanzarote accessible to the public, and the Cueva de los Verdes is an excellent example of this.

You can visit the lava tube on your own, or book this tour , which also goes to Timanfaya, the Mirador del Río, and the Jameos del Agua, which I’ll talk about next.

3. Los Jameos del Agua, one of the most unique attractions in Lanzarote

The La Corona Volcano is one of the most important volcanoes in Lanzarote , especially since it also formed the Jameos del Agua . This is one of the best places to visit in Lanzarote , and it also owes part of its creation to César Manrique.

Here, the sea water trickled through and created an interior lake, where one of the rarest species in the world lives. The jameito, or albino crab, is the star of this Lanzarote attraction , although it’s not the only thing you’ll see here.

Inside the cave, there is also a restaurant, an interesting museum, and a concert hall designed by Manrique. It hosts live music and other entertainment, so coming here is a unique thing to do in Lanzarote .

You can take this guided tour to enter the Jameos del Agua and other Lanzarote hot spots like Timanfaya National Park, the Cueva de los Verdes, and the Mirador del Río.

4. See the Mirador del Río, an amazing thing to do in Lanzarote

As I’ve alluded to, the Mirador del Río is one of the most beautiful places in Lanzarote , so it’s a must-see during your trip. From here, you can get the most gorgeous views of the island, including panoramic views of La Graciosa and the other islands that comprise the Chinijo archipelago, as well as the Salinas, Montaña Clara, and Alegranza.

The viewpoint is yet another work by César Manrique and sits nearly 1,550 feet above sea level, making it the highest point of the Risco de Famara. To access this lookout, you must reserve a ticket in advance, preferably for sunset. You can also book this excursion , which includes access to the viewpoint and several stops, including Timanfaya, the Cueva de los Verdes, and the Jameos del Agua.

5. Papagayo Beach, a beautiful place to visit in Lanzarote

The beautiful beaches here are must-sees in Lanzarote , although if there is one that you can’t miss it’s Papagayo Beach . Not only is it one of the best beaches on the island, but it’s also considered one of the top beaches in Spain .

Part of Papagayo’s allure is its prime location within the Ajaches Natural Monument . This is a protected reserve where you can also find natural caves and ancient engravings. Also, if you like to hike, check out Pico Redondo, the highest point in the Ajaches and one of the best places to visit in Lanzarote .

Keep in mind that if you’re visiting this area by car, you’ll have to pay the $3 parking fee, which is a small price to pay for some of the most stunning landscapes on the island. And if you’re interested, you should know that this is one of the few areas where you can go camping in Lanzarote .

Also, since Papagayo Beach is in the southernmost part of the reserve, it’s an excellent place to enjoy swimming and watersports like kayaking and snorkeling or a catamaran cruise . For something even more exclusive, I recommend this adults-only sailing trip .

6. Go to Puerto del Carmen, a fun place to visit in Lanzarote

Puerto del Carmen is one of the best towns in Lanzarote , especially if you like to party, as some of Lanzarote’s best clubs are here. If you time your trip right, you can visit during some popular events like the Puerto del Carmen Carnival, the triathlon, or other local festivals.

Of course, there are other fun things to do in Puerto del Carmen . For example, watersports are common here since the beaches in Puerto del Carmen offer the perfect conditions. If you want to go swimming, snorkeling, or diving, check out Playa Chica, Playa de los Pocillos, or Playa Grande. The seabed in these areas is incredible, so I highly recommend this diving experience . It’s designed for all levels, so it’s the best option for beginners.

In addition to having some of the best things to do in Lanzarote , Puerto del Carmen is home to a wide range of hotels. A good idea could be making this town your home base from which you explore other parts of the island. You can read our guide on where to stay in Lanzarote to find some great accommodation options.

7. Go whale and dolphin-watching, one of the best things to do in Lanzarote with kids

Without a doubt, whale and dolphin-watching is one of my favorite things to do in Lanzarote . Whenever we have the chance to take one of these tours, we jump on it, as seeing these gorgeous animals in their wild habitat is absolutely incredible. I like this tour in particular, although you can find several great options in our guide.

The best thing about the boat tour in Lanzarote I recommended is that the guides offer lots of interesting information while also respecting the wild whales and dolphins. Plus, the tour includes snacks, champagne, and pick-up/drop-off service, so everything is taken care of for you.

Of course, you must keep in mind that these are wild animals, so it’s impossible to predict their movements with 100% accuracy. That said, the tour operators have many years of experience, so you have a very good chance of spotting whales or dolphins. We’ve always had luck on our trips, and I think it’s one of the most memorable activities in Lanzarote that you can do.

8. Playa Blanca, a touristy place to visit in Lanzarote, Canary Islands

Playa Blanca is another place where you can find fun things to do in Lanzarote . This town offers a vibrant nightlife scene and some of the best bars on the island, so it’s an ideal place to visit with friends. If that sounds good to you, I recommend Jungle’s Bar or Swing nightclub, which has a tamer atmosphere.

Along with all the parties and entertainment options, there are other attractions in Playa Blanca . For example, one of the most beautiful beaches in Lanzarote , Papagayo Beach, is in this area, along with several other great beaches.

You can also head to the dock and take one of the ferries to Fuerteventura , another Canary Island that’s worth visiting. You can even take a one-day trip to Fuerteventura from Lanzarote , so if you don’t have much time, you can still discover all the wonderful places on Fuerteventura .

9. Arrecife, one of the best places to visit on Lanzarote’s southern coast

Arrecife has been the capital of Lanzarote since the 19 th century, and it stands out as the island’s commercial hub. As you can imagine, it offers plenty of things to do in Lanzarote , especially if you’re interested in history and culture.

The Castles of San José and San Gabriel are among the best places to see in Arrecife , although it’s also worth visiting the Castle of San Ginés and the Puente de las Bolas . There are also lovely beaches here, with Reducto Beach being my favorite. It’s protected by a reef, making it one of the most beautiful places in Lanzarote .

Without a doubt, Arrecife is one destination in Lanzarote that you can’t miss, and you can even find several top-rated Lanzarote excursions that depart from here.

10. Costa Teguise, one of the most beautiful places to visit in Lanzarote

Speaking of the best places to go in Lanzarote , I must also add Costa Teguise . This town has lots of fun activities, including nightclubs, bars, and restaurants. It also hosts music festivals and even has a waterpark, so you can come here with kids.

For those who prefer the outdoors, Costa Teguise offers a variety of watersports like diving, snorkeling, and windsurfing. Don’t worry if you’re new to any of these sports; instead, book this scuba lesson and discover the underwater wonders of this area.

If you’d rather just enjoy the sunny beaches of Costa Teguise , check out Playa de Las Cucharas or Jablillo Beach. Both are perfect for sunbathing, and they have calm waters, so visiting them is a nice thing to do in Lanzarote for families .

Finally, don’t forget to spend some time enjoying the lively atmosphere of the Pueblo Marinero, one of the top attractions in Costa Teguise created by César Manrique.

11. Go wine-tasting in La Geria, one of the best activities in Lanzarote for couples

If you’re visiting the island with your partner and looking for things to do in Lanzarote for couples , I recommend visiting La Geria . This is Lanzarote’s coveted wine region, and its vineyards are in a protected area, so the quality of the grapes is unmatched.

What’s interesting about La Geria wine is that its grapes are grown in volcanic sediment and cultivated using special methods. This creates a unique and delicious flavor, which many consider to be the best of Lanzarote. I recommend the Malvasía white wine, which is world renowned and the perfect accompaniment for fish dishes.

Even if you don’t like wine, visiting La Geria is a romantic thing to do in Lanzarote since the landscape is quite striking. I’m sure you’ll appreciate the picturesque scenery of green vineyards contrasted by the black volcanic earth.

And if you do want to try some wines, I recommend the tour we took , which includes a visit to one of the La Geria wineries. Your guide will explain the unique cultivation methods used here, and your wine tasting is paired with gourmet chocolate.

12. El Golfo, another good place to visit in Lanzarote, Canary Islands

El Golfo is a quaint fishing village with some of the most wondrous landscapes in Lanzarote. What really stands out are the cooled remains from the volcanic eruptions of 1730 and 1736, which contrast against the white facades of the traditional houses.

In addition, El Golfo shares a border with Timanfaya National Park, so it’s one of the best towns in Lanzarote to visit. From here, you can walk along the Ruta del Litoral and go through the park or stay in town and explore its charming streets and seaside promenade. I also recommend checking out Charco de los Clicos, one of the coolest things to do in Lanzarote .

In addition, there are also lots of delicious restaurants here, so it’s a great opportunity to try some authentic Canarian dishes . After enjoying some sightseeing in Lanzarote , you can tuck in for an amazing meal in El Golfo.

13. Charco de los Clicos, one of the coolest attractions in Lanzarote

As I mentioned, if you’re in El Golfo, you must go to Charco de los Clicos  because it’s pretty close.

Charco de los Clicos is a volcanic crater that has been eroded on one side, giving it the shape of a crescent moon. The erosion also allows seawater to fill up the crater, which forms a lagoon with an intense green color. The color comes from the algae inside the crater, which has a high sulfur content.

While you can’t swim here, it’s one of the most beautiful places in Lanzarote , and an excellent spot to photograph. To get there, follow the path from El Golfo that goes to the panoramic viewpoint of Charco de los Clicos. It’s a pleasant walk thanks to the lovely surrounding landscapes, so don’t forget your camera.

14. Los Hervideros, something you must see in Lanzarote

Another Lanzarote attraction that you can find in Los Volcanes Natural Park in Yaiza is Los Hervideros . The name comes from the effect caused by the ocean waves that hit these ancient lava tunnels. The splashing of the water against the cliffs evokes the image of boiling water or a hot spring ( el hervidero ).

Los Hervideros borders Timanfaya National Park, so from here, you can get amazing views of the cliffs with the volcanoes in the background. Ideally, you should visit this area when there are rough seas so you can really experience the effect.

While this is a fun, free thing to do in Lanzarote , you should be especially careful if you’re traveling with kids. Don’t get too close to the edge and keep an eye on the little ones so they don’t slip and fall.

15. Hike the Ruta del Litoral, one of the best outdoor things to do in Lanzarote

The Ruta del Litoral (Coastal Route) is one of the best hiking trails in Lanzarote , so if you enjoy the outdoors, this is one of the best activities in Lanzarote . Plus, it’s a hike you can do with family or friends. While the surrounding landscapes are wild and rugged, the path itself is short and simple, so you shouldn’t have any trouble.

The trailhead is in El Golfo, and you’ll follow it to El Paso Beach, then through Timanfaya National Park. Along the way, you’ll be able to discover the unusual features of the island’s volcanic geology and landscapes. You should also keep an eye out for the Cory’s shearwater, an endangered bird species that’s native to the island.

The entire hike is about 4.3 miles, so it’ll take around three hours to complete. If you’re interested, I suggest checking here to see if there are any official park rangers who are available to do a guided hike. It’s free to do, so if you want to explore one of the most popular tourist attractions in Lanzarote , I highly recommend it.

16. Do the Tremesana Route from Yaiza, another adventurous thing to do on Lanzarote

The Tremesana Route is another hike that you can do in Lanzarote. If you want to hike this trail, you must join a guided tour and book your spot through this link since reservations are required. Tours are limited to eight people per group , so it’s best to book your spot in advance. We actually had to change our itinerary so we could join the only group that had two free spots.

Of course, it was totally worth it, as we had a knowledgeable guide with us who shared all kinds of interesting facts about the area and its geological history. Plus, it was a free thing to do in Lanzarote , which was an added bonus.

You’ll go through Timanfaya National Park and meet your guide in Yaiza, where you’ll begin an incredible journey through the volcanic landscape of Tremesana. The total hike is a little less than three miles and takes around three hours to complete. Without a doubt, it’s one of the best things to do in Lanzarote , especially if you want to learn more about the island’s flora and geology.

17. Visit the town of Teguise, another fun thing to do in Lanzarote

Teguise is another one of the best places to visit in Lanzarote . With its picturesque streets and charming allure, it’s considered one of the most beautiful towns in Spain .

You can visit Teguise on your own, but if you want to learn more about its history and culture, you can take this free tour (in Spanish). If you’re exploring on your own, I recommend strolling through the historic town center and getting lost among its narrow streets and traditional architecture.

There are other cool things to do in Teguise , such as visiting the Teguise Market, one of the most famous markets in the Canary Islands. Here, you can find all kinds of goods and artisan products, although the handmade ceramic handicrafts are the most popular. Los Novios de El Mojón (The Bride and Groom of El Mojón) are iconic symbols of Teguise, so you’re sure to see these figures are the market.

The market is only open on Sundays, but if you’re visiting on any other day, it’s still worth it. This is one of the best towns in Lanzarote , and you can easily spend half a day here exploring its attractions. Afterward, head to one of the local restaurants for a traditional Canarian meal.

18. La Graciosa, one of the top places to visit near Lanzarote

Visiting La Graciosa is a must-do in Lanzarote , and you can find several excursions in Lanzarote that go to La Graciosa in one day. While you can see the main attractions in a day, we decided to spend a night on this incredible island so we could take our time exploring.

To get to La Graciosa from Lanzarote , you must take the ferry from Órzola. Once you reach La Graciosa, you can rent a bicycle and visit Las Conchas Beach , Bermeja Mountain , or Francesa Beach . Or, you can take a hike on one of the trails and enjoy the stunning scenery. If you’re short on time, I suggest booking this tour , which includes your round-trip ferry ticket and a catamaran cruise around the coast of La Graciosa.

This may be a small island, but it’s full of wonderful natural sights and volcanic landscapes, so it’s one of the top places near Lanzarote to visit.

19. Stroll along Famara Beach, a relaxing thing to do in Lanzarote

You can’t go to Lanzarote without checking out the beach, and Famara Beach is one of the best. Here, the waves and ocean breeze are perfect for enjoying water activities in Lanzarote , so if you’re a fan of surfing, it’s the place to go.

There are all kinds of things to do here, such as surfing, bodyboarding, kitesurfing, and windsurfing. You can also take a paragliding flight like this one to see the beach from above. If you’re in the mood for something not so extreme, take a walk along the coastline and check out the puddles and tidepools that form with the rise and fall of the tide.

Another thing you can do here is visit the Risco de Famara viewpoint , a 1,575-foot cliff that overlooks the beach and part of the island. Bring your camera, because the photo opportunities here are undeniable. The viewpoint is located in El Bosquecillo Park, between Teguise and Haría. It’s accessible by car, but the road is quite narrow and winding, so be extra careful.

20. Las Grietas, a little-known place to visit in Lanzarote

Las Grietas is a nice place to visit in Lanzarote  and a hidden gem that some tourists don’t know about. Here, you’ll find layers of solidified lava that were formed thousands of years ago by several volcanic eruptions. The area is known for its curious geological features, particularly where the slope of the Montaña Blanca volcano cracks, and this is where the name Las Grietas came from.

As I said, this place isn’t very well-known, so if you’re looking for attractions in Lanzarote that are off the beaten path, Las Grietas is a great choice. Besides, this area is an excellent example of the island’s volcanic history, so it holds a lot of significance.

To get there, take the LZ-35 highway, which connects the towns of San Bartolomé and Tías. You’ll find an unpaved lot where you can park your car. Then, walk across the tunnel to the other side of the road and follow the path leading up the mountains to Las Grietas.

21. Visit the Jard ín de Cactus, an interesting place to visit in Lanzarote, Canary Islands

The Jard ín de Cactus (Cactus Garden) is another César Manrique masterpiece that has become a popular tourist attraction in Lanzarote .

