Europe Spain Canary Islands 30 Best Things to Do in Lanzarote, Canary Islands

30 Best Things to Do in Lanzarote, Canary Islands

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Lanzarote, off the coast of West Africa, should be on every outdoor enthusiast’s bucket list. This beautiful island is known for its incredible volcanic landscapes, pristine sandy beaches, and a subtropical climate that offers fantastic warm weather all year round. There is much to see and do on the island, and we don’t want you to miss out on any of it! That is why we here at Road Affair have ventured out and carefully curated a list of the best things to do in Lanzarote. That way you can spend more time packing and less time planning. So what are you waiting for? Start scrolling to plan your ultimate adventure getaway to the Canary Islands! 

Related: 15 Best Airbnbs in Lanzarote, Canary Islands

Amazing lunar landscape of Timanfaya National Park on the volcanic island of Lanzarote in Spain.
© Sergey Kelin / shutterstock.com

Explore Timanfaya National Park

Located on the southwestern portion of the island, Timanfaya National Park is an incredible Lanzarote attraction that is not to be missed. 

The park’s landscape is completely made up of volcanic soil and is famous for its geothermal activity. There are 25 volcanoes within the 51-acre park, including the island’s only active volcano, Timanfaya. Visitors can explore the park in many different ways, on their own or as part of a tour group. However, it should be noted that a majority of the park can only be accessed as part of a guided tour. Car access and hiking are forbidden in most areas. 

If you’re planning on exploring the park on your own, we recommend stopping in at the Mancha Blanca Visitor and Interpretation Center first. Here, you can wander through a museum showcasing the park’s flora and fauna, as well as experience a simulated volcano eruption. Afterward, make your way up the Islote de Hilario visitor center. This is where you can take a guided bus tour through the park that takes you on an off-the-beaten path adventure to attractions only the park’s bus tour is allowed to go. It is recommended you get here early for the bus tours as the lines for parking can get quite long due to limited spaces. Also, to help preserve the area, the bus tour does not allow passengers to get off at any of the attractions. The tour lasts about 45 minutes. 

After you’ve explored the park by bus, you’ll be returned to the Islote de Hilario visitor center. Right next to the center is Restaurante El Diablo, where you can enjoy a meal that has been cooked on a grill that uses heat from the volcano! Pretty cool, right? Once you’ve satisfied your appetite for volcanoes and lunch, make your way to Echadero de Los Camellos. Here, visitors can take a guided camel ride through the volcanic landscapes. 

Another great way to explore the park is with a guided hike. Hiking with a park ranger on a guided walking tour is the only way to go hiking in this protected area, and slots tend to fill up months in advance. So, if this is something that interests you, it’s best to book ASAP! 

If you don’t plan on driving while on vacation, then we recommend you book this full-day tour to the Timanfaya National Park.

Jameos del Agua garden in Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
© MaraZe / shutterstock.com

Visit the Caves at Jameos del Agua 

One of the best places to visit in Lanzarote is the crystal water caves of Jameos del Agua, located on the northeast side of the island. 

Jameos del Agua is a truly unique attraction created with the idea of art and nature enhancing each other while creating a harmonious space. It was built in an old volcanic tunnel, and there are three different cave areas in the attraction: the restaurant, the auditorium, and the pool. Visitors can explore the popular Atlantis Tunnel, which highlights the most stunning underground landscape, then head to the restaurant and bar. Guided tours are also available for those who want to know more about the artists behind this incredible concept and the tunnels themselves. You can book a guided tour on Jameos del Agua’s website. While visiting the caves, keep an eye out for blind crabs! This endangered species is the symbol of the center. 

If you aren’t driving on the island and instead are looking for a day tour, consider grouping both caves and volcanoes with this full-day tour, during which you’ll be taken to both Jameos del Agua and Timanfaya National Park. 

Landscape with turquoise ocean water on Papagayo beach, Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
© Balate Dorin / shutterstock.com

Go for a Swim at Playa de Papagayo

If you are wondering what to do in Lanzarote on a nice sunny day, then why not spend a day at one of the best beaches? 

