Dernière modification le
Menu
- Timanfaya Park, the heart of Lanzarote
- The island of La Graciosa
- Major sights in Lanzarote
- What to see in Lanzarote, discover the most beautiful places!
- Some museums to see in Lanzarote
- Walks and hikes in Lanzarote
- Lanzarote’s best activities
- Map of Lanzarote
- Find a hotel in Lanzarote, what are the best places to stay
- Practical information about Lanzarote
Before, when I thought of the Canary Islands, I thought beach, sand, sun, fiesta. The place where I would never set foot. What a mistake!
Because the Canary Islands are in fact superbly beautiful volcanic islands, with quite a bit of altitude difference and therefore, for me, a great playground.
My first choice was Lanzarote, because it’s not too touristy, has numerous volcanoes, including the Parque Nacional de Timanfaya, has been preserved from tourist construction thanks to one man, Cesar Manrique, and therefore has a lot of charm and a certain uniformity.
The icing on the cake is its clear sky, which is great for astronomy and astrophotography.
In January, it’s one of the few destinations in Europe where the weather is good and the cost is not that expensive.
Canary Islands are said to have eternal spring. Never too cold, even in winter, never too hot. And I can confirm that it’s true, it’s damn good 🙂
Lanzarote, then, is a great island with plenty of sporting and cultural activities, a few walks, beaches and superb scenery, and you can easily spend a week there without getting bored! In short, here’s a quick overview of what you can do on Lanzarote.
Because of the size of the island, it’s a good idea to set down in one place and spread out. The maximum journey should be one hour from the north to the south. So suggesting an itinerary isn’t too useful – you can improvise as everything is nearby 🙂
And here’s what you can do!
5 reasons to visit Lanzarote
- Landscapes like nowhere else in Europe
- All seasons are good, it’s eternal spring
- A change of scenery at lower cost, really
- An island untouched by tourism, thanks to Cesar Manrique
- And it’s easy to get to other islands to extend your vacation.
Timanfaya Park, the heart of Lanzarote
The heart of the island of Lanzarote is the Parque Nacional de Timanfaya. A magnificent volcanic complex created some 300 years ago. The eruptions of 100 volcanoes (no less!) lasted 6 years and covered around a quarter of the island.
The park is the most popular tourist destination on the island, but it’s also very well preserved. And rightly so. The colors are truly magnificent, and there has been very little erosion, so it has changed very little over time.
It’s preserved because it’s only possible to visit it by bus, and only from the park’s tourist center. But it’s worth it! Stand on the window side, ideally on the right. I’d even go so far as to say that it’s possible to do the tour several times by bus, so you can do it once on each side!
On the other hand, the buses have dirty blue tinted windows, which isn’t great for photos. I’ve written a little article on Timanfaya to give you all the information and advice you need, the different hikes, prices… that sort of thing.
Oh, and it’s really a must, the park is just sumptuous.
- Opening hours: 9h30 / 17h
- Price: €20
- Tickets: bookable on site or on the official website
The island of La Graciosa
This place is so cool! I’ll try to convince you. La Graciosa is a small island just opposite Lanzarote, but even wilder.
There isn’t a single tarmac road, you ride your bike around it (so you can already see the pain in the butt coming) and the setting is really fantastic. The island is small, with two volcano craters, and sublime beaches.
You can usually get there and back in a day (by boat), with a tour by bike or with a guide in a vehicle (faster!). For my part, I opted for a two-night stay to enjoy the island’s fantastic sunsets and have a bit of time on my hands. Because, really, it’s magnificent.
And what’s more, the food is good. What more could you ask for? Bike hire is available in Caleta de Cebo, the only village on the island and the starting point for… everything.
And to visit, it’s really not complicated, there are only two roads: one that loops around to the north, the other to the south.
We leave by boat from Ozorla, to the north of Lanzarote, which takes about 25 minutes, a great trip that gives a crazy view of the island’s cliffs!
- To buy a round-trip ticket for the day, click here (€28 return).
In the following article, I’ll tell you all about La Graciosa!