21. Visit the Jardín de Cactus, an interesting place to visit in Lanzarote, Canary Islands

This unique 54,000ft² garden contains about 10,000 cacti and 1,400 different species. It’s easily recognizable thanks to its 26-foot-tall statue, which is actually a giant cactus. The garden is in Teguise and also has old, preserved mills, a bar, and a café with one of Manrique’s murals.

You can explore the garden on your own, but if you’re interested in seeing other works by César Manrique, consider this tour . It includes admission to several of his most important monuments, including the Jardín de Cactus and the Jameos del Agua. It’s a great way to visit a few Lanzarote landmarks in one tour.

22. Browse the Cesar Manrique House Museum, something to do in Lanzarote with kids

Another way to appreciate the works of César Manrique is by visiting the César Manrique House Museum . It’s known as one of the top attractions in Lanzarote , as it preserves the art and history of Manrique’s creations, which are essential to the island.

Inside, you’ll learn all about the artist and his mission to bring parts of Lanzarote to the public while also sharing the island’s history, culture, and traditions. The museum describes the motivations and processes behind iconic works like the Mirador del Río, the Cueva de los Verdes, the Jameos del Agua, and the Jardín del Cactus.

The building itself is in the middle of a beautiful palm grove in Haría and is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Admission is just €10 and €3 for kids ages 7-12, making this a good thing for families to do in Lanzarote . Also, remember that if you’re interested in seeing some of Manrique’s creations in person, you can take this tour and save on admission to several attractions.

23. Janubio Salt Flats, another hidden place to visit in Lanzarote

The Salinas de Janubio (Janubio Salt Flats) offer a one-of-a-kind perspective of the island, and they’re close to Charco de los Clicos and Los Hervideros, so you can combine all three Lanzarote attractions in one day. I recommend saving the salinas for last since, at sunset, the golden glow is reflected beautifully in the salt flats.

Although the salt flats were non-functional for a time, they’re back in operation and produce some of the best salt in the world. This natural protected area also contains Janubio Beach, which is made up of black volcanic pebbles. It’s worth visiting both places in Lanzarote , especially since the landscapes are so striking.

24. The Atlantic Museum & other diving sites in Lanzarote

For a totally unique thing to do in Lanzarote , I recommend going to the Atlantic Museum . This museum is super special in that it’s located 50 feet under the sea. Below the surface of the water, you’ll find a collection of underwater sculptures by artist Jason de Caires Taylor, as well as native marine life and coral.

If you’re up for the adventure, head to Playa Blanca, one of the best towns in Lanzarote and home to the Atlantic Museum. Don’t worry if you’re an inexperienced diver, because each underwater dive is accompanied by an instructor. And if you prefer, you can book this beginners diving experience in Costa Teguise (or this one in Puerto del Carmen) to get your sea legs and practice before diving to the Atlantic Museum.

25. Visit Los Charcones & other natural pools in Lanzarote

By now, you’re probably no longer wondering what to do in Lanzarote , but I have one last recommendation. The natural pools of Lanzarote are stunningly beautiful, formed by volcanic lava and offering a one-of-a-kind place to go swimming.

There are several popular natural pools on the island, but the most impressive one is Los Charcones . It’s in Playa Blanca and nestled between the Pechiguera Lighthouse and the Janubio Salt Flats. The crystal clear waters of this lagoon invite you to jump in and enjoy a relaxing swim.

Another lovely natural pool is in the town of Haría. Charco del Palo is a popular place to visit in Lanzarote for nude swimming and sunbathing and was the first area to allow nudism in the Canary Islands back in the ‘70s.

Another one that I recommend is Caletón Blanco , a natural cove with calm, crystalline waters and a mix of fine white sand and black volcanic pebbles. It’s near Órzola and is one of the best places to visit in Lanzarote with children since the waters are super tranquil.

Where to stay in Lanzarote – Best hotels in Lanzarote

There are many places to stay in Lanzarote , so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding an accommodation that suits your travel needs.

We’ve visited the island several times and have stayed in different kinds of hotels, villas, and apartments. One of our favorites is the Secrets Lanzarote Resort & Spa in Puerto Calero. It’s an adults-only resort, making it the perfect place for couples who want to spend a few relaxing days together. It’s also one of the best 5-star hotels in Spain , so you’ll be able to fully recharge after visiting all the attractions in Lanzarote .

Even if you’re on a budget, you can find lovely hotels with affordable rates and nice facilities. I like the Jardines del Sol , one of the best apartments in Playa Blanca . The complex also has villas that accommodate up to 10 people, so it’s a good option if you’re traveling as a group.

Another excellent option is the Hotel Club Siroco , one of the cheapest hotels in Lanzarote , specifically in Costa Teguise. It offers a prime location and very clean facilities at a competitive price. If you’re going to be spending a lot of time outside, or you want an accommodation with relaxing amenities like a pool, this is one of the top choices.

After enjoying all the fun things to do in Lanzarote , you’ll want a nice place to rest for the night, so check out our specific guides for more ideas on where to stay:

Best hotels in Lanzarote

Discover the best hotels in Lanzarote

All-inclusive hotels in Lanzarote

Find the best all-inclusive hotels in Lanzarote

Cheap hotels in Lanzarote

The best cheap hotels in Lanzarote for tight budgets

Villas in Lanzarote

Discover the best villas in Lanzarote for a luxurious stay

Apartments in Lanzarote

Discover the best apartments in Lanzarote

5-star hotels in Lanzarote

Discover the best 5-star hotels in Lanzarote for a worry-free holiday

Family hotels in Lanzarote

If you're traveling with kids, book one of the best family hotels in Lanzarote

Boutique hotels in Lanzarote

Discover the best boutique hotels in Lanzarote for a charming stay

Where to eat in Lanzarote – Best restaurants in Lanzarote

There are many delicious restaurants in Lanzarote where you can try typical Canarian dishes and flavors. I recommend avoiding the touristy places, as they tend to have higher prices for mediocre food.

Instead, check out my favorite place in Lanzarote to eat, La Cocina de Colacho . It’s in Playa Blanca and serves signature dishes made with the finest ingredients. Not only is it considered one of the best restaurants in Playa Blanca , but it also has a permanent art exhibition with beautiful paintings and photographs.

If you’re in Arrecife, I suggest eating at El Nido , a lovely oceanfront restaurant specializing in Mediterranean and Spanish cuisine. While it has all kinds of dishes, I recommend ordering the laing , a tuna steak that has earned this restaurant a great reputation as one of the top restaurants in Arrecife .

Over in Puerto del Carmen, I like La Carmencita del Puerto , a tapas restaurant with affordable prices and nice ocean views. They serve all kinds of tapas, but the cider choricitos are particularly good. Overall, it’s one of the best restaurants in Puerto del Carmen in terms of price and quality.

Map of things to do in Lanzarote

To help you plan your itinerary, here is a map with all the best things to do in Lanzarote , as well as the hotels and restaurants I mentioned:

It’s also worth checking out our Lanzarote tourist maps if you’re looking for something more specific, such as a trail map or road map.

How to get around Lanzarote

One of the most frequent questions I get is how to get around Lanzarote. I will say that the best option is to rent a car on the island so you can visit all the must-see places in Lanzarote on your own schedule. Having your own vehicle also makes it easier to go to more remote places on the island. Plus, you can pick up and drop off the car at the airport, so it’s pretty easy.

We always use DiscoverCars to find the best prices on rental vehicles. DiscoverCars searches various car rental companies to find great deals, and you can browse a variety of cars, trucks, and SUVs. I recommend reserving your Lanzarote rental car before your trip starts, so you can pick up the vehicle as soon as you land at the airport.

Another option is to rent a campervan in Lanzarote. This way, you can combine your accommodation and transportation all in one. I recommend this option for those who enjoy the outdoors and nature and have experience camping. If that sounds like you, check out Yescapa , which is the site we use to rent campervans and RVs.

If you don’t want to drive, you can use the Canarian buses, or guaguas . While the public transportation network is quite good and connects the best towns and places in Lanzarote , keep in mind that it’s designed for locals, not tourists. This means that it’ll take much longer for you to go from one attraction in Lanzarote to another, and you won’t be able to reach more remote areas. You’ll also have to rely on the bus schedule, which you can find on the official website , along with all the routes.

Finally, you can book one or more excursions in Lanzarote to get around the island and see various areas and attractions. The tours include transportation, so it’s faster than riding the bus. Of course, this option is more expensive, but you have to factor in that it includes your admission tickets, tour guides, and any activities, so I think it’s worth it.

Visit other Canary Islands, something to do in Lanzarote if you have more time

To finish up, it’s also worth noting that you can take advantage of your trip to Lanzarote by visiting other Canary Islands. I mentioned earlier that La Graciosa is one of the best places near Lanzarote , but you can also go to Fuerteventura, which is nearby.

Excursion to Fuerteventura from Lanzarote

Fuerteventura isn’t as touristy as some other Canary Islands, but it’s still one of the most beautiful places to visit. With nearly 100 miles of virgin beaches and stunning landscapes, there are plenty of things to do in Fuerteventura .

You can book this excursion , which includes ferry transportation from Lanzarote to Fuerteventura. During the tour, you’ll go to several attractions like the town of El Cotillo, the city of Corralejo, and the Dunes of Corralejo Natural Park.

You can also explore on your own by taking the ferry out of Playa Blanca, Lanzarote. The ride takes less than 30 minutes, and you’ll disembark in Corralejo, Fuerteventura. You can even bring your rental car aboard and ride around the island in complete freedom. For schedules and ticket prices, check the DirectFerries website.

I don’t recommend flying from Lanzarote to Fuerteventura, as it takes up a lot of time. However, if you’re interested, you can get the best deals on Kiwi .

Both DirectFerries and Kiwi include information on ferry rides and flights to other Canary Islands. So, if you’re interested in visiting other islands after enjoying all the things to do on Lanzarote , you have options.

And with that, you have all the info you need about what to do in Lanzarote , where to stay, and the best restaurants. I hope you feel better prepared to plan the perfect trip to this marvelous island, and that you enjoy your visit to the fullest.

Of course, don’t hesitate to leave me a comment with any questions you may have. I’d also love to hear about your favorite places to visit in Lanzarote !

Have a safe trip and tons of fun in Lanzarote!

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Canarias Lovers

To awaken your senses in the Canary Islands

21 best things to do in Lanzarote (with photos)

by Claire ROBINSON , Region Lovers | January 10, 2024 | no intrusive ads, no sponsored content, just some affiliate links - if you use them, we get a small commission (read more)

What a unique island! Between nature and architecture, there’s no time to get bored. So what is there to do in Lanzarote ? Here are 21 activities in Lanzarote, with photos, tips and map:

• inspiring volcanic landscapes,
• picturesque beaches,
• unique architecture,
• fun activities,

BEFORE ALL OUR TIPS , OUR favorites

Our favorite car rental platform with great offers: DiscoverCars

Our favorite activities:

Dolphin-watching boat tour Bus tour: Timanfaya + El Golfo + Los Hervideros + Wines

Our favorite hotels:

Boutique: Royal Marina Suites in Puerto Calero 5 stars: Hotel Fariones in Puerto del Carmen Adults-only: CalaLanzarote in Playa Blanca Family: Aequora Suites in Puerto del Carmen

This opinion is completely independent , based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.

1. Best thing to do in Lanzarote: Montana Cuervo

We did a lot of walking on the island. But our favorite is actually one of the easiest: Montana Cuervo. Located in the Lanzarote Volcanoes Natural Park (around Timanfaya), it is easily accessible by road. First, you’ll walk across the entire volcano, with a breathtaking view of a well-preserved cone. All around you, there’s lava in various forms. Panels help you understand the landscape around you and the volcano’s geological history. Then, the path allows you to walk around it and even enter the interior through a side that has collapsed.

Allow 1 to 2 hours, depending on the length of your visit and the number of photos you wish to take. There’s no shade, so bring water and wear good shoes. If you don’t want to drive, excursions leave from all the resorts, on a volcanic circuit that includes the first third of this walk (the best part). See program and book .

2. Dolphin-watching: Incontourable!

We love the whale and dolphin watching tours. We had high hopes, and were lucky enough to see an impressive number of dolphins. A wonderful experience with the Lanzarote landscape in the background. You can also often see bottlenose dolphins in the Canary Islands, including Lanzarote. See our article .

Choose from 4 tour formats:

Option 1 – Daytime speedboat – duration 1h30 with swimming See details and availability Option 2 – sunset speedboat – 2h30 with champagne See details and availability Option 3 – fast boat and Lobos Island – 5h with discovery of part of Lobos Island See details and availability Option 4 – Catamaran sunset cruise – 2h See details and availability There are resident dolphins all year round. Some say that June is the best month to see many of them, but we haven’t found confirmation.

3. Explore the island of La Graciosa

La Graciosa is a small island to the north of Lanzarote. Access is by ferry and there are no roads at all, just tracks in the sand. You can explore it on foot or with one of the 4WD cabs. Unlike Lanzarote, it is covered in golden-white sand. But there are also a few volcanoes. The colors are magnificent and you can enjoy different landscapes: beaches, volcanoes and basalt columns. Even the ferry crossing is fascinating, with superb views of the Famara cliffs to the north of Lanzarote. See our article .

We recommend taking the first ferry in the morning to avoid the crowds who come to spend the day at the beach. Ferries depart from Orzola. Note that for those staying in Playa Blanca, it takes longer to get to the north (1h10min by car). 2 companies offer ferries from Lanzarote to La Graciosa. See departures and book or book with bus pick-up . And on site, we recommend hiring a 4WD cab to explore the island’s most beautiful landscapes: book your 4WD tour in advance!

Another option if you don’t rent a car is to take part in a day’s sailing on a catamaran around La Graciosa – see program .

4. Discover Timanfaya National Park

The most famous activity in Lanzarote is the bus tour inside Timanfaya National Park. Located in the west, this is one of the best and most unique parts of the island. It is entirely covered by volcanic soil. There aren’t many ways to experience it. The main one is the bus excursion along the park’s only road. You can’t get out of the bus (to protect the landscape), but you can see some of the most incredible views you could imagine. It’s like visiting another planet! We loved it. See our article .

Allow less than half a day. Come early to avoid queuing at the entrance. If you don’t want to drive, half-day excursions take you from all the resorts to experience Timanfaya. See the program .

OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Lanzarote

• Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
• A small car is all you need.
• But you can also choose a larger one if you wish, as the parking spaces are rather large.
• There’s a lot of demand and it’s an island, so book early .

Read our tips

5. Visit the Cactus Garden

A garden full of cacti!!! We really like these funny and varied plants. Of all the best places to visit in Lanzarote, this is our favorite. The Cactus Garden is the work of the famous artist Cesar Manrique . He imagined how to transform this former “Rofera” (quarry) into an exhibition of the most beautiful cactus flowers from all over the world. It boasts some 1,500 specimens of 450 different species representing all 5 continents. See our photos of the Lanzarote cactus garden

Visit at opening time or in the late afternoon if you want a less crowded experience. If you don’t want to rent a car, you can take part in a Lanzarote excursion from all the major towns, which cover many of the places created by César Manrique. The tour includes the Cactus Garden. See the program (English, Spanish or German guide)

6. Enjoy the wild beaches of Papagayo

One of Lanzarote’s most famous spots is Papagayo beach. Located on the south coast, this is the oldest part of the island. The small cove has a beautiful shape and emerald waters. There are no roads to get there, only a very bumpy track (where you’re not normally allowed to go with rental cars). We recommend that you enjoy the beautiful hiking along these beaches. See our article .

