What to Do in Lanzarote?

What are the best activities to do in Lanzarote? If you've booked your flight tickets to explore this island in the Canary Islands, then you're probably looking for places to see

Lanzarote is one of the most popular destinations in Spain for a vacation, just like Tenerife! However, its land stands out for its volcanic character and breathtaking wild landscapes.

Whether you're searching for surf spots, paradise beaches, natural parks, or charming villages, Lanzarote boasts an impressive heritage that will easily fill your days!

Lanzarote is truly a unique island in the Canary Islands. With its spectacular volcanic landscapes, wild beaches, and peaceful ambiance, it offers a real escape without requiring a long journey. You'll discover fields of black lava, craters, cliffs facing the ocean, and even vineyards growing in volcanic ash. It's an island where nature is omnipresent, and every landscape seems to be from another world.

But Lanzarote is not just about volcanoes. You can enjoy beautiful hikes, swim in quiet coves, visit lava caves or natural tunnels, and admire unforgettable sunsets. Whether you're in search of tranquility, nature, or a bit of adventure, Lanzarote has a lot to offer.

Once you arrive in Lanzarote, one of the must-do activities is discovering Timanfaya National Park, a geological wonder that offers an impressive and extraordinary landscape! It is the eighth national park in Spain, gradually formed due to massive volcanic eruptions

The park spans nearly 5,000 hectares and is characterized by vast fields of petrified lava, craters, and mountains of volcanic ash. The highlight, and quite spectacular, is the Islote de Hilario, where you can observe geothermal phenomena; you can even eat there!

Additionally, one of the features of the park is that you will find almost no vegetation on-site! To visit Timanfaya Park, note that access is relatively restricted to guided bus tours to minimize the impact on this fragile ecosystem You can find all the important information regarding visits on the official Timanfaya National Park website.here

Nevertheless, there are organized tours available, such as the hike in Timanfaya National Park. During this guided hike, you can discover the breathtaking landscape of this national park, its volcanoes, craters, and rivers of lava! You will also have the opportunity to taste typical Canarian specialties as well as its white wine. For this 3.5-hour excursion, expect to pay 47€ per person.

Formed over 3,000 years ago during a volcanic eruption, the Cueva de los Verdes is one of the most stunning places to discover during your stay in Lanzarote! This underground cave offers a unique experience with its spectacular light games reflecting on the walls, offering a palette of colors!

Although this cave is now a very popular tourist attraction in Lanzarote, it is associated with local history, having once served as a refuge for locals during pirate invasions. This large lava tube features beautiful rock formations and narrow passages waiting to be explored.

Designed by local artist César Manrique, this unique place combines nature and art. It is a cultural space created inside a volcanic tunnel, following the eruption of the Corona volcano!

Like the Cueva de los Verdes, the main attraction of this site is the Cueva de Jameo, a partially collapsed cave housing a beautiful turquoise lake. The site also includes a natural seawater swimming pool, a restaurant, and an auditorium built in a natural cavity - incredible!

Exotic flora, rock formations, and the endemic white crab species Jameitos are also other wonders to discover on site... You can also visit the House of Volcanos, a museum dedicated to the transformative power of volcanoes, also located within the Jameos del Agua center. Detailed information can be found on the official Jameos del Agua website.

Tip: Enjoy a full-day excursion including Timanfaya National Park, the visit to Cueva de los Verdes, and Jameos del Agua for only 89€ per person. This price includes pickup, transportation in an air-conditioned bus, and all entry tickets!

The cliffs of Los Hervideros, located south of Timanfaya National Park, are one of the most beautiful natural sites in Lanzarote Easily accessible just 5 km from El Golfo, they offer a spectacular setting where the Atlantic Ocean violently crashes against volcanic rocks.

Venturing along the paths, you'll cross a lava field and discover cliffs carved by erosion, forming numerous caves and cavities. These unique formations, created over time, allow you to witness waves crashing against the walls Several viewpoints along the trail offer breathtaking panoramas, blending the immensity of the ocean with the wild beauty of the volcanic landscape. A must-see place for nature lovers and hikers!

What to do in Lanzarote? Why not explore the Cactus Garden? This emblematic work designed by architect César Manrique was inaugurated in 1991! The park, located in Teguise, in the north of the island, is known for its spectacular diversity of cacti from around the world, with no less than 4,500 different species.

This site, laid out in an old volcanic sand quarry, features a sensational landscape where the cacti stand like artistic decorations! It's aesthetically pleasing, with paths, sculpted cacti, and even a restored windmill and various unique designs

Feel free to book a guided tour which takes place every Wednesday and Friday. For more information, visit the official Center for Arts, Culture, and Tourism of Lanzarote website.

If you're wondering where to enjoy the beach in Lanzarote, then head to Papagayo! Located in the south of the island, it is one of the most popular beaches with its white sand and low tide in a bay shape

Papagayo beach is renowned for its clear waters and striking setting, as it is surrounded by rocky hills and cliffs in an exceptional arid environment... The place is also appreciated for its trails, through which you can see the Natural Monument of Los Ajaches.

Despite its relatively wild and preserved location, there are still some basic facilities like restaurants and bars to enhance travelers' comfort!

