While planning a trip to the Canary Island where nature and art go hand in hand there are a few things to take into consideration.
This minimalist architectural havan is worshipped for its cinder toffee mountains, jet-black sand, and moon-like craters.
You will totally feel like you’ve landed on another planet in the volcanic terrain of Lanzarote. But don’t be lost in the wilderness, we’ve got you covered…
When the whole island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, you might be overwhelmed about where to start. So here are 17 thought-provoking activities to set you off on your travels:
Timanfaya
During your excursion in this lava field, you can’t miss the highlight — to hike and have your food cooked over the only active volcano on the island!
Timanfaya will transport you to another world. Take a bus to the National Park in the southwest to see for yourself why NASA chose here to test their moon buggies.
Pull on your walking boots, or better yet join the camel ride from Echadero de Camellos, to ramble the dramatic 360 Montañas del Fuego (Fire Mountains). The forceful landscape of colorful soil will erupt your understanding of how the island came to be.
When you have had your fill of mountaineering, treat yourself to a dining experience like no other. Ogle as your food is BBQ’d at a scorching 450C (842F) over bubbling lava. Munch it down overviews you won’t find out the window of your average restaurant.
Wine
You might be surprised to find some life amongst the black desert soil. But grapes have been grown here since 18th-century eruptions and the wine produced is magical.
Take a tour of the vineyards with Lanzarote Wine Tours, to learn about the history of this standout product. Tasting opportunities are included. We recommend attending the island’s favorite, Bodega La Geria, and El Grifo, which has a museum.
Did you know Lanzarote has its own wine festival? If you’re around in June, take part in the free 12km Lanzarote Wine Run (or walk) through the vineyards and be greeted with tapas and vino from businesses along the route.
If you don’t fancy the exercise you can still attend the Traditional Cuisine Festival of food and music at the finish line, where you can taste samples of all of the best.
Watersports
Waterbabies will quickly realize this small island is the place to be. And with such unearthly surroundings, your biggest challenge will be to drag yourself away from the coast. It is no wonder the prestigious Ironman race is celebrating its 30th anniversary this May.
North of Strong Wind Island (Fuerteventura), Lanzarote brags breezy conditions for wind sports with no need to pray to the weather gods. You will find there is a beach and a wave for everyone, no matter your skillset.
Try your turn at one of the popular island sports — surfing, kitesurfing, paddleboarding, you name it. Equipment can be hired around the coast.
You will find centers and schools on the beaches which invite you to be spontaneous and give things a go. Who knows, maybe one day you’ll be tackling the waves at Jameos del Agua or La Santa!
Beaches
One of the best things about Lanzarote is that you are never too far from the beach! And every beach stands out in its own distinctive manner!
Whether your obsession is sipping a beer in a palm-lined hideaway; practicing parkour with the locals at the seaside resort; or getting the board out in action-packed coves, we guarantee you will find your spot.
Head south to soak up the rays in popular laidback resorts like Playa Blanca’s Flamingo and Playa de Papagayo. El Reducto in Arrecife is Blue Flag and also bodes placid water.
The wild west is where you will find the wave catchers. Famara is ideal for strong wind sports and fierce one waves, with surf lessons down the calmer end. Or enjoy the more tame water at Playa Honda, a favorite of families and windsurfers.
Don’t neglect the untouched gems, mostly discovered in the north. Órzola is a raw opportunity to treasure nature’s solitude; avoid the choppy water.
Hunt precious green flicks of Olivine on black beaches like southern Quemada. And compare the stark contrast between Caletón Blanco’s bone-white sand and volcanic rocks.
A bucket and spade are all you need to celebrate some of Lanzarote’s most mentionable assets.
El Golfo
How about a beach that you can look at but can’t touch? It is almost more satisfactory to admire the enchantment of Lanzarote’s legendary Green Lagoon and its black beach from the path above.
The way Charco de Los Clicos’ colors clash is staggering. El Golfo is arguably the best asset to emerge from volcanic eruptions and therefore must be added to your to-do list!
Large chunks of Olivina can be purchased from the stall here since this spot is the most fruitful for foragers.
