Things to do in Lanzarote

Things to do in  Lanzarote

Volcanoes and vineyards

With its sun-baked volcanic hills and beaches, it’s no surprise that Lanzarote is a vacation favorite. The northernmost Canary Island, its moon-like landscapes—celebrated in its UNESCO Biosphere Reserve listing—offer an intriguing backdrop for holidaymakers enjoying beach resorts such as Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise, and Playa Blanca. Leave these hotspots for camel rides in crater-strewn Timanfaya National Park, forays into whitewashed villages, wine tastings in La Geria’s vineyards, and tours of late artist César Manrique’s futuristic lava-bubble home. For outdoor adventurers, surfing, snorkeling, sailing, and cycling top the things-to-do-in-Lanzarote list.

Top 15 attractions in Lanzarote

Timanfaya National Park (Parque Nacional de Timanfaya)

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Spanning 20 square miles (51 square km) of southern Lanzarote, Timanfaya National Park (Parque Nacional de Timanfaya) is a unique and eerie landscape of dormant volcanoes and lava fields. Visitors flock to the park from nearby beach towns to explore the otherworldly terrain that looks more like the moon than the Canary Islands.More

Jameos del Agua

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Jameos del Agua occupies a series of lava caves on Lanzarote’s northeastern coast. The masterwork of local artist and architect César Manrique, the underground complex—a bar, restaurant, nightclub, and swimming pool—makes innovative use of the natural volcanic landscape, formed by the eruption of the La Corona volcano 4,000 years ago.More

Papagayo Beach (Playa de Papagayo)

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One of a string of sandy beaches and bays lining Lanzarote’s southern coast, Papagayo Beach (Playa de Papagayo) lies within the Monumento Natural de Los Ajaches Park and is one of the island’s most beautiful beaches. Visit the horseshoe-shaped bay cocooned between sea cliffs and blessed with swaths of pale gold sand for a relaxing day on the beach.More

El Golfo

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Far removed from the golden sands of Lanzarote’s beach resorts, El Golfo is one of the island’s most unique geological areas. The star attraction is the bright green crater lake on a black sand beach, which gets its distinctive color from the Ruppia Maritima algae that lives in the waters.More

La Geria

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Famed for its rugged volcanic landscapes and sweet Malvasia grapes, La Geria is Lanzarote’s flagship wine region. Wine lovers come not only to sample the distinctive wines but to explore the unusual vineyards, where the vines are grown in volcanic rock pits dug into the black sand.More

Jardín de Cactus (Cactus Garden)

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Cactuses become art in this César Manrique–designed garden on Lanzarote, whose whimsical landscape is filled with desert plants from around the globe. In addition to thousands of cactus plants, the Jardín de Cactus has a historic windmill, art installations, and a café with an inviting patio.More

Los Hervideros

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Ranking among Lanzarote’s most unusual geological attractions, Los Hervidores is an extraordinary collage of rocks, caves, and lava tubes that loom over the island’s west coast. Formed during the 18th-century eruptions of the Timanfaya volcanoes, the dramatic coastline was created when hot lava met with cold water.More

César Manrique Foundation (Fundación César Manrique)

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César Manrique, an artist and architect, left an indelible mark on Lanzarote through his creations and activism. Art and architecture meet nature at the César Manrique Foundation (Fundación César Manrique inside his former home, offering a visually stunning glimpse into the Lanzarote native’s craft.More

Famara Beach (Playa de Famara)

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With its golden sands, turquoise waters, and looming volcanic cliffs; Famara Beach (Playa de Famara is one of Lanzarote’s most photogenic beaches and popular among both locals and travelers. It’s not only renowned for its good looks—but the beach is also a surfing hotspot, with world-class waves and breaks.More

LagOmar

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LagOmar is a museum, restaurant, bar, and hillside residence designed by local artists and architects César Manrique and Jesus Soto. Formerly owned by actor Omar Sharif—until he lost it in a bet playing a card game—visitors flock to see the building’s distinctive architecture with rock gardens, secret tunnels, and spectacular views.More

Teguise Market

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The largest on Lanzarote, the Teguise Market sees a range of artisans, food stalls, performers, and more descend on La Villa de Teguise every Sunday. You’ll find everything from clothing and accessories to artworks and housewares, while live music accompanies the proceedings.More

Aqualava Waterpark Relaxia

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The design of Lanzarote’s Aqualava water park pays tribute to the island’s volcanic landscape with its geothermal-heated pools. The saltwater wave pool (the only on the island) gives the feel of the beach, while the smaller kids' areas are perfectly themed for play. There's a winding lazy river, as well as five waterslides.More

Playa del Janubio

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Just south of the Timanfaya National Park, Playa del Janubio is one of Lanzarote’s most unique beaches. Sculpted from volcano rock, the black sand beach stretches across the mouth of the Janubio Lagoon, affording spectacular views across the Janubio Salt Flats and the Atlantic Ocean.More

