Lanzarote: Highlights & Tips for the Canary Island

Lanzarote, the northeasternmost island of the Canary Islands, captivates visitors with its unique, contrasting landscape.
Strange lava formations resembling a lunar landscape, countless volcanoes, and black and golden beaches along the deep blue ocean shape the island's appearance.
Charming little villages with bright white houses and colorful windows and doors, surrounded by cacti of all shapes, give Lanzarote a special charm.

In addition to its scenic appeal, the island offers pleasant temperatures all year round—perfect for exploring while enjoying delicious Spanish tapas.
A refreshing glass of Sangria in one of the cozy bars completes the experience.

To help you prepare for your trip, we’re sharing our highlights and tips for the Canary Island Lanzarote in this guide.

One thing to know right away: While Lanzarote may appear large and expansive at first glance, this is deceiving.
From the capital, Arrecife, or the popular tourist town Puerto del Carmen, you can reach any direction on the island within a maximum of 50 minutes by car.

This means you can visit all the island’s attractions in a short time, making it easy to plan your exploration. We based all our tours from our apartment in Puerto del Carmen.

1. ARRECIFE – THE CAPITAL OF LANZAROTE

For those arriving by plane, the island’s capital, Arrecife, is the first stop, as Lanzarote Airport (ACE) is only about 5 km from the city center.
But the airport isn’t the only reason to visit the city on the island’s eastern coast.

With around 61,000 residents, Arrecife is not only Lanzarote’s capital but also its largest city. Despite its compact size, the mini-city exudes plenty of Spanish charm, especially around the old port, Marina Lanzarote: narrow yet lively streets, cozy restaurants, and cafes invite you to linger.

We found the main shopping street, Calle León y Castillo, less appealing.
Compared to other parts of the island, there are more attractive and lively promenades, as this street is partly marked by vacant or dilapidated buildings.

Aside from the old harbor, Arrecife has more sights worth visiting. Highlights include the Parroquia de San Ginéschurch, the natural lagoon El Charco de San Ginés with its small fishing boats, the two castles Castillo San José and Castillo de San Gabriel, and the sandy city beach Playa del Reducto.

Our tip: The atmosphere at the Charco de San Ginés lagoon is particularly enchanting at sunset.
When the colorful fishing boats gently rock in the water and the sun slowly dips below the horizon, the view is truly picturesque.

At the beginning of the lagoon, you’ll also find a 10-meter-long Bryde’s whale skeleton on display.
The whale was found off the coast of the Canary Islands, and its skeleton stands here as a symbol of marine conservation.

Take one to two hours to explore Arrecife, the birthplace of the famous artist César Manrique, who left a lasting impact on the island. You can admire his artwork all over Lanzarote.
It’s best to explore Arrecife on foot, as driving in the city can be tricky with heavy traffic and numerous one-way streets.

Tip: Free parking is available around the city, making it easier to park your car.

THE SHIPWRECK NEAR ARRECIFE

The "Telamon", also known as "Temple Hall", has been lying in a small bay near Arrecife, at Los Mármoles port on the main road Las Caletas, for over 30 years.
At low tide, the wreck is particularly close to the coast, making it a perfect photo spot.

If you happen to be in the area, we recommend making a quick stop to marvel at this impressive relic!

WATCHING PLANES TAKE OFF & LAND

From the Mirador de Acercamiento viewpoint located just behind the Arrecife airport, you can watch planes land up close.
If you’re in the area, a short stop here is worthwhile to catch this impressive spectacle.

Our tip: Check when the next flight lands in Arrecife to avoid long waits and catch the best moment!

2. TIMANFAYA NATIONAL PARK

The Parque Nacional de Timanfaya is without a doubt the most visited attraction in Lanzarote—and with good reason!
The spectacular lava landscape, impressive volcanic cones, and famous Fire Mountains make the national park a unique and unforgettable place.

The park can only be visited through guided tours (bus, hike, or camel ride) since individual tours are not allowed.
Whatever option you choose—the tour is absolutely worth it and gives you fascinating insights into this one-of-a-kind volcanic landscape.

The easiest and most comfortable option is the guided tour in one of the air-conditioned buses, which depart every 10 minutes from the parking lot in front of the El Diablo restaurant and tourist center.
Our tip: Try to grab a seat on the right side of the bus for a better view.

The drive takes you on adventurous roads about 10 kilometers past gigantic volcanic mountains, bizarre rock formations, vast ash fields, and open craters.
The bus stops regularly so you can take in the breathtaking landscape and take photos.