Major sights in Lanzarote
In addition to the volcanoes of Timanfaya and the island of La Graciosa (really must-sees), there are other sites you can’t miss. These sites are the work of Cesar Manrique, who will be discussed extensively throughout this article.
Mirador del Rio
The great classic and undeniably one of the best viewpoints on the island.
Like many places, it was designed by Cesar Manrique to blend in with the scenery, and some of his works can be seen here. But it’s also a great viewpoint over the neighboring island of La Graciosa, especially for sunsets.
The installations are not free and are open until very late (6 or 7 p.m. depending on the season), but the immense viewpoint is accessible and free.
The CACT pass no longer exists, so you now have to buy tickets one by one, on the official website or on site (8€)
The cactus garden
Because there’s not much growing on Lanzarote’s volcanic soil, apart from vines (which must be the most important thing!), the cactus garden is a nice place to discover several hundred species from all over the world. Restful.
- Price: 8€
- Open from 10am to 5pm
Jameos del agua
Lanzarote’s volcanic activity has resulted in a network of tunnels carved out by the lava as it erupts.
Here, we’re going to have a small tourist complex based around a cellar and a lake housing mini albino crabs. Then there’s a swimming pool, meeting rooms and volcano explanatory rooms (which were closed when I visited). Frankly, not crazy and the visit is quite fast. Nice setting, but good.
- Price: 20€
- Open from 10am to 6pm
Cueva de los verdes
In the same volcanic network, we have the Cueva de los verdes, where we can enter. We’re really going to go into the tunnels, the caves, the lava tube formed a very long time ago (3,000 years to be precise).
It’s a really nice visit to make. We’ll see several cavities (jameos), a room with perfect acoustics in which a small concert hall has been installed. It’s really handy to bring a piano! In short, go there for sure, because the visit is great, the guide is nice, and it’s a beautiful natural site:)
- Price : 15€
What to see in Lanzarote, discover the most beautiful places!
Landscapes of Lanzarote
I chose Lanzarote because there seemed to be volcanoes everywhere everywhere. And I was not disappointed. There really are numerous volcanoes and craters, sometimes as far as the eye can see. And lava fields that cover a good part of the island, as the last major eruptions took place just 200 years ago.
The whole south-western part is volcanic, and even the beaches are in volcanic rock.
The north is greener, with pretty cliffs to the north-west, facing the beautiful island of La Graciosa. It reminded me a lot of Iceland, with volcanoes popping up everywhere, lava fields as far as the eye can see, black sand beaches, but without the glaciers and freezing temperatures!
Between volcanoes and lava fields
Lanzarote is truly an island apart in the Canaries, and this is largely due to its volcanic activity. The southern half of the island is made up almost entirely of lava fields, volcanoes and black sand beaches.
Lunar landscapes, exceptional, difficult, unspoilt. As you’ll see below, you can walk around several of these craters and in some of the lava fields. Not too much, as it’s dangerous and usually forbidden, but there are several trails that allow you to get up close and personal with this volcanic activity.
For me, this is the richness of the island, but you’re getting to know me. I love volcanoes.
A rugged west coast
I won’t hide the fact that the western part of the island is my favorite. The landscapes are rugged, craggy, lunar and very volcanic. Inevitably the volcanoes I mentioned above, but also black sand beaches, little coves between cliffs, volcanic rock everywhere.
I enjoyed visiting the western beaches, not to sunbathe, but to observe these superb landscapes.
By the way, I’ll talk more about it later, but don’t go swimming in the west, the current is too dangerous
Los Charcones
Los Charcones is a fun, totally deserted place. First of all, we’ll find some superb lava rock formations on the seashore, creating natural pools that are very dangerous because of the current.
This whole part of the coast is very difficult, inhospitable and magnificent. Another surprise on site is an abandoned hotel. Construction began in the 70s but was never completed. We don’t really know the reason, but so much the better, as it doesn’t fit in at all with the “spirit” of Lanzarote. It’s worth a visit, and there are some nice frescoes.
The Salinas de Janubio
One of the island’s most beautiful spots, the Salinas de Janubio.
The Canary Islands have long exploited salt, that famous white gold, and these Lanzarote saltworks are the largest in the archipelago. What’s surprising is that they’re actually in the lava fields, in the most volcanic part of the island. You can visit them for free, and there are several points of interest.
