Lanzarote, a land of volcanoes, black sand beaches and white-washed houses. Ranked as the fourth largest Canary Island, it has long been a favourite holiday spot for Europeans that want to escape the cooler winter months in favour of Lanzarote’s year-round warm temperatures.
After exploring all corners of the island over 2 weeks, from north to south, we’ve assembled a list of the top places to visit in Lanzarote. In this guide we’ll tell you the must-see beaches, most charming towns and coolest attractions to check out. We’ll also share Lanzarote’s top natural attractions. The rugged volcanic landscapes are out of this world!
We loved our time in Lanzarote and hopefully this guide will help you understand why. Discover places to visit for your own trip and be sure to post a comment if you have any questions.
Timanfaya National Park
We’re starting our guide with Lanzarote’s number one tourist attraction, Timanfaya National Park. This sprawling natural park was created after a series of volcanic eruptions in the 18th and 19th century. Covering 50 square kilometres on the west of the island, it’s unlike any place we’ve ever visited. Towering volcanoes, a black volcanic rock surface and countless remnants of volcanic activity make it one of the coolest places to visit in Lanzarote.
To see the park, you can book a guided coach tour, or drive to Timanfaya yourself, park in the car park and then proceed to join the organised bus tour. The coach drives you around the key sites of Timanfaya in half an hour. Although you can’t step out to see the park or walk around it, the tour still manages to capture the beauty of the volcanic landscapes.
Playa Blanca
Playa Blanca is one of Lanzarote’s most popular tourist resorts. Tucked away to the southern tip of the island, this scenic coastal town has some of Lanzarote’s best hotels, beaches and a long promenade. It’s a top choice for those that want a beach holiday in the sun. Playa Blanca is split into multiple coastal areas, all of which are within walking distance of each other.
Visit Playa Blanca for a day of relaxation on the beaches and some town exploration. The centre is full of excellent shops, bars and restaurants. The atmosphere is upbeat and family-friendly, and the beaches are some of the best on offer. We personally love strolling along the long scenic promenade, stopping off for a drink in one of the many bars and cafes.
Papagayo Beach
Papagayo Beach is one of Lanzarote’s top-rated beaches. This small sandy cove sits at the southern-most point on the island, sheltered by two cliffs on either side of the bay. The water is clear and refreshing and it’s a great place to relax or go for a swim. Papagayo is located in a remote national park, so to get there, you’ll need to hire a car.
It’s a perfect spot for anyone who enjoys a beach day or just wants to see some amazing coastal scenery. The surrounding area is home to several untouched beaches, some of them less crowded than others.
Mujeres Beach
As we’ve just mentioned, Papagoyo Beach is one of many in the small nature park to the south of Lanzarote. Mujeres Beach is another beautiful sandy beach in this area. Unlike the small, crowded cove of Papagoyo, Mujeres is a much larger beach, stretching for almost 400 metres. Featuring beautiful golden sands, very few waves and shelter from the wind, it’s an excellent place for a beach day. Lie on the untouched sands or go for a swim in the sea.
Rubicon Marina
We spent a full afternoon in the lavish yacht marina known as Rubicon and it stood out to us as one of the most exclusive and picturesque marinas in Lanzarote. It’s the top spot on the island to hire a charter yacht, or to head out to sea on a scuba diving tour. It’s also a great place to go for a scenic walk or enjoy lunch with a view.
The marina has a long promenade full of bars and restaurants, many of which have a romantic setting, especially at sunset. Enjoy a meal or drink with a view as you watch the boats arrive and depart, or if you fancy a bit of retail therapy, pay a visit to Rubicon Shopping Centre.
Jameos Del Agua
Visit Lanzarote and you’ll soon discover that much of the island’s architecture was influenced by visionary and designer César Manrique. Lanzarote’s cultural heritage and aesthetic is so influenced by César Manrique, they even named the airport after him! Visit some of the dedicated attractions for this designer and you’ll quickly learn why he’s so highly regarded.
Jameos Del Agua was the first of César Manrique’s projects on the island. Built into the opening of a volcanic lava tunnel, this cave and art exhibit is designed to show perfect harmony between art and nature. César’s iconic style can be seen through the museum in the form of sculptures, staircases, a swimming pool and even a restaurant.
It’s a unique place to visit in Lanzarote and is one of the most popular César Manrique attractions. Therefore, we recommend arriving early in the morning in order to beat the crowds.
