Situated east of the Canary Islands, Lanzarote surprises visitors with its distinctive volcanic beauty and rich cultural heritage.
Boasting almost otherworldly landscapes, the "Island of Fire" features stunning beaches and remarkable geological formations. Discover what to see in Lanzarote and explore its exceptional surroundings.
What to see in Lanzarote in one day
If you only have one day to explore Lanzarote, it's important to plan your itinerary well to make the most of your time.
- Timanfaya National Park: This is one of the most breathtaking sights in Lanzarote, thanks to its volcanic landscape. Here, you can admire the Montañas del Fuego and witness fascinating geothermal demonstrations.
- Jameos del Agua: Designed by César Manrique, this resort seamlessly blends art and nature. Explore the volcanic tunnels and relax in the interior lagoon, home to rare albino crabs.
- Cueva de los Verdes: Discover the underground wonders of this cave, shaped by volcanic eruptions and featuring illuminated galleries.
- La Geria: In this wine region, the vineyards thrive on volcanic soil, offering a chance to taste some of the island's most unique wines.
What to see in Lanzarote in two days
Exploring Lanzarote in two days offers a chance to fully immerse yourself in its diverse volcanic landscape and rich culture.
- César Manrique Foundation: Take the time to visit this space that celebrates the life and work of the artist who transformed Lanzarote.
- Los Hervideros: A natural spectacle where the sea hits the volcanic rock formations with force, creating a unique landscape.
- El Golfo and Charco de los Clicos: This quaint fishing village is renowned for its green lagoon, a rare natural phenomenon found nowhere else in the world.
- Teguise: Explore Lanzarote's former capital, known for its historic charm and cobbled streets.
- Playa del Papagayo: Relax on one of the most beautiful beaches in Lanzarote, located in a protected natural environment.
What to see in Lanzarote in three days
If you’re wondering how many days you need to explore Lanzarote, three days will give you a good overview of the island. Here’s what you can experience with an extra day.
- Cactus Garden: Also designed by César Manrique, this garden features a world-famous collection of cacti, unlike any other on the planet.
- Haría: Known as the "valley of a thousand palm trees", Haría is a haven of tranquillity. This village is one of the places to visit in Lanzarote for free.
- Arrecife: Lanzarote's capital offers a mix of culture and modernity. Visit the Castillo de San José, which houses the International Museum of Contemporary Art.
- Salinas de Janubio: Discover the largest salt flats in the Canary Islands, where sea salt has been produced for centuries.
What to see in Lanzarote with children
Lanzarote is the perfect family-friendly destination. One must-see attraction for children is the Timanfaya National Park, where they can marvel at the Fuego Mountains and learn about the island’s volcanic activity through captivating geothermal demonstrations.
Another highlight is Aquapark Costa Teguise, a water park filled with slides and pools that guarantee fun for all ages. For an educational and enjoyable experience, visit the Aloe Vera Museum, where interactive workshops explore this iconic plant of the island. Finally, don’t miss Rancho Texas Lanzarote Park, a theme park that combines a zoo with entertaining shows.
What to eat in Lanzarote
Lanzarote's gastronomy is a reflection of its rich cultural heritage and unique volcanic environment. One of the most iconic dishes you must try is sancocho canario, a salted fish stew accompanied by wrinkled potatoes and mojo, a typical sauce that can be either red or green.
Papás arrugás (literally translated as wrinkled potatoes) are another local delicacy served as an accompaniment to many dishes, cooked with sea salt until their skins wrinkle. You can't leave Lanzarote without tasting its artisanal cheeses, especially goat cheese, renowned for its intense flavour and creamy texture.
The island is also famous for its wines produced in La Geria, where the vines grow on volcanic soil. For those with a sweet tooth, desserts such as bienmesabe, made from almonds, honey and eggs, are the perfect sweet treat.
How to get to Lanzarote
Reaching this paradise island is easier than you might think, thanks to its excellent connectivity with the rest of Europe and beyond.
- Aeroplane: The quickest and most convenient way to get to Lanzarote is by plane. Lanzarote Airport (ACE) receives regular flights from almost all Spanish airports and several European cities.
- Ferry: If you prefer to travel by sea, you can choose to take a ferry from other Canary Islands, such as Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Fuerteventura and even Cádiz on Spain's mainland.
- Cruise: Lanzarote is a popular stop on many Atlantic cruise itineraries.
Lanzarote's surroundings
Beyond the charms that Lanzarote has to offer, its surroundings also hold surprises that deserve to be discovered.
- La Graciosa: Just a short ferry ride from the north of Lanzarote, La Graciosa is the eighth largest Canary Island. With its unspoilt beaches and tranquil atmosphere, it's perfect for a relaxing getaway.
- Lobos Island: Although officially part of Fuerteventura, Lobos Island is easily accessible from Lanzarote. This small island offers hiking trails and paradisiacal beaches.
- Fuerteventura: Known for its extensive golden sand beaches and turquoise waters, Fuerteventura is an ideal destination for sun and sea lovers.
Living on Lanzarote
Living on Lanzarote offers a unique blend of island charm and the cultural and natural richness of a volcanic environment. The island provides an exceptional quality of life, with a mild climate year-round that allows you to enjoy outdoor activities at any time.
Lanzarote also boasts a vibrant cultural scene, featuring festivals, local markets, and a diverse cuisine that merges traditional flavours with modern twists. The result is a perfect balance of tranquillity and dynamic cultural life.