Firstly, at the southern end, for a general view, and to the east, a mirador that’s great for watching the sunset. To the north, following the road, there’s a parking lot with a great view of the lagoon and the black sand beach, as well as the sea crashing against the volcanic rocks. A very nice place!
Towns and villages of Lanzarote
Lanzarote is nice, with beautiful nature, but the towns and villages all look the same. What will make the difference is mainly the environment and the size.
We have several towns that are seaside resorts, mountain villages or seaside villages. Arrecife, the only really big town, will be of little interest
Seaside resorts
There are 3 main resorts in Lanzarote. Puerto Teguise, Playa del Carmen and Playa Blanca, which occupies the entire southern part of the island.
In these 3 towns, you’ll find uniform, recent buildings with everything you need for a quiet life. But with plenty of people, because it’s so dense. These towns are not really beautiful. Useful, big, but that’s all.
Teguise
Teguise is the prettiest little town on the island. Well situated in the hills, it is the island’s former capital and oldest town. It has more charm and authenticity than the other towns on the island, and is really pleasant.
Well, it’s not big, so you can get around it pretty quickly, but it’s clearly worth a visit.
El Golfo
El Golfo is a cute seaside village on the west side of the island. It’s also a great place to watch the sunset.
There are a few short walks to be made, whether on the volcano behind, along the coast or to see Lago Verde, a small lake which, as its name aptly suggests, is green, in the middle of a black sand beach and ochre mountains. Very nice.
But El Golfo is also a good place to eat seafood in a really nice setting.
Tenesar
A pretty little village accessible only via a gravel road. I discovered it by chance, thinking “where does this road go?”, but since it’s an island I’m not taking too many risks.
We cross the lava fields to land in this very small, all-white (normal) fishing village on the water’s edge. It’s also a wonderful place to watch the sunset in peace and quiet
Uga
In the center of the island and at the foot of the Timanfaya volcanoes, the village of Uga is ideally located for accommodation in Lanzarote.
And on top of that, it’s cute, typically in the local style: white, cubic houses, the church in the center of the village, volcanoes all around.
Its location also means that it’s not too hot and pleasant to walk around. Just to the north there’s a lovely viewpoint for sunrise.
Lanzarote’s best beaches
Unlike other Canary Islands, Lanzarote is not necessarily renowned for its beaches. And yet there’s plenty to choose from, and they’re not bad at all.
The advantage is also that they are varied: white sand and turquoise water, black sand or coves, there’s something for everyone, and they’re scattered all over the island, so let’s have a look at them in detail.
First of all, you need to be very careful when swimming on the west coast of the island. The currents are very strong and it’s not advisable to swim on this side of the island. As for El Golfo, Famara and La Santa, although the setting is lovely, you’d be better off swimming on the east and south coasts, where the risks are much lower.
Finally, the most beautiful beaches are on the island of La Graciosa (which is officially part of Lanzarote), but this small island will be the subject of a dedicated article, so I won’t mention it here
The beaches of seaside resorts
Every resort is beachfront, so if you’re in Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen or Costa Teguise, you’ll have no trouble making a splash. You can find out more on this site.
- Costa Teguise: el Jablillo, las Cucharas, playa Bastian
- Playa Blanca: Playa Flamingo, Playa Dorada
- Puerto del Carmen: los Pocillos, playa Grande, playa Chica
Papagayo beaches
At the southern tip of the island, not too far from Playa Blanca, we’ll find a nature reserve with numerous coves, each more beautiful than the last, called Los Ajaches. The great thing about this place is that, although it’s quite popular, there’s plenty of room for everyone.
There are several great beaches tucked between volcanic rocks, plenty of hiking trails and cliffs to explore. Entrance to the park costs 3€, then you have to walk 5km on a dirty road, and there’s a little bodega for a snack or a drink, with a great view.
Well, the photos don’t do justice to the beaches because the weather wasn’t great, but when the weather’s nice, the water is super clear.