La Graciosa

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The largest and only inhabited island in the small Chinijo Archipelago, La Graciosa is home to just 600 people, and it has no roads, natural water supply, or hotels—making it the perfect spot to get away from it all. Its dreamlike landscape of golden beaches, sandy dunes, and volcanic hills offers a change of pace from the busy mainland.More

Aquapark Costa Teguise

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Ride the rapids, relax in the Jacuzzi, or race down the soft slides at Aquapark Costa Teguise, the biggest water park in Lanzarote. Situated on Lanzarote, in the Canary Islands, the park offers thrilling water slides, the island’s only indoor paintball arena, on-site snack bars, and an immersive 10D cinema.More

Top activities in Lanzarote

Catamaran Cruise to Papagayo beaches, lunch and water activities
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Lanzarote: La Graciosa island cruise with lunch and water activities
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Day trip to Fuerteventura from Lanzarote
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Submarine Safaris Lanzarote
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Submarine Safaris Lanzarote

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Kayak & Snorkelling in Papagayo
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Lanzarote Grand Tour

Lanzarote Grand Tour

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$82.26
Day Sail to La Graciosa

Day Sail to La Graciosa

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$73.49
2-hour Buggy Tour from Costa Teguise
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2-hour Buggy Tour from Costa Teguise

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Buggy 3h Guided tour of the north of Lanzarote
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Volcanos of Lanzarote hiking tour
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All about Lanzarote

When to visit

Lanzarote enjoys warm, sub-tropical weather all year, but peak sun-worshiping season is in July and August, when average temperatures hover around 80°F (26.6°C) (the heat is softened by gentle Atlantic breezes). Winter’s balmy days and the big February to March Carnival season—when the island’s towns erupt with street processions—are also popular with visitors looking to escape cold and snow. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, however, you’ll find Lanzarote most appealing in October and November.

Getting around

Most visitors opt to rent cars, and driving is the most convenient way to travel around Lansarote. Rates are affordable, the roads are well maintained, parking is relatively easy, and traffic is light outside the resorts. If you’d rather not drive, you can use the island’s cheap and efficient bus network to get from town to town. Cabs—and, increasingly, rideshare apps—are good for in-town trips. To immerse yourself in Lanzarote’s scenery, rent a bike; cycling is a joy on the wide, open roads.

Traveler tips

If you’re headed to Timanfaya National Park (Lanzarote’s scenic highlight), consider a detour to enjoy the lesser-known Los Cuervos caldera. This volcanic crater is just as striking as its neighbor but is passed over by most visitors and tour itineraries. Walk through rock-strewn hills to the crater’s perimeter, and you’ll be rewarded by otherworldly views—without any crowds. The loop is a relatively easy walk, and there’s no charge to enter, so the caldera is great for groups and family outings. You can find the parking lot off the LZ-56.

Attractions
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Tours
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People Also Ask

What is Lanzarote known for?

Lanzarote is known for its volcanic landscapes, year-round sunshine, black ash vineyards, golden beaches, and distinctive architecture designed by the late artist, architect, and environmentalist César Manrique. The island is often referred to as having a “moon-like appearance” and nature lovers flock to see Timanfaya National Park’s protected volcanic wasteland.

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Is there lots to do in Lanzarote?

Yes, there’s lots to do. Explore the Fire Mountains of Timanfaya National Park, go wine tasting in La Geria, see the architectural masterpieces of César Manrique, or soak up rays on Papagayo Beach. Water sports fanatics can go sailing, surfing, snorkeling, or scuba diving to discover an underwater sculpture museum.

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What is the most popular part of Lanzarote?

The most popular part of Lanzarote is Puerto del Carmen—the island’s biggest resort town—which offers hotels, apartments, restaurants, shopping spots, and diverse nightlife options, too. The most popular attraction on the island is the volcanic landscape of Timanfaya National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

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Is Lanzarote good for nightlife?

Yes, Lanzarote has great nightlife options—especially in its resorts, such as Puerto del Carmen. Here, you can find a high concentration of venues around Avenida de las Playas—including swanky cocktail bars, pubs, wine bars, and clubs. If you’re after favorite local haunts, then head to the capital city of Arrecife.

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How many days is enough for Lanzarote?

Ideally, a minimum of four days is needed to see the island’s main attractions, including Timanfaya National Park, Jameos del Agua, La Geria, and the César Manrique Foundation. You can then finish off your Lanzarote adventures with some rest and relaxation time at Papagayo or Famara beaches.

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Is Lanzarote nicer than Tenerife?

No, Lanzarote is not nicer than Tenerife—both have their own merits, depending on what you’re looking for. Lanzarote is smaller and less crowded, and it offers the moon-like landscape of Timanfaya National Park. Tenerife is busier, but it has more nightlife options, as well as the crater-filled Teide National Park.

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Frequently Asked Questions
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