Las Grietas
Lanzarote is an island of unusual landscapes and unique rock formations. To see one of the most unique landscapes on offer, drive over to the slopes of Montana Blanca to see these unique crevasses in the rock face. They’ve formed naturally over time at the base of the volcano, creating a series of narrow, winding passages you can walk through.
The Las Grietas rock formations are completely free to visit; you’ll just need a car or a private driver to get there. They’re still relatively unknown compared to the other sites on the island and are well worth a visit.
Puerto Del Carmen
Puerto Del Carmen is one of the best places to visit in Lanzarote for an upbeat nightlife scene and plenty of bars, shops and restaurants. It’s the busiest tourist resort town and a popular place to stay. It’s also a great place to visit for the day, featuring a good collection of beaches, amenities and entertainment options.
Stop by Puerto Del Carmen during the day for a scenic stroll along the beach promenade or to wander through the local areas of town. Typical white-washed buildings and nice cafes, gift shops and brunch spots can all be found in its narrow alleyways. Return in the evening for plenty of vibrant bar and restaurant options. Puerto Del Carmen is also known for its shopping and has stores for all the usual international fashion brands.
Biosfera Shopping Centre
Located in Puerto Del Carmen area, Biosfera Shopping Centre is one of the top places to shop in Lanzarote. Spread out over 5 floors, this large, outdoor shopping mall features brands such as Levis, Mango, Zara, Pull and Bear. Head to the top floor of Biosfera and you’ll find a mini golf course, an outdoor cinema, a rooftop bar and a few other attractions.
Caldera de los Cuervos
Next on our list is an activity that was quite possibly the highlight of our trip. Unknown to many tourists but quickly gaining popularity, Caldera de los Cuervos is a small, easy hiking trail that takes you directly into the caldera of a dormant volcano. After parking up in the tiny car park, there’s a 10-minute gravel trail across black volcanic landscapes to reach the volcano. You can then walk through the opening into the crater.
The surrounding scenery and impressive volcanic formations of this mini hike is sure to impress anyone that’s interested in volcanoes.
César Manrique Foundation Museum
César Manrique Foundation is the best place to visit in Lanzarote to gain an insight into the artists masterpieces and unique architectural style. Designed by the artist as a place to call home after he returned from New York in 1968, this large, multi-floor house is seamlessly integrated into the volcanic rock landscape it was built on. The upper floor of the building gains inspiration from Lanzarote’s iconic white architecture, while the base is an underground labyrinth of hidden rooms and cave-like features.
César Manrique Foundation is unlike any museum or art exhibit we’ve visited – it’s very cool to see. Stop by for a self-guided tour and marvel at César Manrique’s cherished residence and masterpiece.
Teguise Old Town and Market
Teguise Old Town is the former capital of the island. Rich in history and culture, its traditional cobbled streets, iconic white buildings and upbeat atmosphere make it a great place to visit in Lanzarote to experience island local life. Visit the town on a Sunday and you’ll see the town come alive with market stalls, bustling street vendors and live music.
Teguise Old Town Market is the top-rated market on the island and is well worth checking out. Browse the stalls, buy some artisan snacks and drinks or grab some tapas in a bar at watch the crowds go by.
Costa Teguise
As its name suggests, Costa Teguise is the coastal area of Teguise town. It’s one of the most popular places to stay in Lanzarote, featuring countless hotels, bars, restaurants and cafes. It’s also known for its beaches. Admire the view or relax on the long sandy beach, Playa de las Cucharas. Alternatively, enjoy the smaller cove of Playa del Jablillo and swim in the sheltered bay.
Whether you’re looking for beaches or simply want to wander around the shops and cafes of town, Costa Teguise is a great place to visit day or night. We found it to have a good collection of dining and coffee shop options, many with affordable prices.
Arrecife
Arrecife is the capital of Lanzarote. Located in the centre of the island near the coast, this commercial and industrial hub is where many locals live and work. It’s also a great place to visit in Lanzarote to see a different side of island life. The long promenade in Arrecife reminds us of Barcelona, featuring a long stretch of sandy beach, a high-rise hotel and rows of contemporary buildings.