Northeast coves
On the road to Ozorla, and more specifically from Jameos de Agua, there are numerous mini beaches and coves along the way. They’re super easy to find, there’s always a mini parking lot and not too many people.
These include Caleta de las Escamas, Punta Prieta, Caleta del Mojon and the magnificent Caleton Blanco.
You’ll generally find clear sand and turquoise water between volcanic rocks, and the setting is really top-notch
The vineyards of Lanzarote
It’s funny to see how man always adapts to his environment. Lanzarote is a volcanic island, very dry, not far from the Sahara. And yet, many fruits and vegetables grow here, as well as numerous vines. And these vines are easily recognizable, as each vine has its own little comfort.
To protect them from the wind, we dig, plant and surround them with stone. Volcanic “dust” is also sprinkled on top, to protect the vines but also to capture moisture and help them grow.
Quite a few of these vines are found at the foot of volcanoes and even on slopes, which is quite surprising.
The wine itself is pretty good, not too light, but you can tell it’s got character. We’ll find quite a few vineyards, mainly along the LZ-30 from Uga, with several bodegas for tasting or buying. Tours and tastings start at around twenty euros, which isn’t bad!
The best viewpoints in Lanzarote
Of course, when you think of heights, you think of miradors. And Lanzarote’s not bad for that, as we’re going to find several great viewpoints
Mirador del Rio
As I mentioned at the start of this article, the Mirador del Rio is a must for both daytime and sunset views. An insane view of the island of La Graciosa, truly a perfect spot.
Mirador de Guinate
I stumbled across the Guinate viewpoint by chance, when I was trying to get to the Rio viewpoint and took the wrong route. It’s a viewpoint quite similar to the previous one, but with far fewer people. You still have a view of the pretty island of La Graciosa, without any installations. It’s peaceful
Mirador Caldera
Well, I’d love to tell you more about it, but I haven’t managed to get there. There are two roads to get there, one of which is rotten. I’ve heard it’s one of the most beautiful views and the setting is top-notch, with a volcano just around the corner.
Some museums to see in Lanzarote
In Lanzarote, you won’t find any huge museums, historical collections or a strong cultural past.
Much of it revolves around Cesar Manrique, artist and great defender of his island. It was him who forged the island’s character, its very special white and uniform architecture, and the buildings that blend in with nature, notably by being made of lava stone. These 4 museums can be interesting. Not necessarily essential, but if you’re in the area, why not!
Cesar Manrique Museum
The Cesar Manrique Museum is in fact his last home, refurbished to showcase his life and work.
Located in a beautiful palm grove in the north of the island, in Haria, it’s a true reflection of him. All-white cubes of lava stone, blending perfectly into the Lanzarote landscape. So, of course, you go and see his studio, his objects and everything. It’s not what I prefer in a museum, but rather his idea, his work, and that’s the case here.
This is his end-of-life house, and he really did it up, just as he did the rest of the island. Interesting. Not woah, but interesting.
Casa Museo del Campesino
We’re sold this place as a museum of craft and local life, in fact not really. It’s obviously very pretty and relaxing, but it’s more a collection of artisanal stores: olive oil, aloe vera, a restaurant. It’s in typical Manrique architecture, so it’s pleasant, but you don’t spend 2 hours there.
Aloe Vera Museum
Aloe vera has always been cultivated in the Canary Islands, mainly in Lanzarote, for its cosmetic and healing properties. So they’ve built 5 free visitor centers scattered around the island to introduce visitors to the plant, including one on La Graciosa if you’re passing through. You can find them on the map
Cochineal Museum
While just about everyone tries to get rid of this insect, in Lanzarote they exploit it to the hilt.
Because it’s used to make natural red dye, for medicines or lipstick, for example. Since there are so many cactus on the island, particularly prickly pear, the locals use them to breed mealybugs. As world production is monopolized by Peru, production here is mainly for the local market, particularly tourism
Walks and hikes in Lanzarote
So Lanzarote is beautiful, it’s natural, it’s unspoilt, but it’s highly regulated. It’s hard to find hiking trails, to go for nice walks. There are some, but not many. This isn’t La Palma, which is a giant hiking trail.
