Explore Lanzarote: 30 Amazing Things to Do

Welcome to Lanzarote, an island of breathtaking volcanic landscapes, golden beaches, and vibrant culture.

Prepare to be amazed by the island’s otherworldly beauty, from the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Timanfaya National Park and Los Volcanes Natural Park to the awe-inspiring coastal cliffs that offer breathtaking views of the sea. And don’t miss the chance to dive into the mesmerizing world of Museo Atlántico, an underwater sculpture museum, where art and nature come together in perfect harmony. So, let’s begin our journey through Lanzarote’s unique landscapes!

Timanfaya National Park

Imagine a land of fiery red and black volcanic cones, lava fields, and whimsically-shaped rocks – that’s Timanfaya National Park. This stunning park, located on the west of the island, is a testament to Lanzarote’s volcanic past. To fully appreciate its beauty, hop on a guided bus tour that takes you around the park’s breathtaking craters and lava formations, offering an incredible insight into the island’s geothermal activity.

Don’t miss the chance to dine at El Diablo Restaurant, designed by the renowned César Manrique. Here, you can enjoy succulent dishes cooked using the heat from the volcano itself! And if you’re feeling adventurous, head to Echadero de los Camellos, where you can hop on a camel and experience a thrilling ride around the park’s volcanic landscape.

Los Volcanes Natural Park

Just outside of Timanfaya lies Los Volcanes Natural Park, another volcanic wonderland offering a more peaceful and less-crowded experience. Explore its beautiful walking trails and marvel at the breathtaking views of Lanzarote’s rugged landscape. Take the 3 volcanoes tour for a fascinating insight into the park’s geology, flora, and fauna. And don’t forget to visit the delightful town of El Golfo, nestled within the park, for a truly authentic Canarian experience.

Coastal Cliffs

The coastal cliffs of Lanzarote offer a different kind of beauty, with turquoise waters, dark basalt columns, and a small red volcanic hill behind. Visit the awe-inspiring Los Hervideros area, where you can watch the Atlantic waves crash against the jagged black rocks and be delighted by the seabirds soaring above. If you’re looking for even more natural wonders, venture to the green lagoon near the village of El Golfo or discover the striking salt flats of Salinas de Janubio.

Museo Atlántico

Dive into a world of art and nature at Museo Atlántico, an underwater sculpture park located off the coast of Playa Blanca. Created by renowned artist Jason deCaires Taylor, the museum features stunning cement figures depicting vibrant human forms, animals, and plants. Exploring the captivating sculptures 12-metres deep is an extraordinary experience, and you can arrange amazing dive tours to the museum from Playa Blanca.

Beach Bliss: Lanzarote’s Best Beaches

Lanzarote is blessed with an abundance of beautiful beaches, each offering its unique charm and allure. From the pristine shores of Playa de Papagayo to the bustling beach life of Playa Chica and the surfer’s paradise of Famara Beach, you’re sure to find the perfect beachside retreat to suit your needs. So let’s explore the best beaches that Lanzarote has to offer!

Playa de Papagayo

Tucked away on the southern tip of Lanzarote, Playa de Papagayo is a breathtaking beach that is widely regarded as the most stunning on the island. With its soft golden sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, it’s the perfect spot to unwind and soak up the sun. To reach this idyllic beach, you can take a waterbus from Playa Blanca or enjoy a pleasant walk along the coast.

Playa Chica

Located in the vibrant tourist town of Puerto del Carmen, Playa Chica is an idyllic beach that offers more than just a beautiful setting. Its calm, clear waters make it a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. The surrounding restaurants and shops provide plenty of options for refueling after a day in the sun.

Famara Beach

For those seeking a more exhilarating beach experience, Famara Beach is the place to be. Renowned for its long stretch of sand backed by dunes, Famara is a haven for surfers and water sports enthusiasts. The lively atmosphere extends beyond the beach, with a string of vibrant cafes, delicious seafood restaurants, and sandy side streets between whitewashed houses facing the ocean.

