Lanzarote
Welcome to the ultimate guide to one of the most awe-inspiring destinations on the planet: Lanzarote, the jewel of the Canary Islands. Prepare to be swept off your feet and whisked away to a realm of unparalleled beauty and boundless adventure.
Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey filled with breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and unforgettable experiences. Join me as I unveil the secrets of this extraordinary island paradise, where every moment is a masterpiece waiting to be discovered.
Get ready to be amazed!
How to get to Lanzarote?
The quickest way to get from Tenerife to Lanzarote is by plane. There are regular flights operated by airlines like Binter Canarias, Canaryfly, and others. The flight duration is usually around 1 hour.
We took a ride with CanaryFly on these tiny, comfy planes—seriously adorable! Our round-trip tickets ended up costing us 250 euros for the both of us.
And when we landed at César Manrique Airport in Lanzarote? It’s super small, like, just a few gates small.
Guess what’s the plan right after the airport and car rent?
Of course, it’s time for lunch! :)
And since we were staying in the town of El Golfo, we chose a restaurant right next to our house — Casa Torano. Delicious food, generous portions, and the atmosphere — simply wonderful! The first impression of the island couldn’t be better!
El Golfo is a great choice for living in Lanzarote for several reasons:
- Natural Beauty: Situated on the coast, it offers stunning ocean views and volcanic landscapes.
- Peace and Quiet: El Golfo has a calmer atmosphere compared to more touristy areas, perfect for those seeking tranquility.
- Seafood Restaurants: Known for its seafood eateries, where you can enjoy fresh local dishes.
- Natural Attractions: Close to attractions like Los Charcos Lagoon and the Green Lake, drawing tourists and residents alike.
- Proximity to Amenities: Despite its tranquility, El Golfo is close to shops, restaurants, and tourist spots.
These factors make El Golfo an attractive place to live in Lanzarote, especially for those who value peace and natural beauty.
Now it’s time to explore the attractions!
Now it’s time to explore the attractions! Here’s our list for Lanzarote:
- Charco Verde and its magical surroundings
- Timanfaya National Park
- La Geria vineyard
- Montana Negra and Volcán El Cuervo
- Las Grietas caves
- Playa del Papagayo
- Castillo de San José
- Acantilados de Famara
- Antigua rofera
There are quite a few! Let’s start exploring!
Charco Verde
Charco Verde is an absolute paradise, a mesmerizing oasis that steals your breath away!
With its tranquil turquoise waters nestled amidst lush greenery, it’s like stepping into a fairytale.
You can’t help but be enchanted by the serene beauty and vibrant colors of this magical spot!
We launched the drone (but don’t repeat this, as it turned out to be prohibited due to disturbing the birds!), but this violation turned out to be the most beautiful mistake we made because the drone footage ended up being some of the best from the entire trip!
It was sunset, so the water color was slightly less vibrant, BUT IT WAS AMAZING!
The surroundings of the lake are breathtakingly beautiful!
Can you imagine, there’s entirely black sand, but it doesn’t stick to your shoes or skin at all! And the red earth formations next to the black sand look incredible.
Тo wonder Lanzarote’s landscapes are compared to Mars! Being on this island truly makes you feel like you’re on Mars!
Timanfaya National Park
Timanfaya National Park is a mesmerizing lunar landscape, with its vast stretches of volcanic terrain and surreal, otherworldly beauty. It’s a testament to the raw power of nature and an unforgettable experience for any visitor.
In the park, you can:
- Take a camel ride and enjoy a guided tour through the volcanic landscapes.
- Visit geothermal areas and observe steam geysers and hot springs.
- Take guided hiking tours along volcanic trails with professional guides.
- Explore the interactive center showcasing volcanic phenomena and the park’s history.
- Dine at El Diablo restaurant, where food is cooked over an open flame using geothermal energy.
- Join a bus tour to explore the park’s highlights and learn about its geological wonders.
Entertainment
Near the park entrance, you can take a camel ride, then proceed along the road to enter the park. You stay in your car and wait for the workers to approach you to sell tickets. Then, you drive to the parking lot. One important rule to remember — exiting the car, and stepping onto the shoulder and lava is not allowed!
We decided to visit the park on a Sunday — the least crowded day. The first thing we did in the park — of course, took photos at the viewpoint. Next, it’s worth going on the bus tour — it’s a marvelous and incredible spectacle. To the classical music and compositions of Strauss, you drive along narrow paths past cliffs, volcanoes, and lava. Exiting the bus is not allowed!
Geothermal areas
After the bus tour, you can visit the park’s geothermal areas, where you can observe geysers and hot springs.
Here, you’ll witness impressive displays of natural power as geysers shoot columns of steam and water into the air.
Burning hay
In addition to the geothermal areas and El Diablo restaurant, visitors to the park can also witness a remarkable phenomenon — burning hay.
This occurs due to high temperatures in the deep layers of the earth, leading to the spontaneous combustion of dry vegetation. This unique natural phenomenon captures the attention of visitors and is another impressive feature of Timanfaya.
El Diablo restauran
El Diablo restaurant in Timanfaya National Park offers a unique dining experience where food is cooked using natural geothermal heat from the volcanic earth.
Built over a volcanic vent, the restaurant provides stunning views of the park’s landscape.
This method of cooking creates delicious meals and offers diners an unforgettable experience.