Especially impressive are the Montaña del Fuego (Fire Mountains), of which there are over 100 in the park. These volcanoes were once responsible for covering a quarter of the island in lava. Fertile land and several villages were buried under a thick layer of lava, which is why parts of the island still resemble an untouched lunar landscape today.

Depending on the sunlight, the Fire Mountains shimmer in fascinating colors, from deep black to fiery red. For us, this unique volcanic landscape is clearly one of the highlights of Lanzarote!

After the bus tour, a special event awaits you on the left side of the El Diablo restaurant.
The guide told us that just 4 meters below the surface, temperatures still reach 200°C, and at a depth of 12 meters, they reach up to 600°C!
This heat is dramatically demonstrated when water is poured into one of the openings—it instantly turns into hot steam and shoots into the air with high pressure—a spectacle you should capture on video!

Thanks to these high temperatures, there’s a special grill in the restaurant where food is cooked solely by the earth’s heat.
Additionally, the entire building was constructed from fire-resistant materials to withstand the extreme conditions.
A fascinating experience that makes visiting Timanfaya National Park even more unforgettable!

In addition to the bus tour, hikes through the national park are very popular.
However, these hikes must be registered in advance at the tourist center in Mancha Blanca, and a guide is provided. The best part? The tours are free of charge, offered by the national park.

Another way to explore the park is on a camel ride. The camels are located at the Echadero de Camellos, just before the entrance to the national park.
The price is about $8 for a 15-minute ride.

Plan to spend at least an hour or more in Timanfaya National Park, unless you choose a hike, which typically takes longer.

Opening Hours:

• October to June: 9:00 am – 5:45 pm
• July to September: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm

OUR SAVINGS TIP

If you’re planning to visit other attractions on the island in addition to Timanfaya National Park, we recommend purchasing one of the combo tickets (CACT-Ticket) at the ticket counter.
This can save you up to $10 on entrance fees, depending on the package. The tickets are valid for 14 days from the date of purchase.
For more information on combo tickets, check canariasworld.com.

3. JARDÍN DE CACTUS – CACTI AS FAR AS THE EYE CAN SEE

Cacti grow everywhere in Lanzarote, but nowhere are they as plentiful and impressive as in the area around the villages of Guatiza and Mala.
A visit to the Jardín de Cactus should definitely be on your sightseeing list for the Canary Island.

The Jardín de Cactus was the last major work of the famous island artist César Manrique before his death and is located in the small village of Guatiza.
The former quarry now houses 4,500 plants, including cacti as tall or even taller than a person.
You can also admire smaller, wider specimens that you could barely wrap your hands around without the spines.

On the edge of the garden, a historic windmill stands slightly elevated, offering a wide view of the surrounding villages.
The Jardín de Cactus is a true highlight, presenting a fascinating collection of these special plants in an artfully designed setting.

There is a small shop selling natural cosmetics, handicrafts, and, of course, cacti for purchase. You’ll also find a small cafeteria where you can enjoy delicious tapas and a cool drink on the terrace, with a beautiful view of this idyllic spot. Plan to spend at least an hour visiting.

The Jardín de Cactus is open daily from October to June from 10:00 am to 5:45 pm and from July to September from 9:00 am to 5:45 pm. For more information, visit cactlanzarote.com.

4. LA GERIA – THE LARGEST WINE-GROWING AREA

At the edge of Timanfaya National Park, between Uga and Masdache, lies the beautiful nature reserve La Geria, which is also the largest wine-growing area in the Canary Islands.
If you’re a wine lover, be sure to set aside enough time to explore this unique region.
There are now several small wineries offering wine tastings and providing fascinating information about wine-growing in Lanzarote.

Even if you’re not a big wine enthusiast, you’ll be impressed by the unique cultivation method. From afar, the vineyards look like a green lunar landscape.
The vines are painstakingly planted by hand in the black volcanic soil and surrounded by semi-circular stone walls as windbreaks.

5. JAMEOS DEL AGUA & CUEVA DE LOS VERDES – THE ISLAND'S MOST SIGNIFICANT ARTWORKS

Jameos del Agua and Cueva de Los Verdes are a complete artwork of rocks, architecture, music, and gastronomy, created by the famous César Manrique in 1966.
He transformed the site into a unique location that is still considered one of the island’s most significant works of art.

These impressive places originated from a volcanic eruption that created a 2 km-long underground lava tunnel. Manrique transformed two sections of this tunnel into breathtaking works of art. Since the tunnel is very low in some parts, you cannot walk through from one site to the other; instead, you’ll need to drive a few hundred meters to visit both locations.

