What to do in Lanzarote: the best things to do in and to see

Hello, I’m back with an article that should interest you: what to do in Lanzarote. It’s true that we hear more and more about this island and its lunar landscapes. I was a bit like you before going there, I was asking myself questions about my itinerary in Lanzarote and about the things that were worth doing or not. After visiting the island for a week, I can now help you!

As soon as I arrived, I was struck by the mix of volcanoes, wild beaches and villages with white houses. I was coming from Tenerife and the contrast between the two islands was obvious and incredible. Lanzarote is a truly unique island that has been transformed by all its volcanic eruptions. Especially the ones in the 1730s that lasted 6 years straight, it’s pretty huge. To give you a better idea, Lanzarote is at once raw, wild and minimalist. It’s simple, you can go from black lava fields to golden sand beaches. That’s exactly what gives it its charm and makes it so unique! In my eyes, it’s an island you should visit at least once in your life. You really feel like you’re on Mars! And as a little anecdote (which says a lot about the landscapes): NASA engineers regularly come to Lanzarote to train and test their rovers. So when I tell you it feels like another planet, I’m not exaggerating! Haha.

By the way, some travelers come to discover the island by doing multi-day treks. If you like walking, there is very little elevation gain on the island so it’s quite manageable. The hardest part is dealing with the heat because there isn’t a single patch of shade. As for me, I had the chance to do some hikes in Lanzarote, if you’re interested, we have a guide on the topic.

You will have understood, the aim of this article is to share Lanzarote’s must-sees with you, along with my favorites and what I recommend you do first. It should save you some time on planning!

To start, I suggest you discover my top 10 activities to do in Lanzarote. You’ll see there’s a bit of everything: volcanoes, viewpoints, wild beaches, lava fields, etc. The island is quite small, you can easily do plenty of things even in just a few days. I’m almost sure Lanzarote will enchant you!

It’s no coincidence that I’m starting with Timanfaya National Park. It’s quite simply the heart of the island, also called Montanas del Fuego. Let me tell you, the park really lives up to its name. This is where you understand that the island has been shaped by lava. There is still quite a lot of heat and lava bubbling under the surface. To explain the visit to the park better, you’ll go through a toll to have your tickets checked or buy them directly at the ticket office (but you have to arrive very early), as there is a quota of people per day. Once you’ve passed the toll, you’ll arrive at the main car park. Here you’ll see that everything is smooth and well organized.

You’ll get straight onto an official panoramic bus to properly protect the site. The route is very well designed, with explanations in several languages. For French, you’ll simply need to download an app. It’s really interesting to watch the landscapes go by with the explanations in the background. Honestly, it’s a real shock between the vast stretches of black lava, the red craters, the rock formations, the volcanic hills in shades of red, ochre and gold. I didn’t know where to look, it went by so fast! It lasts about 40 minutes and they drive you back to the starting car park. A little higher up, there are geothermal demonstrations to discover: a geyser of scalding steam shooting out of the ground in a few seconds, small hot stones they place in your hands and branches that burst into flames in a few seconds like a barbecue. Speaking of barbecues, before the site was protected, people used to come here with family or friends to cook their weekend barbecue.

I can assure you this is the place not to miss in Lanzarote, which plunges you straight into the atmosphere of the island. If you’re interested, we’ve dedicated a whole article to Timanfaya National Park.

Even if I didn’t fall in love with it, I still think it was interesting to discover Arrecife, it’s still the island’s capital. I think the weather affected how I felt, because it really wasn’t nice when I went. It even rained a little, which is quite rare for Lanzarote.

Back to Arrecife, it’s a quiet, bright town with its own beach along the Atlantic. What I liked was the Charco de San Ginés: a natural lagoon with small colorful boats right in the middle of the town. It’s like a little bubble you don’t expect. It’s ideal for strolling around and sitting on a terrace. You’re immersed in a feel-good, very authentic atmosphere. On top of that, I recommend a few nice places to see:

• Castillo de San Gabriel: a fortress set on a small islet accessible by a stone footbridge
• Calle Real: the main street with all the shops
• Castillo de San José: for its magnificent view over the port
• the seafront promenade: very nice for strolling or cycling
• the small coves and the famous Playa del Reducto: perfect for a swim after visiting the town

One more little tip: I think Arrecife offers the perfect location between the south and the north since it’s in the center of the island. Also know that we’ve written a complete guide to Arrecife.

