Discover what to see in Lanzarote

Its heavenly beaches and volcanic landscapes are a more than appealing calling card, but Lanzarote is much more than that. Charming villages, surprising places, a wide variety of leisure and entertainment options… There is something for everyone! What to see in Lanzarote?

It is difficult to select just a few essential places to visit during your holiday but time constraints are a handicap to take into account when planning your getaway, so it is always good to know what to see in Lanzarote in the time you have available. In any case, you can always leave something pending for your next visit…

If we are talking about beaches, you can’t leave the island without experiencing the white sands and crystal-clear waters of Famara, Papagayo, Playa Chica or Flamingo. You should also not miss out on villages such as Teguise, Yaiza or Haría, or the landscapes of La Geria or the La Corona volcano.

Discover secret corners like the Cactus Garden or Los Hervideros and take a look at viewpoints like those of El Río or El Golfo. And, if you still have time, visit the César Manrique and José Saramago museums to learn about the local culture.

 

Essential places to see in Lanzarote

Although the ideal thing is to plan a route for your holidays on the island, we have selected some essential places to see in Lanzarote, so you don’t miss the most important things!

This way, you can add these visits to your plans, which are the most representative places you can visit.

It wasn’t easy to choose just a few places, as Lanzarote is full of charm, but there are unique spaces that will leave a deep impression on you. Below, we recommend those essential places to see in Lanzarote and why we consider them the great wonders of the island. Write them down in your diary!

 

Charco Verde

The Charco Verde is a lagoon located next to the town of El Golfo, within the Timanfaya National Park. Specifically, it is located on the coast of the Volcanoes Natural Park. What is so special about it?

The crater of an ancient volcano plunges into the Atlantic Ocean and gives rise to this green lake that contrasts with the black sand of El Golfo beach and with the blue of the sky and the sea.

The lake gets its colour from the Ruppia maritima algae that live on the bottom and the sulphur in the water. It has been declared a Nature Reserve and is also known as Charco de los Clicos, because in ancient times it was home to an extinct shellfish known as the chicoreus.

Although the lake is small, it is worth going there to see the remains of the old volcanic crater. But don’t even think about taking a dip! Bathing is prohibited in both the lagoon and the nearby beach due to its location within the Timanfaya National Park and the strong currents.

You can make the most of the last hours of the day to visit Charco Verde and then watch the sunset from the El Golfo viewpoint, where the sunset will not leave you feeling indifferent.

 

Jameos del Agua

Another of the must-see places in Lanzarote is the Jameos del Agua, one of the most popular works by local artist César Manrique. This space houses the Centre of Art, Culture and Tourism, but it is not a cultural centre in the usual sense.

Los Jameos del Agua is a tunnel over six kilometres long inside a volcanic cave, which extends from the crater of the volcano to the sea, going under the ocean for a kilometre and a half (this section is known as the Tunnel of Atlantis). This place has a slight natural light inside where a species unique in the world lives: the albino crab.

It is a very unique architectural space, as César Manrique designed it as a museum with interactive activities, an artificial lake, a garden with palm trees and an impressive auditorium, the only one in the world inside a volcanic cave.

There is also a restaurant with views inside the volcanic cave, so if you want to treat yourself to a gastronomic experience, this is a unique opportunity.

The vegetation, the turquoise lake, the acoustics of the auditorium… Everything about Jameos del Agua is an invitation to introspection, to enjoy an experience you will find difficult to forget.

 

Cueva de los Verdes

Very close to Jameos del Agua you can visit another of the magical places to see in Lanzarote. This is the Cueva de los Verdes, a cave formed more than 5,000 years ago by the strong movements of lava which, at a thousand degrees centigrade, solidified on its way to the ocean.

This cave is a section of the world’s largest lava tunnel, created by the La Corona volcano, of which the Jameos del Agua are also a part.

In the past, the Cueva de los Verdes was a refuge for the local population from pirate attacks and inclement weather and today it is equipped to receive visitors thanks to the work of local artist Jesús Soto, who, in collaboration with César Manrique, created a true work of art.

It is a volcanic labyrinth with unique geological formations: shiny stalactites, ancient stalagmites and impressive columns. Inside the cave there are five chambers, connected by narrow passageways carved out of the rock by water; and the walls are covered with green moss, hence the name Cueva de los Verdes (Cave of Greens).

