Lanzarote travel

Lanzarote, part of the Canary Islands and also known as the islands of eternal spring, boast year round sunshine and a unique volcanic landscape, with cultural and culinary influence from neighbouring Africa, Spain and Portugal. This plus the short four hour flight time from the UK, lead to an unbeatable destination for guaranteed sunshine, activity holidays or simply lazing on the beach. Here are the Top 10 sights and experiences to fit into your Lanzarote holiday.

1. Timanfaya Park

You can explore this volcanic landscape by either coach, guided walks or camel, depending on how adventurous you’re feeling. You are not allowed to explore the park freely as it is a heritage site. The National Park stretches for 20 square miles, and despite the lack of plant life there is extremely colourful scenery to behold, with amazing views of the volcanoes and craters. After you have seen the wondrous landscape, with the towering mountains and lava tubes, the El Diablo Restaurant is not to be missed. Here they will cook your meals on a barbeque that uses the residual heat from the ground, showing off just how hot the ground still is in the ground surrounding the volcanoes. The staff members also give demonstrations of the heat by way of pouring water into the holes in the ground, which promptly return as jets of steam from the ground.

2. La Cueva de los Verdes

Located in the north of the island not too far from the Timanfaya Park, you will find this spectacular system of underground caves and tunnels. They were created by a volcanic eruption between three and five thousand years ago, whereby the lava flow was cooled and hardened by the sea. The views here are like nothing you have seen before and there is a walk which shows off the amazing natural architecture of the effects of the volcano.

3. Jameos del Agua

You may have noticed that the attractions of Lanzarote offer a common theme, yes, this one’s volcanic too. However, the variety and uniquely shaped landscape and the beautiful gardens known as the ‘Jameo Grande’ ensure that you will never get bored of exploring the wonders of Lanzarote. The entrance here is a bar-restaurant created in one of the naturally occurring caves. From here you go on to the small lake where you will find the tiny albino crabs that are only found in Lanzarote. There is also a large auditorium where there are often concerts.

4. Jardin de Cactus

The last work of Cesar Manrique is a stunning garden, with winding paths, water features and unsurprisingly, cacti. This spectacular green fingered project is home to over 10,000 types of cactus and to the islands largest cochineal colony, an insect from which the natural red dye is extracted. The restaurant also has a small restaurant, terrace and gift shop.

5. Mirador del Rio

This view point is one of the ‘high points’ (if you’ll pardon the pun) of the island, with breath taking views over the northern coast of Lanzarote and Isla Garciosa, one of the smaller Canary Islands. Located 497 metres above sea level, this hollow in the hillside has restaurant with wall to wall panoramic windows looking out over the incredible views. This really is a must see in Lanzarote.

6. Rancho Texas Park

This is an attraction which does not involve the volcanic scenery of the island and is a great day out for all the family. This eclectically themed park is a mix of the Wild West and a modern day zoo. During the day there are live shows, including parrot and seal shows which will entertain children of all ages as well as the adults! In the evenings there are themed nights including food, music and dancing, all Wild West themed so think cow girls and lasso shows.

7. Fundacion Cesar Manrique

The home of Lanzarote’s most famous designer is now a tribute to his work and it now houses the best art gallery on the island as well as being a non-profit body established to promote his work and artistic philosophy.  It is built within volcanic lava bubbles and caves, and it includes a swimming pool, beautiful garden and traditional barbeque area. There is also a small café and gift shop.

8. Learn to surf

Lanzarote is the perfect place to learn to surf with the year round warm weather and the exposed coastline providing the perfect conditions for water sports. Referred to as the Hawaii of Europe, there are resorts all over the north of the island where you can try your hand at riding the waves. Look out for the larger surf schools on the beaches, they mostly offer a wide range of options from half day tasters to three to five day courses.

9. Diving

The crystal clear waters of Lanzarote have excellent visibility and with over 500 different types of fish, shipwrecks and underwater volcanic caves there is plenty to see, whether you have never dived before or had years of experience, you will not fail to be impressed. You will find dive schools in the main resorts of the south offering lessons and equipment hire. If diving is a bit extreme for you then you can still enjoy the wonders of the underwater world, snorkelling and glass bottomed boat trips are a great way to cool down in the sunshine.

10. Playa de Papagayo

An obvious last choice, but it must be mentioned. The beaches in Lanzarote are some of the best in Europe. With a choice of golden or black volcanic sand, sheltered coves or wide expanses, and shallow slopes into the sea that are perfect for a paddle, you will find your ideal beach in Lanzarote. You can get to Playa de Papagayo either by boat from Playa Blanca or if you are taking the car, then it is down a small dirt track, and there is a €3 charge as the area is protected. There are limited facilities here and it may not be very wheelchair/pushchair friendly, and hard to get to if you have difficulty walking; however the secluded coves and stunning views make it worth the extra effort.  Remember to take plenty of food and drink with you to this sheltered paradise.