The International Museum of Contemporary Art in Lanzarote is a true cultural institution that highlights modern artistic expression. It is housed in the castle of San José and offers an immersion into the world of contemporary art with a vast collection of works by Spanish and international artists!

Painting, sculpture, photography - you can discover a whole range of creations within a historical building constructed in the 18th century. The San José fortress even played a role in protecting the population against pirate attacks before being restored and transformed into a contemporary art museum

Whether before or after your museum visit, take the opportunity to admire the stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean and its surroundings! You can also enjoy the restaurant available on-site. To book your museum tickets, visit the Center for Arts, Culture, and Tourism official website.

Located at the northern tip of Lanzarote, Mirador del Rio is undoubtedly one of the most iconic sites on the island with its breathtaking views from its heights. Nestled atop the cliffs of Risco de Famara, this panoramic observatory was designed by César Manrique, known for his architectural creations!

But what can you see from the Mirador del Rio? Well, you can primarily admire the waters of the Atlantic, as well as the island of La Graciosa! Inside, you'll find very beautiful observation spaces that allow visitors to discover the landscapes through large designer windows, a signature of Manrique's vision! You can find all the useful information on the official website of the Arts, Culture, and Tourism of Lanzarote.

If you want to take a tour of all the must-see sites related to César Manrique, then I highly recommend taking a one-day César Manrique tour. During this tour, you will have the opportunity to access Mirador del Rio, the Cactus Garden, Jameos del Agua, the César Manrique Foundation, and the Monument to Farmers. Expect to pay 79€ per person for this guided tour.

If you're coming to Lanzarote to surf, I can suggest going to Famara! Located on the northwest coast of the island, it is renowned for its long beach of around 6 kilometers. Of course, I recommend this location as it's a paradise for surf enthusiasts due to its powerful and consistent waves

Playa de Famara is also suitable for families and hikers! On one hand, the vastness of the beach will be perfect for children wanting to play in the sand and parents looking for relaxation. But it's not just that, the surroundings are also conducive to hiking, with the Famara volcanic massif in the backdrop!

For the curious, feel free to take surfing lessons at Famara! During this activity, you can learn the basics of surfing or deepen your existing skills in a dreamy setting For this surfing lesson, expect to pay 50€ per person.

Of course, don't miss visiting the village of Caleta de Famara, with its charming whitewashed houses, little streets, restaurants, and picturesque ambiance

If you dream of seeing dolphins, it's possible in Lanzarote! Guaranteed memories to last forever ✨ You can take a speedboat excursion to watch dolphins for only €35 per person! This activity will last 1.5 hours

You can observe dolphins and even whales in their natural environment, followed by some swimming time

If you have a bit of time, I highly recommend discovering the Janubio Salt Flats, the longest and most extensive salt flats in the Canary Islands! Besides producing white gold greatly contributing to the country's economy, they are located in a lagoon formed by a volcanic eruption

Even though these conditions are quite exceptional, you will be amazed by the large rectangular pools filled with seawater, which offer a beautiful palette of colors ranging from emerald green to pink! Even better, the overall view is truly splendid with the blue of the Atlantic Ocean in the background!

If you're staying near Playa Blanca, you'll easily get there from the road! Furthermore, I highly recommend participating in a guided tour of the Janubio salt flats. This way, you'll learn more about the sea salt extraction process and the history of this must-see site.

If you enjoy hiking and want to climb a volcano, you can do so with the Montana Colorada volcano! It will take you about an hour to reach the summit of the crater and admire the landscape I truly recommend this hike as a must-do when visiting Lanzarote Whether you're a beginner or not, it's quite accessible and well-marked.

Since it's located within Timanfaya National Park, it can be a stop on this visit I've mentioned above The Montana Colorada volcano gets its name from its reddish color that covers the mountain, due to the ash and lava from the last eruption about 800,000 years ago.

Known as a popular resort in Lanzarote, Playa Blanca is certainly one of the best places to enjoy swimming and relaxing vacations. Dominated by the Montaña Roja, Playa Blanca hosts several renowned beaches like Playa Dorada and Playa Flamingo, ideal for lounging and water activities!

The beachfront promenade of Playa Blanca features a lively atmosphere with a wide variety of restaurants, shops, and bars. If you head towards the Marina Rubicón, you can also enjoy the pleasures of this elegant and pleasant marina, situated between Papagayo beach and Playa Blanca

Arrecife, the capital of Lanzarote, is often an underestimated destination, while it has a unique charm that deserves to be discovered ✨

Located on the east coast of the island, this port city perfectly balances modernity and Canarian tradition. Strolling through its pedestrian streets, you will come across historic buildings like the Castillo de San José, an 18th-century fort converted into a contemporary art museum. Along the waterfront, the Charco de San Ginés, a small saltwater lake, offers a picturesque setting where traditional fishermen mingle with trendy bars

Arrecife is not just a simple stopover city: it's a place where local culture blends with the vibrant energy of urban life. If you're a food lover, don't miss out on tasting local specialties, particularly fresh fish and mojo, a typical sauce from the archipelago.

