Europe -> Southern Europe -> Canary Islands

Whether you’re after a relaxing beach, adventure, culture, or a look at the stunning volcanic scenery you’ll find plenty to suit you on Lanzarote.

Beaches:

There are some 93 beaches on the island of Lanzarote. All of them offer something different. Some have brilliant white sand; others black volcanic sand. Some are isolated and deserted, others spottlessly cleaned and heaving with sun-loungers and all the other facilities.

Most would agree that the most stunning beaches Lanzarote has to offer are at Papagayo and Famara. Papagayo is a beautiful collection of coves whilst Famara is a gorgeous nine-kilometre stretch of sand.

Location is important in choosing your beach on the island. Generally those in the south, such as Papagayo enjoy better weather, while the north can be windier and rainier and not always suitable for sunbathing in the winter. The north of the island can get strong winds, and the sea sometime unsuitable for swimming, although the surfers and kite-surfers on the island certainly enjoy this time!

Beaches such as Playa Garita at Arrieta are great for those looking for facilities, featuring toilets and showers as well as bars and restaurants.

Timanfaya National Park:

Timanfaya National Park incorporates 50m² of volcanic landscape and craters.
The dramatic and other worldly landscape was created between 1730 and 1736, when 25 volcanoes erupted in this area (this still ranks as one the world longest volcanic eruptions). There have been no eruptions since 1824, but the lack of rainfall, and therefore lack of erosion, has meant the landscape has remained largely unaltered since it was forged by these dramatic volcanic events. One can certainly feel the power of the geothermal activity, and the temperature just a few meters below the ground can be up to 600C. The park features a restaurant called ‘El Diablo’ where they serve Canarian food cooked on a cast iron grill above a hole in the ground.

The park is open from 10:00-18:00 everyday. Admission is €8 (includes free coach tour around the park)

El Golfo:

The small coastal village of El Golfo is home to the green lagoon, or El Lago Verde. Here an emerald green lake sits in a volcanic crater semi-eroded by the forceful Atlantic Ocean. The colour of the water is caused by algae and contrasts against the black sand and the rugged and colourful rock formations to make spectacular site. Afterwards you can head back into the village of El Golfo which boasts some of the best seafood on the island. Lunch at one of the great seafront restaurants that gaze out over the ocean is an experience not to be missed.

Los Hervidores:

Just down the road from El Golfo is Los Hervidores (literally meaning ‘Boiling Waters’). Here the ocean has eroded caves and spit holes into the molten lava. As the waves crash in, the water appears to hiss and steam.

The Cave of Los Verdes is part of a huge underground cave system formed by volcanic activity 3000 years ago. At over 6km long this forms one of the largest volcanic tunnels in the world. The cave has been used over the years by local inhabitants sheltering from invading pirates. Part of the cave is now lit, showing off the dramatic rock formations and different, dazzling colours.

Cactus Garden:

The cactus garden near Guatia in the north of the island is one of the best collections of Cacti in the world with over 1000 different species.

Museum of International and Contemporary Art:

This museum features a small but interesting collection of modern paintings and sculptures by leading artists. The museum is housed in the beautiful old Castillo San Jose, built in 1774 to protect against invading pirates.

Cesar Manrique Foundation:

Take a look around the incredible house designed and built by famous local artist and architect Cesar Manrique. The house is built around and within five natural volcanic bubbles.

Castillo de San Gabriel, Arrecife:

This castle guards the shoreline of Lanzarote’s capital, Arrecife. The original fortress was built entirely of wood in the 1500s, but having been burned to the ground by Algerian pirates in the 1570s it was rebuilt in stone in 1592. There is a museum in the castle showing what life was like for the original inhabitants of the island, the Guanche.

Castillo de Santa Barbara, Teguise:

This impressive fortress is perched above Teguise, the ancient capital of Lanzarote and the oldest settlement in the Canary Islands. The position enjoys excellent views of Lanzarote’s coastline in both directions. Again, the castle was first a wooden structure, before being rebuilt in stone following repeated pirate raids. According to legend there is a secret tunnel running from the castle right under the centre of Teguise. The castle now houses the Museum of Emigration which tells of the emigration of islanders over the years for reasons such as war, disease, famine, drought and volcanic eruption.

Festivals and Fiestas:

There are many interesting and colourful fiestas that take place on Lanzarote, perhaps most famous of all is the colourful Carnival that takes place in February. There are many religious festivals including Dia del Reyes in December and Corpus Christi in June. Canarian Day in May marks the day the Islands first gained autonomy from Spain.