The beaches of Lanzarote are all more beautiful than the next and are very different. Even if you don’t want to swim, they’re worth the trip. Plus, the water is pretty nice all year round, around 25 degrees, except from December to February when it’s more like 19 degrees (yes, that stings a bit!). Coming back to the beaches, each one offers something different between turquoise waters, ochre cliffs, blond sand and wild coves. There really are some little corners of paradise to discover.

In my eyes, my favorites are in the Los Ajaches park. It’s a protected site where the beaches are surrounded by impressive cliffs. It’s so beautiful, it’s like a real movie set. The best-known is Playa Papagayo, it’s arc-shaped with very turquoise water. It’s true that it’s very beautiful and it reminded me of a Mediterranean cove.

Among the must-sees, there’s of course Playa de Papagayo, probably the best-known beach in Lanzarote. And for good reason: it’s a magnificent cove with calm, crystal-clear waters, surrounded by golden cliffs. You almost feel like you’re in a tropical bay. It’s the perfect place to swim, sunbathe or simply admire the scenery. But it’s small and attracts quite a lot of people. So I preferred Playa Mujeres, which is next door. It’s bigger and wilder, I could have spent the whole day there. Not to mention Playa del Pozo, Playa de la Cera and Playa del Congrio, which are also in this protected park. It’s really all about the atmosphere: nothing is developed, you sometimes have to go up and down sand hills to get from one beach to another. It adds a little sense of adventure. The drive is something too: since it’s a protected area, the track is made of stone and rocks. It’s fine if you take it slowly. In the rest of the island, there are more developed and more easily accessible beaches like Playa Flamingo, Playa Chica, Playa Dorada and many more. And let’s not forget Famara, surfers’ paradise.

To get back to a town, head for Teguise, the former capital of Lanzarote. In reality, given its size, it’s more like a village. It has kept all its charm and is very well preserved. We took the time to wander through the cobbled streets, around the restored white houses, the small squares and the churches. It’s like stepping back in time.

Even taking your time, you’ll only need a few hours to tour the historic center with a break on a terrace. You can’t miss Plaza de la Constitución and the church Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, very beautiful inside and out. Take the opportunity to have a look at the little local craft shops. If you can, go on a Sunday, because there’s the Teguise market. It’s one of the biggest and liveliest on the whole island, with local products, pottery, clothes, all in a real Canarian atmosphere. As for me, on the Sunday I was on the island it was pouring rain, so I did something else. But you can tell me what you think. And don’t forget Lago Mar, which is another work by César Manrique and could well leave you speechless. It’s a former house built in a lava field, with tunnels dug into the rock, patios and a turquoise lake. You will have understood, Teguise is without a doubt among the best towns and villages in Lanzarote!

Jameos del Agua is a unique place, a blend of nature, art and architecture that works really well. You really feel the touch of César Manrique, the artist who turned this collapsed lava tunnel into a magical space. From the entrance, the contrast is incredible between the black volcanic rock, the turquoise water of the small lake, the white walls, the touches of greenery… everything fits together with the natural atmosphere of the place. The site also has an underground lake where the famous albino crabs live, tiny and completely white. For the record, it’s the only species in the world that lives here!

What’s great is that you can take your time to walk around, observe the details, stop and admire the setting… Honestly, Jameos del Agua is a superb work by César Manrique that enhances the place while always keeping its natural side. It’s beautiful and it’s a place with a style you can only see in Lanzarote.

It’s quite simply one of my favorites on the island. Charco Verde, also called Lago Verde, is a small lake with fluorescent green water when the sun is shining. I had seen videos, like everyone, but seeing it in real life is something else. I went early in the morning from my accommodation in El Golfo, and I was treated to soft light, very few people and colors that changed with the sun. Even if you can only see it from a viewpoint, the view is well worth the trip: you get an eyeful in just a few seconds.

