Lanzarote is a stunning volcanic island, with landscapes at times appearing like from another planet. Today’s post will go over the various spots on the island that we’d recommend you pay a visit to on your trip. Join us for a galore of charm and beauty in Lanzarote.
Exploring Lanzarote
What is Lanzarote about
As one of the main islands in the Canaries, Lanzarote is known for its volcanic climate, small fishing villages and beautiful Mars-like views. The bare rocks, the black soil and the dark red and brown hills create a remarkable panorama. One more hallmark of the island are the little white houses blended into the landscapes.
The best way to explore the island is by car, though there is also public transport (with timetables available at https://arrecifebus.com). Though the car offers more flexibility, the buses will take you to most of the more interesting spots on the island. There’s no Uber in Lanzarote, but there are taxis.
You can find plenty of little towns and cities, such as Arrecife, El Golfo and Playa Blanca, though you won’t find huge hotel complexes here – the local buildings are rather intimate because they’re not what Lanzarote is about. Lanzarote’s main attraction is in its nature.
Before we start, a tidbit:
The Canary Islands did not derive their name from the little Serinus canaria – it was actually the opposite, and it’s the little birds which were named after the islands.
The Caldera Blanca volcano
Lanzarote volcano
For starters, take a look at Timanfaya National Park, home to the crater of the Caldera Blanca volcano. It’s really worth it to get to the top to admire the otherworldly landscape of Lanzarote. Looking around at the tiny craters and reddish-brown hills all the way down, you get the irresistible impression of being on another planet. The Caldera Blanca volcano is a must-see.
La Geria vineyard
Home of Lanzarote’s excellent wines
Few people know that Lanzarote produces excellent wines, perhaps understandably so, as you would not expect vineyards to spring forth from the black soil amidst a volcanic landscape. The vines here are planted by hand, in small holes dug into the ground. It’s worth stopping for a taste and a tour at, for example, the Bodega La Geria winery (or the neighbouring Bodegas Rubicon) located near the Mountain of Fire (Montana del Fuego).
Be sure to bring one of Lanzarote’s wines with you back home, be it El Grifo, Bermejo or Yaiza.
The Charco de los Clicos green lagoon
A green lake in Lanzarote
Charco de los Clicos is a lake of intense green colour, shining like an emerald, located amidst black beaches and red-brown rocks. You may have actually seen it on TV, as it formed the setting for Pedro Almodovar’s film “Broken Embraces.” It’s truly a great site, be sure to pay a visit to it during your trip. It’s particularly beautiful at sunsets and sunrises.
We have to highlight that Charco de los Clicos lies within the Los Volcanes National Park – to put it bluntly, no swimming.
El Golfo
A charming fishing village
When visiting the Charco de los Clicos lagoon, it’s worth popping into El Golfo, a fishing village located nearby. Its colour palette is where it shines the most aesthetically – the snow-white houses, the black beaches and the deep blue ocean. Relax in one of its local restaurants serving excellent seafood and admire the endless expanse of the ocean.
Sunday market in Teguise
Your local go-to shopping area
If you’re looking for a charming place to stock up on unique souvenirs, head to the Sunday market in the town of Teguise. Here you’ll find handicrafts by Lanzarote artists, including jewellery decorated with volcanic stones, ceramics and wicker braids. You can also buy aromatic cheeses and excellent wines. Remember that prices at the stalls are inflated, so it’s sensible to try to bargain.
Mirador del Rio
The most beautiful places in Lanzarote
If you want a great spot to get a view of the entirety of Lanzarote’s landscape, be sure to visit the Mirador del Rio viewpoint. It’s a stunning sight – the volcanic hills, the magical cliffs and the blue sky mixed with the azure of the ocean. From here, there is also an excellent view of the nearby island of La Graciosa.
The architecture of the viewpoint itself is very impressive, designed by the artist Cesar Manrique. At the Mirador del Rio you will also find a glass-roofed café where you can take a seat and enjoy a coffee amidst the most special of views.
The island of La Graciosa
The most beautiful island near Lanzarote
Speaking of La Graciosa, you can get to the tiny island by ferry from Órzola. The journey takes just 30 minutes. La Graciosa, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is more of the goods of Lanzarote – tranquillity and lovely views of the turquoise waters and the velvety sand.
We recommend spending some time in the settlement of Caleta del Sebo. You’ll find some great restaurants with seafood there and a beautiful golden beach, La Francesa.
Los Hervideros caves
Natural sights in Lanzarote
Going back to the topic of nature being Lanzarote’s main thing, here’s Los Hervideros. Strong currents and gusty winds cause the waters to crash against the high cliffs and flow into the caves here, creating high, foamy waves. It creates an illusion of the ocean boiling, hence the name – ‘hervider’ literally translates to ‘to boil’. Los Hervideros caves are located just over 3 miles from El Golfo and the Charco de los Clicos. It’s thus a great idea to combine all three into one endeavour.
Jameos del Agua cave
An unusual concert hall in Lanzarote’s style
Another point on our list goes to this amazing cave that hides a lake and… a concert hall. We are talking about the Jameos del Agua, where the duo of nature and man have created a magical place, as if from the most beautiful dreams. The cave, which was created several thousand years ago, has been given an extra spark with the help of a local artist, Cesar Manrique.
Inside Jameos del Agua, an auditorium has been created behind a lake, which is illuminated by the sunbeams coming through the rock crevices. Concerts and summer music festivals are held here. The shape of the cave actually allows the sounds to resonate perfectly. When the music dies down, you can listen to the sounds of nature and take a closer look at the tiny lobsters living at the bottom of the lake. You will not encounter these microscopic crustaceans anywhere else in the world, so take the opportunity while you can.
Playa de Famara
Lanzarote’s surfing paradise
In the north-western part of Lanzarote, you can find a true mecca for surfers – Playa de Famara. You can actually get surfing lessons from the local schools scattered along the coast. If you don’t much care for surfing, no worries, as it’s a great spot to drop on your blanket too. Playa de Famara is wide, sandy, criss-crossed by dunes overshadowed by beautiful mountains. Once again, as is Lanzarote’s tradition, the colour palette is unique here too, with golden and brown particles in the sand clashing with the waters.
Check out the best beaches in Lanzarote.
Rancho Texas Park
Lanzarote theme park
Are you travelling with children who don’t yet get too thrilled by static mountains and lazily flowing waters? Then check out Rancho Texas Park, a huge area arranged in the style of the wild west. You can find a zoo here, a waterpark and some more food. Your kids can go for a swim with the sea lions or look for a golden treasure. You know, kids will love it and you just may too.
We hope we’ve convinced you that Lanzarote really has plenty to see if you’re a nature person and it’s hard to find a spot with comparable otherworldly aesthetics to this one.
You can also get on a ferry to Fuerteventura from Lanzarote and see the best of Fuerteventura’s attractions in one go!
A map of attractions in Lanzarote
What to see in Lanzarote
1) Sunday market in Teguise
2) Caldera Blanca
3) Mirador del Rio
4) La Graciosa Island
5) Los Hervideros caves
6) Jameos del Agua cave
7) Playa de Famara
8) Rancho Texas Park
9) El Golfo
10) Laguna Charco de los Clicos
11) La Geria vineyards
See also:
- 6 best and most stunning beaches in Lanzarote
- How to get to the city centre from the Lanzarote airport?
- Water temperatures in Lanzarote in July and August, will you find warm waters there?