Here, it’s much more limited, but there are some nonetheless. Well, we’re talking more about beautiful strolls than hikes, clearly, especially when it comes to climbing volcanoes. Timanfaya Park is extremely regulated. So it’s impossible to go there on foot. There are guards on the prowl :p
Hiking in Parque Timanfaya
As I said earlier, the regulations of Parque Timanfaya forbid anyone to go there independently, even if it’s just to walk around. If you wish to do so, you can but with the park organization, which offers two. But you’ll need to book well in advance:
- along the coast from El Golfo. Few starts, 9km in the lava fields along the ocean. Rumor has it that you can also do it on your own.
- Tremesana, 2/3km easy hike to discover the park, go to the foot of one of the volcanoes and learn a lot more about the history and geology of the site.
You can make reservations and get more information on the national park website, and there’s also this 4-hour guided hike in the park
Montana Caldereta and Caldera Blanca
Watch out, nugget. Starting from the free Mancha Blanca parking lot, you’ll find a great 3 or 4-hour hike culminating in the summit of a volcano: the Caldera Blanca.
We’re talking 10km through the lava fields, so you’ll need hiking boots, as it’s pretty treacherous. The view both from below in the lava fields, surrounded by craters, and from above, is superb. For me, it’s a must-do when you’re in Lanzarote.
Climbing to the top of the volcano isn’t difficult. There’s a path, and it’s a bit of a climb, but it’s not dangerous, and it’s also a great place to watch the sunset. So if you want to watch it from the top of the crater, don’t forget your headlamp!
For my part, I watched the end of the sunset from the parking lot. It’s silly, but the view is actually top-notch.
Los Charcones
Los Charcones, which I mentioned earlier, can either be reached by car via a not-so-easy road, or on foot, and from here you can stroll along the coastline to observe these strange rock formations. Take your time, it’s a really nice place 🙂
La Caldera Colorada and el Volcan el Cuervo
The LZ-56 road is really nice because there are small volcanoes all along the way. And we’re going to find two parking lots where we can stop and walk around the available trails.
The first is for El Cuervo, a big crater that I’d say takes about an hour. The second is for the Caldera Colorada, which has some superb colors, between red and black.
Los Bardou Volcanes
Next to El Golfo and on the edge of Timanfaya Park, you can embark on a road with absolutely nobody, in the middle of lava fields, to access a very nice volcano, los Bardou.
This crater, which you can climb if you push your calves hard, offers a fantastic view of this part of the island and the surrounding volcanoes, including a cone just next to it which is not accessible because it’s in the park.
There’s a lot of wind, so you have to be careful, but it’s definitely a place to see. What’s more, it’s the perfect place to watch the sunset:)
♥ Favorite ♥
A magnificent stroll through the volcanoes!
- A magnificent guided tour of Lanzarote’s volcanoes
- A 3-hour tour in a small group with a professional guide
- Prices from €42
Where to see the sunset in Lanzarote
It’s quite simple, Lanzarote really is a sunset paradise and for two reasons.
Firstly, it’s often sunny, so the colors are there, and the setting is sumptuous, with volcanoes, lava fields and the sea. Really, almost any place is ideal. El Golfo, the salinas, the los Bardou volcanoes – these are just some of the places I’ve loved to stay.
The great classic is the Mirador del Rio. It can get a bit crowded, but the view over La Graciosa is truly magnificent.
Lanzarote’s best activities
In Lanzarote, there’s never a dull moment, really. We’ve already seen the many volcanoes, the hikes, the Timanfaya park and the tourist areas. But that’s not all! On top of all that, there’s plenty to do on the island. Sports activities, parks for children (and adults!), scuba diving, for example!
Sporting activities on Lanzarote
Surfing and kitesurfing
Lanzarote is a great place for surfing and kitesurfing. The west coast, with its current, big waves and wind, lends itself superbly to it. You have to be very careful, though, as there are a lot of rocks compared with the east coast, with its calmer currents and sandy beaches.
We’ll be able to go to Famara, where there’s a large beach ideal for beginners and a rockier part with big waves for more experienced surfers.
A little further west, at La Santa, is a great place for experienced surfers, with big waves and a great spot to watch from the peninsula. Other spots can be found on this site.
