ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE TO YOUR VACATION IN LANZAROTE
The best travel guide to Lanzarote with recommendations on where to stay and eat, top sights and insider tips
If you do not find beauty in volcanic landscapes then Lanzarote is probably not for you. But if you do, if you think that volcanic formations are an incredible example of art offered for free by nature, then you should not hesitate one second and enjoy your next Lanzarote holiday.
White houses contrast with the black soil and in certain areas, the scenery can be described as the closest our earth, it can get to the moon. But if nature has made its part and crafted art from black stones and rocks, man has contributed to a large degree too.
The Timanfaya volcano. This is the main sight in Lanzarote and its most visited attractions. Riding a camel in vulcanic soil is a great thing to do!
Wine. Wine lovers will also have the chance to experience one of the most amazing terroirs in the planet.
Weather & beaches. The south of Lanzarote has fantastic beaches, some of which could even rival the ones in Fuerteventura.
Cesar Manrique. Also, must-do things in Lanzarote include a visit to at least one of Cesar Manrique’s master pieces (see below for more information)
Adventure and sea sports
Lanzarote offers excellent snorkel and scuba diving opportunities, the most famous area is located around Charco del Palo, where visibility is high due to the white sands. A good number of caves and wrecks (in the area of Puerto del Carmen) are good attractions. This is also the case of the Atlantic Museum, a very special place that can be visited diving!
Lanzarote is also a fantastic destination for surfers with good schools to get initiated. Diving near Puerto del Carmen or enjoying the best surf in the Canary Islands near Caleta de Famara is a great way to enjoy water sports besides a well deserved and relaxing holiday by the pool!
Day excursion to La Graciosa.
An islet reachable by boat where you will be able to enjoy deserted beaches.
Typical villages and delightful historical districts
Some of Lanzarote´s small towns and villages are proof that the island is more than beaches and volcanic landscapes and we strongly recommend to pay a visit to at least one of these villages during your vacation in the island. Teguise is a beautiful town with restored buildings and cobbled stones. It was the capital of Lanzarote till Arrecife took over in 1852. Its fantastic Sunday market or monuments like the Castillo de Santa Barbara are worth visiting. Haria and its valley of palm trees provide with good green contrast to the black landscapes in Lanzarote, whilst Yaiza (named after a Guanche princess) offers white houses, squares, and clean streets with flowers and is worth a visit.
Teide National Park is one of Spain’s 15 national parks and stands out for several different reasons. It is home to the tallest peak in Spain, Mount Teide, that stands 3,718 meters and, its considered to be one of the 12 treasures of Spain and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is also Spain’s largest national park (over 19,000 hectares), it’s the most visited national park and one of the oldest national parks in Spain … Read More
With just 150,000 inhabitants, Lanzarote is the least mountainous of the islands in the Canary archipelago. Its highest point is at less than 700 meters (Peñas de Chache in the north). The lack of mountains has an impact on climate: the alisios winds can access the island easier and the weather is in general terms drier and hotter than in the western islands.
There are more than 300 vulcanos in Lanzarote with the last eruptions taking place in 1824.
Lanzarote is the most eastern island in the Canary archipelago. It is located north of Fuerteventura, and 125 kilometers away from the Sahara in Africa.
Isla de la Graciosa is a small island off the northern coast of Lanzarote. It is one of the smallest islands of the Canary Islands archipelago and has one of the smallest local populations with just 737 inhabitants.
The island is known for its immense natural beauty and value. It is part of the Chinijo Archipelago Natural Park, and La Graciosa, in particular, is a site of great archeological value to the Canary Islands.
How to get to la Graciosa
La Graciosa is part of the Chinijo archipelago. This set of islands off the coast of Lanzarote, consists of three larger islands and a series of small islets. La Graciosa is the largest of all of them and the only one that has permanent residents.
Between the northernmost point of Lanzarote and La Graciosa there is a kilometer wide stretch of water. It is here where you will have to catch a ferry to get to Isla de la Graciosa.
In the port of Órzola, you will find a boat that will get you to La Graciosa for just 26 euros (round trip). The voyage takes about half an hour. the only thing you should take into account is the weather.
There is usually no problem getting to and from the island, but you should check the conditions in advance. If the weather gets sufficiently bad your trip may get canceled or postponed so make sure to plan ahead.
Everything else should be a breeze. With your ticket, you get free parking at the dock (so have it on your person), or if you don’t have a car, there is a shuttle service that stops in all the main cities of Lanzarote.
You can also make the trip to La Graciosa by hiring a private catamaran or boat. These private trips usually also offer a tour of the coast of the island, stopping at some of the best beaches.
Something to keep in mind when planning excursions on La Graciosa, is that there are no paved roads, only dirt trails and that you will have to traverse theme on foot. Therefore, you would pack comfortable footwear and a backpack you can fill with provisions for the day.