What I also like about Charco Verde is everything around it. In just a few minutes, you can go from exploding waves at Los Hervideros to the salt pans of Janubio, then to the calm of the little village of El Golfo, perfect for eating fresh fish. Timanfaya is very close if you want to go there on the same day. Access is simple, parking is free and the visit doesn’t take long: in short, there’s no excuse not to stop by. For me, it’s a must-see in Lanzarote, a magnificent volcanic spot.

Hiking in the Los Volcanes natural park was really one of my best outings in Lanzarote. I knew I was going to walk in the middle of volcanoes, but I deliberately kept the surprise to enjoy the moment to the fullest. And honestly, it was a good idea! With a guide who knows Lanzarote inside out, I was able to understand what I was looking at: the old lava flows, the buried villages and this black earth where vegetation is trying to take back its place. In the end, it was more of a walk than a hike, because it was easy, with plenty of interesting information.

What I preferred was the feeling of walking in the very heart of the island’s history. You explore the lava fields, walk around Montaña Negra, go into the crater of the volcano del Cuervo (needless to say it was the first time I’d seen a crater from the inside!), and you finish surrounded by the vineyards of La Geria, planted in black craters, typical of Lanzarote. If you like accessible hikes, volcanic landscapes and somewhat timeless experiences, this guided outing in the Los Volcanes park is really worth doing. I have great memories of it and can only recommend it.

Here we are with two must-sees in the south of Lanzarote that are close to each other while being very different. Los Hervideros is on the coast and made of rocks sculpted by lava. On the day I went, the waves were rushing into the volcanic cavities. You could hear them boiling under your feet. There are several paths in these cliffs, which really lets you soak up the atmosphere of the place.

Just a few minutes away by car, the Salinas de Janubio are salt pans. They’re super beautiful, because from a distance the basins look like a color palette in pink, gold, orange and white. Honestly, it’s gorgeous, I really wasn’t expecting that at all. Plus, you see them from higher up right opposite, perfect to take your best photos! At sunset, I can only imagine the show it must be. In short, it’s a great combo that really represents the wild and raw side of the south of Lanzarote.

Las Grietas, another one of my favorite places on the island. Before going, I’d already seen photos and videos, but once there, the place really surprised me. To set the scene, you literally walk inside large volcanic fissures at the foot of Montaña Blanca. It felt like a labyrinth, with walls that narrow and widen in certain places. You feel like you’re in a canyon in the American Southwest even though you’re on a small island.

What really struck me was the raw, wild identity of the place. Nothing is developed: you simply choose the fissures you want to explore and take the time to observe the layers of lava. Even going there at noon sharp, when the sun was beating down, I didn’t come across many people. It was better for taking photos and enjoying this natural spot. Honestly, it’s the kind of slightly secret place I love to prioritize!

As you can imagine, given the climate and volcanic soil of Lanzarote, it’s not a paradise for plants, apart from a few succulents and cacti. From there, César Manrique created one of his best-known works: the Cactus Garden. For your information, the garden brings together thousands of cactus species from all over the world. There are big ones, tiny ones, yellow ones, green ones, etc.

What’s even more incredible about Manrique is that he integrated this garden into an old crater. He knew how to use nature to create this garden, with stairs in volcanic stone, lava walls and small paths to walk around everywhere. You can see that it’s very aesthetic and well thought out, it’s the perfect time to take great photos with the spirit of Lanzarote. Small tip: climb to the top of the windmill to see the garden from above!

We agree, I’ve just shared the unmissable ones with you, but there are still plenty of things to do on the island. Since Lanzarote is small, with easy roads, you’ll surely have time to pick from the following activities to add a few more to your schedule.

To add some thrills to your days of exploring, I recommend doing a quad outing in Lanzarote. There are lots of dirt tracks right in the middle of lava fields as far as the eye can see. It’s quite an amazing playground waiting for you. As for me, I did a one-hour quad outing around Montaña Roja, near Playa Blanca. The track was very rocky and it was quite bumpy. It was a great moment to discover Lanzarote with a bit of adrenaline! Plus, I think it’s a fun activity to do as a couple, as a family or with friends. If you’d like to know more about my experience on a quad in Lanzarote, I tell you everything in a dedicated article.

