Lanzarote is a gem on the Canary Islands, known for its volcanic landscape and amazing beaches. On the island, there is something to do for every taste. In order to help you plan your trip, here are the top Lanzarote Places to Visit. Keep reading!
Why Visit Lanzarote?
Unique volcanic landscapes and UNESCO recognitions
Lanzarote has so unique landscapes that the UNESCO recognised it as a Biosphere Reserve in 1993, including the 129,310.00 ha.
The island’s volcanic origins, the craters you can see in Timanfaya National Park, the biodiversity of the seabed, its xerophytic vegetation, endemic plants, and more distinguish Lanzarote. As do the golden or black sand beaches with crystal-clear waters.
Given this, the locals have adapted to take full advantage of their subtropical climate and safeguard their nature and culture.
Lanzarote also earned Biosphere Responsible Tourism certification in 2015, which indicates the island implements sustainable and responsible tourism practices.
Modern architecture and the legacy of César Manrique
The work of Lanzarote artist and architect César Manrique was key to Lanzarote’s growth as a sustainable tourist destination, integrating art and nature. His efforts protected the island from the real estate speculation and mass tourism pressures that began to affect Spain in the 1960s and 1970s.
His legacy can be seen in some of the top Lanzarote places to visit: Jameos del Agua, Mirador del Río, Jardín de Cactus, and the El Diablo restaurant in Timanfaya. He also helped limit building heights and promote popular architecture, using white for facades and green or blue for woodwork.
Climate
Lanzarote’s climate is dry subtropical, with frequent trade winds and little annual rainfall, just over 100 mm, and low in humidity. Summers are generally hot and sunny, while winters are pleasant.
Top Must-See Places in Lanzarote
The best Lanzarote places to visit are:
Papagayo beaches, Los Ajaches massif
This is one of the most known and popular beaches in Lanzarote, on Yaiza, inside the Natural Monument of Los Ajaches. There are 7 virgin caves.
In Papagayo, the sand is white and soft, water crystal clear and calm. So it is perfect for families. You can practice snorkel and scuba diving to see the submarine life.
Right there, you can admire the Ajaches Natural Monument, a protected area of
These mountains are moderately high, up to 600 meters high, with endemic flora and fauna, and home to an 18th-century castle. It is ideal for hiking.
Timanfaya National Park
Timanfaya National Park is one of Lanzarote’s natural wonders, formed by volcanoes during the island’s largest volcanic eruption between 1730 and 1736.
It’s a vast space, resembling the surface of the moon, making it a must-see on your trip to Lanzarote. The Montañas del Fuego (Mountains of Fire) are one of its main attractions, with five mountains dominating the landscape. You can also see geysers and enjoy a wonderful experience at the El Diablo restaurant, where they cook with the heat of the volcanoes.
You can only visit the park with guide tours, so remember to book in advance.
La Gería vineyards
On the south centre of Lanzarote, you will find La Geria, with wineries that you can tour. You will learn about the unique wine making process that cultivates the Malvasia grape with innovative techniques known as the pit.
There you can try the wine, eat local food, and buy bottles of wines to bring back home.
Mirador del Río, César Manrique House in Haría
Mirador del Río is one of César Manrique’s best-known works in Lanzarote, where he blends art with nature, mixing the building into the landscape, making it almost invisible from the outside.
The viewpoint and visitor centre is carved into the top of the Famara Cliffs, in the north of the island. It offers panoramic views of the stretch of sea known as the River, between Lanzarote and the Chinijo Archipelago, as well as La Graciosa.
Another work by César Manrique that we recommend visiting is the House-Museum in Haría. It was his last home. It’s a traditional Lazarotan country house that he restored and adapted.
It’s an intimate and rustic space, where you can get up close to the artist by visiting his painting studio.
You can also visit the César Manrique Foundation, his most famous house and his primary residence for 20 years. It was built on a lava flow from an 18th-century eruption.
Jameos del Agua y Cueva los Verdes
Jameos del Agua and Cuerva de los Verdes are two volcanic icons of Lanzarote, connected by a 7 km lava tube from the Corona Volcano.
In Jameos del Agua, you can walk through the volcanic tube to a natural lagoon with turquoise waters, where you’ll see the endemic blind crabs.
In Cueva de los Verdes, you’ll find the longest lava tube on the island, used as a pirate refuge. Manrique converted it into an acoustic gallery with illuminated passageways and underground chambers.
Take advantage of a single day to see both attractions.
Hidden Gems & Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
- Lesser-known beaches and coves: Some of Lanzarote’s lesser-known beaches are those with black sand and rocks, such as Las Malvas, del Paso, and Barranco del Quíquere. Others have white sand, such as Caletón Blanco, or the natural pools like Los Charcones. All are worth visiting.
- Unique activities: The Atlantic Museum and the Janubio Salt Flats are also great options to visit in Lanzarote to appreciate nature in a different way.
- Local life & culture: Don’t miss the opportunity to experience local life, visit markets, small towns, and try Lanzarote cuisine.
Practical Tips for Visiting Lanzarote
Getting there & transport options on the island
To visit Lanzarote’s tourist attractions, you can use public transport, there are bus routes around the island. Also, you can rent a car, book tours, and opting for Lanzarote Airport Transfer to get to your accommodation when you arrive.
Where to stay
In Lanzarote, there are towns and resorts for every taste and budget. For example, if you want to experience the nightlife stay in Puerto del Carmen, but if you are on a family trip, prefer Playa Blanca, because it offers calm and nearby activities.
Costa Teguise, on the other hand, is a central spot, and Arrecife offers a local vibe and culture atmosphere.
Sustainable travel in Lanzarote: respect the nature and culture
Remember that Lanzarote has a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a Biosphere Responsible Tourism recognition, so respect the nature and culture of the island to preserve it. Try to be sustainable on your trip, and take care of the environment.
The top Lanzarote Places to Visit can be a very long list. Here we named you the most popular places and hidden gems, so you can make a list and plan your next visit to the island of the volcanoes.
Our company seeks to deliver the best service you can find on the island today. We seek to optimise our clients’ time and resources, which is why we respect the schedules and offer the best prices for different transfers.