There is the possibility of taking a guided tour lasting around an hour, although only one and a half kilometres of the seven kilometres of this cave, located in the north of the island of Lanzarote, are open to the public.

 

Timanfaya National Park

Of course, if there is one place to see in Lanzarote, it is the Timanfaya National Park. It is one of the island’s must-see attractions because it is a visual spectacle, with more than 5,000 hectares of red and jet-black earth.

The range of activities on offer in this area is immense, although there are certain limitations in order to preserve the space. Only certain areas are accessible and, in some, you even have to pay an entrance fee. But it’s worth it!

Timanfaya is the result of the volcanic eruptions that took place in Lanzarote between 1720 and 1736 and in 1824. In addition to the variety of colours, it is also characterised by the absence of vegetation, its rugged shapes, its abrupt coastline and the silhouettes of the volcanoes.

You can start your visit at the Visitor Centre, located in Mancha Blanca, where you will be given an overview of the park so you know what you are going to find. The Mountains of Fire are the most outstanding part, but you can take advantage of your visit to ride a camel or take a walking route to enjoy one of the most impressive places to see in Lanzarote during your holidays. Not to be missed!

See more arrow-right

 

Charming villages to visit in Lanzarote

In addition to beaches and unique natural landscapes, visiting its villages is one of the best things to see in Lanzarote during your holidays. The island is home to some of the most beautiful places in the Canary Islands, with a very unique architecture that is part of its essence.

The cobbled streets, low-rise buildings and white houses with colourfully painted doors and windows are the hallmarks of the villages of Lanzarote and reflect their history and traditions.

In each of them you can find reasons to lose yourself, so it is best to plan a route to enjoy the charms of all of them. Some are well known and attract most of the tourists who come to the island, but others are less crowded and offer you a peaceful visit to enjoy their landscapes, their gastronomy, their history or their natural environment.

It is not easy to choose just a few of the island’s villages, but below we give you the reasons why you have to see these outstanding villages in Lanzarote. We are sure it will be well worth the experience!

 

Playa Blanca

In the south of the island we can find one of the essential villages to visit in Lanzarote during your holidays. This is Playa Blanca, a town that belongs to the municipality of Yaiza.

It is one of the main tourist destinations on the island and also one of the most populated, with 11,000 inhabitants. Therefore, you are guaranteed to find a wide range of hotels and restaurants.

But what are the charms that distinguish this town? On the one hand, its impressive marina, but also its incredible beaches and natural surroundings. In the surrounding area are the beaches of Papagayo, Flamingo and Dorada, some of the most spectacular on the island, which are also bordered by Los Ajaches, a volcanic formation of extraordinary value. The landscape as a whole is a delight!

Of course, in the middle of the town is the beach that gives the town its name, but you will also find many other attractions such as:

  • The Castle of Las Coloradas or Castle of San Marcial de Rubicón, next to the seafront, a symbolic fortress of Playa Blanca from which to contemplate an incredible sunset.
  • The port of Marina Rubicón, one of the most picturesque and lively areas, where you will find restaurants, nightlife, boats and even a craft market depending on the day of the week.
  • The Atlantic Museum is located at a depth of 15 metres and is a highly recommended excursion if you like adventure.
  • The Montaña Roja volcano is another different place to see in Lanzarote. Climbing to the crater is one of the most recommended routes on the island if you like contact with nature.

See more arrow-right

 

Puerto del Carmen

Another of the essential villages to visit in Lanzarote is Puerto del Carmen, the main tourist centre on the island. It is located in the southeast, very close to the airport, and has numerous golden sandy beaches (it has no less than seven kilometres of coastline), as well as a wide range of restaurants, hotels and shops.

There is a wide range of activities on offer in this village, but there are certain places you can’t miss:

  • Playa Chica is one of the best places to take a dip. It is not very big but it has fine sand and crystal-clear waters that make it very appealing for a swim. If you also like to practice water sports such as snorkelling, you will find a true marine paradise here.
  • Los Pocillos is another of Puerto del Carmen’s magnificent beaches, with calm waters and not too crowded, so you can enjoy a peaceful day with a good selection of bars and restaurants nearby.
  • Playa Grande is its best-known beach and, therefore, also the busiest. It is a kilometre long and has all kinds of services.