Regardless of whether your birthday is in August or not, the jewel’s color matches El Golfo Lagoon, not to mention it has been found on the moon! It is the perfect souvenir from Lanzarote.
Teguise
As the oldest town in the Canaries, Teguise is the place to visit for history and culture. You will feel the heart of the island as you wander through the quiet central town that is so steeped in tradition.
Here you will find many of the most important buildings on the island amongst the restaurants and shops, as it was the capital city for centuries.
You can refresh yourself with the simplicity of Church de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe before stopping for lunch at the oldest building on the island, Palacio de Marques. Finish the trip with the castle on top of the volcano where you can go to learn about the pirate invasions.
César Manrique
Perhaps what makes Lanzarote stand out is its mammoth contribution from avant-garde architect and environmentalist, César Manrique.
He rescued its identity from being bulldozed into another tourist sandbox and designed an island where architecture and volcanoes work in harmony.
You don’t have to look hard to find his expertise. You are bound to stumble across his work on walls, roundabouts, along the coast – just about anywhere. Even the classic color scheme of green, white and blue is owing to Manrique!
Many of the attractions you will visit are his designs, featuring swanky bars and restaurants where you can digest the luscious surroundings.
The most famous are Mirador del Río, the Cactus Garden, the Timanfaya restaurant, and, of course, the striking Jameos del Agua.
If you are interested in learning more about the artist behind the island, we urge you to visit the Volcano House, where he lived and worked, which is now a museum and gallery.
Arrecife
Of course, a trip to the capital city cannot go amiss. With plenty to see and do, you could easily spend at least a day in Arrecife.
You’ll find more than one important piece of Lanzarote’s history – the first being a gander around the island’s first fishing settlement, Charco San Gines, to see the darling boats in the harbor and stop for a brew with a view.
Cross the bridge to investigate San Gabriel, the offshore 16th-century castle. This is something you have probably not set eyes on before.
These extending flaxen beaches get hotter than anywhere else on the island, so pack plenty of sun creams and make the most of the prized sunbathing conditions! Munch down your sandwiches as you watch the superb sand sculptor on the main beach.
You could spend all day taking part in the activities at the Marina, dipping into cafes and piling up your suitcase in the shops. If you’re in the mood to take advantage of duty-free, Calle Real is the main shopping strip in Lanzarote.
Puerto Del Carmen
For anyone in hopes of some zing (or a night out on the lash!), search no further than Puerto del Carmen.
Right on the beach, this popular hive has a whole strip where you can shake your maracas til dawn. Avenida de las Playas is rammed with bars, nightclubs, and lounges, one after the other – so the party never stops!
By day, this Party Town is a fishing resort, with the bustling Biosfera shopping center, restaurants, an inflatable waterpark during summer, and even a zoo.
You will be far from stuck for things to keep everyone busy. And when you are all done in, they have some excellent beaches.
Spa Treatments
After a late-night out on the town, you’re probably ready for a head-to-toe detox. Am I wrong? Fortunately, taking care of you is one of Lanzarote’s specialties!
The island is praised for its numerous natural treatments using local products.
Thalassotherapy uses Atlantic seawater, while sea salt, algae, and aloe are all exclusive procedures adored by island-hoppers! We highly recommend the volcanic treatments while on your stay in this rocky paradise.
Snorkeling and Diving
Lanzarote was designed with adventure in mind. Blessed with clear water and low currents, the stuff is all around you!
With the coast so close to most places on the island, you have countless opportunities to take to the sea, either with one of the affordable group SCUBA excursions or simply with your personal snorkeling equipment that is purchasable from resort stores.
The island is known for its shore diving, meaning you don’t need a boat trip to reach the underwater treasure. Pop south to marvel at the fascinating fish and sea creatures, or head up north to study the impressive reefs and caves.
For those who have nabbled at diving before, wreck diving is a thrill-seeking stem, popular in Lanzarote, and hosts a whole range of marine discoveries of its own.
