Things to do in Lanzarote
Lanzarote is the most distinctive of the Canary Islands: a black and rust-red volcanic landscape where white houses, vines in craters and the artist César Manrique have left their mark on almost everything.
Timanfaya
The mountains in the national park were formed by eruptions in the 18th and 19th centuries. Photo: Josep Castells / Unsplash
Lanzarote: the island that became a work of art
The first time you drive out of the airport, Lanzarote can look almost empty. The lava runs black right up to the road, and the houses are low and white with green or blue shutters. That is no accident. The artist and architect César Manrique fought to keep the island in tune with its landscape, without high-rises or billboards, and you see the result everywhere.
The whole island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. For visitors that means calm, nature and an island quite unlike the busiest beaches on Gran Canaria and Tenerife.
Lanzarote is the most easterly of the Canary Islands, with Fuerteventura just to the south.
El Golfo
The lagoon gets its green colour from algae. Photo: JP Files / Unsplash
The best things to do in Lanzarote
Timanfaya National Park: the volcanic landscape left by the 18th-century eruptions. The coach tour through the Fire Mountains is the easiest way in, and the restaurant grills over heat from the ground.
César Manrique's work: Jameos del Agua (a concert hall and pool inside a lava tube), Mirador del Río with views of La Graciosa, and the artist's own house built into lava bubbles.
El Golfo: the green lagoon by the sea, and the black beach just below.
La Geria: vines planted in small craters ringed by low stone walls. Taste the local malvasía wine at one of the bodegas along the road.
The Papagayo beaches: small coves with pale sand and clear water on the southern tip, often called the island's finest beaches.
Teguise on a Sunday: the old capital fills with a market every Sunday morning.
Papagayo
The coves on the southern tip are the island's best places to swim. Photo: Thibault Mokuenko / Unsplash
Where to stay in Lanzarote
Puerto del Carmen: the largest resort, with a long promenade and plenty of restaurants.
Playa Blanca: quieter, in the south, close to Papagayo and the ferry to Fuerteventura.
Costa Teguise: smaller and more relaxed, near the capital Arrecife.
The links to the hotels are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Princesa Yaiza, Playa Blanca
Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
Princesa Yaiza: family friendly in Playa Blanca
A large suite hotel on the promenade in Playa Blanca, with plenty of space and a short trip to the Papagayo beaches. Good for families and for couples who want a quiet stay.
Book your sun break: See rooms at Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort
Hotel Fariones: by the beach in Puerto del Carmen
A Puerto del Carmen classic, with its own garden running down towards the beach and restaurants within walking distance. For those who want some buzz, but a quiet garden to come back to.
Book your sun break: See rooms at Hotel Fariones
Hotel Fariones, Puerto del Carmen
Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
When is the best time to visit Lanzarote?
Lanzarote is mild and dry all year and one of the most reliable Canary Islands for sunshine. Winter is high season for northern Europeans. There is often a fresh breeze, which makes the heat pleasant but can make evenings cool. Spring and autumn are good for walking in the volcanic landscape.
To compare with other winter sun spots, see where is hot in November and winter sun destinations in Europe.
Frequently asked questions about Lanzarote
Where should I stay in Lanzarote?
Puerto del Carmen suits those who want restaurants, a promenade and some nightlife. Playa Blanca in the south is quieter and close to the Papagayo beaches, while Costa Teguise is a smaller, more relaxed option.
What is Lanzarote famous for?
The volcanic landscape of Timanfaya, the work of artist César Manrique, the vineyards of La Geria and its white villages. The whole island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Is Lanzarote or Fuerteventura better?
Lanzarote has more to see, with volcanoes, art and wine. Fuerteventura has longer, wider beaches and suits those who want to swim, surf or walk along the sand for hours.
Do I need a car in Lanzarote?
It is recommended. The island is small and the roads are good, and most sights lie outside the resorts. With a car you can see Timanfaya, El Golfo and La Geria in a day.
When is the best time to go to Lanzarote?
Any time of year. Winter is most popular with northern Europeans, while spring and autumn are best for exploring the volcanic landscape on foot.