Whether you’re experienced or it’s your first time, Lanzarote offers super rich seabeds! The waters are clear, with very varied species. You can even see some from the surface, snorkeling with a mask and snorkel. But the deeper you go, the more you discover tropical and Atlantic fish. As for me, I did a first scuba dive just next to Playa Chica, in Puerto del Carmen. Even going down to just over 6 meters, I was lucky enough to see parrotfish, viejas, fulas and even a trumpetfish. The session lasted more than 40 minutes, but I felt like it only lasted 10, I was so captivated by everything I was seeing. In other places, or going deeper, our guide has already had the chance to see turtles, rays, moray eels, barracudas and more!

If it tempts you, I invite you to read my story about diving in Lanzarote.

If you want to surf in Lanzarote, you have to go to Famara. It’s simply the best place on the island to surf. As soon as I arrived, I found myself facing a huge beach lined with cliffs. You quickly understand that you’re in the hangout for all surfers. Vans, boards, lessons with schools, there’s no doubt about it. It’s a very beautiful beach where you’re not on top of each other, with great waves for surfing. Plus, it’s a beach for all levels, so don’t hesitate! And if, like me, you don’t surf, it’s still worth going. It’s beautiful, with a very special atmosphere, for walking in the sand or sitting facing the waves.

For a visit that’s only possible in Lanzarote, the Cueva de los Verdes is quite striking. To give you an idea, it’s a large lava tunnel that formed thousands of years ago and in which you can walk for a kilometer. We agree, that’s not common! Inside, there are even light effects on the volcanic walls. For the record, this tunnel and other caves were created after the eruptions of the La Corona volcano. That’s when you realize what nature can create: sometimes there are particular shapes that look sculpted. I won’t tell you more so as not to spoil the surprise if you go!

To finish in style, even if it’s not in Lanzarote but just 3 km away, I really recommend going to La Graciosa. It’s a small island north of Lanzarote that looks like a little piece of raw, wild paradise. There, you can forget about paved roads, everything is done by 4×4, on foot or by bike. It’s quite incredible to think that there are inhabitants on this island!

To get there, you just have to take the ferry from Orzola, in the north of Lanzarote. The crossing takes about twenty minutes and drops you off in Caleta de Sebo, the main town on La Graciosa. And then, total change of scenery: white houses and sandy streets. I thought I’d tour the island by bike, but in the end we did a 4×4 safari tour with a local. It was super interesting to talk with him and be sure to discover all the must-see spots like:

Playa de las Conchas, an absolutely incredible beach where you go to admire its raw, wild beauty. However, you can’t swim there, the currents are too dangerous.

• Playa Francesa: this one is great for swimming,
• Playa Amarilla, with its golden cliffs,
• and also Pedro Barba, an almost deserted and sparsely inhabited village that I really liked!

If I’ve made you want to go, feel free to check out our complete guide to La Graciosa.

You’re starting to know us, we always save a section to give you the essential info about the destination in question.

No worries, it’s very easy to get to Lanzarote from Europe. Most flights arrive at César Manrique airport, which is very close to the capital, Arrecife. From France, Belgium and Switzerland, there are direct flights from the big cities, otherwise with a short layover in mainland Spain. But it’s doable and still quite quick when you think that Lanzarote is level with the Sahara.

From France, Belgium or Switzerland, you’ll regularly find direct flights, especially from big cities. In general, it’s about a 4-hour direct flight, which goes by fairly quickly, especially when you’re excited to arrive. Plus, flights are often operated by low-cost airlines, which makes it possible to find flights at affordable prices. If you’re already in the Canary archipelago, there are domestic flights from the main islands, like Tenerife, that take 50 minutes. If you’re in Fuerteventura, I recommend taking the ferry instead, which offers a 25-minute crossing.