You can also visit other beaches such as Matagorda or sign up for a diving experience to get to know the seabed of Lanzarote in depth, and never better said!

The Avenida de las Playas and the marina of Puerto Calero also offer you a pleasant opportunity to discover the charms of Puerto del Carmen.

See more arrow-right

 

Arrecife

As the island’s capital, Arrecife is another of the essential towns to visit in Lanzarote. It is the most populated city, with almost 64,000 inhabitants, and offers you numerous reasons to dedicate time to it during your holidays.

In its historic centre and on its beaches you will find some of the places in Arrecife that you cannot miss. For example:

  • The Parish Church of San Ginés is a church built on what was once the city’s first hermitage. It is built with black volcanic stone and the interior ceiling is made of wood in the Mudejar style, clear reflections of the history of the island.
  • The Charco de San Ginés is a lagoon of volcanic origin located next to the old town of Arrecife. It has become the emblem of the city and offers a unique image next to the traditional fishermen’s houses.
  • The urban beach of El Reducto has everything you need to enjoy a long day. The promenade and the surrounding hotels and restaurants offer you the perfect excuse to choose this area to stay during your holidays.
  • The Yellow House (as its yellow tiles give it away) is one of the most beautiful buildings in Arrecife. It is an example of Canarian architecture and, as it houses the Cabildo Data Centre, exhibitions are organised there that will help you learn a little more about the history of the island.
  • The Castillo de San José, converted into the International Museum of Contemporary Art of Lanzarote, is another interesting place to see in Arrecife. You will be struck by its structure of semicircular walls but also by its construction with volcanic rock.

See more arrow-right

 

Teguise

If you have to choose just one town to visit in Lanzarote, Teguise might be the one. It is the largest municipality on the island, occupying both the east and west coasts. Here you can find one of the most beautiful and historic towns on the island: the Villa de Teguise, the former capital of Lanzarote.

It is one of the oldest towns and still preserves those cobbled streets so characteristic of the architecture of Lanzarote. What places can you visit?

  • The Museum of Piracy, located in the Castle of Santa Bárbara, a fortress built in the mid-15th century on top of the Guanapay volcano. From the top you can see the whole of Villa de Teguise and even a good part of the island of Lanzarote.
  • The Timple House-Museum, located in the Palacio Spínola, in the heart of the historic centre. Here the history of the timple, a typical Canarian instrument, is told, and concerts and various cultural events are offered throughout the year.
  • Famara beach, one of the best on Lanzarote. It’s not the best for swimming but it is for surfing. If you’re not a surfer, you can always just enjoy one of the best sunsets on the island.

There are so many beautiful villages to see in Lanzarote that it’s difficult to choose just a few. Here’s a taster to get you started!

See more arrow-right

 

Paradisiacal beaches to see in Lanzarote

Making a selection of the beaches to see in Lanzarote during your holidays is not an easy task, as the island is full of unique enclaves where you can enjoy long days of sunshine on fine sand and emerald waters.

Lanzarote’s unbeatable climate means you can enjoy its beaches all year round, as the temperatures are very pleasant and rainfall is scarce. This means that the water temperature is also perfect for swimming at any time.

Although you can’t only take a dip in the waters of the Atlantic, you can also enjoy many other aquatic activities, whether they be adventure sports or boat trips to watch the sunset or dolphins.

There are many beaches and natural pools in Lanzarote where you can feel like you’re in paradise, relax and unwind during your getaway. If your plan is to enjoy a pleasant stay in a very pleasant natural environment, take note of the best beaches to see in Lanzarote, and where you can take a good swim!

See more arrow-right

 

Papagayo Beach

Papagayo beach is perhaps the most popular in Lanzarote. It is actually a group of beaches and coves located between the tip of Papagayo, a small cape in the south of the island, and the town of Playa Blanca, one of the most touristy.

In total there are seven kilometres of unspoilt golden sandy beaches, which await you in an idyllic setting at any time of the year.

The cove in question, which gives its name to the place, is shaped like a bay and stands out for its transparent and calm waters, perfect for a dip!