The Jameos (cavities) can be explored independently on a short walk. The highlight is the restaurant inside the tunnel overlooking a crystal-clear water basin.
During the day, sunlight streams through a small opening above the pool, creating a special light effect.

Above the tunnel is the Jameo Grande, a large, white pool with azure-blue water and an area decorated with exotic plants.
Next to the Jameo Grande is another cave housing an impressive concert hall that seats 600 guests. Classical, jazz, and pop concerts are regularly held in this unique setting.

The Cueva de Los Verdes, a bit further away, features 16 spectacular cavities enhanced by various lighting effects. You can visit this area on a 30-minute guided tour.
There are no dining options here. Plan to spend one to one and a half hours for your visit.

The Jameos del Agua and Cueva de Los Verdes are open daily from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm.
On Tuesdays and Saturdays, they are open from 10:00 am to 12:30 am. Tickets are available on-site.

‍NATURAL POOL IN THE SLEEPY PUNTA MUJERES

Punta Mujeres, a small, authentic fishing village with around 1,200 residents, sits on dark cliffs contrasting with the beautiful white houses of the village.
Within these cliffs is a beautiful natural pool called Piscinas Naturales de Punta Mujeres, which is exposed at low tide.

Since the village is only a few kilometers from Jameos del Agua and Cueva de Los Verdes, we recommend planning a stop here for a swim or simply to enjoy the scenery.

6. TEGUISE – THE FORMER ISLAND CAPITAL

Until 1852, Teguise, designed in a grid pattern by Spanish and Portuguese builders, was the island's capital. It remains the largest of Lanzarote’s seven municipalities to this day.On weekdays, the historic old town, now a protected landmark, invites you to take a leisurely stroll.

On Sundays, you can experience Teguise from a completely different perspective as it transforms for the vibrant market popular with both tourists and locals.
People wander through the narrow streets lined with stalls offering clothes, handicrafts, and other local products.
The market is so popular that locals even travel from neighboring Fuerteventura every Sunday, as they find nothing comparable there.

7. EL GOLFO – THE FISHING VILLAGE

El Golfo is a small, secluded fishing village on Lanzarote’s southwest coast. Until the 1990s, it had no access to water or electricity, nor even a telephone line, which adds to its charm.

To reach El Golfo, take the exit from the LZ-2 highway and drive miles through a fascinating lava landscape, where colors change depending on the sunlight—a beautiful journey in itself. Suddenly, in the middle of nowhere, the white houses of El Golfo appear.

With only 200 inhabitants, the village doesn’t offer much beyond a few accommodations and restaurants, so you don’t need to set aside too much time.
However, it’s renowned for its breathtaking sunsets in the late afternoon.
Find a spot in one of the romantic seaside fish restaurants, enjoy fresh catch of the day or delicious tapas, and end the day with a stunning, picture-perfect sunset.

Many visitors also come to El Golfo for the green lagoon “Charco de los Clicos”. While we didn’t find the lagoon particularly impressive, the viewpoint "Mirador El Golfo", or “El Golfo viewpoint”, is definitely worth a visit. From here, you’ll get a stunning view of the vast Atlantic and the rugged black lava coastline.

8. LOS HERVIDEROS – THE WATER SPECTACLE

If you continue along the coastal road south of El Golfo, you’ll soon reach the parking lot for Los Hervideros (Spanish for "boiling holes").

Los Hervideros is an impressive viewpoint where you can watch the wild Atlantic waves crashing against the spectacular lava rock coast.
Over time, the ocean’s power has carved crevices and caves into the volcanic rock, which you can explore along a narrow path.
It’s a fascinating natural phenomenon, where the spray and splashing water look almost like boiling water—hence the name "boiling holes".
A quick stop is worthwhile to experience the raw power of nature up close!

9. HARÍA - THE VALLEY OF A THOUSAND PALMS

Nestled within the Famara mountain range and surrounded by more than 1,000 palm trees, the picturesque valley and village of Haría offer a lush contrast to the otherwise barren landscape of black lava rock.
Nowhere else on the island can you find so many palms in one place! This is thanks to a microclimate created by the surrounding mountains.

Driving down the winding road into the valley, Haría is quite a sight to behold. It’s no wonder that the famous artist César Manrique moved here from Arrecife.
For us, it quickly became clear that this is the island’s most authentic village.

Our tip: Every Saturday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, there’s a local crafts market where residents of Haría and nearby villages sell their goods.

10. CALETA DE FAMARA – LANZAROTE’S SURF SPOT

Caleta de Famara is a small, sleepy village with around 1,000 inhabitants on Lanzarote’s northwest coast.
Away from the main tourist areas, you’ll find unpaved roads and a seemingly endless natural beach, set against the stunning backdrop of the Famara mountains.