Definitely do not miss the underwater statues at Playa Blanca’s Museo Atlantico and if you can, the northern coast of La Graciosa is flooded with exclusive surprises.
Markets
Most large towns in Lanzarote have their own market where you can bring home a piece of culture with local produce and souvenirs. There is almost always an event happening. Here are the ones not to miss…
Puerto del Carmen: Every Friday enjoys musical performances, cooking shows, and the rest at the Old Town Harbour market. Purchase your souvenirs between 9 am and 2 pm.
Teguise: Each Sunday morning the largest market on the island takes over Teguise town. Shop til you drop with handmade jewelry, bags, and more from 9 onwards.
Arrecife – Take your pick of fresh fruits and flowers in Arrecife Old Town every Saturday from 8 am until 2 pm.
Playa Blanca – Marina Rubicón hosts a fantastic market every Wednesday and Saturday with handmade goods, clothes, and food. Right on the harbor, from 9 am till 2 pm.
Mirador del Río
The views from Mirador del Río will take your breath away.
From the cliffs above Famara, you will get the best view possible of La Graciosa. And you can see it all from the mirador cafe which is one of Manrique’s finest works.
The balcony looks right out towards the neighboring islet, over Lanzarote’s whimsical curves, and Chinijo, the largest marine park in Europe. Value watching the native birds soar over as you take in the incomparable views.
Jameos Del Agua
Tell me somewhere more intriguing than Jameos del Agua – I’ll wait!
Witness a unique species of blind albino crab in the dim volcanic cave. Fall for the King’s pool, designed by no other than the genius Manrique, and wiggle your toes in the cool grass!
You must take advantage of the many mystical photo opportunities and be sure to stop for a volcanic experience in the museum.
Test out the echo of the cave auditorium’s unique acoustics. You can attend a performance here in the evenings. It is phenomenal to mix this in with an excursion in Los Verdes caves which are adjoined.
Dine on tapas next to the marvelous lagoon in the lava tunnel and unwind amongst the entwinement of nature and art.
Family Fun
Don’t be fooled. This little island has a lot for a family of adventurers. There are fun and games dotted around the mountain peaks, you just have to know where to look…
Those staying in Puerto del Carmen have a generous handful on their doorstep, including Rancho Texas Animal Park and Playa Grande’s inflatable obstacle course.
Take in the island sights on horseback with Lanzarote A Caballo, or simply roam the stables and animal park in Yaiza. Don’t miss the op to pick up a fabulous cowboy hat.
Submarine Safaris set off from Puerto Calero – if you want to face a ferocious barracuda, this is how!
Some adorable animals adore the sun at Guinate Tropical Park and you even get the chance to hold them!
Fiestas
In Lanzarote, there is something to celebrate – Every. Single. Month. You may wish to align your trip with the holidays to make things even more spectacular.
On the Epiphany, the three kings dish out sweets to excited crowds at Día de Los Reyes.
Experience old and new traditions at Los Dolores. A pilgrimage in Canarian dress takes you to the site where flowing lava miraculously stopped. Here you will party way into the night.
Naturally, Carnival is best in the capital and Puerto del Carmen, though every village and town has its version. With floats, costumes, and dancing, you cannot go wrong…
Learn about the fishing culture as Playa Blanca and PDC pray for the upcoming year, escorting the statue of Nuestra Señora del Carmen to the sea.
Day Trips
There are two popular day trips that you do not need to catch a plane to achieve, from the island of Lanzarote.
The only way to visit La Graciosa is with a half-hour ferry from the island’s shores. Head to Órzola in the north to board one of the 18 ferries that run daily.
You might recognize the island from Robert Louis Stevenson’s descriptions of ‘Treasure Island’.
As one of the last remaining places in Europe to be car-free, you’ll be met with lapping tides optimum for wind and wave sports, untouched beaches, and everything else. An excursion not to be missed!
On the other hand, you could visit Fuerteventura with a ferry ride from the south, where you can feel free to spend as little or as long adventuring.
Many choose to cross the iconic Maspalomas dunes if only visiting for a day. There are heaps of tapas spots and gigantic beaches to take in the views from the other side!