Playa de Papagayo is a stunning golden sand beach located on the southern tip of the island. The beach is very popular with tourists, and for good reason. Shimmering turquoise blue waters surround the rocky points and sandy cove, which creates a calm swimming area for visitors to snorkel, splash around, and cool off. After spending some time sunbathing, visitors can then head up to the beach bar for a bite to eat and a drink while enjoying the countryside views from the terrace. 

Because Playa de Papagayo is such a popular beach destination, we recommend getting there as early as possible in the morning to guarantee yourself a spot. 

View from the Mirador del Rio in Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
© Pav-Pro Photography Ltd / shutterstock.com

Enjoy the Views at Mirador del Río

One of the best things to do while exploring the island by car is to stop at the incredible scenic lookout point, Mirador del Río.

Mirador del Río is located on the Risco de Famara escarpment just outside of Yé on the north end of the island. The viewpoint was designed by a local artist, César Manrique, in the 1970s and designed with the idea of a new aesthetic idea of art-nature/nature art, which was in line with the island’s rising tourism interests that focused on sustainability. Today, visitors can enjoy the Mirador del Río and take in incredible panoramic views of the Parque Natural del Archipiélago Chinijo, which includes the island of La Graciosa and the sea from a height of 474 meters. After snapping some pictures and videos of the surrounding landscapes, visitors can head to the uniquely designed café for a bite to eat or a cup of coffee. 

Optical illusion - water reflection in Cueva de los Verdes, an amazing lava tube and tourist attraction on Lanzarote island, Spain
© Tomasz Czajkowski / shutterstock.com

Explore the Tunnels of Cueva de Los Verdes

Much like the Jameos del Agua, the Cueva de Los Verdes is a cavernous tunnel created about 4,000 years ago by the eruption of the Corona Volcano. 

The tunnel runs about eight kilometers long all the way to the sea, and the underwater portion of it is known as the Atlantis Tunnel. There are countless lagoons and vaults that sprawl out from a network of small tunnels off of the main volcanic tunnel, creating a vast underground network that acts as the bowels of the island. The Cueva de Los Verdes cave was once used as a refuge for the people of the island in the 16th and 17th centuries to seek shelter from Barbary pirates sailing off the coast of North Africa. Rumor has it that the cave gets its name from the last family to use the cave and nearby land. 

In the 1960s, the Cabildo de Lanzarote set out to create a world-renowned attraction that would intrigue tourists and scholars. Two local artists were commissioned to embark on the preservation and transformation of the cave to create such a wonder. This included a minimal design that would respect the natural environment. 

Today, visitors can explore the lava channels and formations that decorate the cave while listening to a tour guide explain the fascinating history and geographical importance Cueva de Los Verdes holds. A tour of the cave lasts roughly an hour. 

Tropical cactus garden in Guatiza village, Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
© Marques / shutterstock.com

Wander Through the Jardín de Cactus

Another great tourist attraction in Lanzarote is the Jardín de Cactus, also known as the Cactus Garden.

Visitors can spend a few hours wandering through manicured gardens that feature over 4,000 cacti and about 500 different types of cacti species. The gardens were designed by famous local artist César Manrique, and it was one of the last projects he ever completed. Keeping with the theme of other projects designed by César Manrique, the idea was to integrate art and nature in a harmonious way. Visitors can wander through the numerous cacti and sculptures set against the backdrop of volcanic soil and stone paths that give depth to the space. The garden also houses a small pond filled with fish and a beautifully designed restaurant offering light lunches. Guided tours that take visitors on a unique walk from the point of view of the artist are also available.

Castillo San Jose in Arrecife, Lanzarote, Canary Islands
© Joanna Zaleska / shutterstock.com

Explore Artworks at Castillo de San José

If you’re looking to explore some art and architecture on the island, then consider visiting Castillo de San José. 