The strong, steady wind makes Famara Beach especially popular with surfers and kitesurfers, thanks to its high, consistent waves.
We couldn’t resist spending a few hours surfing there ourselves.

Our tip: Bring a beach tent! It’s an absolute must-have for any Lanzarote trip. This portable, lightweight beach tent protects you from the sun and the often fresh breeze.
Plus, beach umbrellas and sun loungers are rare at Lanzarote’s beaches.

After surfing, we explored the center of Caleta de Famara, where a few restaurants and surf shops offer reasonably priced and tasty food.
The village exudes a relaxed, authentic charm far from the large tourist crowds.

Just a few minutes' drive from the village center, you’ll find the small vacation house community Casas de Famara, built by Scandinavians some time ago.
This peaceful settlement is a perfect base for tourists looking to enjoy Famara Beach and nature and to soak up the laid-back atmosphere.

EL BOSQUECILLO – THE VIEWPOINT OVERLOOKING FAMARA

For a breathtaking view of Famara, the surroundings, and the wild Atlantic from above, head to the El Bosquecillo viewpoint. It’s about a 25-minute drive from Famara.
A narrow gravel road leads directly to a parking area, and from there, it’s only a few steps to enjoy the sweeping views of the coast.
There are a few tables with benches, making it a lovely spot to rest.

We visited twice, at midday and again at sunset. Besides a handful of locals, we saw no other people. We can confidently say this remains a hidden gem.

The viewpoint is free, so we recommend skipping the $5 entry fee for the slightly farther viewpoint, Mirador del Rio, and instead visiting El Bosquecillo!
Here, there are no opening hours, nor do you have to share the view with crowds of other tourists.

11. PUERTO DEL CARMEN - THE HOLIDAY SPOT IN THE SOUTHEAST

Puerto del Carmen, a former fishing village in the southeast of the island, which belongs to the municipality of Tías, is now the largest and most popular tourist destination in Lanzarote. Just about 10 minutes by car from the airport, Puerto del Carmen is popular with visitors from around the world, especially from Germany, the UK, and Ireland.
This popularity stems not only from the variety of restaurants, small and larger shops, and accommodations of all kinds but also from the many bars, pubs, and nightclubs that offer plenty for night owls.

Besides the vibrant nightlife, Puerto del Carmen also boasts beautiful, wide sandy beaches with golden sand. The beaches Playa Grande, Playa de los Pocillos, and Playa Matagorda stretch over 6 km and offer ample space for all sun-seekers. In front of the beaches, you’ll find a long promenade that leaves nothing to be desired and is perfect for a stroll or a leisurely walk along the coast.

Our accommodation was in the old part of town, just behind the small harbor of Puerto del Carmen, and we loved it not only for its location.

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12. PLAYA BLANCA – THE HOLIDAY SPOT IN THE SOUTHL

In the far south of the island lies Playa Blanca, which, alongside Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise, is one of Lanzarote’s largest tourist centers.
The transformation from a former fishing village into a tourist destination is complete here. Most locals work in the service industry, with only a few still engaged in fishing.
Furthermore, the once-simple houses have long been replaced by modern hotel complexes, as well as shops, restaurants, and cafés.

The coastal promenade begins at the old harbor and is lined with ice cream parlors, cafés, restaurants, and small shops.
It leads past the popular white beaches of Playa Blanca, Playa Dorada, and Playa Flamingo. All three are very family-friendly.

Every Saturday, a small market is held at Marina Rubicon from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm.

Looking for action rather than relaxation on the beach? Then head to the Paracraft Watersports Center at Marina Rubicón, where you can enjoy a variety of watersports activities like jet skiing, parasailing, banana boat rides, or even hover over the water with a flyboard.

If you’re a passionate diver or looking to start, there’s another highlight waiting off the coast of Playa Blanca: the Museo Atlántico, the only underwater sculpture museum in Europe.
At a depth of 12 to 14 meters, you can dive among the impressive sculptures by artist Jason de Caires Taylor.
If you’d like to experience this unique attraction, simply contact one of the many dive centers in town.

The larger ferry port in Playa Blanca offers daily ferry services for both passengers and vehicles to the neighboring island of Fuerteventura.
If you have enough time, it’s worth taking a detour to the neighboring island. The best way to buy tickets is in advance – we got ours via Direct Ferries.