Visit Arrecife for a day of sightseeing in its old town, marvel at the contemporary art exhibits or walk across to the 18th-century San José Castle, which sits on an island just off the shore. As Arrecife is a less-visited tourist spot, its large beach never feels crowded. Our final recommendation is to enjoy a drink with a view from the rooftop of the Arrecife Gran Hotel.
Cactus Garden
Lanzarote is a land of cacti! You’ll find cactus plants everywhere you go, from hotel displays and people’s gardens, to the vast black sand landscapes of the rural areas. These intriguing plants come in many forms, and the best way to see them in all is The Lanzarote Cactus Garden. For a small fee, you can enter this unique botanical garden to see the many plants on offer.
We were amazed by the size, shapes and unusual characteristics of the cacti here and thoroughly enjoyed walking around the different trails and exhibits. You’ll find over 4500 of these plants in one place.
Antigua Rofera Rock Formations
As you’ve probably now realised, Lanzarote is an island full of Mars-like landscapes. Another place to see the island’s unique geology up close is Antigua Rofera. Located just a short drive from The Cactus Garden we just mentioned, Antigua Rofera, also known as the ‘Stratified City’, is an abandoned quarry with a series of intriguing rock formations.
The volcanic-ash rock has eroded over time, creating a series of weird and wonderful arches, caves and tunnels. We recommend allocating half an hour or so to explore the unique landscape.
El Golfo
We’re now venturing to the far-west coast of the island to a small town known as El Golfo. A key stop-off point on coach tours around the national park, El Golfo is a small fishing village that’s surrounded by lava rock formations, black sand beaches and some amazing scenery.
El Charco de los Clicos or the ‘Green Lagoon’ is the star attraction here. This brightly-coloured lagoon has formed on top of a volcanic cone. The edge of the volcano has then been eroded over time by the sea, creating a semi-circle volcanic formation that leads to a black sand beach. El Golfo has one main viewpoint where you can get a good perspective of the area.
Famara Beach
Lanzarote has many beaches, but not many are as unique as Famara Beach on the island’s north-west coast. Famous for its challenging waves and a top destination for board, kite and wind surfing, this 6km long stretch of sand is perfect for a beach morning or afternoon. The surrounding mountain scenery and barren landscapes set the scene for one of the coolest beaches on the island.
Graciosa Island from Órzola
A popular boat trip in Lanzarote is a visit to the northern-most island of Graciosa. It’s one of the smallest islands in the Canaries and is one of the last remaining places in Europe without any paved roads. It feels much like a small version of Fuerteventura, featuring sandy terrain and large, open beaches.
To see the beauty of Graciosa island, you can board the frequent ferry boat from the town of Órzola. The journey takes only 25-minutes one-way and there are frequent return sailings. When you arrive, the top thing to do in Graciosa is relax on one of its stunning beaches. Many tourists also choose to wander around its white-washed towns, which are built directly on the sand. There are also some good hiking opportunities.
La Geria Wineries
La Geria is Lanzarote’s winery region. In a land as barren and desolate as Lanzarote, it’s surprising that good wine can be produced here, and some of them are award-winning. It’s all down to a unique process known as the ‘Geria’, where a cone shaped hole is excavated from the volcanic soil and is then protected by a half moon wall. The wall protects the grapevines from the wind, allowing them to flourish.
You can visit the ‘La Geria’ region to see rows of these half-moon walls lined up neatly on the black sand. You can also visit a winery to learn more about the process. Stop by Bodega La Geria, or the less-touristic option, Bodega Stratvs, to learn how the wines are made, and of course, a chance to taste the wines.
Lagomar Museum
Lagomar Museum is another one of César Manrique’s most impressive projects. Designed in collaboration with Jesús Soto, this unusual house has been built into the side of an old volcanic rock quarry. It has a series of Traditional Canarian white buildings, lush tropical plants and a swimming pool.
Lagomar has been used as a filming set in several high-profile films and is a true oasis amongst the barren desert landscapes. You can explore the museum for a small fee, finishing off your tour with a drink in the pretty garden café.
Los Hervideros coastline
We’ve already mentioned El Golfo, one of the key sites to see on Lanzarote’s west coast. Los Hervideros is another must-see. Located within the national park, this dramatic collection of volcanic rock formations is one of the most intriguing coastlines on the island. The crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean clash with the jagged lava rock, which was formed when the volcanoes erupted.