- For an introduction to surfing, take a look here.
Paragliding
Paragliding is another popular sporting activity on Lanzarote.
It’s true that the island lends itself well to it. Cliffs, lots of wind, ideal conditions. It’s best done in the north of the island, on the heights overlooking Famara, at Chimida. From there, you can jump to either side of the island, as far north as the mirador del Rio.
The best-known (and highest-rated, which is good news) organization is Famaraiso, which offers 20- to 40-minute flights over mountains, beaches and the ocean.
Map of Lanzarote
On this map of Lanzarote, which you can keep carefully on google maps, you’ll find the main points of interest, viewpoints, villages to visit. You can hide layers if you’re not interested in certain things, to make it easier to read
Lanzarote with children
I think (well actually I’m convinced) that Lanzarote is a really great place for kids and teenagers. Here are the best activities in my opinion:
- fascinating volcanoes in the Timanfaya park
- the cactus garden, which always makes an impression
- Jameos del Agua
- Cueva de los Verdes, with its lava caves
- beaches, especially Papagayo
- sporting activities in the north, such as an introduction to surfing or diving
- scuba diving in the waters off Lanzarote. Amazing!
- see dolphins along the coast on a boat trip
- a visit to the Lanzarote Aquarium, the largest aquarium in the Canary Islands, located in Costa Teguise
- Rancho Texas zoo and water park with sea lions and penguins
- Aquapark for tobogganing and splashing among volcanoes
Some guided excursions in Lanzarote
If you don’t have a car or prefer to use guides to organize your visits, or you’d like to do something a little different, no problem! There are plenty of activities on Lanzarote 🙂
Guided hike in Timanfaya
In the Timanfaya park, you can enjoy a 4-hour hike through magnificent scenery, surrounded by volcanoes, with a professional guide on the history of the island and its volcanoes.
Day trip to 3 major sites
I’m not usually a fan of day tours, but this is pretty good. A day with a guide to visit 3 of the best sites on the island:
- Timanfaya Park
- Jameos del Agua
- Cueva de los Verdes
A great day where you’re totally taken care of and picked up from your hotel to see the most beautiful places on the island!
Papagayo beaches by catamaran
If you like boating, you can take a 5-hour catamaran trip to Papagayo’s stunning beaches. Departure is from Puerto del Carmen, so it’s not far.
Find a hotel in Lanzarote, what are the best places to stay
- Below I’ve listed the main places to stay, some of my favorites and some practical tips. But if you want to know more, in the following article I give you much more information about hotels and accommodation in Lanzarote!
In which city to stay
Hehe, it really depends on you, how you travel and what you want from your vacation. It’s legitimate to want to sit by the water and enjoy the beach, in which case the 3 seaside resorts (Costa Teguise, Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen) might fit the bill. But they’re pretty crowded. Los Pocillos or Playa Quemada are less touristy. If you want something central and quiet, then Uga, Yaiza, Mancha Blanca are really nice, and at the foot of the volcanoes. I was in Uga, and didn’t regret it. For sport, the north-west coast towards Famara, La Santa or Tinajo is pretty good. The island is small, so if you’re staying for a while there’s no need to take several places to go, as everything can be done in a day, at 1h30 graaand max from north to south.
In Lanzarote, there’s something for everyone. Small casas, chic but quiet hotels, larger structures, we’ve got it all. Let’s take a closer look below. I’ve given you the prices for the summer season so that there are no nasty surprises, as there’s a big difference with the low season. You can click on the hotel name to access its description
In Costa Teguise, Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca
Unsurprisingly, in these resorts you’ll find mostly hotels and large resorts (well, large, it’s still Lanzarote and its preservation so that’s okay!). Playa Blanca is more expensive, with more luxury hotels, but also more apartments.
- Puerto delCarmen
- Small price: this is a nugget. The habitaciones Dona Cris offer unbeatable value for money, at €45. There’s also the small Magec pension at €40, which is very good.
- Mid-range: the Hg Lomo Blanco apartments from €74, and the 3* Club del Carmen, which has an excellent reputation, from €107.