13. COSTA TEGUISE - THE HOLIDAY SPOT IN THE EAST

Costa Teguise, the third-largest tourist center in Lanzarote, is located on the island's east coast, only about 15 minutes by car from the airport.
Since the town was specifically developed for tourism, you won’t find an old town or many locals living here. Costa Teguise offers a wide range of accommodations of all kinds.
There are plenty of larger hotels, restaurants, and bars, as well as small shops and souvenir stores.

The promenade runs the length of the town and is packed with restaurants, bars, cafés, and small shops – strolling is simply part of the program here.
Our favorite aspect of Costa Teguise is behind the promenade: the four beautiful natural sand beaches – Playa de los Charcos, Playa de las Cucharas, Playa del Jablillo, and Playa Bastián.
Each beach offers a range of leisure and watersport activities. The Playa de las Cucharas is especially loved by windsurfers.

Our café tip: Located in the center of town is the stylish Creme Café, offering a large selection of cakes, waffles, crêpes, ice cream, and smoothies.
The treats are not only delicious but also beautifully presented – a perfect spot to relax during your stay!

14. LA GRACIOSA - THE SMALLEST INHABITED CANARY ISLAND

La Graciosa is the smallest inhabited island of the Canary Islands and part of the Chinijo Archipelago Nature Park.
It was only officially recognized as the eighth Canary Island on November 6, 2018.
Apart from Caleta de Sebo, the island's main village with a few apartment hotels and private vacation rentals, La Graciosais mostly natural, with no paved roads.

This makes it an ideal destination for anyone seeking a relaxing beach getaway far from mass tourism, surrounded by deserted, golden beaches, turquoise waters, and a peaceful atmosphere.

You can reach the island from Órzola harbor in the northernmost town of Lanzarote.
Ferries operate every 30 minutes to La Graciosa, with each journey taking around 30 minutes. For exact departure times and further details, visit Direct Ferries.

15. UNIQUE VOLCANIC FORMATIONS IN SAN BARTOLOMÉ

This hidden gem will take you to an impressive natural wonder near the small town of San Bartolomé in Lanzarote.
At the edge of a volcano, you’ll find remarkable rock formations that look particularly spectacular when well-lit.

To locate the exact spot, enter the coordinates 28°58'24.8" N 13°38'09.4" W into your GPS.
Along the main road, depending on your direction, you’ll find a small gravel parking area near a curve, where you can leave your car. It’s just a short walk from there.

Our tip: Visit in the afternoon when the sun is high in the sky. The light shines directly into the formations, creating especially stunning photo opportunities!

16. THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACHES

For those craving a relaxing beach holiday, Lanzarote has plenty to offer despite its volcanic origins and vast lava fields.
With a coastline of almost 100 km, the island offers many types of beaches, from fine Sahara-like sands to black volcanicand pebbly shores.
Here are some of our favorite beaches on the island:

• Playas Papagayo – a stunning, golden sandy beach surrounded by picturesque coves.
• Playa de Famara – perfect for surfers, but swimmers should be cautious here.
• Playa de los Pocillos – a golden dream beach with a gently sloping shoreline.
• Playa Chica – ideal for snorkelers looking to explore the underwater world.
• Playa Grande – a long, fine sandy beach that’s often pleasantly breezy.

Don’t forget: Since many beaches are undeveloped, they lack food facilities, so be sure to bring plenty of drinks and sun protection.
It’s best to pack a portable sun umbrella or beach tent to shield yourself from the sun.

17. ACTIVITIES IN LANZAROTE

One thing’s for sure: you won’t get bored in Lanzarote! The Canary Island offers the perfect blend of beach relaxation and adventure, with incredible attractions on land and numerous exciting water activities.

Popular water sports include diving, sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and surfing. The south coast is better suited for swimming, diving, and snorkeling, while the north coast is ideal for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and surfing. From September to January, the island’s consistent trade winds create perfect conditions for surfers, whether you’re a beginner or an expert.
The northwest coast, between La Santa and Famara, has many surf schools where you can learn to ride the waves.

Divers will find plenty of options in Lanzarote, with numerous dive centers on the island. We booked our dives through Dive College Lanzarote in Playa Blanca and were thoroughly satisfied.

Lanzarote also has plenty to offer on land, including beautiful hiking and cycling trails to ensure you never run out of things to do.
You can find great hiking routes for all fitness levels on Komoot.de, guiding you through the island’s impressive landscapes.

USEFUL LINKS & RECOMMENDED TRAVEL GUIDES FOR YOU

• Discover the best accommodations
• Find affordable flights at skyscanner.com
• Find affordable rental cars at rentalcars.com
• The best Travel Guides for Lanzarote
• Unique Excursions to Experience in Lanzarote

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