This incredible attraction boasts not just an 18th-century fortress to explore; it is also home to the International Museum of Contemporary Art. Castillo de San José, also known as the Castle of Hunger, is tucked away in the bay of Arrecife and was constructed as part of the island’s defense system during the reign of Charles III. Unsurprisingly, the famous César Manrique also worked on the art museum project in the castle, helping to create the Canary Islands’ first contemporary art museum. The museum houses an impressive collection of international paintings and sculptures, along with a collection of Spanish art and works from local Canary Island artists. Not only is the collection impressive but so is the venue. César Manrique also took part in helping refurbish the fortress, and there are many incredible architectural spaces to admire, like the winding spiral staircase that leads to El Aljibe, an awe-inspiring mysterious room that houses the beautiful “La Semilla” sculpture. 

After seeing the artwork, visitors can head to the on-site restaurant and enjoy a glass of wine while watching boats sail by in the bay. 

Casa Museo del Campesino or Agricultural Museum in Lanzarote designed by the famous artist Cesar Manrique
© Wonderful Nature / shutterstock.com

Immerse Yourself in Canary Culture at Casa Museo del Campesino

The Casa Museo del Campesino is an all-encompassing museum covering an array of topics, all based on the original idea from, you guessed it, César Manrique! 

This museum is one of the best free things to do in Lanzarote and will take visitors on an immersive journey through the island’s culture. It covers topics such as agriculture, architecture, traditional crafts, and cuisine. It was important to César Manrique that the agriculture on the island be highlighted, as the farmers who made this land habitable had quite the challenge due to the volcanic soil. Inside Casa Museo del Campesino, tourists can discover tools used to help grow and preserve fig trees, vines, and other plants, along with camel saddles and haystacks. Visitors can also learn about the traditional crafts of the island people, specifically braiding and millinery using palm hearts and cochineal dyeing using small parasitic insects. There is also a leather-making section, which uses traditional techniques from the Canary islands to make shoes, bags, backpacks, and more. Visitors can finish their tour off with a Gofio and Mojo Workshop, where they will learn about and taste local delicacies like mojo picón, a Canarian sauce, and pella de gofio, a type of toasted meal bread. 

After learning about the island’s culture, visitors can head over to the restaurant and sample more of the island’s traditional dishes, such as goat meat stew, wreckfish stew, and octopus with green mojo. The restaurant also has a great selection of cheese and tapas to indulge in while enjoying a glass of wine. 

The picturesque Play de Famara beach with golden sand, Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
© natakontur / shutterstock.com

Spend a Day Surfing at Famara Beach

Famara Beach, located beside the small fishing village of Caleta de Famara on the northwest side of the island, is a great place to spend a day enjoying water activities in Lanzarote. 

The five-kilometer beach offers a sandy oasis for you to enjoy the sun away from the crowds of more popular beaches. Famara Beach is popular with water sports like body surfing, kite surfing, and much more. If you’re feeling adventurous, then sign yourself up for a surfing class with one of the nearby schools and learn how to ride the waves like a pro. If you enjoy more extreme sports, there is also hang gliding on the Famara cliffs and parasailing nearby. 

At low tide, small pools of water gather along the beach, offering a nice shallow pool for little ones who can’t quite swim yet. After a day in the sun, visitors can enjoy a stroll along the beach to the fishing village to enjoy a fresh seafood dinner. 

Beautiful view of Los Hervideros with Red Mountain Volcano (Montana Bermeja Volcan) in the background - Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
© Nido Huebl / shutterstock.com

Walk the Rugged Coastline at Los Hervideros 

Located just south of Timanfaya National Park along the coast is a fantastic Lanzarote attraction. 

Los Hervideros is a rugged coastline spot where visitors can enjoy walking along the Atlantic Ocean. As the seawater crashes against the volcanic rock, it froths and almost bubbles and boils due to the heat from the rocky cliffside. The area has incredible sea caves and a unique landscape, along with walking paths that lead both north and south to other attractions. It is a great spot to have a stroll and even watch the sunset. It’s also useful as a pit stop on your way to other attractions. 

Puerto del Carmen in Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
© Eddy Galeotti / shutterstock.com

Spend Some Time in Puerto del Carmen

One of the best towns on the island is the seaside village of Puerto del Carmen on the southeast side of the island. 

