13 THINGS TO DO IN LANZAROTE

Lanzarote is one of the Canary Islands, located just off the northwest coast of Africa. It is known for its beautiful beaches, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and year-round warm climate.

That’s over 300 days of warm climate to be exact, and that’s what makes it a perfect late autumn / early winter destination. I visited in late October and it definitely helped me charge up for the winter season that year. 

Here’s some of the best things to do on a visit to Lanzarote:

Tour the Timanfaya National Park

This national park is known for its unique and otherworldly volcanic landscape. You can take a bus tour of the park to learn more about the geological history of the island and experience the moonlike environment (though there’s still gravity!). 

Take A Beach Day – Or Two

Relax on Playa de Papagayo, with its dreamy clear waters and vivid white sands that’ll make you forget all your worries. Some of the other top beaches to explore are Playa Blanca, Playa de Famara and Playa Flamingo.

Have A Leche Leche

This Canarian coffee is a shot of strong coffee with hot milk layered over sweetened condensed milk. It’s very sweet, so if you can’t handle a sugary shot from Starbucks, you might want to skip a Leche Leche!

Eat Papas Arrugadas

These small potatoes with wrinkly skin are one of the signature dishes of Lanzarote. They are simply boiled in seawater and go great served with some mojo sauce.

Explore The Smaller Islands

Take a ferry to the island of La Graciosa, which is the smallest and most secluded Canary Island. Aside from staying at the beach, it’s also a great place to hike, with impressive routes via Montana Amarilla, Punta del Pobre, Las Conchas and Playa del Ambar.

Check Out Jameos del Aqua

Explore the Jameos del Agua where you’ll find a concert venue, art, culture, and tourism center inside a lava cave – not a bad combination if you ask me. It was designed by artist and architect César Manrique, who played a key role in shaping the island’s modern architecture and design.

Visit the César Manrique Foundation

Want to know more about Manrique? Then why not visit the César Manrique Foundation, a museum dedicated to him and all of his spectacular works.

Take A Day Trip To Another Island

Take a daytrip to the nearby island of Fuerteventura, which is just a short ferry ride away from Lanzarote. Relax at one the island’s beautiful beaches and explore the charming seaside town of Corralejo for its many tapas bars and other places to eat.

Go To Cueva de los Verdes

Visit the Cueva de los Verdes, a series of stunning underground caves and tunnels formed by volcanic activity. Doubting because you are slightly claustrophobic? I was unsure, but I did it myself and can 100% confirm that this one actually did not make me anxious at all.

Stop At The Cactus Garden

Another of Manrique’s designs. He combined the greens of the cacti with the black, brown and red of the volcanic landscape and created a lovely corner where you can stroll around and take in all these cacti species.

Enjoy the views at Los Hervideros

This spot is a great viewing point where you can watch the waves crashing upon the volcanic rocks. It’s located next to a main road, so perfect to combine with visits to other bits of the island. 

Check out El Lago Verde

It’s not something to drive to on its own, but if you are heading towards the west side of the island you might want to stop at this green lake – even if it’s just to check out the intriguing colour palette.

Stroll Around Teguise

A small town with cute shops, I recommend going there on a Sunday for the local market. And while you’re there, why not visit the Castillo de Santa Barbara, a 15th-century castle with great views of the island?