La Geria
La Geria winery in Lanzarote is famous for its unique cultivation method where vines are planted in volcanic soil pits protected by stone walls. This technique produces excellent wines, especially the Malvasia variety. Visitors can tour the winery, learn about traditional wine-making, and enjoy wine tastings amidst the stunning volcanic landscape.
We toured the area, flew our drone, and then visited the winery where we tasted wine, relaxed on the sunny terrace, and enjoyed the weather. We saw how grapes are grown in Lanzarote’s windy climate, took lots of photos, and had a peaceful and wonderful time.
La Geria winery in Lanzarote uses unique methods to grow grapes in volcanic soil. Farmers dig pits to retain moisture and protect vines with stone walls called “zocos” from the wind. This technique, combined with rich soil, produces distinct wines, especially the Malvasia grape. Visitors can tour the vineyards, learn about this process, and enjoy wine tastings with stunning volcanic views.
Montana Negra and Volcán El Cuervo
Montana Negra
Climbing Montana Negra at sunset offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes of Lanzarote. The ascent to this mountain doesn’t require special skills and is accessible to almost everyone. As you hike up, you’ll enjoy panoramic vistas of the volcanic terrain and the endless expanse of the ocean.
From the summit of Montana Negra, there’s a stunning view of Volcán El Cuervo, especially at sunset when the sky is painted in warm hues, creating an impressive contrast with the dark volcanic slopes. It’s an unforgettable adventure worth experiencing to enjoy the beautiful views and sunset moments in Lanzarote.
The ascent to the mountain takes about an hour, and we felt quite tired during that time because the path is strewn with loose gravel, making it challenging to walk. However, despite the effort, the view from the top is absolutely worth it. Just be prepared for the hike, and you’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable sight.
These four attractions are definitely must-visits! Later on, I’ll provide additional ones. So, if your trip is coming to an end, you can remove them from your list.
Las Grietas
Las Grietas, also known as “The Cracks, ” are massive rock formations on Lanzarote Island, reaching heights of 600 meters and formed on the slope of the Montaña Blanca volcano. These cracks, extending about twenty meters, were carved into the volcanic rock by water over the years, resulting in narrow corridors with irregular walls.
There are three main cracks, each separated by only a few meters, with the main one being the most spectacular. These formations provide a fascinating glimpse into the island’s volcanic origin and are a must-visit attraction for anyone exploring Lanzarote.
Access to Las Grietas is free, allowing visitors to freely explore this natural wonder and appreciate its geological significance.
Playa del Papagayo
Playa del Papagayo is a pristine beach on Lanzarote’s southern coast, celebrated for its golden sands and turquoise waters.
Accessible via a short hike or drive along unpaved roads, it offers a secluded escape amidst stunning natural scenery.
Perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or simply unwinding on the soft sands, Playa del Papagayo promises a tranquil and unforgettable beach experience.
Despite the windy conditions, which made it difficult to launch the drone, visitors can still enjoy a leisurely stroll and dine with a picturesque view at Playa del Papagayo.
Castillo de San José
Castillo de San José, located in Arrecife, Lanzarote, is a historic fortress built in the 18th century to defend against pirate attacks.
Today, it houses the International Museum of Contemporary Art, showcasing a diverse collection of modern artworks within its historic walls. With its fascinating blend of history and art, Castillo de San José offers visitors a unique cultural experience on the island of Lanzarote.
While it’s possible to visit, some visitors may not find anything particularly special about Castillo de San José and may not find much to do there.
Antigua rofera
Nestled within Lanzarote’s rugged landscape, the Stratified City, or Antigua rofera de Teseguite, stands as a testament to the island’s volcanic history.
Over millennia, the elements of wind, sun, and rain have sculpted this remarkable formation, creating a labyrinth of curious holes, tunnels, and caves.
A wander through this otherworldly terrain offers a surreal journey, where time seems to stand still amidst the ancient whispers of the earth.
Acantilados de Famara
Acantilados de Famara on Lanzarote offers breathtaking views from its cliff tops. Gazing out from these rugged cliffs, visitors are treated to panoramic vistas of the Atlantic Ocean stretching out to the horizon.
The dramatic coastal scenery, with its towering cliffs plunging into the azure waters below, creates a mesmerizing spectacle that captivates all who behold it.
About Lanzarote
Here are the coolest attractions.
Adding a couple more words about Lanzarote — it’s quite windy there, the climate is harsh, and there is very little vegetation because the soil is scorched by lava, and greenery is only just beginning to break through it. There is currently a lava flow underground, which generates immense heat — at a depth of just 5-8 meters, the temperature reaches 450 degrees Celsius!
All the houses on Lanzarote are remarkably harmoniously integrated into the island’s landscape. There are no high-rise buildings here. Houses are typically two-story and painted in the traditional white color of Lanzarote. Advertising billboards are prohibited on roads. People traveling around the island should enjoy the beautiful, clean landscapes. Any construction in protected areas is also prohibited.
Lanzarote has very beautiful villages. It is forbidden to build unsightly houses here. César Manrique devised the style for all the villages. The facades of the houses and fences are white and adorned with black volcanic stones, while the doors and windows in each village have their own color, chosen by the residents themselves through simple agreements. The island government provides residents with free white paint for houses and fines for littering.
Explore the mesmerizing wonders of Lanzarote, a destination brimming with natural beauty and cultural treasures waiting to be discovered. I hope the information provided has been helpful, and I highly recommend visiting this stunning island for an unforgettable experience!