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What to do in Lanzarote

Lanzarote squeezes a world of variety between its borders, so you’ll never be stuck for something to do. Weave between volcanic cones, discover a tiny island free from tourist trappings and enjoy the stunning creations of one of Lanzarote's most beloved artists. And that’s all without even mentioning the beaches.

Timanfaya National Park

An otherworldly jumble of lava fields, multi-coloured rocks and dormant volcanic cones, Timanfaya National Park is like nowhere else on earth. Home to the Montañas del Fuego (Fire Mountains), this fascinating expanse of land was created when more than 100 volcanoes erupted hundreds of years ago, leaving a quarter of the island buried in lava and ash.

Explore the barren Volcano Route by bus and stop for a meal at El Diablo, where steaks are grilled over an open volcanic crater.

La Graciosa

Travel back in time with a trip to La Graciosa, formerly known as the ‘forgotten Canary Island’. While only 20 minutes from Lanzarote, it’s nothing like its neighbour.

Home to around 700 islanders, a number of beautiful beaches and, amazingly, not a single paved road, it's a sleepy slice of paradise. Bike or hike to hidden coves, swim in tranquil, aquamarine waters and feel a million miles from the nearest Irish pub.

Haría

After an endless series of moon-like plateaus and hairpin bends, Haría is a welcome sight for sore eyes. Appearing as if from nowhere, the ‘Valley of a Thousand Palms’ feels like an oasis, flanked by green fields and wildflower meadows.

Made up of a maze of narrow streets, the picturesque village is perfect for idle wandering – and it affords you the bonus of discovering hidden gems along the way. Regardless, make time for a visit to what was once the home of Haría’s most famous son, César Manrique.

Mirador del Río

One of Manrique’s most-celebrated creations is the Mirador del Río lookout. Head here for the ultimate island viewpoint.

Formerly a gun emplacement for Spanish forces, the lookout provides jaw-dropping panoramas over La Graciosa and the islets of Chinijo Archipelago National Park. Set some 474m (1,558ft) above sea level, the twisty journey to the top is guaranteed to get you dizzy. Persevere – the view is certain to dazzle.

Jameos del Agua

Another Manrique gem, Jameos del Agua is one of those hard-to-categorise attractions (which is to be somewhat expected – the artist didn’t do conventional).

Built around open-air and underground caves that were formed by giant lava tubes thousands of years ago, the site delivers a near-seamless blend of natural wonders and cultural ‘extras’. Examples include a clear blue lake with its own quirky bar, a cave auditorium seating 600 and one of the most spectacular swimming pools you're ever likely to see.

Where to stay in Lanzarote

For families

Playa Blanca, on the southern end of the island, is well set up for families seeking a peaceful beach break. There are plenty of holiday homes available, as well as upmarket resorts with on-site swimming pools and sprawling tropical gardens. The beach is patrolled by lifeguards and has warm waters ideal for splashing about. Nearby, you’ll find Aqualava Water Park, Montaña Roja (Red Mountain) and Timanfaya National Park.

Costa Teguise, on the east coast, also has an aqua park and aquarium, along with a stretch of sheltered waterfront. It’s an easy 15-minute journey from the airport, ideal if you’re travelling with the kids.

For food and drink

The bustling capital Arrecife has tree-lined streets filled with shops and cafés where you can sample local delicacies such as “wrinkled potatoes” or fresh seafood. Get ready for a day of eating with a morning caffeine and sugar hit provided by coffee and churros. The stylish marina is the perfect spot to sip on a cocktail while watching the sunset.

At La Geria, in the centre of the island, you’ll find Lanzarote’s best wineries. You can sample local wines at bodegas and visit atmospheric vineyards, the kind that still use traditional zoco stone structures to protect crops from the wind.

For nightlife

If you’re fond of late nights, consider staying in and around Puerto del Carmen. Here you can drink and be merry at venues ranging from raucous live music lounges to chic cocktail bars. There’s also a casino if you’re feeling lucky.

Another option is Playa Blanca, a modern resort town at the island’s southernmost tip. It’s not as rowdy as Puerto del Carmen, and doesn’t pretend to be. Instead, you’ll find swanky bars and high-end restaurants in the elegant Marina Rubicon area. There’s also five-star hotels and luxury villas if you’re splashing out.

For more traditionally Spanish after-dark activities, Arrecife has numerous cosy bars to choose from for cervezas and tapas.

For culture

For an insight into local life, try Haría, in the north of Lanzarote. A traditional village with whitewashed buildings and colourful flowering plants, you can soak up the local vibe in a café shaded by leafy trees. Saturday mornings are a treat too – it’s when the local artisan market opens for business. To combine culture with coastline, visit Orzola a beach town on the north coast that is a 20-minute drive from Haría. It has quaint guesthouses and small hotels.

Culture vultures might also consider Arrecife. It’s a ten-minute drive from César Manrique Foundation and has a castle housing the International Contemporary Art Museum.