There are some all-terrain taxis that can get you where you are going on the island, but they are scarce. Some also offer tours, if you prefer a less adventurous but more comfortable visit to the island.
Caleta de Sebo as we have mentioned is the largest town on the island. It is the best place on the island to stay, as it has everything you need is you are planning on staying more than a day. Cala de Sebo
This small town will be your base of operations. It is the place where all the services of the island are located. After an intense day, Caleta de Sebo is the haven of peace you need to regain strength.
As if it were the old west, the asphalt has not reached this far. Sandy paths that lead us between streets of beautiful white houses and multiple businesses. There is everything: accommodation, pharmacy, supermarkets, bars, restaurants, disco, diving center, kayak rental and bike rental. Anything you may need is here.
In addition, it has a charming beach on the side of the port so that you can continue enjoying La Graciosa at all hours of the day. La Laja beach is the most familiar and popular on the island.
Where to eat. I’m going to recommend a restaurant that is a few meters from the port. It’s called the Meson de la Tierra and I liked it so much that I repeated it two nights in a row. Delicious local cuisine, lots of fish and seafood, reasonable prices and excellent treatment.
La Cocina Beach is one of the nicest on the Island, and it is just 4 kilometers from Cala de Sebo. Getting there is easy, but 4 kilometers both ways is a considerable walk. We would suggest that if you want to undertake the hike, that you do so early in the morning before the sun gets too strong. If you find a taxi that is willing to make the drive, then you have no excuse not to visit this pristine tropical beach.
La Cocina beach is attached to one of the more popular, and therefore busiest beaches on the island known as La Francesa beach. This 500 meter stretch of powdery golden sand is also a great option, all be it a less secluded one. It is a great place if you want to take a dip or do a bit of snorkeling.
Surrounding La Cocina beach is a long-extinct volcano known as the Montaña Amarilla or the Yellow mountain. This 172-meter tall mountain is a vibrant shade of yellow and stands out violently from the rest of the landscape. If you are looking to get a bit of exercise during your visit to La Graciosa, make sure to hike this area.
Agujas Grandes is another dormant volcano on the island and one of the tallest. again, if you are looking to do a bit more than lounge around and sunbathe, this is a great option. Agujas Grandes is 277 meters of bright red volcano to be explored towards the center of the island.
In the northern portion of La Graciosa there are several excellent beaches you should check out. Baja del Ganado is long and untouched dotted with rocks and with views of the neighboring and uninhabited island of Montaña Clara.
Las Conchas Beach (not to be confused with La Concha beach in San Sebastián) is perhaps the most beautiful beach you will find on La Graciosa. The beach is 600 meters long of golden sand and perfect, calm warm water. It is a bit of a hassle to get to but once you are there you won’t want to leave.
Los Arcos is a set of basalt rocks shaped by centuries of erosion. The rocks are twisted and sculpted into arches and strange shapes. The water in this area is choppy, but it is worth visiting for the rock formations.
Pedro Barba is the other small town (if you can call it that) on the island. It is basically a collection of wealthy mansions surrounding a small, secluded, and very quiet beach.
Lanzarote is particularly special because of the harsh volcanic landscapes that you will find across the island. It feels almost like you are visiting an alien planet. El Puerto del Carmen is a kind of secluded tropical oasis. It offers 6 kilometers of well-protected beaches (protected from the winds). There are many shops, bars, and restaurants, mainly near the harbor area. Do not expect a very tranquil environment!
If you want to spend some time shopping we recommend you avoid the most touristic shops. The Bioesfera shopping mall offers a good mix of local and global brands and shops.
It is not shopping why people head to Puerto del Carmen, but rather to enjoy its beaches and fantastic snorkel option.
Start the day in Plaza Tenerife
Enjoy a leisurely stroll down to the southern end of Playa de las Cucharas, the main beach in Costa Teguise. As you head there along these perfectly paved streets, you will see countless family-friendly restaurants from Mexican restaurants and steakhouses to “chiirnguitos”, Spanish beachside shanties that cook up the freshest seafood you can find. During your walk you will get to admire the imposing wooden sculptures that line the walkway. You will end up at the beach where you can start your laid back day in paradise
Take a dip at Las Cucharas beach
Compared to other Canarian beaches, Las Cucharas beach is relatively small, as it is made up of a stretch of white sand of just over half a kilometer. However, it is perfectly suited for families and tourists just looking to have a great time. In addition, some parts of the beach are reserved for practicing water activities. If you want to practice surfing or windsurfing, in Costa Teguise is a great place to find schools and equipment rental services. If you prefer something calmer, there are activities like water pedal scooters for a family outing.
Take the kids to the Aquapark Costa Teguise
This water park is about a five-minute drive west of Playa de las Cucharas. The Aquapark has several swimming pools and more than a dozen slides of different levels. For those looking for thrills, there are high slides that descend in a spiral, like the Turbolancha and Aqualancha, as well as those on several tracks, which are perfect for racing. The little ones will have a great time at the children’s lake, which has a ballpark and slides for children. All the attractions of the enclosure are guarded by a team of professional lifeguards. All-day tickets cost around EUR 23 for adults and EUR 16 for children under 12 years old.