One of Lanzarote’s biggest advantages is that you can go there all year round. That gives you time to get organized and agree on dates if you’re traveling with others. Indeed, the climate is arid and mild, it’s like alternating between summer and spring. Even in winter, temperatures are over 20 degrees, which is still very pleasant. However, each season has its own little advantages, here they are:

• Winter: the best time to enjoy a mild and sunny climate, especially for hiking without suffering from the heat, since there’s almost never any shade. Believe me, you quickly end up with sunburn.
• Spring and autumn: in my eyes, these are the best compromises for coming to Lanzarote. The weather is nice and there are few people, just enough to fully enjoy the island.
• Summer: unsurprisingly, it’s hotter, but thanks to the trade winds, the air remains bearable. It’s a great time for beach days and water activities, even if more tourists come at this time of year.

If you’re still hesitating, you can use our article dedicated to the best times to go to Lanzarote.

Good news: Lanzarote is an island that’s very easy to visit since distances are quite short. I primarily recommend renting a car, it’s much easier to go everywhere you want. It feels like all the roads are brand new and drivers are easygoing. As for me, I rented a car through DiscoverCars. It’s a comparison site I recommend, because I always find good deals there. Plus, with a car, you can go at your own pace and discover the most remote spots. In my eyes, there’s nothing better, but it’s up to you. There are also other options if you don’t want to rent a car:

• buses (Guaguas), which serve the main towns very well like Arrecife, Teguise, Puerto del Carmen or Playa Blanca,
• taxis, easy to find and fairly affordable for short distances,
• organized excursions, ideal for visiting Timanfaya, Jameos del Agua, La Graciosa or the lava tunnels without having to think about the journey.

For more details on the options available, feel free to take a look at our article dedicated to getting around Lanzarote.

I’ll tell you right away, I ate really well in Lanzarote. All over the island, there are lots of local restaurants run by families. You eat fresh fish, Canarian cheese and papas arrugadas with the famous mojos. It was super good! What I really liked is that even in slightly remote areas, it’s always possible to stumble across a good address. Special mention to the fishing village of El Golfo. That’s where I stayed and where I ate very well, with a beautiful view over the ocean. And if you want to cook your meals or taste local products, I recommend going to the markets: the one in Teguise (on Sunday) or the one in Playa Blanca.

Even though the island is small, there are plenty of places to stay, ranging from seaside resorts to small villages or remote areas in the countryside. As always, I’m giving you a few names of accommodations that are really worth it:

High budget

Arrecife Grand Hôtel & Spa: simply the most famous hotel on the island and in the capital. You notice it quickly, it’s the only building with so many floors in all of Arrecife. It offers a luxurious setting by the sea with incredible panoramas. In terms of service, it has everything: indoor pool, spa and rooftop bar/restaurant on the top floor.

Mid-range budget

Hotel Floresta: a family-friendly aparthotel 200 meters from Los Pocillos beach, with large air-conditioned apartments equipped with a kitchen, several pools, play areas and activities for young and old. It’s a good base for visiting the whole island by car.

Small budget

Hostal Residencia Cardona: a simple and clean place at more than reasonable prices. Its location is just perfect, two minutes from Playa del Reducto and the center of the capital. It’s clearly a great deal not to miss!

If you want more accommodation options, we’ve put together a full page: where to stay in Lanzarote.

There you go, now you know everything about: what to do in Lanzarote. I hope this little overview has given you ideas for your itinerary on site. One thing’s for sure, there’s plenty to do! You’re going to be completely disoriented between the volcanoes, the wild beaches and everything Lanzarote has to offer. I have very fond memories of my week there. There’s a special atmosphere, calmer than on Tenerife, for example. And I met quite a few people who, after setting foot on the island, never left.

Because it’s something to think about even if we don’t always want to, I recommend checking out our article on the budget to plan for a trip to Lanzarote.

See you very soon to follow our adventures in Lanzarote,

Written by Laura CALLES

Thanks to Mélanie and Sylvain, I had the chance to discover the Canary Islands, specifically Tenerife and Lanzarote, so that I could share these island paradises with you. Two real favorites of mine!

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