Lanzarote Travel Guide – Top Things to Do, Eat and Accommodation
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Lanzarote is a volcanic island within the Canary Islands. This three-day guide will help you enjoy the best of the island with a combination of sightseeing, eating and relaxing.
Best Time to Visit and Getting Around
Lanzarote offers an enjoyable climate for most of the year with constant trade winds meaning the temperatures are pleasant during summer and mild in winter. As evenings can get quite cool, even during warmer times of the year, you should take a light jacket with you.
Whilst public transport can get you to the main resorts, the best sights are quite spread out so hiring a car will make the 3 day plan much easier. There are good roads with clear signage and the distances aren’t too bad compared to mainland. Alternatively, there are many guided day tours available.
Day 1 – Volcanic Landscape
Lanzarote has some incredible volcanic areas. Visit Timanfaya National Park and take the bus route – Ruta de los Volcanes. You will pass lava fields, craters and rusty coloured slopes from the eruption in the 1730s. You will have seen some of the most dramatic scenery in the Canaries. The ground is very hot just below the surface. You can watch small demonstrations at the Islote de Hilario and the restaurant even has food cooked using the natural heat from the volcanoes. Spend about 2 hours here and don’t forget your sunglasses and sturdy footwear.
Drive towards the coast and visit Los Hervideros – incredible waterfalls crashing into caverns and dark lava rock. Then head to the Salinas de Janubio – a series of salt flats with pretty pink and white patterns. If you have time, also visit El Golfo. This is just a viewpoint so you cannot swim but there is a green lagoon next to the dark cliffs.
Finish your day by visiting the unique area of La Geria. Grapevines grow in individual holes in the black volcanic ash with a low semi circular wall around them to protect from wind and allow the soil to retain moisture. Try some local Malvasía wine at a local bodega. This is a refreshing and fragrant white wine and has become one of the islands most famous products. Many bodegas offer tastings and some will also offer small portions of local cheese.
Tip: Tickets for Timanfaya and Cueva de los Verdes need to be booked online for a specific time. Check opening times from the official CACT Lanzarote site. Opening times can vary depending on the season and weather conditions.
Day 2 – Lanzarote Beaches and Nature
Head towards the north of the island and visit Jameos del Agua and Cueva de los Verdes. Both of these are part of the same volcanic tunnel created by the La Corona volcano. Jameos del Agua was created by artist César Manrique and has turned the collapsed lava tube into an amazing garden, natural lagoon and auditorium. It is one of the best examples of how art and nature are linked on the island. Cueva de los Verdes is a guided tour through the tunnel. This should take less than 1 hour. You will need to arrive a little early as you will need to be there for your time slot.
If you have energy left, head to the Mirador del Río, another creation of César Manrique. This is a fantastic viewpoint high up on the northern cliffs offering views over the water to the island of La Graciosa. On your way back down to the south, you can also stop at the Jardín de Cactus in Guatiza. This is a quick stop with lots of photo opportunities. There are thousands of cactus plants on display in a tiered former quarry.
Most of the morning will be spent exploring the northern areas. The drive from Puerto del Carmen can take a while but there are plenty of small towns to eat in.
In the afternoon visit either Playa de Papagayo – a series of sheltered golden coves in the south. This area is part of a protected natural area so check the current rules for access. The road is not tarmacked so make sure you know if you will be able to visit. Alternatively, visit Playa Chica – a small peaceful beach perfect for a relaxing swim. There are also longer beaches along the coastline with plenty of space. There is a promenade to walk along in the evening. If you are looking for somewhere more lively with surfers and walkers, Famara is a great choice. This is a wide beach with cliffs behind but it is best visited on a different day.
Day 3 – Local Food and Relaxing
Lanzarote has simple local food. Look out for fresh fish from the Atlantic, local cheeses and papas arrugadas (small wrinkled potatoes boiled in salty water). These are often served with a red or green mojo sauce. The red is usually hotter and the green has a herb and garlic flavour. Many menus will also offer grilled octopus, limpets and other locally caught seafood.
Start your day off by visiting Teguise – the islands historic capital. This town has white streets and old buildings. It is famed for its weekly market so check what day it is currently. From here head to one of the fishing villages – Arrieta and Órzola. These are great for a grilled fish lunch with views over the water.
If you are looking for something a bit fancier, visit the fine dining in Lanzarote at Hotel Fariones. This has some fantastic restaurants including Erizo – a Macaronesian restaurant inspired by Atlantic cuisine and Kaori – known for its modern fusion Asian food. Book a table in advance for your evening meal, especially during high season.
Best Place to Stay in Lanzarote – Puerto del Carmen
Puerto del Carmen is a great place to stay. It has some great beaches, a long coastline with lots of restaurants and shops and is a great base for the main attractions on the island. It is also close to the airport making arrival and departure days simple. There are plenty of great seafood restaurants in the old harbour area and there are many water sports available in the resort.
Hotel Fariones is a well known 5 star beachfront hotel. It offers stylish accommodation, views over the Atlantic Ocean and high quality facilities. This would be a great choice if you’re looking for a a luxury hotel in Lanzarote. As with any accommodation, compare the different room types, locations and facilities.
Relax After Sightseeing
A good itinerary will balance sightseeing with some relaxation. After seeing the lava trails and cave tours, relax in the evenings. Fariones Wellness has a thermal circuit, sauna, steam room, hydrotherapy pool, outdoor jacuzzi and relaxing treatments. After a busy day your legs will be tired and this is the perfect place to relax. If you’re looking for a a spa hotel in Lanzarote be sure to check with the hotel what facilities and treatments they currently have available.
Quick Tips
Book any timed tickets in advance – especially Timanfaya and Cueva de los Verdes. Try to start your sightseeing days early to avoid the crowds and have better photo opportunities. Take plenty of water, suncream and a light jacket. Be flexible with your plans as the weather can change and affect when you can go to the beaches.
Lanzarote offers everything you could want in a short break. With volcanic landscapes, beautiful coastline, local food and relaxation all in one compact island. Book your tickets in advance and take time to relax.