7. Explore the canyons of Las Grietas, off the beaten track

Las Grietas, in Spanish, literally translates as “the cracks”. This is a formation on the side of the 600m-high Montaña Blanca volcano. 3 cracks have formed. The cracks aren’t very long, but they are quite narrow, reminiscent of a miniature version of the canyons in Arizona and Utah. We loved the different-sized crevasses with beautiful lines carved into the rock, as well as the views towards Puerto del Carmen and the sea. And it’s easy to get to! See more photos and our practical tips .

For more “hidden” places, see our list of off-the-beaten-track attractions .

WHERE TO STAY IN Lanzarote

Option 1: Playa Blanca

To the south, the resort is charming with beautiful beaches. We recommend..:

• Hotel Resort Princesa Yaiza, right in the center – see prices, pictures and availability
• Boutique-Hotel Cala Lanzarote – see prices, pictures and availability
• Aparthotel Jardines del Sol – prices, pictures and availability

Option 2: Puerto del Carmen

Main seaside resort with large beaches. We recommend..:

• Hotel Fariones, 5 stars above the beach – see prices, photos and availability
• Boutique-Hotel Aqua Suites – see prices, pictures and availability
• Hotel Seaside Los Jameos, for families – see prices, photos and availability

Option 3: Costa Teguise

Smaller and more central, for exploring the whole island. We recommend..:

• Barcelo adults-only Hotel – prices, pictures and availability
• Radisson Blu resort hotel, adults-only- see prices, pictures and availability
• H10 Lanzarote Family Guard – see prices, photos and availability

8. Jameos del Agua: lava, pool and crabs

We think it was one of the most frustrating things about Lanzarote. This pool in Jameos des Agua is so inviting!!!! Isn’t it? Here, César Manrique transformed part of a long lava tunnel that had collapsed in several places. There’s an underground lake, restaurants and an amphitheatre… See our article

Also at Jameos del Agua, the natural underground lake inside the section of the tunnel that didn’t collapse is home to small white crabs. You can sit on your side to spot them.

If you don’t want to rent a car, you can take part in an excursion that covers several places imagined by César Manrique, including Jameos. See the program

WITH OUR GUIDE PLAN YOUR DREAM TRIP TO lanzarote

All the information you need for your trip:

• 7 maps that make planning easier
• + 75 pre-selected locations
• Practical advice
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9. Climb to viewpoint: Mirador del Rio

Lanzarote’s most famous viewpoint is Mirador del Rio. It is considered one of the best places on Lanzarote. Located in the north of the island, on the Famara cliffs, this former military base was modified by César Manrique and camouflaged in the rock. It offers breathtaking views of the cliffs and the island of La Graciosa. If you don’t want to drive, it’s also included in the César Manrique day trip. See the program (English, Spanish or German guide)

10. Admire the waves at Los Hervideros

One of our favorite landscapes on Lanzarote was Los Hervideros . We really enjoyed the mix of turquoise water, dark basalt columns and the little red volcano behind. We sat there watching, fascinated by the intensity of the colors. A path has been laid out to explore these cliffs and even to go down and look under one of the arches. The walk is short but fun and easy. See our article .

Los Hervideros is located on the west coast, south of Timanfaya National Park, and the views are best at high tide, when you may see the waves crashing. If you don’t want to drive, organized tours combine Los Hervideros with a visit to the famous Timanfaya National Park. See program (English-speaking guide)

11. Vertigo at Cueva de los Verdes

This photo was taken at Cueva de los Verdes, in the north of the island. Jesus Soto installed lights in the lava tunnel to create a fascinating experience. We won’t say too much, as we risk spoiling the surprise. But we were very impressed with the experience in the end! See our article .

12. Lounging on Lanzarote’s most beautiful beaches

Of course, many people also come to Lanzarote to lie on the beach and enjoy the sun. Lanzarote’s 3 seaside resorts offer very pleasant beaches: Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise. We prefer the beaches of Playa Blanca. See our article on Lanzarote’s most beautiful beaches .

13. Fun on land, water and in the air

There are plenty of activities on offer in Lanzarote, from dirt roads to sea and air!

HAVE FUN WITH THESE Lanzarote activities

Dolphin watching Diving at the Museum of the Atlantic Buggy / Quad Catamaran outing Ferry to the island of La Graciosa Kayak excursion Paddle excursion Parasailing

14. Learn more about Lanzarote wine

Yes, there are vineyards on Lanzarote. It’s quite amazing, but by using picon on the soil to capture moisture and creating small rock walls to protect from the wind, they are able to grow grapes and make wine! You can visit several Bodegas on the island. The most famous is La Geria with its impressive valley (see tour program – English-speaking guide). But our favorite was El Grifo, with its small museum and more intimate setting for tasting. Find out more about the Lanzarote wine route .

15. Enjoy the colors of the salt marshes: Janubios

We’ve always loved salt marshes: their shapes, colors and little cones of white salt. On the west coast of Lanzarote, you can find the Janubios Salinas. In this astonishing landscape, it’s quite a sight!

16. See the sunset and the reflections of Famara

It’s well known that one of the best places to see the sunset in Lanzarote is on Famara beach. And when we saw that the conditions were going to be favourable, we jumped in the car and off we went. We were not disappointed! The wet sand reflects Famara’s impressive cliffs, struck by the setting sun. This is one of Lanzarote’s best photo sites, with silhouettes of surfers and light effects. But you won’t be the only photographer, because it’s a camera magnet. Definitely one of the most beautiful beaches on Lanzarote .

17. Hiking in Lanzarote

In addition to Montana Cuervo, there are numerous hikes to enjoy the beauty of the volcanic landscape. Among our favorites:

• Montana Colorada and its volcanic bomb
• Montana Los Rodeos
• Montana Roja

See our selection of the most beautiful hikes .

18. Getting lost in a LagOmar labyrinth house

One of our favorite places by César Manrique, was imagined by him but designed by Jésus Soto. It’s a labyrinth house inside an old quarry. We love the way hollows and shapes are used and transformed. This was Omar Sharif’s house. Find out more about LagOmar .

19. Tapas and local gastronomy

Another way to get a taste of Lanzarote is to escape to a small fishing village off the beaten track, and enjoy seafood by the water.

And if you’re looking for more gastronomic ideas, check out our selection of the best restaurants in Lanzarote .

20. Amusement parks

Lanzarote offers several theme parks for families:

• In Lanzarote, you can visit the Rancho Texas park, which combines a zoo, water park and other outdoor activities. It’s near Puerto del Carmen – Book your tickets
• Lanzarote also has a second water park on the Costa Teguise with a paintball area – Book your ticket

See Lanzarote theme parks

21. Vister cities in Lanzarote

It’s a good idea to alternate days of excursions with quieter days in the city where you’re staying. Here are a few local activities to enjoy in each of them.

Best things to do in Puerto del Carmen Lanzarote

• Boat trip in search of dolphins during the day or at sunset – with a breathtaking view of Lanzarote from the sea – Find out more
• A buggy ride through the Lanzarote countryside on dirt tracks – Find out more
• Parasailing off Lanzarote (photo below) – We love this activity, you feel safe but the sensations and views are amazing! – Read more
• Visit Rancho Texas Park, a combination zoo and water park – Buy your ticket
• Coastal walk to Puerto Calero

See our article on Puerto del Carmen must-sees .

Best things to do in Playa Blanca Lanzarote

• Walking by the sea
• Climb to the top of Montana Roja
• Hiking along the beaches of Papagayo
• Kayaking, Snorkeling
• If you go scuba diving, there’s an underwater museum.
• Or you can take the ferry to discover the nearby island of Fuerteventura – See options

See our article on Playa Blanca must-sees .

Best things to do in Costa Teguise Lanzarote

• Visit the aquarium – Buy admission tickets
• Fun at the Aqua Park
• Windsurfing

See our article on Costa Teguise must-sees .

Explore Lanzarote – the Video

Before we give you a few more suggestions on local activities in each resort, here’s a short video to give you an idea of what it’s like to explore Lanzarote:

And driving in Lanzarote really isn’t that difficult.

Frequently asked questions

Best things to do in lanzarote with children.

Children love all the activities listed above:

• Rancho Park with zoo
• Water parks
• Dolphin-watching tours
• The beaches

What to do in Lanzarote when it’s too hot

The sun can sometimes be brutal on Lanzarote. In hot weather,

• visit one of our museums
• take a boat trip, it’s always a little cooler with the breeze.
• cool off in the water park
• go down a lava tube
• stay in the hotel pool

PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Lanzarote

Most beautiful landscapes Best things to do in Lanzarote Most beautiful beaches Best boat tours César Manrique’s attractions Secret places, off the beaten track

25 tips for a successful trip to Lanzarote How to get around How to rent a car in Lanzarote Driving tips Best excursions Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 1 week – 10 days

• Where to stay

Where to stay in Lanzarote Best hotels in Lanzarote Best 5 star hotels in Lanzarote Best hotels for families Best adults-only hotels Best all-inclusive hotels in Lanzarote Best boutique-hotels Best hotels with water park

• The must-dos

Dolphin watching on Lanzarote Timanfaya National Park Best things to do in the old town of Teguise Jameos del Agua Cactus Garden La Graciosa Island Vineyards Lanzarote’s water parks

SHE MADE THE TRIP AND WROTE THE ARTICLE Claire

Region lovers' 10 commitments.

• Visit all the places we tell you about.
• For each city, stay in at least one hotel and visit the ones we recommend.
• For each city, eat in at least one restaurant, visit the ones we select.
• Pay all our invoices in full, refuse any partnership or sponsorship.
• Periodically update our articles, with the help of our readers.
• Enrich our articles with our first-hand experiences.
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• Use digital tools in a reasoned and transparent way, feeding them with information verified on site.
• Provide information on the traveler/writer pairing that gave rise to the article.
• Tell you what we do, and do what we tell you!

Claire and Manu

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Intimately intertwined with the legacy of 20th-century lanzaroteño artist and environmentalist César Manrique, Lanzarote is an intriguing island with an utterly extraordinary geology of 300 volcanic cones, eerie blackened lava fields and the occasional bucolic, palm-filled valley.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Fundación César Manrique

Upon returning definitively to Lanzarote, César Manrique built his spectacular house and creative centre, Taro de Tahíche, into the lava fields just…

Parque Nacional de Timanfaya

Lanzarote's most spectacular sight, the eerie 51-sq-km Parque Nacional de Timanfaya sprawls around the Montañas del Fuego (Mountains of Fire) formed by…

Cueva de los Verdes

A yawning, kilometre-long chasm, the Cueva de los Verdes is the most spectacular segment of an almost 7km-long lava tube left behind by an eruption 5000…

Jameos del Agua

When molten lava seethed through this volcanic cavern around 5000 years ago, the ocean leaked in slightly, forming the startling clear azure lake that…

Museo Internacional de Arte Contemporáneo

Converted into an art gallery in 1976, on César Manrique's wish, the well-preserved 18th-century Castillo de San José houses one of the Canaries' major…

Casa-Museo César Manrique

Frozen in time, complete with Manrique's clothes in the cupboard and personal art collection adorning the walls, the palm-shaded final home of the island…

Piscinas de Punta Mujeres

One of the most magical swimming spots on Lanzarote, this cluster of glittering turquoise natural pools dots the coast in the tranquil whitewashed fishing…

Playa del Papagayo

Hemmed in by the punta's craggy cliffs, deliciously unspoilt and protected Playa del Papagayo is one of Lanzarote's loveliest beaches, with pale-gold sand…

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What to see in Lanzarote, 13 unmissable attractions

Information

We tell you what to see in Lanzarote on our journey around the Canary Islands.A tourist guide to accompany those on Tenerife ,  Gran Canaria  and  Fuerteventura .

Discover  all you can do  on this island that never fails to surprise. Lanzarote’s alien, powerful and enigmatic volcanic landscapes often give travellers the feeling of being on another planet. Travelling over the island’s 850 square kilometres of coast and lava fields is like discovering a new land.Even mass tourism has not obliterated its image as an unknown territory, an impression further heightened when visiting areas such as the Timanfaya National Park.

Visitors are captivated by the small, sister island of La Graciosa, and particularly by its breathtaking natural scenery. But Lanzarote has also been shaped by the hand of man — the artist César Manrique , a figure with the power to put the brakes on urban expansion. His respect for the environment and his capacity for integrating architecture into nature produced unforgettable attractions, including the Jameos del Agua, the Mirador del Río [River Viewing Point], and the Jardín de Cactus [Cactus Garden]. Examples of how something that is already beautiful can be made even more beautiful.

• Jameos del Agua
• Cueva de los Verdes
• The island of La Graciosa
• Mirador del Río
• Jardín de Cactus

Los Hervideros

• Fundación César Manrique
• El Golfo and the Charco de los Clicos
• Papagayo Beach
• Famara Beach

Playa de los Caletones

Playa del pozo (playa quemada).

Playa Honda

Playa del Janubio

Playa El Ancla o Playa del Rey

• Hotels in Lanzarote

Places not to be missed in Lanzarote

Timanfaya, an out-of-this-world volcanic landscape

A remarkable landscape, like the surface of another planet, awaits travellers to  Timanfaya .  Montaña de Fuego, Montaña Rajada, the islet of Hilario, the Caldera del Corazoncillo , the  Rodeos Mountains   and the Señalo Mountains , Pico Partido, the Caldera de Rilla … These are just a few of the volcanic formations to be found in this large area of rough, barren lava flows in Lanzarote. A silent, transcendent landscape.

Timanfaya owes its unique landscape to volcanic activity that occurred between 1730 and 1736 , when part of the island shuddered and was left covered in lava and glowing rock. As many as twelve villages were left buried beneath the ash. The high temperatures of the surface here remind us that below ground a magma chamber remains, a real heart of fire.

The area’s designation as a National Park in 1974 , followed later by a declaration of over 90% of the land as a Reservation Area, has meant that it has remained virtually unspoilt. To find out all about it, your first step should be to call in at the Mancha Blanca Visitor and Interpretation Centre . Here, visitors can get in-depth information about this spectacular, volcanic park that stretches over more than 50 square kilometres. Although part of the park is protected, and therefore not open to visitors, there is still a great deal to see. In this sublime place, where the black of the landscape mingles with glowing ochre and red tones, you can visit places that are truly unforgettable.

Hiking enthusiasts have a choice of trails through Timanfaya, but the simplest and most popular way to tour the area is on a guided bus tour. The forty-minute trip includes a volcano tour and a ride through volcanic tubes, and pyroclastic and lava fields. If you want to see more of these remarkable landscapes, there are other options, including the Tremesana tour, or the Coastline tour . While it is always advisable to undertake these tours with guides, the most competent hikers could attempt some of them independently. Camel tours are also extremely popular in the area. A perfect adventure activity for families with children.

Jameos del Agua , a journey to the centre of the Earth

The  Jameos del Agua  is a fascinating project by  César Manrique . The artist is a constant presence in so many corners of the island. His architectural works, which are always mindful of the environment, are expertly integrated into the natural setting. In the case of the Jameos del Agua, Manrique played with the idea of a journey to the centre of the Earth . This is the impression that accompanies the visitor from the outset, even as he or she walks down the steps on the first stage. From that moment onwards, one jaw-dropping sight follows another.

