Lanzarote is perhaps the least visited island of the Canary Islands. Yet numerous attractions, beaches, and resorts await tourists!
Lanzarote is the easternmost, northernmost, and also the oldest of the seven major islands in the Spanish Canary Islands. Locals often call it Conejera, while others refer to it as the „Island of a Hundred Volcanoes”. Its central landscapes are made diverse by nearly 300 volcanoes.
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Lanzarote attractions
Arrecife
Lanzarote’s capital and largest city is located on the eastern coast of the island.
Founded in the 15th century, its significance grew in the 18th century when it became the island’s administrative center. It got its name from the coastal coral reefs („arrecife” means reef in Spanish) that have protected the city for centuries.
Its most important attraction is the San Gabriel Castle (Castillo de San Gabriel). The fortress is located on a small island and was built in the 16th century to defend against pirate attacks. Today, the castle houses the Historical Museum (Museo de Historia de Arrecife), which showcases the island’s past.
Timanfaya National Park
One of Lanzarote’s most iconic natural attractions, covering approximately 51 square kilometers in the western part of the island.
The park features the Montañas del Fuego (Fire Mountains), which offer a spectacular sight with their red, black, and orange hues. The landscape looks like something from another planet.
Near the earth’s surface, temperatures are still extremely high, reaching 400-600°C in some places. An interesting attraction related to this is the El Diablo restaurant, where food is cooked using volcanic heat. Just a few meters below the grill is glowing rock that functions as a natural oven.
To preserve and protect the landscape, the national park can only be visited through organized tours.
Fundación César Manrique
One of Lanzarote’s most important cultural attractions, commemorating the legacy of the island’s most famous native, César Manrique.
Located in the artist’s former home in the town of Tahíche, the house is unique because it was built on volcanic lava bubbles, perfectly integrating with the island’s volcanic landscape.
The museum displays Manrique’s paintings, sculptures, and other artworks. The exhibitions encompass various modern art movements. Below the building are five huge lava bubbles that Manrique transformed into creative spaces. These unique rooms – including a pool, rest areas, and garden terraces – create a futuristic atmosphere.
All information can be found here!
Jameos del Agua
Located in the northern part of the island, this is one of César Manrique’s famous architectural and artistic works.
It’s part of a 6-kilometer-long volcanic tunnel system created by the eruption of the La Corona volcano approximately 4,000 years ago. The term „jameo” in Spanish refers to the open areas created by the collapse of the cave ceiling.
Inside the cave is a crystal-clear saltwater lake fed by seawater. The lake’s special feature is the albino cave crabs (Munidopsis polymorpha) that live here. These tiny, white creatures are found exclusively in this location.
All information can be found here!
Cueva de los Verdes
Part of a several-kilometer-long volcanic tunnel system created by the La Corona volcano’s eruption approximately 4,000 years ago.
The cave was formed when the outer layer of hot lava flowing from the volcano solidified while the inner, still liquid lava continued to flow, leaving behind a cavity. Over time, this tunnel has developed fascinating geological formations and colors.
One of its most unique features is an underground lake that creates an optical illusion. The water surface perfectly reflects the surroundings, creating an interesting atmosphere that often deceives visitors.
Charco de los Clicos
The Green Lagoon, this special lake is located in the southwestern part of the island, near the village of El Golfo.
It’s the remnant of an old volcanic crater that partially connects to the Atlantic Ocean. Ocean waves and volcanic activity together created this unique natural formation. The lake’s vivid green color is due to microscopic algae that thrive in high-salt environments.
Visitors cannot go down to the lakeshore. From the nearby parking lot, a designated path leads to a point offering beautiful views.
Mirador del Río
This viewpoint in the northern part of the island offers magnificent panoramic views of La Graciosa island and the Atlantic Ocean.
The lookout, situated on a 400-meter-high cliff, was designed by César Manrique. Its interior spaces are dominated by Manrique’s style: a meeting of natural forms and minimalist design.
You can drive all the way to the top from Ye village, making it a popular tourist attraction in Lanzarote.