This fantastic resort town is filled with plenty of things to see and do. Visitors can go shopping in boutique stores and then spend some time swimming at Playa Grande, Playa Chica Beach, or Playa Blanca. The town is also home to an incredible rooftop open-air cinema called STARLIGHT, which allows moviegoers to relax on comfy chairs outside and watch a movie on the massive big screen. If the weather is rainy or cold, visitors can also opt for the cinema’s 6D movie experience. 

There are also some great tours of Puerto del Carmen that you can book on GetYourGuide, like the two-hour sunset and dolphin sighting cruise or the four-hour catamaran tour to Papagayo Beach. Visitors can also rent their own Jet Skis to head out on the water with H2O Sports Lanzarote. After a day on the water, why not relax in a Jacuzzi while being served prosecco and sushi? At Serenity Restaurant Chill Out and Jacuzzi Bar tourists can soak in a hot tub overlooking the town while relaxing with a few drinks. 

Other attractions in this seaside town include playing a few holes at Lanzarote Golf, catching dinner and a show at the Music Hall Tavern, and playing cards at Gran Casino de Lanzarote

An employee of the zoo is feeding penguins in an aviary. Themed Rancho Texas Park on Lanzarote Island.
© KURLIN_CAfE / shutterstock.com

Go Swimming With Dolphins at Rancho Texas Lanzarote Park

Just outside of Puerto del Carmen sits one of the best attractions in the area, Rancho Texas Lanzarote Park. 

This fantastic attraction is a great place for families or couples to spend the day. Rancho Texas Lanzarote Park is an animal park with tons of shows and attractions. Visitors can book a ticket for an interactive experience in which they will gear up in wetsuits and jump into the pools to go swimming with dolphins or sea lions! There are plenty of live shows to catch, including a lasso show with cowboys, a Birds of Prey exhibition, and a dolphin show. Visitors can roam through the various themed areas and get up close and personal with animals like American bison, armadillos, white tigers, and much more. The park also has a splash zone with water slides and pools where visitors can cool off in the afternoon heat. Families can also take the little ones to ride the ponies in Indian Lagoon or head over to the Gold Mine to sift through dirt for treasure and play on the wooden playground, complete with a mini zip line. 

Tickets to Rancho Texas Lanzarote Park can be purchased in advance here.

Lagomar Museum in Lanzarote, Spain
© Wonderful Nature / shutterstock.com

Explore the Lagomar Museum

Have you begun to sense the theme of volcanoes and lava yet? Well, it doesn’t stop here. The Lagomar Museum has an incredible attraction for tourists, and it is an absolute must-see in Lanzarote. 

This stunning home was first built by Sam Benady, a British home developer. Local legend César Manrique also had his hand in this project, coming up with the idea of designing the home in a style that was inspired by the stories from One Thousand & One Nights. The home features whitewashed, smooth walls, exposed stone, and naturally formed lava caves, all set in a quarry. It truly is a breathtaking site. Visitors can explore the house and alcoves while learning about the interesting history of the villa. There is also a gallery and restaurant to visit. 

Rumor has it that Hollywood actor Omar Sharif fell in love with the house while visiting the island to film The Mysterious Island of Captain Nemo in 1973. He purchased the home immediately. Later the same day that Sharif purchased the house, knowing Sharif’s affection for card games, Sam Benady challenged him to a bridge game where the winner would get the title to the house. The one tidbit of information Benady didn’t share was that he was a European bridge champion, and Sharif lost the house he bought the very same day. After this, the house was nicknamed Casa Omar Sharif, and the actor never returned to the island. 

Lago Verde ("Green Lake") or Charco de Los Clicos in El Golfo, Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
© Sybille Reuter / shutterstock.com

Check Out Charco Verde

Come one, come all to the green pond! Okay, the green pond doesn’t exactly have a nice ring to it, seeing that an image of a small body of water covered in algae comes to one’s mind. But Charco Verde is way more interesting than what you might imagine. 