When one thinks of Lanzarote, volcanoes immediately come to mind, and it's surprising to discover that the island also has vineyards In fact, this can be explained by Lanzarote's exceptional sunshine, a benefit that makes it an ideal place for viticulture. The island also hosts the second-largest vineyard in the Canary Islands!

The La Geria region, a true natural wonder, is a unique place in its kind. Its landscapes, dominated by volcanic soils, are home to vineyards cultivated in deep pits, dug by hand. These trenches can reach up to three meters deep and five meters wide, thus providing the vines protection from the wind while allowing optimal cultivation in this spectacular setting

You can take a vineyard tour with wine and chocolate tasting to discover the history before and after the Timanfaya eruptions during a guided tour of Vega de Yuco vineyards. Expect to pay 22€ per person

Whether you have tried scuba diving before or not, Lanzarote is the perfect place to do it You can enjoy the local flora and fauna and be amazed The entire island is filled with beaches and diving spots, and you will find excursions for all levels, even if it's your first time diving!

For beginners, I recommend booking this scuba diving initiation, starting at €74 per person! You'll go out with an experienced instructor who will explain how the equipment works before heading off to explore the underwater wonders

Renowned for its exceptional marine landscapes, El Golfo is a picturesque village found on the west coast of Lanzarote, within the Volcanic Nature Park. With its spectacular setting, surrounded by lava from the 1730-1736 eruptions, El Golfo is one of the places to explore during your stay!

If you want to visit El Golfo during your vacation in Lanzarote, then know that this place, in addition to its beauty, is also appreciated for its tranquility and local culinary specialties. There are a few accommodation options available, ideally located close to sights like Los Clicos and Timanfaya National Park!

Since 2003, the Marina Rubicón marina has played a central role in the lively Playa Blanca area. Surrounded by restaurants and shops, it also hosts a market held on Wednesdays and Saturdays, where you can discover local products

This marina offers a multitude of activities: you can embark on a catamaran, sailing, or motorboat excursion ️ If you prefer more independence, it's also possible to rent a boat without a license to explore the surrounding waters at your own pace.

The Lanzarote Carnival, celebrated each year before Lent, is a colorful event that attracts both locals and visitors. Particularly vibrant in Arrecife, this carnival is distinguished by its extravagant parades, flashy costumes, and festive music concerts. It is, in fact, one of the oldest!

The streets fill with dancers, decorated floats, and traditional music groups, creating a joyful and contagious atmosphere. It's the perfect time to dive into the local culture, have fun, and enjoy the island's unique energy at its most festive

The Lago Verde is located in the village of El Golfo, where you can discover a natural site that is one of the biggest attractions in Lanzarote! It is formed in an ancient crater, where groundwater gradually seeped in to form a small lake, where swimming is prohibited ⚠️

If you're wondering why the water in this lake is green, it's not due to toxic substances like sulfur, but simply due to the algae that develop there. This landscape will seem unreal with the color of the sea, the lake, the surrounding sand, and the mountains that overlook it

If you can't decide which activities to do during your trip to Lanzarote, why not take a little road trip for a week to tour the island? Here's a sample itinerary to follow or adapt according to your desires:

If you haven't yet booked your flight tickets to the Canary Islands, specifically to Lanzarote, you're probably wondering what the best time is to plan your vacation ️

In general, Spain is a country that can be visited year-round due to its pleasant temperatures, even in winter. If I were to recommend a season to visit Lanzarote, I would suggest traveling during the spring or fall, after the busy summer peaks.

In spring, temperatures start to rise as early as March. It's the ideal time for travelers who dislike sweltering heat or prefer tranquility. In autumn, temperatures drop, but they remain pleasant, and the nights are cooler, so consider bringing a light jacket.

Whether for spring or autumn, the attendance is relatively moderate as you'll be traveling in the low season. Even though you'll encounter quite a few travelers during your stay, tourist sites and parks will be much less crowded, just like the terraces, beaches, and villages

For travelers still looking for a place to stay in Lanzarote, I recommend Puerto del Carmen as, in my opinion, it's the best place to sleep in Lanzarote, also known for enjoying nightlife.

There's also Punta Mujeres, which attracts more travelers looking for a tranquil stay by the sea. Teguise, on the other hand, is a very historic town!

To find accommodation at the best price, I recommend using a site like Booking.com, which offers a wide range of accommodations in Lanzarote

If you're wondering how to get to Lanzarote, know that flying is the most common and easiest option, with many direct flights from various airports in the United States.

Many low-cost airlines such as Volotea, Vueling, and Transavia operate direct and inexpensive routes! From a budget perspective, expect to pay around $100 to $130 for a round-trip ticket from New York. However, it's possible to find deals for almost half that price!

Before booking, be sure to compare prices via the Ulysse flight comparator, our official partner!

You will arrive at Lanzarote International Airport, not far from Arrecife. Once on-site, many services are available to you, including car rental to facilitate your travels around the island.

That's it for this article! I hope it has inspired you regarding the activities to do in Lanzarote If you want to extend your stay in the Canary Islands and are wondering what to do in Tenerife or what to do in Fuerteventura, don't hesitate to follow my guides