Manrique’s starting point for this architectural attraction was his fascination with the volcanic tunnel formed after the eruption of the Volcán de la Corona . This tunnel, over 6 kilometres in length, extends from the crater of the volcano itself to the sea, and continues for a further kilometre and a half under the sea. The Jameos del Agua is the section of the tunnel that lies nearest the coast. It owes its name to the cave that lies inside the tunnel, and which constitutes a remarkable geological formation. It originated from filtration, because of its position below sea level. It comprises three ‘jameos’, or openings, in the surface of the ground. The ‘Jameo Chico’ [‘little opening’], through which visitors enter; another, the ‘Jameo Grande’; and a third, known as the ‘Jameo Redondeo’ [round opening].

Los Jameos del Agua

Plant life breaks through the basalt rock, and the place provides a home for tiny crabs. The space, designed as a Centre for Art, Culture and Tourism, contains a pool with whitewashed sides, an auditorium, and a centre specialising in vulcanology. The Jameos del Agua has some truly awe-inspiring features. These include a natural lake with clear waters, and a barrel vault, resembling a cathedral nave with a hole in the top which allows in what appears to be a remarkable beam of heavenly light.

The gardens are full of luxuriant vegetation. The palm, cactus and fig trees appear to watch over the undulating white swimming pool. The green of the plants, the pure white of the pool, the blueness of the water, and the blackness of the volcanic rock all contribute to a scene of great beauty. Anyone who has attended a concert in the Jameos del Agua auditorium, set within a volcanic cave, will know that this is a wonderful experience, thanks to the cave’s geological characteristics and its acoustic features.

Cueva de los Verdes , phenomena created by lava

The tunnel created by the eruption of the Volcán de la Corona, also contains the  Cueva de los Verdes , located in the  Haría district . This space has an illusory quality. It is a kind of labyrinth consisting of three vertically connected and interlinked galleries.In places, they reach a height of 50 metres.

Interior de la Cueva de los Verdes

The quirky shapes formed by the lava come as a surprise to visitors to this remarkable corner of Lanzarote. The Cave is a pleasant place to visit, thanks to its stable temperature (around 19º C) and to the anecdotes told by the guides. They point out the most curious-looking stony structures, formations such as lava stalactites, and marks that show the levels reached by the river of fire. Among the highlights are the Auditorio [Auditorium], the Sala de las Estetas [Hall of the Aesthetes], Garganta de la Muerte [Throat of Death], and the Puerta Mora [Moorish Doorway].

In the past, the place provided a shelter for flocks belonging to the the Los Verdes family, who owned the land. This explains the name: La Cueva de los Verdes. And before that, in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, it was used as a hiding place during attacks by pirates from north Africa. It was only a century later that their geological importance was realised, and European scientists and intellectuals began to visit them, fascinated by such an extraordinary volcanic formation.

It started to become a tourist attraction for visitors to Lanzarote in 1964, when two kilometres of it were made accessible. From then onwards, it became part of the network of Lanzarote Island Council’s Centres of Art, Culture and Tourism. The present-day appearance of the Cueva de los Verdes is the work of the artist Jesús Soto who frequently collaborated with César Manrique. Visitors are struck by the use of light and shade to make the stone stand out, and to highlight the weird shapes left by the lava after the eruption and their various colours: shades of red, grey, black and ochre.

La Graciosa, the eighth Canary island

Anyone who has visited  the island of La Graciosa  will never forget the impact of the scene as the boat approaches the port. Ferries depart every thirty minutes from the  port of Órzola  in Lanzarote. The short crossing is a voyage in search of a dream. Because La Graciosa, the eighth populated island of the Canary archipelago, is a tiny piece of paradise. There is no asphalt anywhere on the island.Its streets of sand come as a surprise on arrival at Caleta de Sebo . That is when the clocks stop. Here, you can forget rushing around. Time stands still, and the visitor is transported away from the noisy city environment.

La Graciosa, located at the eastern end of the Canary archipelago, is a haven of peace with a population of under 1,000 inhabitants. Caleta del Sebo is the largest centre of population, followed by Pedro Barba , a hamlet with a mere handful of white cottages for people in search of privacy and tranquility.

Vistas de la isla de la Graciosa

The landscape is dominated by the volcanoes of Las Agujas, El Mojón, Montaña Amarilla and Montaña Bermeja . And out at sea can be glimpsed the islets of Montaña Clara, Alegranza, Roque del Este, and Roque del Oeste . Everything in this setting with its hues of red, yellow and ochre seems designed to make us stand and stare. The island covers an area of 27 square kilometres, and makes a striking impression with its deserted beaches and fascinating volcanic landscapes. Whether on foot or by bicycle, the island offers scores of paths where you can wander amid the silence and beauty of its wild natural scenery.

Notable attractions include the diving centre, which is below sea level. The island is part of the Chinijo Archipelago Marine Reserve , the largest such reserve in Europe, which covers over 70,700 hectares and boasts the highest level of marine biodiversity in the Canary Islands. The Reserve also includes the uninhabited islands of Alegranza and Montaña Clara, which have magnificent beaches. These islands can be visited on one of the catamaran or boat excursions available in the area.

No stay on La Graciosa should omit a visit to the Montaña Amarilla [Yellow Mountain] . It can be reached either on foot or in a private vehicle. The volcano’s striking yellow colour contrasts with the blue of the sky and the turquoise of the sea, and is well worth a visit. Afterwards, you could go for a swim at Playa de la Francesa , a large stretch of white sand. At the end of the beach, a narrow path leads to Playa de la Cocina , an exquisite cove wedged into the very foot of Montaña Amarilla.

Equally spectacular is desolate Playa de Baja del Ganado on the northern coast. From this shore, where the sand mingles with the volcanic rock, we can enjoy a breathtaking view of the nearby island of Montaña Clara. Even further north lies Playa de las Conchas . This large, deserted beach is subject to strong ocean currents. Here it is easy to believe you’ve been shipwrecked on a desert island. Skirting the coast, we come face to face with one of the island of La Graciosa’s iconic sights: The Arcos de los Caletones — natural basalt arches formed by erosion from the sea that flows beneath. Nearby is Playa del Ámbar,  hemmed in by sand dunes.

Mirador del Río [River Viewing Point] — looking out to the Chinijo Archipelago

The Mirador del Río , a creation by César Manrique, is one of the most special places on the island of Lanzarote. Its location on the summit of the Risco de Famara — a 22-kilometre-long mountain range — provides unique, panoramic views of the natural park of the Chinijo Archipelago. Manrique’s construction is on the Salinas del Río [salt flats] , a remarkable sight because of the reddish hue they impart to the landscape.

As is usual with Manrique’s creations, the structure is integrated into its setting in a way that makes it almost invisible from the outside. Entry to the viewing point is via a passage flanked by niches housing traditional ceramics by the local craftsman, Juan Brito . The passage emerges in the heart of the building, the great central hall. The viewing point has a pleasant snack bar with spectacular windows that function as the ‘eyes of the viewing point’.

El Mirador del Río

Through them, one can glimpse the collection of islets that make up the natural park of the Chinijo Archipelago, among which the island of La Graciosa stands out. In the foreground can be seen the stretch of sea that separates this small island from Lanzarote. This stretch is what the locals refer to as the ‘river’, the geographical feature that lends its name to the viewing point.

Jardín de Cactus [Cactus Garden] , a place of great beauty

The Cactus Garden , Manrique’s last artistic installation on the island, is now one of Lanzarote’s most popular attractions. The garden houses a collection of around 4,500 specimens of cactus, made up of a total of 450 different species. However, the collection is still increasing, as new plants are gradually being added from across all the five continents. These include specimens originating from Madagascar, Peru and Tanzania, as well as cactus plants native to the Canary Islands themselves.

The remarkable diversity of the collection and, of course, César Manrique’s accomplished design have resulted in the attraction becoming an Asset of Cultural Interest in the Historic Gardens category. Like all this Canary Island artist’s pieces, the Cactus Garden is a complete work of art. It combines disciplines such as landscaping, architecture, painting and sculpture. Visitors to the garden find themselves in a place of remarkable beauty and tranquility.

The Cactus Garden’s structure was designed for dramatic effect, as it sets out to deliberately surprise the visitor. Entry to the attraction is via a curved opening which skirts around a sculpture in the centre. Having negotiated this bend, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the garden, and then make their way down the steps to see the vast cactus collection.

El Jardín de Cactus

On the horizon beyond the Garden there looms the silhouette of a millet mill (maize is known as millet throughout the Canary Islands), of interest because it is one of the last remaining buildings of this type to be conserved on the island. The windmill dates from the early years of the nineteenth century, and was used in the production of gofio [toasted maize flour], a staple ingredient in the region’s cooking. The windmill commands one of the finest panoramic views of the area. Within the amphitheatre, two domed structures command the attention: these house the cafeteria and the Arts, Culture and Tourism Centre shop.

Los Hervideros, an astounding spectacle

Los  Hervideros [The Cauldrons, in English] , on Lanzarote’s  south-western coast , is a group of extraordinary caves. Their appearance is the result of the lava spewed out by the volcanoes in the Timanfaya National Park between 1730 and 1736 coming into contact with the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The strange shapes of the rocks here were caused by accelerated solidification and by constant erosion by the sea.

The location of Los Hervideros, halfway between the Salinas de Janubio [Janubio Salt Flats] and the coastal village of El Golfo , gives us an opportunity to admire the unrelenting onslaught of the waves, and to see how, as the water rebounds off the rocks, it creates a cloud that remains suspended in the air for a few moments. The seawater appears as if it is boiling, hence the descriptive name of the place — Los Hervideros, or The Cauldrons, in English. Water pours into the cavities opened up by the unstoppable advance of the lava, and provided that the force of the waves is strong enough, it gushes out through the overflow vents, i.e. through the openings scattered over the surface of the cliff.

The spectacle is even more astonishing when the Atlantic is rough. But on a visit to the area, you need to follow the signs very carefully, keep to the paths marked out with stones, and climb up and down using the steps designed for that purpose. A series of artificial balconies has been created to enable visitors to feel the force of the ocean while they are inside. Although you will often see local fishermen who know the place well moving freely around areas that have not been adapted for visitors, you need to be extremely cautious, as the ground is uneven, and the furious power of the Atlantic is uncontrollable.

Fundación César Manrique, nature and culture

Everywhere on the island of Lanzarote, one finds reminders of  César Manrique . Nature and culture, hand in hand. Creative risk-taking in harmony with the conservation of nature. Architecture and the volcanic spirit joining forces to produce a remarkable spectacle. A good part of the island is an open-air museum. Manrique had a vision, and he saw it through. His character, his work, and his activism in defence of the environment and against urban speculation have all become benchmarks for environmentalism throughout the world.

After a lengthy sojourn in the city of New York , the artist returned to his island, and began to turn his dream into reality. Inside a volcanic bubble in Tahíche, he built his first house, Taro , in the style of Lanzarote’s ancient stone buildings. The space continued to grow, and eventually became the Fundación César Manrique [César Manrique Foundation]. It opened in March 1992 — six months before the death of Manrique — and comprises the former residence, staff quarters and garages.

The building possesses some truly amazing features, including windows through which lava enters, thereby creating a connection between the building and the volcano — making it difficult to tell where one ends and the other starts. Similarly, the contrast between the blackness of the volcanic rock and the luminous white of the walls is present throughout the entire structure.

Fundación Cesar Manrique

In areas such as the pool, we can see how the Canary Island architect adapted the volcanic lava to create a bridge. Outside, it is worth pausing to admire the mural designed between 1991 and 1992 by Manrique first tracing its design with volcanic rock, and then filling the spaces in between with tiles. The garden contains numerous varieties of palm trees and cacti.

The Foundation, an essential visit for anyone interested in the artist himself and his works, houses his collection of contemporary art. It includes works by Cuixart, Chirino, and the Equipo Crónica . The museum also houses a small collection of Canary Island art, as well as three further rooms of works by Manrique.

Visit Lanzarote’s most picturesque towns and villages

Teguise, a coastline that evokes memories of the Lanzarote of the past

Teguise is Lanzarote’s largest municipality. It stretches from the east to the west coast. The  town of Teguise , protected in the past from pirates by  Santa Bárbara Castle , lost its status as capital to a town with a port,  Arrecife . This town, with its air of austere elegance, has an attractive historic quarter with white houses and charming squares.

The area’s outstanding attraction is its coast, which includes the Costa Teguise giant tourist complex . The Canary Island artist César Manrique was involved in the design of the complex. His concern for the sustainability of the tourism boom led him to strive to preserve the identity of the old Lanzarote in the project. Around what is known as the Pueblo Marinero — Manrique’s tribute to traditional Canary Island architecture — lie a multitude of open spaces, deluxe hotels and residential developments which recall seventies-style luxury. A golf course, a water park and an immense aquarium, along with the four natural beaches spread along the coastline, complete the area’s extensive range of leisure facilities.

Another, only slightly younger vestige is to be found at the Residencia Real de La Mareta , located on the sea shore on the outskirts of Costa Teguise. Its history dates back to the end of the 1970s. This is a luxurious building which originally belonged to King Hussein I of Jordan , who later gave it as a gift to King Juan Carlos I . For years, figures as diverse as the ex-head of the Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbachev , and the ex-heads of the Spanish Government, José María Aznar and José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, spent their summer holidays here. Today it forms part of the Canary Islands’ heritage.

The area’s most outstanding beaches are Las Cucharas , Los Charcos  and El  Jablillo . Las Cucharas is the largest, and the only beach with fine, golden sands. It has several windsurfing schools, thanks to its ideal location for this sport. Los Charcos has white sands, while El Jabillo is the smallest and quietest of Costa Teguise’s beaches. It has breakwaters which, at low tide, form a kind of natural swimming pool on the beach. The area’s fourth beach is Playa Bastián , speckled with black by the presence of volcanic charcoal in the sand.

Costa Teguise offers a huge range of leisure and sports activities. Among the many places to visit is  Aquapark Costa Teguise , Lanzarote’s largest water park. And the Lanzarote Aquarium , which is home to hundreds of different species.

Venturing further inland in this beautiful corner of the island, there are also the five amazing volcanic peaks of the Tahiche, Tinaguache, Corona, and Tejida mountains . Corona and Tinaguache are the nearest, and their moderate altitude (no greater than 230 metres) makes them accessible to every visitor. They have beautiful viewing points offering views of the Atlantic Ocean .

Haría, a bucolic setting

Haría is a picturesque little town in the centre of the Mil Palmeras valley . Lying in the shadow of the La Corona volcano, the town was the place chosen by César Manrique for his first workshop, in a refurbished farmhouse. In this remote, lost town in the north of the island, the artist and architect spent the last years of his life. He died in an accident in 1992. Nowadays, his home has been converted into a house-cum-museum, and is open to the public. After visiting here, it is worth taking a quiet stroll through the town.

Attractions to be found in Haría’s bucolic setting include lovely squares such as León y Castillo , where visitors can rest in the shade of the laurel and eucalyptus trees; the church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación , and the Ermita de San Juan Bautista [Hermitage of St. John the Baptist] . There is also a craft market which is very popular with locals and tourists alike. Another of the area’s highlights, on the narrow, winding road leading down to the town, is the viewing point, the Mirador de Haría . Manrique had a hand in its creation too, and even designed a little house for hikers.

The viewing point, also known as the Mirador de Malpaso, is set among palm and dragon trees, in an area rich in farmland, beautiful landscapes, and geological features. From here, travellers can admire incomparable panoramic views of the municipality of Haría, with its groves of palm trees, its terraces and the coast in the distance.