This small lake located in a crater has a distinctive and bright lime-green coloring to the water due to the marine flora. The lake is actually connected to the sea through small cracks underground but is seemingly separated by a black sand beach. Visitors can enjoy the viewpoint from the cliff overlooking the rocky coastline, lake, and beach and then walk down to the Charco Verde. If you are planning on hiking down to the lake, make sure to wear good hiking shoes that are okay to get red and black dirt on (that is, no white runners!). 

Museo Atlantico, Lanzarote, Canary Islands,
© Carmen Agullo / shutterstock.com

Explore the Depths of Museo Atlántico Lanzarote

Please do not use Google Maps to find this attraction before reading further; otherwise, you might think we are sending you to the depths of the ocean! In fact, Museo Atlántico Lanzarote is Europe’s only underwater museum, and it showcases Jason deCaires Taylor’s incredible underwater sculptures. 

So, yes, technically, we are sending you to the depths of the ocean, considering the only way to visit this unique attraction is by scuba diving. Now, if you have never been scuba diving in your life, don’t fret! There are options for both experienced divers and those who haven’t the slightest clue how to put on an oxygen tank. If you’re one of the latter, you can opt for a beginner diving day package, which includes a few hours of basic training both in a pool and from the shore before heading out to the underwater museum. Packages are offered for beginners and experienced divers with transit from Fuerteventura, Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca, and Costa Teguise. 

As stated above, the sculptures in the park were made by artist Jason deCaires Taylor. Taylor’s largest and most notable art installation is the underwater sculpture park in Granada. He created this in 2006, making it the world’s first underwater museum, which is still currently on the National Geographic’s 25 Wonders of the World list. He has continued to create these underwater museums, including here off the coast of Lanzarote. 

Spend the Day at Aqualava Waterpark

Are you looking for a fun thing to do in Lanzarote? Then why not pack the kids up for a day of family fun at Aqualava Waterpark in Playa Blanca? 

This is a great attraction for the young and young at heart! The waterpark is open all year round and features heated pools, tons of waterslides, a lazy river, and a wave pool. Visitors can also opt to upgrade and purchase a full-day package or a half-day package. The full-day package (complete package) includes access to all four areas of the park and its attractions, a commemorative photo, three meals plus snacks and drinks, a reserved table in the restaurant, and unlimited use of the daybeds, umbrellas, and floaters. Included in the half-day package is a three-hour entrance ticket to the park with unlimited access to daybeds and umbrellas, access to all four areas, a snack, and a commemorative picture. 

Aqualava Waterpark is open 365 days from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parking is free, and there are many bus lines that lead to the park. Tickets to Aqualava Waterpark can be purchased here.

La Graciosa island in Lanzarote, Canary Islands
© Nua Estudio / shutterstock.com

Take a Day Trip to La Graciosa 

Just off the northern tip of Lanzarote sits the small secluded island of La Graciosa. The island features tons of bike paths, mountains, secluded beaches, and other attractions that make it an ideal day trip from Lanzarote. 

You can opt to explore La Graciosa at your own pace by booking a roundtrip flex ferry ticket. The ferry will drop you off at the island’s main village, Caleta de Sebo. From there, you can opt to rent a bike to make your way across the island, go hiking, or explore the beaches nearby. You also have the option of hiring a jeep taxi or going on a jeep safari tour of the island. The taxi services will do a drop-off and pick-up service to most places on the island, and you pick the time and place. 

If you want to travel as part of a tour group where everything is planned out for you, we recommend this six-hour island cruise. You’ll be whisked away on a luxury catamaran to many popular spots on the island, including French Beach, where the boat will drop anchor and allow you to swim and snorkel. A traditional lunch of Spanish paella is included in the tour, along with unlimited beer, wine, sangria, and soft drinks. 

Haria, Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
© mehdi33300 / shutterstock.com

Explore the Small Town of Haria

The quaint village of Haria in the north of Lanzarote is the perfect place to stroll and explore for those looking to do some sightseeing in Lanzarote. 