Family attractions in Lanzarote

Lanzarote offers a wealth of family-friendly attractions to keep everyone entertained. From the thrilling water slides at Aquapark Costa Teguise to the fascinating wildlife at Rancho Texas Lanzarote Park and the captivating underwater world at Lanzarote Aquarium, there’s no shortage of fun for the whole family. Let’s dive into some of Lanzarote’s most amazing family attractions!

Aquapark Costa Teguise

Aquapark Costa Teguise is a must-visit for families seeking a fun-filled day in Lanzarote. As the largest water park on the island, it offers an array of thrilling attractions, including a lazy river, slides, and a wave pool. With something for all ages, Aquapark Costa Teguise guarantees a splashing good time for the whole family.

Rancho Texas Lanzarote Park

At Rancho Texas Lanzarote Park, you’ll find a fantastic wildlife park filled with an abundance of animals, including sea lions, parrots, and reptiles. But that’s not all – the park also boasts a water park and outdoor leisure areas for you to enjoy. With amazing shows and activities for children, it’s the perfect destination for a family day out.

Lanzarote Aquarium

Explore the fascinating underwater world at Lanzarote Aquarium, the largest and most exciting aquarium in the Canary Islands. With 33 tanks and hundreds of incredible marine species, it’s an unforgettable experience for all ages. Discover a wide variety of fish, sharks, and other marine life as you immerse yourself in the beauty of the deep blue sea.

Art and Culture: César Manrique’s Legacy

Lanzarote’s art and culture scene is deeply influenced by the island’s most celebrated artist, architect, and environmentalist, César Manrique. His legacy is visible throughout Lanzarote, seamlessly integrating architecture with nature in a way that is truly unique. From the César Manrique Foundation to the Jardn de Cactus and Jameos del Agua, let’s explore the incredible creations of this visionary artist.

César Manrique Foundation

The César Manrique Foundation is a must-visit for art lovers, showcasing the artist’s incredible home and studio that he built within a series of volcanic bubbles. The lower floors are encased in volcanic rock, creating a tranquil atmosphere. There, guests can also find a stunning turquoise lagoon pool with comfortable seating areas surrounded by beautiful sculptural plants and vegetation. The upper floors are filled with plenty of natural light and fresh air. The previous studio of the artist has now been converted into a stunningly attractive exhibition space.

Jardín de Cactus

Another of Manrique’s masterpieces, Jardín de Cactus is a mesmerizing garden containing over 4,500 cacti and succulents from around the world. Set within an old quarry, the garden is surrounded by stone walls that provide a sheltered haven for these spiky beauties. Don’t miss out on the stylish café/bar! Here, you can enjoy fresh juices and unique cactus burgers made from prickly pear cactus and potato. It’s a great experience!

Jameos del Agua

César Manrique’s artistic touch can also be seen at Jameos del Agua, an extraordinary volcanic tunnel transformed into a breathtaking subterranean wonderland. Here, you’ll find an underground lake filled with rare albino crabs, an impressive amphitheater, and delightful restaurants serving delicious local cuisine. It’s truly a testament to Manrique’s vision and talent, blending art and nature in perfect harmony.

Wine and Dine in Lanzarote

Lanzarote’s culinary scene is as diverse and flavorful as its landscapes. From the unique wines of the La Geria wine region to the island’s abundant seafood delights and traditional Canarian cuisine, there’s something to satisfy every palate. So let’s explore the best of Lanzarote’s food and drink scene!

La Geria Wine Region

La Geria is a remarkable wine region, where grapevines thrive in the island’s volcanic soil. The unique technique used by Lanzarote farmers combines fragments of black volcanic rock with stone walls to protect the vines from the wind. Visit the local wineries for a taste of the island’s signature Malvasa Volcánica grape variety and experience the flavors of Lanzarote’s wine culture.