La Geria, Lanzarote’s fine wines

The Valle de La Geria , a vast expanse of volcanic ash located in the south-west of the island, includes five of the seven municipalities that make up Lanzarote. This area, very close to the Timanfaya National Parkis, is well known for its wineries. The place highlights the astounding capacity of the conejeros [the inhabitants of Lanzarote] to adapt to their environment, as they came up with an ingenious cultivation method based on gerias — hollows in the ground — which has enabled the area to be a prolific producer of wine.

Row upon row, these perfect hollows, tinged with green, ochre and black, eventually traced a unique pattern over the land. With the passage of time, only the wineries and a few farm buildings now remain in La Geria, existing in perfect harmony in this landscape scattered with volcanic cones, lava fields, and mysterious caves. Lots of people are drawn to La Geria to visit one of the enormous number of wineries to be found along the LZ-30 — the unremarkable road that divides the valley.

The vine plantations, in true Canary Island style, lend the area a dreamlike air. A real treat is enjoying a glass of malvasía, the island’s speciality, as you admire the scenery. Recognised in 1987 as a Protected Area, and in 1994 as a Protected Natural Space, the Valle de la Geria has also hosted since 2011 the Festival Sonidos Líquidos [Festival of Liquid Sounds]: a local initiative focused on promoting the local wine through alternative music concerts performed in the open air.

El Golfo and the Charco de los Clicos [Green Lagoon]

Also known as the Green Lagoon , the Charco de los Clicos is another unforgettable corner of Lanzarote. It is to be found in the   little fishing village of El Golfo , at the south-western end of the Timanfaya National Park. The little bay, barely two minutes from the town, is like a scene from a dream, a vision of remote planets yet to be explored. In fact, this is the crater of a volcano which has been partly drowned by the ocean. The crescent-shaped bay on the opposite shore, with its beach of black sand and a lake of emerald-green waters (due to a high concentration of algae) is a beautiful but desolate sight, and has featured in both Spanish and international films.

El Charco de los Clicos

This mesmerising setting held a powerful appeal for Pedro Almodóvar . It was here that the director shot a series of romantic scenes starring Penélope Cruz and Lluís Homar , for his film Los abrazos rotos [Broken Embraces]  (2009). Lovers of classic cinema will also remember  Raquel Welch  emerging from the green-coloured waters of a lake in a ‘prehistoric’ bikini. This scene, from the British film One Million Years B.C. (1966), set in the Paleolithic Age, was shot in this mysterious corner of Lanzarote.

Lanzarote’s beaches

Papagayo beach, the jewel of the South

Papagayo is the most popular beach in  Punta del Papagayo , a secluded area in the far south of Lanzarote, within the  Los Ajaches Natural Park . This is a protected area, and to access it there is a charge of three euros. A small price to pay in view of all the treasures held in this untamed area, full of unspoilt beaches. Here, the only signs of civilisation are a car park, a campsite and a couple of beach bars.

Papagayo beach has the typical perfect crescent shape, and is fully protected from the wind by cliffs. A small bay, its waters are particularly suitable for snorkelling. There are plenty of other idyllic bathing spots around the area: Playa Mujeres, Caleta del Congrio, Caletón de San Marcial, Playa de la Cera, Playa del Pozo, and Playa Puerto Muelas . Golden sands, limpid waters and gentle waves are a common denominator in all the beaches of this remote part of Lanzarote, so you can always find a quiet spot where you can be alone.

Punta Papagayo

Playa de Famara

A typical beach with a beauty that words can scarcely do justice to. This is a wild space with fine, golden sands stretching for over five kilometres in the north-west of Lanzarote. The beach lies within the Chinijo Archipelago Natural Park, between the fishing village of La Caleta de Famara and the cliffs of the Risco de Famara. The winds and strong waves make this a perfect place for water sports such as surfing, bodyboarding, windsurfing, or kitesurfing. A wonder of nature.

This beach, located near the coastal village of Órzola in the north of Lanzarote, is actually formed by a series of small coves. The place owes its rugged terrain to the remains of the famous Corona volcano, which lend it a unique and exotic appearance. The beach lies very close to Roque del Este and the islets of the Chinijo Archipelago. The beach can be accessed by car, and you can park nearby.

Playa Quemada is a fantastic spot, an incredibly beautiful sight in this part of south-eastern Lanzarote. Playa del Pozo is a small beach, barely 300 metres long, with pebbles and black sand. It is astoundingly beautiful and is normally deserted. The beach, which is difficult to access, lies near the Los Ajaches Natural Monument.

This beach, with its golden sands and calm waters, belongs to the village of the same name, and lies close to the town of San Bartolomé. It is 1,300 metres long, and its semi-urban location tends to attract the crowds. It has a delightful path linking the area with Puerto del Carmen and Arrecife. It is not far from César Manrique Lanzarote Airport.

This awe-inspiring, wild beach with black sands lies close to the town of Yaiza, and is a haven of peace and calm. It is around 800 metres long, but the currents are strong, making it unsuitable for swimming. It is very near the extraordinary Salinas de Janubio, Los Hervideros, Timanfaya, and Charco de los Clicos.

Situated at the entrance to Costa Teguise from Arrecife, this small beach surrounded by rocks offers safe conditions for bathing and snorkelling. However, its small size (it stretches for barely 150 metres) means that it tends to get very crowded. It has golden sands and clear waters. The beach’s nickname — Playa del Rey [the King’s Beach] — results from its proximity to Las Maretas, a residence that once belonged to King Hussein of Jordan, and which he gave as a gift to ex-King Juan Carlos I.

Hoteles de Lanzarote

The best options for excellent accommodation on the island of Lanzarote are the Occidental Lanzarote Mar, Barceló Teguise Beach and Occidental Lanzarote Playa hotels.

The Occidental Lanzarote Mar Hotel . The  Occidental Lanzarote Mar  is a four-star hotel in Costa Teguise, one of Lanzarote’s most famous tourist resorts, about 6 kilometres from Arrecife. The hotel has 442 comfortable guest rooms designed so that guests can enjoy a pleasant holiday. In addition, the hotel has 3 adult swimming pools and 2 children’s pools, and offers a range of food and drink to suit all tastes. Sports enthusiasts will be delighted with the facilities available here: an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a professional cycling centre, a professional gymnasium, and a varied range of sports activities.

Barceló Teguise Beach-Adults Only Hotel . Designed exclusively for adults, the  Barceló Teguise Beach-Adults Only Hotel  stands on the beachfront at Costa Teguise, just 150 metres from Playa de Las Cucharas. It has 305 comfortable guest rooms with a décor inspired by local architecture. In addition to a great selection of bars and restaurants, the hotel has a superb wellness centre, two swimming pools and a gymnasium.

The Occidental Lanzarote Hotel . Situated close to El Ancla beach, in Costa Teguise, the  Occidental Lanzarote Playa Hotel  is the perfect place for a peaceful, enjoyable holiday. The hotel’s All-Inclusive package allows guests to benefit from the very best services: food and drink, sun loungers and towels for the swimming pool, direct access to the beach, etc. There is also an entertainment programme with evening shows, as well as fitness activities and team games.

Barceló Teguise Beach

• Adults-only hotel, ideal for relaxing
• On the seafront at Las Cucharas beach
• Wellness and Fitness
• 1 buffet restaurant, 2 à la carte restaurants and a cocktail bar

Barceló Lanzarote Active Resort

Frequently asked questions.

What are the not-to-be-missed visits on Lanzarote?

Some of the places you really shouldn’t miss on your trip to Lanzarote are the Timanfaya National Park, the Jameos del Agua, the Cueva de los Verdes, the beaches at Papagayo, and the nearby island of La Graciosa. Discover them all in our guide.

What are Lanzarote’s most picturesque towns and villages?

Lanzarote has towns and villages that definitely deserve a place on your itinerary. Teguise, La Geria, Haría and El Golfo are some of the most captivating places.

What is the best time of year to visit Lanzarote?

The spring and autumn months are undoubtedly the best times to visit the island, as the weather then is very pleasant, there are many hours of daylight, and it’s outside the main tourist season, so it’s also cheaper and quieter.

Related plans

Los charcones and punta mujeres: the best natural swimming pools on lanzarote, the best restaurants in lanzarote, los hervideros de lanzarote, a landscape carved out by lava and waves, scuba diving in lanzarote invites you to discover the ocean’s wonders.

What to see

The paradise  Papagayo Beach , the fascinating  Jameos del Agua and incredible natural wonders like  Cueva de los Verdes  top our list of  must-see places in Lanzarote . Discover the top 10 unmissable visits for your trip to the island!

Timanfaya National Park

Mirador del río, papagayo beach, famara beach, jameos del agua, la graciosa, cueva de los verdes, cuervo volcano, césar manrique foundation, césar manrique house museum, you may also be interested in.

Discover what to see and do in Lanzarote, from the best beaches to the history of each of its towns and cities and which monuments to visit.

Spanning just over 50 square kilometres across southwest Lanzarote is Timanfaya National Park, a Mars-like landscape of volcanoes in a sea of lava.

Things to see in Lanzarote

What to see in lanzarote, the most important sights at a glance.

Simply click on the respective point of interest on the list and you will automatically be directed to the relevant information. Have fun exploring the island.

Holiday Island Lanzarote:

Lanzarote emerged from fire and ashes and it is the black beauty of the Atlantic. Due to its exceptional nature, Lanzarote belongs to the special islands of the Canary archipelago. You should have visited it at least once in your life, and not just because it was the first island to be declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 1993. The moon-like volcanic craters and the beautiful beaches are far from its only attractions.

With only about 146,000 inhabitants, Lanzarote is one of the less densely populated Canary Islands. The area of around 846 square kilometers places the island only in the fourth position of the area comparison of the Canary archipelago. Nevertheless, 3.1 million holidaymakers (2017) spend the best time of their year here annually. Prepare for a great vacation on this island. Read here what you must not miss and what are the top sights in Lanzarote.

César Manrique, Son and Patron Saint of the Island of Lanzarote

Anyone visiting Lanzarote will encounter the legacy of the very versatile Canarian artist César Manrique in every corner of the island. Many of the Lanzarote sights bear his signature. One can say that he had a decisive influence on the human-made appearance of Lanzarote. Through his tireless efforts, he achieved that no hotel bunkers have been built on the island and that hardly a building is more than two floors high. It is thanks to him that environmental protection played an important role early on in the actions of political decision-makers on the island. He prevented building sins and massive destructive interventions in the island’s ecosystem.

LA GRACIOSA – NUMBER 8

The  smallest inhabited island in the Canary Islands  has only recently received the official status of the eighth Canary Island. It is perfect for those who are looking for peace, relaxation and deceleration. Almost all of the only 700 inhabitants live in the town of Caleta de Cebo. There are no paved roads on the entire island, and certainly not between the houses. As a result, pedestrians and cyclists dominate the picture on the gravel and sand slopes. Don’t forget your bathing suit, because you should definitely enjoy a swim in the Atlantic Ocean on the great sandy beaches.

MIRADOR DEL RÍO – GREAT VIEWS

César Manrique created an architectural masterpiece here in 1973, the design of which has not lost its modernity to this day. It is undoubtedly the most sensational viewpoint on the island. Built at a height of 400 meters of the Famara massif, you have the best view of the steep coasts of the mountains and the small neighboring island of La Graciosa. On the upper level of the view point there are two large terraces with unlimited foresight. In the lower part there is a restaurant inside the building with a huge panoramic window, so that you don’t have to do without the wonderful view.

CUEVA DE LOS VERDES – LAVA TUBE

One of the most impressive sights of Lanzarote is the Cueva de los Verdes in English: “Cave of the Greens”. The huge lava tube originates from more than 5,000 years ago during a volcanic eruption and extends 7 kilometers into the interior of the rock. You can visit about 1 kilometer of it on a guided tour. On the 45-minute visit you will learn everything about this extraordinary natural phenomenon. The ceiling is extremely high in the front part of the cave and the area has great acoustics and was therefore also serves as a concert hall. Concerts for up to 300 people take place here regularly.

JAMEOS DEL AGUA – VOLCANIC CULTURAL SITE

This complex also comes from the artistic work of César Manriques. The most impressive part of this sight is a natural lava grotto with an underground lake. It is located in the lower area and is expertly irradiated by an elaborate lighting system. The lights are reflected by the lake, what provides a very mystical atmosphere. The rare albino crabs also live in this lake. In the upper area of the complex you can relax by a watercolor- tinted pool and also get to the “Volcano House”, which houses a museum on the volcanic history of Lanzarote.

CALETA DE FAMARA – MECCA OF SURFERS

This small place is a hotspot for surfers of all categories, because the beach of the same name has perfect conditions for surfers, windsurfers and kitesurfers almost all year round. Beginners and advanced players are in good hands here. You can join various courses in the adjacent surf schools. If you need equipment, you will also find sufficient rental options in the local surf shops. Even if you don’t like surfing, you are lying on a paradisiacal sandy beach about 1.5 kilometers long, which is perfect for beach lovers. Due to its northwest location, this beach also offers spectacular sunsets.

JARDÍN DE CACTUS – CACTI FROM 5 CONTINENTS

Shortly before César Manrique’s death in 1992, he was able to complete this last work. The cactus park is located on the outskirts of the village of Guatiza. Manrique’s style is clearly recognizable. The park is laid out on various terraces to which paved paths lead. An old corn mill is part of the pretty facility. The 450 species of cactus come from 5 different continents. In total, the Jardín de Cactus is home to around 4,500 cacti. It is not one of the largest of its kind, but it is certainly one of the most beautiful cactus parks and definitely worth a visit.

TEGUISE AND THE PIRATES

Teguise was one of the first towns that the Spanish conquistadors founded on the island. It was the capital of the island until the mid-19th century. The fortress Castillo de Santa Bárbara, which now houses the Pirate Museum, still bears witness to the city’s bloody past. Teguise has repeatedly faced brutal pirate attacks in the past. Even the fortress, built especially for defense, was little help. Today various plaques are commemorate the bad times. On a Sunday it always gets busy in the village, because then the local weekly market takes place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

STRATIFIED CITY – STONES FROM ANOTHER WORLD

An insider tip that you should take a look at. These remarkable rock formations are easily accessible by rental car on the LZ-404. In the middle of them you feel like on the surface of an alien planet. The existing shapes and colors could also be reminiscent of a painting by Salvador Dalí. Every single stone massif has its own shape. Wind, rain and sun ensure that the rock formations keep changing their appearance. The small caves, holes and tunnels that have been created over thousands of years offer children a perfect area to play hide-and-seek.

MUSEO LAGOMAR – THE PLAYFUL HOUSE

The LagOmar in Nazareth is an exceptional house, with an extraordinary history. It was designed by César Manrique in the 1970s and built into an old quarry. Legend has it that famous Hollywood actor Omar Sharif once bought this house and lost it at a game of Bridge on the day of purchase. Today you can visit this building as a museum. In his bar “La Cueva” there are cool drinks and an exclusive garden with a pool invites visitors to stay.

MONUMENTO AL CAMPESINO IN MOZAGA

It is one of the first sculptures by César Manrique, the Monumento al Campesino. You will find it in the village of Mozaga located pretty much the center of the island. The approximately 15 meter high structure consists of concrete and old water tanks. Manrique dedicated it to the local farmers who, through their immense effort and hard work, created fertile soil from the arid lava earth of the island. There is a museum right next door, that displays exhibits from the artisan life of the inhabitants of Lanzarote. Admission is free.