Los Hervideros has several walking routes that allow you to get up close to the crashing waves and rock formations. There are also some excellent viewpoints – perfect for those dramatic photos!
Los Pocillos
Los Pocillos is one of Lanzarote’s quietest tourist resort areas. Home to a selection of budget-friendly apartments and some good hotels, it’s a great place to stay for those that want lots of amenities but appreciate being away from the busy tourist centres. It’s also a nice place to visit day or night.
Daytimes are best spent on its vast sandy beach or strolling along its promenade, grabbing a drink in a sea-view café. Evenings are a little livelier, giving you a good choice of restaurant and bar options. There isn’t a huge deal to do in Los Pocillos, but that’s the beauty of it.
Plane spotting at Lanzarote Airport
Slightly further north of Los Pocillos along the seaside promenade, you’ll find the Matagorda Beach tourist area. Located right next to the airport runway, this scenic beach and promenade gives you a great view of the planes landing in Lanzarote. They feel so close you can almost touch them!
If you’re a keen plane spotter or just want a leisurely walk or bike ride, we recommend hiring a bike and cycling along the promenade to the airport viewing platform. You can view it on Google Maps here. The roar of the aeroplane engines flying over your head is an exhilarating experience!
Mirador Del Risco
Head to the north of Lanzarote and you’ll find that the terrain is very different to the south. Winding roads, vast volcanic mountain ranges and lots of greenery make this region a great place for a road trip. There are many viewpoints spread across the mountains, but not many are as captivating as Mirador Del Risco.
The viewpoint overlooks the remote Risco Beach below and is surrounded by dramatic cliffs on either side. It’s one of the best places to visit in Lanzarote for epic mountain hiking trails or to have a picnic with a view.
Mirador Del Rio
Another cool viewpoint in the northern mountain range is Mirador Del Rio. This purpose-built viewing deck has been constructed on the cliffside, giving you a fantastic panoramic view of the beaches below and Graciosa Island in the distance. After paying a small entry fee, you have access to several indoor and outdoor viewing decks, a panoramic view café and a gift shop.
The only downside to visiting Mirador Del Rio is the unpredictability of the weather. When we visited, the cliffside was shrouded in cloud and sea fog so we weren’t able to see the beautiful panoramas the viewpoint is famous for.
Caletón Blanco
The coastline to the north of Lanzarote is unlike anywhere else on the island. To the east of the town of Órzola you’ll find several stunning natural pools and sheltered beaches, with Caletón Blanco being the largest and prettiest of them all. Crystal clear water, unique rock formations and shallow water make it a great place to bathe and relax on a sunny day.
Puerto Calera
Just along the coast from the much busier and larger Puerto Del Carmen, Puerto Calera is a small, quiet coastal town. Known for its marina and a key departure point for boat trips, it’s a nice place to visit for a morning walk or to have lunch with a view.
The most popular way to visit Puerto Calera is to start your journey in the neighbouring town of Puerto Del Carmen and walk the 1-hour cliffside route to Puerto Calera. This flat, dirt trail takes you alongside the cliffside, giving you some gorgeous coastal views no matter the time of day. You can then return to Puerto Del Carmen at the end of your visit by hopping aboard the Puerto Calera taxi boat.
Punta Mujeres Rock Pools
Punta Mujeres is a small fishing village on Lanzarote’s east coast. It’s lesser-known amongst tourists but a top spot for locals that want a quiet place to relax and enjoy the sun. The main reason to visit Punta Mujeres is to bathe in its natural pools. The coast has dozens of small rock pools that have naturally formed, creating shelter from the waves.
Go for a walk along Punta Mujeres’ seaside promenade, take a dip in the natural pools to cool down and end your visit with lunch. The town has a good selection of restaurants and cafés. We recommend Mamma Grazia.
That brings us to the end of our guide on the top places to visit in Lanzarote. For such a small island, Lanzarote has some amazing things to do and unique natural attractions. It really has something for all interests! It’s one of the most intriguing places we’ve visited. We highly recommend venturing into the rural areas and natural parks to see the beauty of the island’s volcanic landscapes.
If you have any questions about the places we’ve featured or want to share your own recommendations, be sure to post a comment below.
By Ricky Marshall
Author bio:An adventurer at heart that loves anything outdoors. Beaches, mountains and amazing scenery is everything I love about travel! I also enjoy home comforts and need a nice place to relax and re-charge after every trip.