Hiking up Corona Mountain
Costa Teguise is protected by the Corona mountain range, which stands tall in the behind the city. The Corona range features a large crater that can be hiked, at the top of which you will find the most spectacular views in the are.
This is a moderate level climb that can be done in one hour. Most of the terrain is volcanic and rocky, so we recommend wearing suitable footwear. Upon reaching the top, take in panoramic views of the city with the vast Atlantic Ocean on the horizon are simply amazing.
Visit the sharks at the Lanzarote aquarium
It may not be very big, but this aquarium located in the center of Costa Teguise is an ideal little activity to enjoy on a day off. Explore the different collections of Canarian marine specimens offered by the Lanzarote Aquarium. Among other things, you will see the impressive shark enclosure, as well as several interactive aquariums where children can come face to face with some species, such as sea cucumbers and urchins. Tickets cost around EUR 15 for adults and EUR 10 for children under 12 years old.
Learn to windsurf at the Windsurfing Club Las Cucharas
There are many amazing places to surf and kitesurf in Spain, but in Costa Teguise, windsurfing is king.
The Windsurfing Club Las Cucharas has long been the main water sports center in Costa Teguise and offers a whole range of activities and rental equipment. Among other modalities, you can practice snorkeling, sea kayaking, paddle boarding, bodyboarding, and, of course, his main attraction: windsurfing. Las Cucharas beach in Costa Teguise is perfect for practicing this sport throughout the year thanks to its excellent wind and wave conditions. In addition, this school offers options for both beginners and advanced surfers. They have courses starting at 110 EUR, as well as specialized courses for children under 12 years old.
Lanzarote is particularly special because of the harsh volcanic landscapes that you will find across the island. It feels almost like you are visiting an alien planet. El Puerto del Carmen is a kind of secluded tropical oasis. It offers 6 kilometers of well-protected beaches (protected from the winds). There are many shops, bars, and restaurants, mainly near the harbor area. Do not expect a very tranquil environment!
If you want to spend some time shopping we recommend you avoid the most touristic shops. The Bioesfera shopping mall offers a good mix of local and global brands and shops.
It is not shopping why people head to Puerto del Carmen, but rather to enjoy its beaches and fantastic snorkel option.
Playa Chica
Playa Chica or “Small Beach” is just that, a small secluded beach, set inside a volcanic cove, that makes the water warm, still, and calm. If you are traveling with kids, it is a perfect set up because the beach is small enough to keep your eyes on them at all times.
The still clear waters are perfect for swimming or snorkeling. There are plenty of critters in the water to make snorkeling the waters worth your while.
If scuba diving is your thing, some meters off the coast you will find El Veril de la Tiñosa, a sheer drop perfect for thrill-seeking explores.
Playa Grande
Playa Grande or “Big Beach” is El Puerto del Camen’s other beach, and as the name would indicate, it’s bigger than Playa Chica. Just east of Playa Chica, this beach is much longer and there is more real estate for every beachgoer.
If you want to have a bit more space to yourself on the sand, head over to Playa Grande. what you gain in personal space, you lose in “secludedness”. Playa Grande can get windy at times as it doesn’t have a surrounding cove breaking the wind.
Playa Grande is pristine and just a few meters from the beach from you will find a bunch of places where you can enjoy a bite to eat and a cold drink.
Scuba Diving
Puerto del Carmen is an amazing place for scuba diving, especially if you are a novice.
The waters surrounding the Canary Islands are calm and warm thanks to the currents that get there from the Sahara and Gulf of Mexico. These conditions make the water, not only great for diving but very fertile as well. The waters of the Canary Islands are teeming with life and it’s one of the best places on earth to go whale watching.
Rancho Texas Lanzarote Park
This is a great option if you are traveling with kids. Just outside of town you will find Rancho Texas, a Texan themed water park and zoo with live animal shows.
This activity will take up almost a full day, so if you are planning on visiting, keep that in mind. Your best bet is to check out the zoo in the morning, while the weather is still cool and in the afternoon head on over to the water park. .
Rancho Texas features cougars, white tigers, sea lions, and a great variety of exotic birds. They even offer an eagle show where the birds of prey show off their impressive hunting skills.
Some of Lanzarote´s small towns and villages are proof that the island is more than beaches and volcanic landscapes. Teguise is a beautiful town with restored buildings and cobbled stones. It was the capital of Lanzarote till Arrecife took over in 1852. Its fantastic Sunday market or monuments like the Castillo de Santa Barbara are worth visiting. Haria and its valley of palm trees provide with good green contrast to the black landscapes in Lanzarote, whilst Yaiza (named after a Guanche princess) offers white houses, squares, and clean streets with flowers and is worth a visit.
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