Seafood Delights

When it comes to seafood, Lanzarote is a true paradise. Indulge your taste buds with some tempting dishes like Sancocho (fish stew). Try out other delicacies such as pulpo a la plancha (grilled octopus), gambas al ajillo (garlic prawns in sizzling oil), and lapas (limpets) grilled with green Mojo sauce. With the freshest catches from the surrounding Atlantic waters, you’re guaranteed a delicious and memorable seafood experience.

Traditional Canarian Cuisine

Lanzarote’s traditional cuisine is a delightful blend of Spanish, African, and Latin American influences, resulting in simple, wholesome, and flavorful dishes. Sample local favorites like papas arrugadas con mojo (wrinkled potatoes with spicy sauce), caldo de papas (potato soup) and gofio escaldado (toasted cornmeal dish). With its emphasis on freshness and flavor, Canarian cuisine is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Adventure Awaits: Outdoor Activities in Lanzarote

For those seeking a little more adrenaline during their visit, Lanzarote offers plenty of thrilling outdoor activities. From cycling and hiking through the island’s rugged landscapes to water sports and camel rides, there’s an adventure for everyone. So let’s gear up and explore the exciting world of outdoor activities in Lanzarote!

Cycling and Hiking

Lanzarote’s stunning landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for cycling and hiking enthusiasts. Popular routes include the Tour of Timanfaya and the volcanoes, the Caldera de Montaña Blanca Hike, and the Volcan de la Corona. With its diverse terrain and breathtaking scenery, Lanzarote is a haven for those who love exploring on two wheels or on foot.

Water Sports

The crystal clear waters surrounding Lanzarote provide endless opportunities for water sports lovers. Try your hand at exhilarating activities like jetskiing, parasailing, flyboarding, and standup paddleboarding. For those seeking a more immersive experience, the island’s diverse marine life and unique underwater landscapes make scuba diving a popular and unforgettable adventure.

Camel Rides

For a truly unique experience, climb aboard a camel and explore Lanzarote’s extraordinary landscapes. With camel rides available near Timanfaya National Park, you’ll have the chance to traverse the island’s volcanic terrain from a whole new perspective. It’s an adventure you won’t soon forget!

Charming Villages and Towns

Lanzarote is home to a number of charming villages and towns, each offering a unique glimpse into the island’s rich history and vibrant culture. From the picturesque streets of Hara to the historic architecture of Teguise and the bustling marina of Playa Blanca, there’s something for everyone to discover. Let’s explore some of Lanzarote’s most enchanting villages and towns.

Haría

Nestled in the Valley of 1000 Palms, Hara is a traditional Canarian village with a peaceful atmosphere and beautiful surroundings. Visit the Cesar Manrique house museum, stroll through the Palm House, and shop for local crafts at the Saturday market. Hara is a delightful destination for those seeking a more relaxed and authentic Lanzarote experience.

Teguise

As Lanzarote’s oldest settlement and former capital, Teguise boasts a rich history and impressive architecture. Wander through its picturesque whitewashed buildings, now home to delightful restaurants and gift shops, and don’t miss the popular Sunday market in Plaza Clavijo y Fajardo. For a unique cultural experience, visit the Castillo Santa Barbara, home to the Museo de la Pirateria, which celebrates the pirate attacks on Teguise during the 16th and 17th centuries.

Playa Blanca

Located on the southern tip of Lanzarote, Playa Blanca is a vibrant town, offering a wide range of hotels, restaurants, and attractions. Its modern marina is the perfect place to relax, while the stunning nearby beaches, such as Papagayo, provide the ideal spot for sunbathing and water activities. For a fun-filled family day, visit the nearby Aqualava Waterpark, and don’t forget to explore the underwater wonders at the Museo Atlántico.

Summary

From its awe-inspiring volcanic landscapes and golden beaches to its rich cultural heritage and thrilling outdoor activities, Lanzarote truly has something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a taste of authentic Canarian culture, this unique Canary Island promises an unforgettable experience. So pack your bags and set off on a journey to explore the wonders of Lanzarote – we guarantee you’ll fall in love with this enchanting island!

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