Lanzarote beautiful beaches, volcanoes and art

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Lanzarote is the easternmost and the fourth largest island in the Canary Islands. Less touristy than the other islands, with 300 volcanic cones, it is characterized by lunar landscapes, breathtaking nature, beautiful beaches and much more. Lanzarote is a kind of “warm Iceland”. Here you can explore uncontaminated nature, the island is divided between Southern landscapes of volcanic black ash and green oases in the North. Traditional villages, great food and good wine will welcome you for a wonderful stay.

The artist César Manrique is the spirit guide of the island: with his creativity and architectural work, he has been able to promote environmental awarness, the enhancement of the cultural and natural heritage of Lanzarote. Its architectural structures will amaze you!

The mild weather guarantees pleasant temperatures throughout the year. The high season includes summer holidays, Christmas, Carnival and Easter.
We visited Lanzarote last February and the temperatures were pleasantly like in Spring.

3 reasons to visit Lanzarote

Volcanoes. Just 4 hours flight from Italy you can experience incredible landscapes and a powerful nature that recalls the landscapes of Iceland or those of Hawaii.

For those who do not want a beach&sun vacation but also want to visit something. The César Manrique’s places are real works of art that have given a new identity to the island, awakening consciences on the importance of protecting the cultural heritage and the natural uniqueness of Lanzarote, defending it from the risk of uncontrolled urbanization that he Canaries have suffered for so many years.

Great food and wine vacation. The volcanic ash of centuries of eruptions has created the ideal conditions for the cultivation of the vine and, therefore, the production of excellent wines. In the La Geria area you can see how plants grow in small conical pits with dry stone walls to protect them from the wind. A whole new way to admire the cultivation of the vine. In this area you will find many farms and wineries where you can taste the famous local wines, such as the dry white malvasia.
In Lanzarote you will eat very well spending little. Among fish and specialties, do not miss the very popular papas arrugadas, literally they are “wrinkled potatoes”, small potatoes cooked in salt and eaten with their peel. They are very tasty with mojo sauces with parsley, garlic and hot pepper.

10 things to see in Lanzarote

Parque Nacional de Timanfaya. The national park of volcanoes is unmissable! You arrive by car at the visitor center and view point designed by Manrique and from there you can take part in the bus tour, don’t miss it if you want to find out more about the lunar landscape. 4 km below the surface a lake of magma heats the soil so much that, just a few centimeters from the surface, the temperature is already at 100° up to 600° at only 10 meters! At the visitor center, do not miss the demonstration of the park rangers who, with buckets of water, create geysers for the children’s (and not only!) delight! Do not miss the bar-restaurant where they cook using the heat of the subsoil. There is even the possibility to reserve a grill and make a special bbq!

César Manrique. The Lanzarote artist left an important mark on the island. Not to be missed: Jameos del Agua, a bar-restaurant still active inside volcanic caves in true 007 James Bond style; Mirador del Río, the northern point of Lanzarote offers a breathtaking view of the Isla Graciosa; Jardín de Cactus, botanical garden dedicated entirely to cacti; Lagomar, the famous home of Omar Sharif; Fundación César Manrique and Home Museum César Manrique: these are the two houses where Manrique lived, one in the north, in Haría and the other near Arrecife, amazing! Visiting Lanzarote you will learn about Manrique and you will fall in love with him! I can bet! Cueva de los Verdes. You can visit a lava tube created by a volcanic eruption 5000 years ago. The visit between stalactites and caves is really exciting! Between September and April, jazz concerts are held in the caves.

Charco de los Clicos. A small emerald lake behind the beach of El Golfo.

Papagayo. Lanzarote’s most famous beach is located on the southernmost point of the island, in a lunar-like natural park. Here you can explore several coves and bays. Perfect sunset spot!

Playa de Famara. This is the paradise for those who love water sports like windsurf and kitesurf! A beautiful beach where you can go even just to admire surfer acrobatics.

Teguise. A town where you can find the lovely atmosphere of a Spanish pueblo, do not miss a visit during the Sunday morning market.

Scenic route to Haría. From Teguise a winding road leads through the mountains to offer spectacular green landscapes with the blue of the sea in the background.

Extra time in Lanzarote

Isla Graciosa. A sandy paradise where to ride a bike and enjoy the sea. Perfect also for a day trip or a few days in total relax.

Fuerteventura. By ferry from Playa Blanca you can easily reach Corralejo on the island of Fuerteventura. From here you can explore another Canary island!

Where to eat in Lanzarote

Las Salinas de Janubio. At the Mirador de las Salinas you can enjoy a delicious dinner overlooking the salt pans of Lanzarote. The perfect panoramic place during the sunset! Eat paella and gambas al ajillo (prawns with garlic)!

Haría. In the square of the village, have lunch at the El Rincón de Quino bar. Super recommended: octopus, grilled cheeses and papas arrugadas!

El Golfo. In this small seaside village from which you will have a perfect view of the sunset over the ocean, you will find many places to eat. Casa Rafa is our favorite!

Punta del Papagayo. Above the island’s most famous beach, Chiringuito is the place to eat something or just drink a beer with a breathtaking view up to the dunes of Fuerteventura.

Where to stay in Lanzarote

If you are looking for a relaxing vacation far from touristy places, stay away from the main cities like Playa Blanca – outpost of British tour, Puerto del Carmen and Arrecife. Away from here you will discover another wild and not at all touristy Lanzarote.

From the Northern to Southern point of Lanzarote it takes about an hour, so you can choose where to sleep and then move easily around the island.
You can find beautiful homes for rent on Airbnb or small boutique hotels. Try to avoid larger facilities and all-inclusive resorts for a more authentic experience.

Wine area. Near Tias you will find beautiful modern houses in the landscape of black lava and vines.

El Golfo. The mini village in the south of the island is a perfect place off the busiest tourist places. Here you will find many solutions for rent from entire houses to individual rooms. You will always have at your disposal a large beach of black pebbles where you can relax at the beginning or at the end of the day.