Puerto del Carmen
One of Lanzarote’s most popular tourist centers.
The town has evolved from a traditional fishing village into a modern resort while maintaining its authentic atmosphere. Along La Avenida de las Playas, there are numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants.
Puerto del Carmen’s most famous beach is Playa Grande. It features fine golden sand, crystal-clear water, and excellent infrastructure, perfect for families and those seeking relaxation.
Playa Blanca and Castillo del Aguila
These two towns are the center of the island’s southernmost part, where most tourists arrive.
There are numerous accommodations, restaurants, and a castle here. Several smaller beaches are nearby, and you can take a boat to the opposite Fuerteventura.
Salinas de Janubio
This place preserves salt-making traditions on the island’s southwestern coast, near Yaiza.
Founded in the late 1890s, it has been operating continuously since then. Ocean water is collected in various pools where it slowly evaporates, leaving salt deposits at the bottom. The different pools are painted in various colors. The salt is then collected, cleaned, and sold in various forms, including the famous Fleur de Sel (salt flower).
There’s also a visitor center at the salt pans. Visitors can walk around the pools, observe the salt-making process, and watch local bird life.
All information can be found here!
La Geria
In this small area, we can see Lanzarote’s traditional wine cultivation.
The wine region’s uniqueness comes from growing grapes in volcanic soil. The area is covered with black volcanic ash, which provides ideal nutrients for the vines. Since rain is rare, the grape-growing techniques used here are unique: small walls and depressions surrounding the vines help preserve rainfall and provide protection against wind.
The most common grape varieties include Malvasia and Listán Negro. You can taste the produced wine in the local cellars.
Cactus Garden (El Jardin del Cactus)
Located on the outskirts of Gautiza village, this garden showcases numerous cacti.
The park was created in an old quarry, preserving the unique character of the volcanic landscape while implementing modern gardening solutions. The park was designed by famous Canarian architect César Manrique and opened in 1991.
The park features over 1,000 different cactus species from various parts of the world, including Mexico, South America, and Africa. Visitors can see cacti of different shapes and sizes. The garden is arranged on multiple levels, with different sections following various themes.
All information can be found here!
Castillo de Santa Bárbara
One of Lanzarote’s oldest and most significant fortifications, located at the top of the volcanic Guanapay mountain near the town of Teguise.
Construction began in the 16th century when Lanzarote became a frequent target of pirate attacks. The first parts of the fortress were built by Sancho de Herrera, then ruler of Lanzarote, to provide protection for the island’s inhabitants. Later, in the late 16th century, Italian engineer Leonardo Torriani designed and expanded it. He added the bastions and walls still visible today, which strengthened the castle’s defensive capabilities.
Today it functions as a museum, showcasing Lanzarote’s history, particularly focusing on pirate attacks on the island and its defense strategies. From the top of the fortress, there’s a magnificent panorama of Teguise town, the island’s volcanic landscapes, and the Atlantic Ocean.
Most beautiful beaches in Lanzarote
Playa Mujeres
One of Lanzarote’s most beautiful beaches located close to Castillo del Aguila, making it a popular beach.
It has a long and wide sandy shoreline covered with fine golden sand. It’s accessible by an easy walk from the town, offering beautiful ocean views.
Playa de Papagayo
Located near Playa Blanca, this beach is another of the southern area’s most visited shores.
Famous for its clear, turquoise water and fine sandy beach. The bay has a gentle slope, so the water warms up quickly, making the beach ideal for swimming, diving, and snorkeling.
Playa de Famara
Located in the northern part of the island, this is the beach of Caleta de Famara settlement.
Its uniqueness comes from the backdrop of huge cliffs of Risco de Famara, one of the island’s most famous volcanoes, offering a spectacular view.
Due to the windy coastline, it’s mainly popular among surfers.
Playa de las Cucharas
Located on Lanzarote’s eastern coast in the Costa Teguise resort.
The 600-meter-long beach in the bay has fine golden sand, surrounded by several high-quality hotels. Being just a few kilometers from the capital, it’s a popular holiday destination.