Haria has a fascinating history and culture. It is said that families in the village used to plant palm trees every time a child was born. They would plant two palms for a boy and one palm for a girl. It is fitting then that Haria is set in the Valley of the 1,000 Palms. The landscape surrounding the town is some of the most fertile of the whole island; this is due to the shelter it receives from three surrounding volcanoes and the fact it receives more rainfall than anywhere else on Lanzarote. Haria is in no way a touristy town, though, as it is several miles away from the busy seaside villages and resort towns along the coast. Here, you can get a true feel for the island’s culture. 

You can spend time roaming through the main plaza and stop in at one of the cafés or bars for a drink. Also in the plaza is the Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación, which is a small church with a quaint gallery inside. Saturday is a great time to visit the town as the Haria Market is open, where you can roam the stalls and search for a souvenir. There are plenty of scenic hikes surrounding the town as well, with the most popular being Mirador de Haria. It is about a 90-minute hike to the scenic point, but it is well worth it as the views of the village and nearby towns are breathtaking. 

Cesar Manrique House Museum in Lanzarote, Spain
© travelview / shutterstock.com

Learn About César Manrique at the César Manrique House Museum and the César Manrique Foundation

I know what you’re thinking… This guy again? Well, César Manrique is a very famous artist from the island and has had a major impact on tourism and art projects across Lanzarote. So it stands to reason you might want to learn some more about the guy! 

In Haria, visitors can tour the old residence of the artist at the César Manrique House Museum. It was in this beautiful home that César lived and worked until he passed away in 1992. The artist began construction of his new home in 1986 and did so by reusing material from nearby old farmsteads. César focused on comfort, tradition, and a bit of modernity when creating his dream home. Today, visitors can explore some of the artist’s personal items in the two courtyards, where objects like utensils and handcrafted accessories are on display. There is a clear cohesiveness between the inside and the outside of the house, which comes as no surprise considering that one of his major themes was preserving nature’s harmony with artwork.

Another great attraction to visit is the César Manrique Foundation, located in Las Palmas. This was also a former home of the artist, and it was built with the same idea of preserving nature and creating harmony with art. Known as Taro de Tahiche, the home is quite mind-blowing as it is built into an old lava flow, creating very unique spaces. Visitors can tour the rooms and gardens of the home, as well as César’s personal, contemporary art collection and some of his works as well. 

Tickets to both the César Manrique Foundation and the César Manrique House Museum can be combined for a discounted price. 

Central square of Teguise town, Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain.
© javarman / shutterstock.com

Dive Into History in Teguise

Teguise was one of the first settlements in the Canary Islands and has a lot of history and some great attractions. 

Until 1847, Teguise was the capital of the island, so it stands to reason that there are a lot of incredibly old buildings and artworks throughout the town. Visitors can explore one of the many museums, churches, and landmark buildings, like the Casa del Timple, the Casco Histórico de Teguise, and the Convento de San Francisco. The Teguise Market is also a well-known tourist attraction that runs every Friday. This is a great place to stroll and check out the stalls for a souvenir. 

Santa barbara castle built on volcano crater on Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
© Vesna Kriznar / shutterstock.com

Visit the Piracy Museum at Castillo de Santa Bárbara

Located in Teguise, the Castillo de Santa Bárbara has become one of the island’s best attractions. 

Throughout history, the Canary Islands were always under threat of pirate attacks. In the 16th century, King Felipe II requested that a watchtower be built on the hill above the capital of Lanzarote to help protect the people and their valuables from some of the most notorious pirates. At the time, Teguise was also the headquarters for the Canary Islands’ Spanish administration headquarters, so the town needed to be protected at all costs. So the castle was constructed as a form of defense, and even an underground tunnel was built, running from the town to the castle where citizens could hide in case there was an attack. This came in handy in 1586 when the island came under attack from the Arráez, and roughly 1,000 people took refuge in the castle and tunnels. It was especially important to the citizens of the area that they had a place to hide as Teguise was the most populated town on the island, so pirates would be more likely to attack there and imprison citizens for slaves. 

Today, vistors can explore the castle and museum and learn about the history of piracy in Teguise and across the Canary Islands. The exhibits will take visitors on a journey through time, exploring what ships and Teguise used to look like. The castle is also well preserved and quite impressive, offering fantastic views of the island from rooftop areas. 