FUNDACIÓN CÉSAR MANRIQUE – HOW HE LIVED

In the village of Tahíche you will find this house that was built in 1968. The artist lived here for over 20 years. After moving out from there, he himself turned the building into a museum. Some of the rooms in the house have been integrated into a total of 5 natural lava bubbles and it naturally filled with Manrique’s art. Manrique has also left numerous of his works of art on the surrounding grounds. His former home now houses the Foundation (Fundación) César Manrique. This is to help protect Lanzarote’s cultural heritage and promote environmental protection and the arts.

EL CUERVO – DANCE ON THE VOLCANO

The volcano El Cuervo is a worthwhile destination for hikers and interested. Located south of Mancha Blanca near the LZ-56, it is easily accessible by car. From the parking lot you will be there in about 20 minutes walking. Around the extinct volcano, there is a circular hiking trail of about 4 kilometers in length. The official hiking trail is well signposted and can be done by everyone. It is also possible to walk into the crater on a short path. Depending on the position of the sun, the mountain shines in different colors.

TIMANFAYA NATIONALPARK – LANZAROTE FIRE LAND

It is undoubtedly the most famous of the Lanzarote sights. There are volcanic vents in the  Timanfaya National Park  as far as the eye can see! Here you can visit these famous fire mountains “Montañas de Fuego”. Its gleaming past was only 200 years ago when the last volcanic eruptions occurred. In the chargeable part of the park, you can have grilled chicken prepared in a lava hole in the El Diablo restaurant that was designed by Manrique. These holes protrude about 6 meters deep and are up to 600 degrees hot. Water poured into them evaporates instantly and is expelled under a roar and in a high fountain.

EL GOLFO AND THE GREEN LAGOON

El Golfo is now one of the more famous fishing towns on the island. You can enjoy freshly caught fish in one of its 10 fish restaurants with a wonderful sea view. Fortunately, despite the growing tourist flow, the place does not lose its original charm. El Golfo owes its fame to its green sea water lagoon El Lago Verde, which is located on the beach Playa El Golfo. The green of the small pond in the middle of the deep black volcanic sand shines in the sun like an emerald. Its bright green color comes from algae that have settled in the lake.

LOS HERVIDORES – LAVA ROCKS VS. WAVES

This stunning natural spectacle takes place near the state road LZ-703 north of La Hoya. At this place the forces of the sea meet a steadfast bulwark of cooled lava rock. Los Hervidores owe their origin to the last volcanic eruption in 1824. Since then they have persisted, the powerfully rolling in waves. Especially at high tide, the waves hit the rocks particularly strong and the sea water splashes in all directions. Different viewpoints offer great visions of the lava rocks with their tunnels and holes that the sea has gradually knocked into its walls.

PAPAGAYO BEACHES – THE BEAUTIFUL 8

At the southeastern tip of Lanzarote you will find the most beautiful beaches on the island. In each of the 8 adjacent bays there is a wonderful and natural sandy beach. You can get there by car driving on a gravel road with no difficulty. But hikers and bikers can also get to the beaches easily. And there are boat tours too that take you there by sea. First you can admire all 8 beaches and then you have shore leave and time to bathe in turquoise-blue, clear water. At the best known of the beaches – Playa de Papagayo – you can have a have snack in a restaurant or a bar.

Photo Credits: “La Graciosa” by Private; “Mirador del Río” by Private; “Cueva de los Verdes” by  kanbron  on  Visual hunt  /  CC BY-SA ; “Jameos del Agua” by Private; “Caleta de Famara” by  Pixabay ; “Jardín de Cactus” by  wuestenigel  on  Visual Hunt  /  CC BY ; “Teguise” by  Pixabay ; “Stratified City” by  enricrubioros1  on  Visual Hunt  /  CC BY ; “Museo LagOmar” by  Pixabay ; “Monumento al Campesino” by Private; “Fundación César Manrique” by Private; “El Cuervo” by  enricrubioros1  on  Visualhunt  /  CC BY ; “Timanfaya National Park” by  nuff8671  on  VisualHunt.com  /  CC BY ; “El Golfo” by Private; “Los Hervidores” by  Pixabay ; “Papagayo Beaches” by  christian.vielma  on  Visual Hunt  /  CC BY-SA ;

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18 Best Things To Do in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote

Playa Blanca is the southernmost resort in Lanzarote and it has grown quite a bit in the last few years, from the sleepy fishing village it once was. If you're planning to spend your holiday in Playa Blanca, you may be wondering what there is to do in the resort and what can you expect in terms of hotels, beaches, restaurants and entertainment. 

1. Spend your day sunbathing on Playa Blanca beach

2. playa dorada , 3. playa flamingo, 4. take long walks on avenida maritima, 5. playa de montana roja, 6. playa blanca market, 7. papagayo beaches, 8. catamaran cruise to papagayo beaches, 9. aqualava water park - great day out for kids, 10. marina rubicon, 11. take the ferry to corralejo, fuerteventura, 12. boat trip to los lobos, 13. find the spoon in concrete, 14. los charcones, 15. los hervideros, 16. wine tasting in la geria, 17. events in playa blanca, 18. atlantico museum.

Playa Blanca is quieter compared to Puerto del Carmen and even Costa Teguise, but it's an ideal place for a family holiday in Lanzarote. Here you have great beaches within walking distance, nice restaurants, a water park for kids and lots of opportunities for boat trips directly from Marina Rubicon.

The resort of Playa Blanca has not one, but 3 beaches in total, all great for swimming and spending the day in the sun.

Playa Blanca beach, named just like the resort, is right in the center of town, close to all the bars and restaurants, so it's obviously very popular and gets busy quickly.

On Playa Blanca beach you will find all the normal amenities of an urban beach: sunbeds (around 10 Euros for 2 sunbeds for the day), shower and foot showers, toilets and a lifeguard on site. 

Playa Blanca beach, also known as the White Beach, has been awarded the Blue Flag distinction and it's a really nice and clean beach, although a bit small compared to its big popularity.

Playa Dorada is a golden sand beach, staying true to its name which translates to Golden beach. This beach is located close to Marina Rubicon.

Playa Dorada beach is a wide and spacious beach, with plenty of sunbeds and the water is clear and calm, ideal for swimming and safe for children. 

Close to Playa Dorada you have 2 options for great hotels in Playa Blanca:

• Dreams Lanzarote Playa Dorada Resort & Spa (4 star hotel)
• Boutique Hotel H10 White Suites - Adults Only (4 star hotel)

Playa Flamingo may well be the prettiest of all 3 beaches, but this is a personal opinion and you should explore all of them in order to make up your mind.

Playa Flamingo is further from the heart of the resort, but you still get restaurants and small shops to find something to eat and drink during the day.

This beach has all the amenities you would expect, from sunbeds to toilets and showers. It is a safe beach for children, with turquoise water, very calm and with no big waves or currents.

You have 2 great hotels close to Playa Flamingo Beach:

• Iberostar Selection Lanzarote Park (5 star hotel)
• Relaxia Lanzasur Club + Aqualava (4 star hotel)

One of the best activities in Playa Blanca is to take long walks along the coastline on the Paseo Maritimo, admiring the great ocean view. You could even walk all the way from Playa Flamingo to Playa de Montana Roja.

One of the best things to do in Playa Blanca (and Lanzarote in general) is to explore the area on foot, as the coast offers so many breathtaking views and it's also a good option for overcast days when it's not possible to sunbathe.

This beach is further away from the center of the resort, so it's less popular and less crowded than the other 3 beaches mentioned before. This beach is great for people looking for a rather quiet place in Lanzarote, which is still part of a resort, so you do have quick access to restaurants and bars. 

In fact, there are some good hotels close to the beach and a lot of private villas as well:

• H10 Rubicón Palace (5 stars)
• Hotel SBH Royal Mónica (4 stars)

Playa Blanca Market happens twice a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Although not as large and busy as the market in Teguise, this event attracts people from other neighboring resorts such as Puerto del Carmen.

One or two hours is more than enough to see all that it's on for trade, but then you can spend another hour or so drinking a coffee while taking a break from all the souvenir shopping.

Playas de Papagayo may well be the best beaches in Lanzarote and a visit there is a MUST while in Lanzarote, especially if you are staying in Playa Blanca.

You can even walk from Playa Blanca to Papagayo beaches, but we wouldn't recommend it, especially if you've got children with you. There's nowhere to hide from the sun on the way and by the time you get there, you will most likely be very tired.

By car, it's just 10 minutes away and there you have a set of 5 amazing beaches, ideal for swimming. Just bring your own water and snacks with you, as there are no shops inside the natural park, but there is a restaurant overlooking the Papagayo beach, which has really beautiful views. 

We absolutely recommend a visit to Papagayo beach, especially if you're staying in Playa Blanca, which is the closest resort. It's the best day trip from Playa Blanca if you wish to see picture-perfect beaches, with mesmerizing turquoise water.

If you don't have a car rental and you don't feel tempted on walking that much either, the boat trip to Papagayo beaches may be exactly what you need.

So why not take a cruise to the Papagayo Beaches on a sailing catamaran? You will enjoy a free lunch, an unlimited bar and watersports activities. All equipment is provided.

• Pickup included
• Duration 4 hours
• Lunch on board
• Unlimited draft beer, sangria, soft drinks and water
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts

If you're looking for things to do in Lanzarote with kids, then a day out at the waterpark may be exactly what you need.

The park is not large, but it has enough slides and attractions to keep most kids happy.

• Includes All-access tickets, Sunbeds, Umbrellas
• Recommended for families with kids
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before activity starts

One of the best things to do in Playa Blanca is to just walk and take in the landscapes, the lovely weather and pleasant temperatures.

Marina Rubicon is just 15-20 minutes away from the town center and it's the place from where all the boat trips leave, either for snorkeling trips, or to go to Papagayo Playas, Fuerteventura or Los Lobos island.

You will find some nice cafes and restaurants to try out after looking at the boats and it's a nice walk to do in the mornings, before the sun starts to really burn, especially during the summer months.

While in Lanzarote, why not explore a bit of the sister island Fuerteventura, especially since the two of them are so close to one another?

The trip on the ferry between Lanzarote and Fuerteventura takes around 45 minutes to one hour and you will soon arrive in Corralejo, the most popular resort in Fuerteventura.

There you can have an entire day to explore the town, so read our list of things to do in Corralejo . You can also take a short taxi trip to Corralejo Natural Park and explore the dunes and the endless beaches - Oliva beach and Flag beach, some of the most popular and best beaches in Fuerteventura.

• Transport to the ferry and back to the pickup point
• Roundtrip ferry ticket & 5 hours of free time

If you want to explore one of the smaller islands close to Lanzarote, then Los Lobos is the closest and the ships leave right from Marina Rubicon.

You can opt for a full day with a guide, where you will explore the small island and swim in the most pristine waters. The island of Los Lobos is not inhabited, so you will see a truly untouched landscape, with no asphalt roads or houses, just nature and small beaches, ideal for relaxation.

• Duration 5 hours
• Picnic lunch and drinks

This is somewhat of an unusual attraction in Playa Blanca and it's more of a wild hunt started from holiday forums on Facebook. 

There is a certain spoon stuck in concrete somewhere in Playa Blanca and people are walking about looking at the pavement trying to find it. It's sort of a challenge!

So if you see people looking down at their feet while walking along the promenade... now you know why. And maybe who knows... you will even find yourself! If you do, take a photo of it and post it on your dedicated Lanzarote Forum group on Facebook (you will find the link in the blue box below the article).

This is a set of natural pools close to Playa Blanca, where you can go swimming and snorkeling.

However, you need to be careful as the landscape is rocky and not friendly for small children. Also, be careful at the tide level and the state of the ocean when you go there, because it's not advisable to get in the water when the ocean is rough and there are big waves. Otherwise, the landscape is nice and provides a pleasant walk on an exploration day.

Less than 15 km from Playa Blanca you can find one of the most incredible place to see in Lanzarote: Los Hervideros .

Go there to see the force of the ocean and take your time to admire the landscape, while you get to see another side of Lanzarote.

The protected landscape of La Geria is only a short distance away from Playa Blanca, less than 30 minutes by car and it's the place to visit if you want to sample wine that is locally produced in Lanzarote.

You can see for yourself how grapevine is cultivated in Lanzarote and you can taste several types of wines at the popular bodegas like Bodega La Geria or Bodega Rubicon. 

Visiting La Geria is one of the easiest short trips you can do from Playa Blanca, as it's so easy and fast to get here.

There are lots of things happening in Playa Blanca, from the annual carnival in February or March, to the cheese festival and also other types of concerts and events.

These provide a nice way to pass the time and it's a great way to know more about local life and their culture and traditions.

Playa Blanca is a great resort in Lanzarote, ideal for couples and families with kids, but maybe not so suited for people who want to party all night long. 

UPDATE: Officially, the Atlantico Museum is closed and some of the statues have been removed by the authorities, while this action has been condemned by diving schools in Playa Blanca.

This may not be everyone's cup of tea, but Atlantico Museum is a unique attraction in Europe and situated right off the coast of Playa Blanca.

You can go underwater to see the beautiful statues, that have started to attract marine life and in doing so they've revived the ecosystem around this part of Lanzarote. If you like diving, don't miss this experience in Playa Blanca!

• Best apartments in Lanzarote: Apartamentos Fariones (Puerto del Carmen) • Apartamentos El Guarapo (Costa Teguise) 
• Popular hotels in Lanzarote: Barceló Teguise Beach - Adults Only  4* (Costa Teguise) • Hyde Park Lane 3* (Puerto del Carmen)
• Luxury 5* hotel in Lanzarote: Iberostar Selection Lanzarote Park (Playa Blanca) • Arrecife Gran Hotel & Spa (Arrecife)
• See our dedicated guide for the best places to stay in Lanzarote .
• Best Excursions & Tours: Volcanoes and Caves: Full-Day Tour  • Fire Mountains in Southern Lanzarote: Half-Day Tour

FAQ about coming on holiday to Playa Blanca, Lanzarote

Playa Blanca is one of the three main tourist destinations in Lanzarote, so yes, it is touristy and it has many many great beaches, hotels, as well as restaurants and bars.

Yes, you can definitely swim in Playa Blanca. The beaches are usually safe and are protected from big waves, so it's a great place to swim.

Playa Blanca is a quiet resort compared to Puerto del Carmen, but it has plenty of bars and restaurants where you can enjoy an evening drink with beautiful views of the sunset or the marina, which is the nicest area for a night out in our opinion.

No, Playa Blanca is not usually windy. Actually, Playa Blanca is the least windy resort in Lanzarote, so it is a great destination for a beach holiday if you want o be sheltered from wind.

Marina Rubicon Market in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote

10 Best Beaches in Lanzarote and La Graciosa

Playas de Papagayo Beach - The most famous beach in Lanzarote

Ferry from Lanzarote to Fuerteventura - Prices & Schedules

16 Best Things To Do in Corralejo, Fuerteventura - 2024 Guide

Los Hervideros, Lanzarote - See the volcanic cliffs and caves

10 Exciting Things To Do in Lanzarote (Plus Where To Stay & What To Eat)

L anzarote is one of the Canary Islands , an archipelago of volcanic islands which belongs to Spain and located about 60 miles off the coast of Morocco. They are very diverse due to the different altitudes of the volcanoes.

La Palma, for example, is very lush and green, whereas Lanzarote is a desert island. But despite the lack of vegetation, Lanzarote is a fascinating place to visit, and you’ll find plenty of fun and exciting things to do in Lanzarote!

