Lanzarote
Country: Spain · Region: Canary Islands · Currency: Euro
Lanzarote is the fourth-largest Canary Island featuring stark volcanic scenery, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1993, and a well-developed cruise infrastructure centered in Arrecife. The island offers diverse attractions from dramatic lava landscapes to beaches and cultural sites.
Top sights
Timanfaya National Park, Jardín de Cactus, Cueva de los Verdes, Castillo de San José, Mirador del Río, César Manrique Fundación
Things to do
- Timanfaya National Park
- Over 100 volcanoes with badlands covering a quarter of the island; visitors transfer to a coach to tour the two main cones, best accessed from Yaiza or Mancha Blanca.
- Jardín de Cactus
- Attractive cactus display in Guatiza featuring a wide variety of plant life including prickly pears and aloe vera.
- Castillo de San José
- Historic fortress in Arrecife housing a Museum of Contemporary Art.
- Cueva de los Verdes
- Show-cave lava tunnel north of Arrieta created by fluid lava from hot spot volcanoes.
Beaches
- Famara
- Small beach and surfing town on the north coast with popular surf spots.
- Playa Blanca
- Sandy resort beach on the south coast with sheltered southeast-facing access and nearby natural swimming pools (charcones).
Where to eat
- Guachinche
- Family-run small restaurants serving traditional Canarian cuisine throughout the island.
Forecast for Lanzarote
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Getting around
Bus routes radiate from Arrecife (max €3.60 per ride), or rent a car at the airport or seaport; taxis are plentiful with fixed prices for common routes.
What to eat
Local Canarian cuisine features papas arrugadas con mojo picón and various mojo sauces (picón, verde, hervido); guachinches serve traditional family-run Canarian food.
Tips
Book a guided bus tour for Timanfaya National Park to skip long car queues and include entrance fee in the tour price.
Best for
Volcanoes, beaches, snorkeling, surfing