The 13 essential things to do in Lanzarote

Visit Lanzarote: what are the best things to do and see on the island of volcanoes?

Lanzarote, often named island with thousand volcanoes , is a small island of the Canary Islands, located northeast of the archipelago, close to Fuerteventura. These Spanish islands are located in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean, right in front of the Morocco and are known for their pleasant climate throughout the year.

Ideal in winter as in summer, the island of Lanzarote attracts all types of travellers for its lunar landscapes, sandy beaches and an unpleasant atmosphere. Although small in size, with its 845 km2, it is full of points of interest and things to discover.

Do you want to know what to do in Lanzarote? Here is the list of 13 must-sees to visit Lanzarote without a glimpse!

1. La Playa Papagayo

It is one of the best known beaches in Lanzarote and the least we can say is that it has not stolen its popularity. This long sand band nestled between two cliffs will offer you a pleasant relaxing moment.

Enjoy a swim in crystalline water to admire the fish and fully enjoy your holiday. It also allows to observe each evening, beautiful sunsets.

2. A boat ride

To make the most of the island and its crystal clear waters, what better than a boat ride?

Indeed, rent a boat you will enjoy breathtaking views, between cliffs and coves loved in a heavenly setting.

Also, having your own small boat gives you the choice to stop where you like to explore the rich seabed of the island. An unforgettable experience to live with family or friends!

3. The National Park of Timanfaya

Lanzarote is known for its many volcanoes. The island also experienced an impressive eruption in 1730, whose lava flows caused many damage. The Timanfaya National Park allows you to admire these volcanoes, now much quieter as well as the completely deserted landscapes around them. The visit is in the form of a bus ride where several stops are planned to admire the various views. Between craters, lack of vegetation and large spaces, you will be conquered by these lunar landscapes.

4. The garden of the Cactus

In a picturesque site, imagined by Cesar Manrique ♪ exotic garden with a thousand and a variety of cactus. If you are looking for what to do in Lanzarote, this visit, for small and large, offers a pleasant walk in a beautiful environment. Don’t miss finishing your discovery of the cactus garden from the point of view from the mill, the only survivor of the island of Lanzarote.

5. La Cueva de los Verdes

This impressive cave, 10 km long, was formed following an important lava stream. You can visit her with the help of a guide which will lead you inside its corridors. The opportunity to admire stalactites and other formations enhanced by a game of light, as well as other amazing natural elements. At the end of the course, a surprise awaits you! But we don't tell you more.

6. La Playa de Famara

The Canary Islands are known to surf lovers and Lanzarote is not missing. If you want to play with the waves or simply take your first lesson , appointment on the beach of Famara north of the island. This pebble beach remained pretty wild and quiet. But if the slip doesn't tempt you, you can still enjoy it to swim. We can't visit Lanzarote without a tour!

7. Discover the typical villages of the island

Apart from the cities of the coasts often touristic and lively, you will find in Lanzarote, many small typical villages such as Arrieta , Punta Mujeres , Guatiza or Los Cocoteros. The houses bleached with lime give them a lot of charm and you feel a true tranquility, proper to island life. Don’t miss the small fishing village Orzola and take the time to taste a grilled fresh fish.

8. Los Hervideros

Lanzarote and its volcanoes offer the observation of a particular natural phenomenon, typical of the Canary Islands. It is the seaside consisting of dried lava descending to the ocean. The site Los Hervideros In particular, is well-appointed, and will allow you to admire the waves that come to burst against these atypical rocks. This visit unmissable in Lanzarote is a good way to observe the power of this element.

9. The César Manrique Foundation

In Tahiche, in the northeast of Lanzarote, you can discover one of the houses of the artist César Manrique that he has transformed into art gallery . visit of the site you will have to cross corridors dug into the lava between each room, which gives it a very playful side. There are the famous works of the artist and an amazing architecture.

César Manrique (1919-1992) is a committed artist who has largely contributed to the radiation of Lanzarote and its protection. Its ecological values and artistic project allowed the island to be classified as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. It is at the origin of several creative and tourist projects in Lanzarote such as the development of views, galleries and gardens.

10. La Playa de Janubio

This sandy beach black will allow you to place your towel in a volcanic setting. It is located close to salins by Janubio which are also worth a look, although you cannot visit them. Janubio's playa is also an ideal place to enjoy the sunset.

11. The volcano Montana Colorada

If you are looking for what to do in Lanzarote, know that the ascent of a volcano is a must on the island. You can generally reach the top of the crater in less than an hour to discover breathtaking views. It is a pleasant family visit, the trails are well designated and easily accessible. The volcano Montana Colorada can be a good stop before the visit to the Timanfaya Park. Hiking enthusiasts can also turn to nearby summits such as the volcano Santa Catalina or Montana Ortiz .

12. The wine region of the Geria

As surprising as it may seem we cultivate vineyards in Lanzarote. But in such a volcanic region, it is necessary to ruse to reach the earth under the ashes. This is why the vines of Lanzarote are arranged in holes. Each foot is then surrounded by a protective wall in half circle, called Zoco, which protects them from the wind, often present on the island. The visit of the wine museum El Grifo you will be able to learn more about this technique and enjoy some tastings, including through oenological excursions . To get there, don’t miss taking the wine route in the center of the island.

13. The island of Graciosa

♪ 30 minutes ferry , you can visit the island of the Graciosa a day’s time.

The opportunity to visit the village Caleta de Sebo but above all to lay on one of its pretty sandy beaches. The Graciosa is not well equipped, the roads are not tarnished... But it is a little paradise that it is interesting to discover. If you don’t have a swim, you can admire the landscape from the top of the island volcano that you can easily reach on foot.

How to get to Lanzarote?

Ready to visit Lanzarote? To get to this island of Canary Islands, you can fly from Paris and many cities in France. To find a cheap flight, do not hesitate to use the comparison of our partner website Ulysses .

Where to stay in Lanzarote?

As the island of Lanzarote is small, you can rent a car and easily move on the island over your days. This is why we advise you to stay in Arrecife, the capital of Lanzarote, in order to radiate easily, or in another city of the island, like the pretty Teguise for example. There are many hotel offers for a budget that is often reasonable. To find out which city to choose, go to our article « In which town house in Lanzarote? » . Finally, easily find accommodation in Lanzarote thanks to this Compare hotels who will offer you the best offers of the moment.