In 2016, my husband, Baxter the dog, and I sailed to the Canary Islands. We were planning to use this as our jump off point to do yet another Atlantic crossing. However, this was the year when nothing went as planned, and instead of hopping over to the Caribbean in a timely manner, I spent about six months on Lanzarote.

The Absolute Must-Do Activities

If you can do everything on this list, do it. But if you’re time is limited, these are my Lanzarote faves:

• Visit the geological wonders at Timanfaya National Park
• Learn about César Manrique while exploring the Cactus Garden
• Relax out at the beach at  Playa del Charco de los Clicos

10 Exciting Things To Do in Lanzarote

There are lots of wonderful things to do on Lanzarote, Spain , but you may be wondering how to get around the island. There are several options. If you mostly want to do R&R, you could book the occasional tour. If you prefer independent exploring, you can either rent a car, or use public transportation.

Driving is super easy on the island, and the rental cars are reasonably priced, making this the most effective means of transportation and use of your time. Buses run from town to town and to the airports, but they aren’t a great means to get to more remote or rural areas.

Uber and taxis are available as well. Once you have chosen how to get around this ​small island, you are ready to see all the sights!

1. Timanfaya National Park

To witness volcanic activity firsthand, you need to visit Timanfaya National Park, which is also one of Lanzarote’s main attractions and a great place to start your excursions. Timanfaya is one of Spain’s 15 national parks, and the only one which is entirely geological in nature. It’s a fascinating place to see.

The drawback is that you aren’t allowed to explore it on your own. (But don’t be deterred, the natural park makes up for this!) The only way to see the park is by bus. The bus tour, which takes around 30 minutes to complete, is included in your entrance fee and starts at the visitor center. This fee is 12 Euros for adults, 6 Euros for kids between seven and 12, and free for children younger than seven years.

Right in front of the visitor center you will be able to see a demonstration of the thermal energy. There’s a hole into which a park employee throws water, which then comes back up as a steaming fountain. It’s quite impressive to see mother earth’s power at work like this!

Free guided walking tours are available on the Termesana Route.  Reservations must be made  ahead of time. You will notice offers for camel riding tours in many places around Lanzarote. There are varying reports of the treatment of the animals. If in doubt, please skip this kind of tour and only practice  ethical animal tourism .

You can also book a longer guided tour of Timanfaya National Park that includes hotel pickup, the Route of the volcanic landscapes, the wine region of La Geria and beautiful viewpoints such as the cliffs of Los Hervideros and the El Golfo volcano.

2. Los Volcanes Natural Park

At Los Volcanes Natural Park, you are free to roam on your own, wandering the lava fields which date back as far as 1730. This nature reserve surrounds the national park, so you can expect a lot of similar features – and the true feeling of walking on the moon !

Bring your binoculars, as this is one of the best places to spot birds as it is a special bird protection area. Geo-geeks should consider booking a tour. The island has great guides that offer small group tours who can give you all the insights on volcanoes and the history of the island. It’s so fascinating, it’s even fun for those who are only mildly interested!

3. The Cactus Garden

Before you visit the Jardin de Cactus , you need to learn about César Manrique, Lanzarote’s most famous son. He was an artist and sculptor, as well as a nature activist. He’s responsible for several projects on the island.

One example is the Devil sculpture at Timanfaya, a sculpture which has it’s origin in an old legend, but has come to life through César Manrique’s hands and can now be found on t-shirts, key chains, and postcards all over Lanzarote.

One of his ideas gives Lanzarote its distinct character even today. Manrique deemed that buildings should be white, the window sills should be either green or blue, and the height should never exceed four stories.

The Jardín de Cactus is the last project Manrique completed before his death in 1992, and it’s one you should not miss. The garden is beautifully designed and is home to around 4,500 cacti belonging to about 500 species which come from five different continents.

It’s not just a fun place to wander around and expand your knowledge about cacti, it also provides great opportunities to take all the Insta-worthy shots you need. It’s considered among the most important cactus gardens in the world!

4. Cueva De Los Verdes

These lava tunnels are a must see, and a tour will leave you in awe of our planet’s power. They are about five miles long, and even those who are claustrophobic may give this activity a chance.

With a height of up to 164 feet and width of up to 50 feet, you’ll feel more as if you have landed in an underground cathedral than a deep dark tunnel. Learn about how the tunnels came to be, and what history is attached to them, on a guided tour .

5. Jameos Del Agua

César Manrique’s footprint can also be seen at Jameos Del Agua . It’s a natural space inside a volcanic lava tunnel. There are three parts/openings at Jameos Del Agua: at Jameo Grande you’ll find a beautiful swimming pool (no swimming allowed though), at Jameo Chico you’ll find a restaurant, access to the interior, and a hidden entrance to the longest submerged lava tube cave in the world, the Tunnel of La Atlántida, and then there’s also the Jameo de la Cazuela.

The Jameos del Agua are deemed an art, culture, and tourism center, with a museum, an auditorium which is located partly inside a lava tube, and the aforementioned restaurant.

It’s a very neat place to visit, and it’s also home to the unique blind crab.

6. Go On A Wine Tour At La Geria

A desert island is the least likely wine country you will ever encounter. The plants are cultivates in funnel-shaped hollows in the grounds (gerias, from which the region derives its name), and ingenious way to protect the crop from the constant winds.

Some of the island’s wineries produce award-winning wines, but even if you don’t like wine, it’s well worth the tour just to learn about the clever cultivation methods.  Join a tour  to visit several wineries and enjoy a wine tasting.

7. Visit A Local Market

Local markets are the best place to buy your souvenirs. One of my favorite things to do in Lanzarote is to visit Marina Rubicón. They are every Wednesday and Saturday between 9 am and 2 pm and the best place to buy some art, crafts, pottery, buy local wine, or get the souvenir t-shirt you’ve wanted to buy all along, in a fun atmosphere with great views of the boats in the marina.

And since we are on the topic of shopping: there is no VAT in Lanzarote. VAT is value added tax, the European version of sales tax. In the bigger stores, especially in Arecife, the capital city, you’ll find the usual candidates for duty free shopping: alcohol, tobacco, and perfume/cosmetics.

But if you want to buy something more unique, opt for a piece of art, something made with aloe grown on the island, island wine, or even wine soap, or jewelry made with volcanic rocks. If you love to travel from your kitchen, buy mojo sauces so you can recreate one of Lanzarote’s specialties: papas arrugás.

9. Ride A Submarine

As in many beach destinations, you will find the normal marine tours on offer: a catamaran cruise to a fab beach, a day sail, scuba diving, and surfing lessons.

But Lanzarote has something super unique to offer: a  submarine safari ! The submarine dives up to 100 feet down, you get to see a shipwreck, and enjoy the marine life along the way. Where else can you have that kind of experience!

10. Hit The Beach

When on an island, a trip to the beach is a must. If you plan a summer trip, sunbathing and a nice swim should be on the agenda. During the winter, you can enjoy a leisurely walk or book a horseback riding tour and enjoy the scenery.

These are my favorite beaches in Lanzarote:

• Playa de Papagayo : not just one, but a series of five stunning golden sand beaches, protected by a series of coves, best for swimming or snorkeling
• Playa de Famara : expect stunning scenery on this wide open stretch of sand. The often strong winds are ideal for surfing or kiteboarding.
• Playa Flamingo : the most family-friendly beach. The waters are calm, palm trees provide some shade, and bars and restaurants offer tasty food.
• Playa Chica : a small beach that is ideal for diving.
• Playa del Charco de los Clicos : one of the best beaches for a stroll and photography. Admire the black sand, volcanic features, and green lagoon
• Quemada Beach: gorgeous black sand beach, best for a stroll due to it being mostly rocks

My 5 Favorite Places To Eat in Lanzarote

Potato lovers rejoice! Wrinkly potatoes (papas arrugás) are one of Lanzarote’s national dishes, and they are delicious! They are served with mojo picón, which is either red or green.

The red version is made with red bell peppers, spices, and red wine vinegar and is a wee bit spicy. Mojo verde, the green version, is made of olive oil, vinegar, garlic, cilantro, and cumin. My favorite? I love them both!

Lanzarote’s location in the Atlantic Ocean lends itself to excellent seafood dishes as well. You can also find excellent tapas, or BBQ cooked with the aforementioned heat from volcanic rock.

Here are my favorite restaurants and the places you should not miss during your stay in Lanzarote:

• Azure Restaurant , Puerto Calero: ribs with meat that falls right off the bone, super friendly staff, and marina views await at Azure! Vegetarian options are also available.
• Coentro , Puerto Calero: Innovative food earned owner and chef João Faraca the title of best chef in the Canary Islands in 2018. Adventurous foodies can enjoy cold tomato soup with goat cheese ice cream, local white fish tempura with jable sweet potato foam, and much more.
• Restaurante El Diablo , Timanfaya National Park: eat food cooked on the heat generated by an active volcano, a one of a kind experience! The menu features traditional Canary Island dishes. Vegetarian options are available.
• Mar Azul Restaurante Grill , Costa Teguise: Looking for delicious yet affordable tapas? Mar Azul is the place to go!
• Restaurante Lilium , Arrecife: a small restaurant with huge flavors. Traditional Canarian cuisine with a twist and a Michelin star!

4 Great Hotels in Lanzarote

No matter your preference of accommodations, Lanzarote can offer it. You’ll find everything from resorts to hostels and in between. Here are a few recommendations:

Hotel Fariones , Puerto del Carmen: a luxurious five star hotel that allows pets and is right at the beach. Several restaurants are on site, as well as a gym, and an airport shuttle service is available.

Check Hotel Fariones reviews on TripAdvisor and find best rates at Hotels.com and Booking.com .

Barcelo Teguise Beach , Costa Teguise: a four star adults only hotel . The hotel got a total makeover in 2015, is close to the beach (about 500 feet), features several bars and restaurants, a gym, and a wellness center.

Check Barcelo Teguise Beach reviews on TripAdvisor and find best rates at Hotels.com and Booking.com .

Los Lirios Hotel Rural , Tias: a small three star hotel for those who value peace and quiet. Expect excellent hospitality, helpful staff, and a tasty breakfast. This is also an adults only hotel.

Check Los Lirios Hotel Rural reviews on TripAdvisor and find best rates at Hotels.com and Booking.com .

Secrets Lanzarote Resort & Spa , Yaiza: one of the best options for all-inclusive. You can bring your furry friend, but not the kids. Enjoy fabulous ocean views, state of the art fitness and spa facilities, and exclusive restaurants.

Check Secrets Lanzarote Resort reviews on TripAdvisor and find best rates at Hotels.com and Booking.com .

8 Fun Facts About Lanzarote

• It has an active volcano.  There are over 300 volcanic cones on Lanzarote, but only one actove volcano, which last erupted in 1730.
• It’s wine country . It’s hard to believe, but wine makers on the island have special techniques to grow their grapes.
• You can travel to the moon.  Not quite, but almost! The landscape in Timanfaya National Park is so similar to that of the moon that  space agencies  train here!
• The whole island is a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
• It’s been used as a movie set.  Lanzarote’s unique landscape was discovered by Hollywood and used for the 1966 blockbuster ‘One Million Years B.C’. Since then it’s been the setting for movies such as Wrath of the Titans (2010), Wrath of the Titans (2012), Fast & Furious 6 (2013), Doctor Who (2014), Jason Bourne (2016), and many more.
• It has unique wildlife.  Munidopsis polymorpha, the blind crab of the jameos, is endemic to the island.
• You can eat food cooked with the heat of volcanic rock.  Find more details in the ‘where to eat section’.
• One of the island’s major export goods comes from a bug.  Canarian cochineal dye is famous around the globe and is extracted extracted from inside the female cochineal.
• It’s known as the Hawaii of Europe.  Surf’s up my friends! Grab your board and hit the waves!
• It is the starting point for a great adventure!  If you are interested to  crew on a sailboat across the great Atlantic , you may be able to find a ride on Lanzarote.

More Canary Islands Articles

• Where are the Canary Islands?
• From Beaches to Vineyards: The Best Things to Do in Gran Canaria, Spain
• 50+ Spectacular Things to do in the Canary Islands
• How to Pack for 2 Weeks in Europe (in one suitcase)
• Cheap Flights to Europe with Condor Airlines

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The post 10 Exciting Things To Do in Lanzarote (Plus Where To Stay & What To Eat) appeared first on 52 Perfect Days .

Where to Stay in Lanzarote: 10 Best Areas

Where to stay in Lanzarote ? This splendid Canary Island has proven to be the ideal holiday getaway for couples, families, and outdoors enthusiasts for numerous years. You can be sure of balmy weather and unfailing sunshine throughout all months, both making for a wonderful excuse to visit Lanzarote. In this post we will review the best places to stay in Lanzarote.

Lanzarote turns out to be the nearest of the (Spanish owned) Canary Islands to the continent of Africa. It is a mere about 65 miles (slightly over 100 kilometers) away and also lies over 650 miles distance (over 1,000 kilometers) from the mainland of Spain.

Lanzarote possesses fantastic beaches and otherworldly volcanic vistas . The isle’s yearly average temperature equates to 72 degrees (or 22 degrees Celsius), earning the island its nickname of “the Island of Eternal Spring.”

With such an interesting and unusual natural variety and a perfect climate, it should not come as a surprise that there are plenty of places for where to stay in Lanzarote.

Lanzarote has bustling tourist areas such as Costa Tequise and the Playa del Carmen, but it also offers you an arid and wild landscape just waiting for you to explore it.

This volcanic island provides you with towns filled with palms, stunning beaches , whitewashed houses, cacti aplenty, and fresh seafood.

The magical influence of renowned artist Cesar Manrique abounds. He designed most of the island outside of the capital, leaving a legacy of no new buildings being constructed more than two stories in height.

You can see several Manrique attractions and also houses of his while on Lanzarote. Meanwhile, the island’s interior and north presents you with a bohemian atmosphere .

Visitors to Lanzarote will not want to miss the Timanfaya National Park. Comprised of volcanoes, these are all dormant today (since 1824).

Thanks to the enormous eruptions of 100 of these volcanoes in the years from 1730 to 1736, an enormous basalt form of landscape makes up about 25 percent of this Canary Island. Nearly the entire area is part of the national park today.

Table of Contents

Where to stay in Lanzarote: 10 Best Areas

Despite the fact that more than a quarter of this island is covered by lava rock, there is no shortage of best areas to stay in Lanzarote. We look at the ten best places on the island next.

1. Costa Teguise, where to stay in Lanzarote for first time visitors

Near the island’s capital on the east side of the island lies the Costa Teguise . It is also a mere 10 to 15 minutes car ride from the island’s one airport.

You will find every kind of holiday accommodation, including some of the best hotels and resorts in Lanzarote , and numerous activities in this tourist resort.

Among its most popular appeals are the numerous recreational opportunities and facilities on offer in the Costa Teguise. These range from a water park and golf course on to a plethora of water sports activities.

A few different windsurfing schools are based on Jablillo Avenue and on Cucharas Beach.

This has all caused the numbers of cultural and sporting events here to multiply over past years as well. In June you will see the PWA Windsurfing World Championship qualifiers on Cucharas Beach. September brings you the Coast Music Festival , while June offers the Brazilian Music Festival.

Without a doubt the beaches found in Costa Teguise are the biggest attraction. Bastian Beach caters to families with little children thanks to its protection from the wind and its easy access. Cucharas Beach is beloved by windsurfers . Jablillo is another worthwhile white sandy beach here.