Vineyards in La Geria, Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
© underworld / shutterstock.com

Go for a Wine Tasting and Tour in La Geria

The area of La Geria in Lanzarote is a valley known for its wine, so why not indulge in a tour and tasting? 

There are a few vineyards that you can check out on your own or on a tour. If you don’t plan on driving while visiting the island or you would prefer not to have to worry about drinking and driving, then consider doing this tour of the Bodegas El Grifo Winery. If you prefer to drive and book your own wine tour, that’s fine too! We recommend booking a guided winery tour at the family-run winery Bodega La Geria. The winery also features a store, a sampling room, and a restaurant with an outdoor patio offering great views of the La Geria Natural Area. Another awesome winery to add to your list is the Bodegas Rubicón. No matter which winery you visit in the area, you’re sure to be amazed at the techniques these wineries have formed to overcome the volcanic soil and produce these great wines. 

Volcanic Bomb and Colorada Mountain in Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain.
© Gabino Diaz Ojeda / shutterstock.com

Go Hiking in Parque Natural de los Volcanes

While you cannot go hiking alone in Timanfaya National Park without prebooking a trek with a park ranger, you can go hiking in Parque Natural de los Volcanes! 

There are many popular routes to take here in the park that lead across rugged terrain, and of course, to some inactive volcanoes. The area has an almost desert-like feel as it is quite barren, with little to no vegetation and unique formations spotted across the landscape from solidified lava after the last major eruption on the island. Visitors get to see various types of birds and reptiles, along with lava cones, tunnels, lava lakes, and much more. 

One of the more popular hikes in the park is the Caldera Blanca route, which takes hikers through a path of lava fields to the old volcano of Caldera Blanca. The path is well marked, and the hike should take roughly four hours. Another fantastic hike is the Caldera de los Cuervos route, which takes hikers on a circular route around a volcanic crater. The trail is relatively easy, well marked, and takes just over an hour to complete. Those looking for an easy short trail to hike on should consider hiking the Montaña Colorada crater. This trail is another circular route that is roughly two kilometers and takes an average time of about 40 minutes to complete. 

Los Charcones in Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
© Vesna Kriznar / shutterstock.com

Go Swimming in One of the Natural Pools on the Island

Lanzarote is littered with tons of fantastic natural pools to swim in along the coast. While there are many to discover on the island, we are going to point you in the direction of some of the most popular to visit! 

Los Charcones is a gorgeous natural pool located just south of La Hoya. Here, visitors can explore an old abandoned hotel and walk down the cliffside to the secluded swimming area. It should be noted, though, that the walk down to the natural pool is quite steep and may not be suitable for young kids. For a more family-friendly natural swimming pool in Lanzarote, head to Piscinas Naturales de Punta Mujeres. Here, visitors can easily access the water for a refreshing swim. The natural pool is also located in the town, so it’s a close walk to bars or restaurants to have a drink or bite to eat between swimming. Two other great natural swimming pools to visit are located in Charco del Palo, on the northeast side of the island. Here, visitors can find two fantastic natural pools that are easy to access: Piscina Natural Charco del Palo and Piscina natural Coloseo

Go On a Submarine Excursion

Have you ever dreamed of exploring the ocean bottom, but scuba diving seems a bit too daunting? Then we recommend that you take advantage of this incredible opportunity and book a tour of the ocean on a real submarine

This is a great tour for families, couples, and ocean lovers alike. The 106-ton Finnish submarine will take visitors 30 meters underwater to explore marine life and shipwrecks lying on the ocean floor. Visitors will hear information on the wrecks and on the different wildlife passing by from their host and guide while gazing out through ports or watching on the TV monitor. The submarine explores the ocean depths for about an hour. Transfer from Arrecife, Costa Teguise, Playa Blanca, and Puerto del Carmen are included in the ticket, and visitors receive a dive certificate as a souvenir. 