In addition, the landscape is a delight, as the beach is located within Los Ajaches, a protected natural area of more than 3,000 hectares that is of great geological and geomorphological importance.

As well as being ideal for swimming, its crystalline waters invite you to discover the richness of its seabed, making Papagayo beach also ideal for trying out activities such as snorkelling.

And, of course, with characteristics like these, it is the perfect place to enjoy the beaches of Lanzarote with children, since, in addition to a safe environment, there is also a beach bar where you can eat or drink. There is also a car park and a nearby camping area, so the adventure is more than recommended.

 

Famara Beach

Another of the most famous beaches to see in Lanzarote is Famara, one of the best on the island for various reasons.

It belongs to the municipality of Teguise, so it is located in the northwest of Lanzarote, at the foot of a mountain range of the same name, and stretches for five kilometres of golden sand.

Its natural environment is one of the main reasons why Famara beach is worth a visit, as it is located within the Chinijo Archipelago Natural Park, between the fishing village of La Caleta de Famara and the Famara cliff itself.

Although it is a beach that is highly recommended for visiting with the family, the truth is that the winds are strong here and, therefore, waves and currents are common. This means that it is not the best beach for swimming but it is ideal for water sports such as surfing, kitesurfing or windsurfing.

Famara is one of the most beautiful beaches on Lanzarote, with a wild character and an almost untouched environment that will take your breath away. What’s more, because it is so wide, it is not overcrowded, so one of the greatest pleasures is to enjoy a long walk along the shore, dipping your feet in the spectacular crystal-clear water.

However, there are few services around, so the ideal is to include this beach as one of the essentials to see in Lanzarote but not to spend a whole day there, unless you dare to ride the waves!

 

Playa Dorada

In the municipality of Yaiza, in the south of the island, you can find another of the most beautiful beaches to see in Lanzarote. This is Playa Dorada, a small artificial bay about 300 metres long, ideal for visiting with the family.

This artificial beach was created in 1991, taking advantage of a bay in the town of Playa Blanca, and has become one of the most iconic places in this tourist town.

It stands out for its calm waters thanks to the absence of wind and for its fine white sand on which to get a tan.

This beach has numerous services available: sun lounger and parasol hire, showers, parking, restaurants, beach bars, accommodation and a shopping area.

It is very easy to get to, even by public transport, as it is a semi-urban beach with a large car park if you decide to come by car.

The only drawback is that Playa Dorada is so pleasant that it tends to be very busy. Therefore, our advice is that, if you visit in summer, you should arrive in the early hours of the day if you want to get a good spot.

In addition to a most pleasant swim, you can also practice various water sports in its waters, as you can rent kayaks or jet skis, for example.

This beach is in one of the hottest areas of the island and is very sunny, making it perfect for those who prefer to lie on the sand and relax during their holidays. As it is protected by the bay, there is hardly any wind, which makes a day of sun and sand at this point on Lanzarote even more pleasant.

 

Playa Flamingo

Finally, also in the south of the island, specifically on the west coast of Playa Blanca, you can find another of the best beaches to see in Lanzarote. We are talking about Playa Flamingo, a 200-metre-long space ideal for families with children.

This semi-urban beach stands out for its white sand and calm waters. Protected by two breakwaters, the absence of wind makes it a perfect place for swimming or water sports such as diving or snorkelling.

It is surrounded by a very pleasant promenade and all kinds of services are available nearby: restaurants, shops, car parks, showers, accommodation, cafés, ice cream parlours, sun lounger and parasol hire and even a recreation area with green spaces and a rest area.

All this also means high occupancy, as it is a very touristy area. This means that if you want a good spot, you have to arrive early.

Playa Flamingo is perfect for spending a day with the family and making sandcastles with the little ones. It is also a delight for adults because it has great natural beauty and beautiful gardens all around.

This beach offers great comfort due to its location and services but also because it has access adapted for people with reduced mobility. In short, it is one of the best beaches to see on holiday in Lanzarote, and you can enjoy it all year round because the temperature is very pleasant.

Things to see in Lanzarote

Timanfaya National Park

Salinas de Janubio

Charco Verde

Playa de Famara

Playa del Caletón Blanco

Teguise

Puerto del Carmen

3-day itinerary