Those who base in the Costa Teguise will want to take in the fishing village (Pueblo Marinero) characterized by Cesar Manrique-designed traditional Canarian buildings. There is a market every Friday night and plenty of shops, pubs, and restaurants.

The area of Teguise also boasts a house that King Hussein from Jordan gave to long-time Spanish King Juan Carlos.

Families find the Costa Teguise to be the preferable place to stay in Lanzarote . It offers family friendly resorts and a wide variety of accommodations, services, and beaches alongside a tangible tranquility.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN LANZAROTE IN COSTA TEGUISE

• ($$$)   Meliá Salinas – Adults Recommended
• ($$)   Barceló Teguise Beach – Adults Only
• ($)   Apartamentos Galeon Playa

2. Puerto del Carmen, where to stay in Lanzarote for nightlife

One of the most tourist crowded places on Lanzarote is Puerto del Carmen. It lies along the south east of the island and boasts over three miles (more than six kilometers) of protected beaches . The largest of these are Los Pocillos, Grande Beach, and Matagorda .

For anyone interested in the island’s best partying , this is the resort to choose to stay in Lanzarote. There are more concentrated pubs, bars, and discos in Puerto del Carmen than anywhere else in the island.

Fronting the Las Playas Avenue and surrounding Varadero there are night hot spots for every interest. Along the beach there are also bars and lounges featuring shows and live music .

The resort offers more than just the best night out on the town. You will also be able to partake of all types of sporting activities here. These include marine excursions, windsurfing, scuba diving, and deep sea fishing, to name a few.

The resort also features many different important events including the Carnival Parade (end of February), Ironman Competition (May), the Triathlon Qualifier for the Spanish Championship (June), Our Lady of Carmen Festival (end of July), and tennis championships at Match Point Club and Fariones Sports Club.

If you are looking for where to stay in Lanzarote around Puerto del Carmen, you will be able to choose from a large selection of hotels ranging from more budget friendly to higher end.

The city also provides many entertainment venues and tourist services on its wide Las Playas Avenue . This includes shopping centers, stores, bars, restaurants, pubs, recreational centers, and discos.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN PUERTO DEL CARMEN

• ($$$)   La Isla y el Mar, Hotel Boutique
• ($$)   Hipotels La Geria
• ($)   Club del Carmen By Diamond Resorts

Read also: Best things to do in Lanzarote

3. Playa Blanca, great area in Lanzarote for families

Located along the south of Lanzarote, Playa Blanca has grown into the third biggest tourist resort on this Canary Island. It has received several awards for its outstanding beauty, making this peaceful oasis an ideal locale for families to enjoy and relax.

Playa Blanca boasts numerous shops, bars, and restaurants along its boardwalk and parallel streets. There is also an old town just beyond these streets. Visitors here should not miss the recreational port that contains high quality facilities for all. A newer shopping center also complements the area.

Two of the beaches are outstanding. Flamingo and Dorada alike contain beautiful white sand and are found close to the resort’s main hotels. An even better but somewhat remote beach is Papagayo , one of the best beaches in Lanzarote .

This beach network is part of a nature preserve and involves a small entrance fee. You will also find a car helpful to explore it as the Papagayo is a long walk from town.

Lying only minutes from this resort town are among the best loved sites on Lanzarote . These include La Geria, Timanfaya National Park, the Janubio salt flats, the Green Lagoon El Golfo, the charm-filled Yaiza village, and Los Hervideros.

It is also possible to take a 25 to 35 minute ferry to neighboring Canary Island Fuerteventura from Playa Blanca. Worth taking the trip over are the beaches in Corralejo famous for crystal clear waters and white sandy dunes.

The Playa Blanca boasts a large variety of hotels from budget to high end . Thanks to the many businesses, recreational ports, restaurants, bars, and hotels, this is an excellent place to stay in Lanzarote.

BEST HOTELS TO STAY IN LANZAROTE IN PLAYA BLANCA

• ($$$)   Iberostar Selection Lanzarote Park
• ($$)   Jardines del Sol By Diamond Resorts
• ($)   TUI BLUE Flamingo Beach

4. Arrecife, where to stay in Lanzarote for history

The port city of Arrecife is the capital of Lanzarote . It lies along the eastern coast of this island within the Canary Islands. Arrecife today remains a lively city overflowing with history and culture just east of the island’s center. 

The city’s name comes from the Spanish word meaning reef. The beautiful harbor is protected by interesting volcanic formations found nearby in the sea.

Though Arrecife began life as a tiny fishing village in the 1400’s, it expanded dramatically until it became the capital seat of the island by 1852. The city’s rich history still abounds. You can find the 1600s built San Gines Church in the old quarter, with its Mudejar style of ceiling and bell tower.

One of the mansions known as the Agustin De La Hoz now hosts a center for culture. There is also the International Museum of Contemporary Art housed in the 1700s era fortress of San Jose Castle .

Visitors will enjoy the abstract works of art found here. The city also claims the calm waters and golden sand of Playa del Reducto beach.

Because Arrecife developed before the time of influential native architect and artist Cesar Manrique (who personally designed and landscaped the vast majority of the island), this is the one place on Lanzarote to find buildings taller than the highest palm tree.

With 50,000 inhabitants, Arrecife is today famous for being a shopper’s paradise . It contains streets fronted by countless boutiques as well as more expensive retail outlets that feature designer labels.

There are bargains to be had in the right shops, drawing in crowds of visitors to the city for the myriad shopping opportunities. The pedestrianized street Calle Leon y Castillo with its enormous shopping center is not one to miss for those who love shopping.

For a break in the shopping, you can also investigate the Centro Insular de Cultura El Almacen to see what cultural exhibitions are on while you are in the capital.

The city has more than its share of four and five star rated hotels . Thanks to the Playa del Reducto beach in the city, there are a number of high quality resorts to choose from here.

Be sure to walk along the beautiful promenade from this beach to the second beach of Arrecife called Playa del Cable about a mile and a quarter (around two kilometers) to the west.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN ARRECIFE

• ($$$)   Arrecife Gran Hotel & Spa
• ($)   Hotel Miramar
• ($)   Hotel Lancelot

5. Famara, best place to stay in Lanzarote for surfers

Famara is a seaside town where you can retrace the footsteps of legendary local architect and artist Cesar Manrique.

The man responsible for the present day development of Lanzarote spent part of his happy years as a teenager living in the charming fishing community of La Caleta de Famara on the island’s north coast.

This lovely spot is both peaceful and picturesque . You can travel up for a relaxing meal in a seafood restaurant or find a place to stay (though hotels here are more limited).

This village of La Caleta is the beginning of the long white sandy beach Playa de Famara . According to many individuals, this is the most stunning beach in Lanzarote with its backdrop of the Risco de Famara cliffs.

Hang gliders love to fly off of these as high as 1970 feet (or 600 meters) cliffs. The waves are powerful enough on this beach to bring in experienced kite surfers and traditional surfers , but are not ideal for swimmers because of the currents and waves.

Famara itself is a minor settlement colored by green and white bungalows, some of which you may be able to rent. The beautiful beaches stretch on for literally miles to the north.

Because the breakers off of this beach make for such strong waves, international surfing championships have taken place on the beach Playa de San Juan . Beware going too far north on the extreme end of the beach unless you want to share it with the clothing optional naturist crowd.

To the south of La Caleta there are another three miles (or five kilometers) of white sandy beaches. These are also optimal for surfing enthusiasts. Playa Ensenada is a beach found on the shore of the village itself. Waters are calmer here and attract many sunbathers.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN FAMARA

• ( €€)  Red Star Surf & Yoga Camp Lanzarote
• ($$)   Surf & Beach Apartment in Lanzarote

6. Puerto Calero, exclusive and modern port

If you are looking for both peace and quiet as well as incredible nature you should consider Puerto Calero. The recreational port is renowned for its unique natural appearance because of the volcanic origins of this part of Lanzarote.

The town is also admirable because of its emphasis on a clean appearance and security.

This was Lanzarote’s first such recreational port started back in 1986. By the year 2000, Puerto Calero had secured a spot as one of the most exclusive and modern ports in the whole of Spain.

Today it prides itself on possessing the full amenities you would expect in a leading modern destination. The internet connections are state of the art, all luxuries abound, and it even has its own meteorological service.

The world class port also features fully stocked nautical shops and boating and sailing charters you can enjoy. The marina here offers 420 berths for boats up to more than 250 feet long (75 meters) and the accompanying floating jetties.

Hotels based here are higher end and accordingly are more expensive as you would expect in such a luxury destination.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN PUERTO CALERO

• ($$$)   Secrets Lanzarote Resort & Spa – Adults Only
• ($$)   Costa Calero
• ($)  Apartamento Calero

7. San Bartolomé, where to stay in Lanzarote for ecotourism

San Bartolome owes its primary industry of agriculture to its ideal location in the midst of a fertile valley in the center of Lanzarote. The farming center for this Canary Island features numerous crops, especially watermelons, sweet potatoes, and pumpkins.

The town also boasts a wonderful bakery and a pastry shop that has the reputation of being the best on Lanzarote.

The country town features the beautiful style employed by Cesar Manrique with an abundance of white, green, and black colors. It is worth visiting to take in the excellent examples of traditional Canary Islands architecture .

You can see the beautiful 1700s era Casa Perdomo building . Today it houses the Museo Etnografico Tanit that focuses on the unique folk culture of the island. It also offers a lovely garden and courtyard and a little chapel.

Inside the museum you will see a worthwhile collection of household utensils, agricultural tools, paintings, musical instruments, equipment for producing wine, photos, clothing, furniture, religious artifacts, and many other items of interest. With its free admission, this is a museum not to miss.

The town also offers a big stylish central square. Here you can take in the late 1700s era San Bartolome parish church, along with the town hall and the beautifully restored municipal theater sitting next to it.

Accommodations here are more limited and boutique-oriented than in the larger resort towns of the island.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN SAN BARTOLOME

• ($$)   Caserio de Mozaga
• ($)   Hotel Rural Finca de La Florida
• ($)   HOTEL-FINCA Rural José Manuel

Read also: Best places to stay in Tenerife , best places to stay in Gran Canaria , best places to stay in Fuerteventura , best places to stay in La Palma

8. Arrieta, charming fishing village

Another charming village along the northern coast of Lanzarote is Arrieta. It lies about 19 miles (or 30 kilometers) away from Arrecife the capital. Arrieta is a hidden gem that you should explore if you have the time.

The town is centered on a beautiful traditional Canarian fishing harbor . Every morning you will see the fishermen headed out to sea then returning to unload their day’s catch. These fish go to stock the area eateries. The village is an excellent place to enjoy fresh seafood and fish in the restaurants .

The town also boasts a golden sand beach called Playa de la Garita . This pristine beach has received the coveted European Blue Flag designation for its crystal clear waters, clean appearance, and wonderful facilities. Currents are stronger here and draw in surfers , so swimmers take care.

As the village is a longer distance from the capital and resort areas, you would probably want to rent a car to enjoy this community and its surrounding areas. There are limited accommodation choices around and near the beach.

For a mostly untouched fishing village, you can continue north of Arrieta to see Punta Mujeres. In this area you can see the Monte de la Corona , a 2,000 feet high (609 meters) imposing volcano that made the area when it erupted around 5,000 years ago.

One of the biggest lava tubes in the world is found here, stretching to the volcano’s southeast for around five miles (or 7.5 kilometers). Its last mile is under the sea, and the lava tube meets the water about 165 feet (50 meters deep) below sea level.

Two of the most beloved tourist attractions on the island are a result of this lava tube dilating. You can go see Cueva de los Verdes and Jameos del Agua to take in these fantastic and unusual lava formations.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN ARRIETA

• ($$)   Eco Village Finca De Arrieta
• ($)   Modern home with Ocean View
• ($)   Apartamentos El Charcon

9. Orzola, quiet and great for windsurfing

The farthest north village of Lanzarote is a tranquil fishing community called Orzola. It is renowned for its fabulous seafood restaurants. Visitors come here just to enjoy a fantastic meal while taking in the lovely harbor.

Just to the west of this village is a postcard perfect white sandy beach called Playa de la Canteria . The beach is optimal for windsurfing and sun bathing. Swimmers should be careful as the waves can be rough and high, making it ideal for surfing.

This town is mostly a day trip destination . It offers little in the way of accommodation. You should rent a car to fully enjoy the area.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN LANZAROTE IN ORZOLA

• ($)   Apartamentos Orzola
• ($)   Mirador del muelle house
• ($)  Casa Salinas Playa

10. Playa Honda, convenient area to stay in Lanzarote

Playa Honda is the commercial center of Lanzarote . It is closely situated to the island’s airport and contains numerous warehouses. The town is the second biggest settlement by population.

It is a popular place for growing families to move, and the high real estate prices reflect this. La Concha is an exclusive residential area that offers a fantastic beach and beautiful, impressive houses.

The town is also a convenient place to stay in Lanzarote . Its beautiful, long promenade fronts the town and connects Puerto del Carmen with Arrecife the capital. This promenade is always full of individuals cycling or walking.

You can sit along the promenade for a meal or a drink and enjoy people watching. Several excellent tapas bars and fine restaurants front the promenade.

For a central location on the island, it is hard to beat Playa Honda as a place to stay in Lanzarote. It offers many shops and restaurants, a fantastic beach, and connections to all of the regular local transportation.

The small factories and warehouses do not much detract from the area’s appeal, which is based on convenience, amenities, and its proximity to the seaport and airport.

The town offers two great beaches . Playa Honda fronts the beloved promenade while Guacimeta Beach interestingly extends around the airport’s runway.

On this beach you stand or sit and experience the airplanes coming in to land right overhead. This beach is not labeled a naturist beach but it does attract the clothing optional crowd.

Shopping is also convenient here, thanks to the indoor Deiland Shopping Center. You also have the big Hiper Dino Supermarket and the Garden Center that lies across from the runway’s end.

There are many places to stay in Playa Honda , including more affordable hotels and accommodations.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN PLAYA HONDA

• ($)   MAGMA Rooms Playa Honda
• ($)   Luxury Beach Apartments
• ($)   Apartamentos Boya Beach

Photos: Shutterstock

6 thoughts on “Where to Stay in Lanzarote: 10 Best Areas”

Great article, really insightful. Thank you! If heading out in mid October, is there a particular side of the island which is more protected from wind and weather systems?

Hi Chris. Maybe Playa Grande in Puerto del Carmen and Papagayo Beaches are good options

Hi, thank you so much for this article which is super useful! I would like to ask if Playa Blanca is well connected with public transportation because I’m not planning on renting a car during my trip Thanks in advance!

Hi Sophie. It is well connected but you will be limited in your movements as getting around the island by bus takes much more time and planning. If you plan just to enjoy the area and visit a few spots in the island, or take some organised tours is perfectly fine not to hire a car.

This is probably the best and honest insight to each area of lanzarote on the internet thank you!

I was originally going to stay in Teguise but now I’ve changed my mind. I was torn between Arrieta and playa Blanca as I just want a peaceful solo adventure/relaxation. My father suggested have playa blanca as a base as more to do there and weather is always a bit warmer and less cloudy in the south of these islands. I will definitely try to explore other areas for the day though.

Hi Katie. I agree with your father. Playa Blanca is an excellent place to stay in Lanzarote for what you are looking for. Besides, nearby beaches are great.

Many people look first in Costa Teguise or Puerto del Carmen, both are also excellent choices but personally I also prefer to stay in Playa Blanca.

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