Las Grietas in Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
© Torben Knauer / shutterstock.com

Visit Las Grietas

If you’re looking for a unique attraction in Lanzarote, then you should definitely check out the crack of volcano plates known as Las Grietas. 

Las Grietas means “the Cracks,” and this is one cool roadside attraction not to be missed. It’s located on the side of LZ-35 between Tias and Saint Bartolome and is a great spot to snap some pictures of this incredible rock formation. You can walk down into the crack for about 20 meters and enjoy the unique view up through the crack. Just be careful walking down as the path is sandy and slippery. We highly recommend wearing running shoes; no flip-flops that end in you flipping and flopping, please. There is some parking available on the side of the road where you can pull off and an underpass to cross the road safely. When showing the pictures of Las Grietas to your friends and family, they might think you’ve been to Antelope Canyon instead of Lanzarote! 

White sand and black lava rocks at Caleton Blanco beach, Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
© lorenza62 / shutterstock.com

Go Swimming at Caletón Blanco

Caletón Blanco beach is a great place to spend some time exploring, tanning, and swimming. 

The beach is relatively secluded, located southeast of Orzola on the north tip of the island. Visitors can walk along the sand dunes and rocky hills while picking up seashells or other treasures from the sea. The waters here are crystal clear, and the sand is soft and very white, offering a picturesque place to enjoy a day at the beach. Visitors can swim in the naturally formed pool of clear water surrounded by solidified volcanic lava mounds. This is a great spot for families to come enjoy a swim, as the natural pool creates a shallow, sheltered area. 

Beautiful black sand formation landscape of La Rofera, Lanzarote. Canary Islands. Spain
© Jorge Ferreiro / shutterstock.com

Explore the Rock Formations at Rofera de Teseguite

Rofera de Teseguite, also known in English as Stratified City, is a fascinating and unique place located east of El Mojon. 

The area is home to an incredible collection of leftover volcanic rocks that have been formed by natural elements like wind and rain. These weirdly shaped rocks create an almost city-like landscape of otherworldly formations. This is a great free attraction to visit while driving across the island. There is a small parking lot off to the side where visitors can park and then spend some time wandering through the beautiful landscape. 

Ride Buggies to the Highest Point of Lanzarote

If you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping and fun activity to do on the island, then look no further than this guided volcanic buggy tour

The tour starts from the resort town of Costa Teguise and heads north to Guatiza through old quarries and rugged landscapes. The tour makes a pit stop at Los Cocoteros, where you’ll be able to take a quick break and snap some pictures of the salinas. After a quick break, you’ll then continue driving through cacti-filled fields toward Mala. Other points of interest on the tour include Guatiza and the island’s only dam, the Mala Dam. The final destination on the tour is Peñas del Chache, which is the highest point on the island. Here, you can enjoy stunning panoramic views before heading back toward Costa Teguise.

It should be noted that you do need a valid driver’s license to partake in the tour and need to be a minimum of 20 years old. If your partner or companion doesn’t drive, that is okay, as the buggies have two seats. When booking your tour, you can opt for a group tour of no more than four other buggies or you can book a private experience. 

Salinas de Janubio in Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
© Martini11 / shutterstock.com

Explore the Salt Flats of Las Salinas de Janubio

A truly unique attraction to visit on the island is the Salinas de Janubio. Here, visitors can take a guided tour and see the old salt flats of the island, a striking landscape that couples the intense black sands from Playa del Janubio in the background with the white sand mounds of the flats. The attraction is quite telling of the ingenuity of the people of the island and their farming habits. After a stroll through the flats, visitors should take a walk along the volcanic black sands of Playa del Janubio. Although visitors can’t go swimming at this beach due to the strong undertow and dangerous waves, it’s still a unique sight to behold. The only way to reach Salinas de Janubio and Playa del Janubio is by car. 

Well, there you have them, the best things to do in Lanzarote! From volcanoes to natural swimming pools, historic towns, and wineries, the island has it all. All you have to do is figure out how to pack all these incredible attractions into your holiday. We’re sure that no matter which of these great activities you do, you’ll have a memorable vacation in the Canary Islands.

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