- Top of the range: Lani’s Suites, probably the most beautiful hotel on the island, a 5* that delivers in an exceptional setting, but for 350€ all the same. Another magnificent 5* but more affordable, the Isla y el Mar from 170€.
- Playa Blanca
- Small price: great value for money at the seafront Casa Salzano for 60€ and the Loft La Isla for the same price.
- Mid-price: two 4*: the Elba Lanzarote Royal at €100 and the Jardines del Sol at €98.
- Upscale: there are several very upscale hotels, including the 5* Princesa Yaiza at 230€, and the very nice 5* Iberostar Lanzarote at 170€.
- Costa Teguise
- Small price: excellent value for money at the 3* Siroco hotel from €70, then the least expensive, the Oceano apartments at €50 per studio.
- Mid-price: the Oasis Lanz Beach Mate, a good 4* hotel from 95€, or the Be Live Experience, another 4* hotel on the beach, from 109€.
- Top of the range: the 5* Melia Salinas, the most luxurious hotel in the area, at 170€, and the Barcelo Teguise Beach, a beautiful 4* hotel from 130€ offering a very attractive all-inclusive package.
Around Timanfaya
Between Timanfaya Park and Playa Blanca, you’ll find a few nice places to stop off, particularly around Uga and Yaiza. On the El Golfo side, however, there’s nothing. In Yaiza, there are some very nice guesthouses: the B&B Hotelito el Campo at 85€, the Hotelito La Era at 65€ and also the Casona de Yaiza at 65€. At La Asomada, we’ll find the very nice and inexpensive El Callao apartment, at 60€.
North of the Timanfaya park, a little higher up, we’ll be looking at Tinajo or San Bartolomé, where we’ll find mostly casas, houses and pensions, but no hotels. At Tinajo, we’ll find the pretty Finca Marisa, at 100€. In San Bartolomé, for example, we’ll have the super Finca Rural at €50, while Casa Natura is an excellent choice at €69.
Famara, Haria and Teguise
In Famara, you’ll find mainly apartments for surfers, and there’s something for every budget, like Surf & Beach at 120€ or Yokomosurf Camp at 30€.
In Haria, further inland, you’ll find ecolodges like the Manoa Eco House, lost in an exceptional setting, while in the pretty town of Teguise, you’ll find the sublime 4* Hotel Boutique Palacio Ico at 113€.
FINCA GA7COLORES
- Excellent value for money!
- At the foot of the volcanoes, and great surroundings!
- From €90
Practical information about Lanzarote
Lanzarote weather
The Canary Islands are said to have eternal spring. Never too hot, never too cold, lots of wind, always a pleasant climate. In Lanzarote, this is the case, and the island benefits from a low rainfall, especially compared to La Palma, for example. As can be seen from the graphs below, summer temperatures are always good, no more than 30°, in winter it’s nice and the nights are a little chilly, but that’s it. And very little rain. The climate is really pleasant all year round
When to come to Lanzarote?
As we’ve seen, thanks to its really mild weather, you can come to Lanzarote all year round. So it all depends on what you want to do. I went in January and it was very pleasant, but a little cloudier and the temperatures lower than in summer. So for sunbathing, it may not be ideal.
- Visitor numbers: of course, summer is by far the busiest time of year. The resorts are full and they’re still building. On the other hand, once you leave this season, it’s pretty quiet. Lanzarote is not the most touristy of the Canary Islands, and that’s really nice.
- Prices: whether for flights, car rentals or accommodation, the difference in price between high and low season varies from simple to triple, if not quadruple. In low season, it’s a very, very affordable destination. Flights cost less than €100, cars around €12 per day, and accommodation between €30 and €60.
- Activities: sporting and cultural activities are available all year round.
- Sky-watching: Lanzarote’s sky is one of the most beautiful in Europe. The Milky Way is most visible in summer, when weather conditions are also best. So it’s best to avoid winter and late autumn. May to September is fine.
How long to stay in Lanzarote
I stayed for 8 days. Firstly because I needed to rest, but also because I wanted to enjoy the island, go for walks and see as much as I could without rushing. When you see the size of the island, you think a week is a lot, but in fact it’s not. The sun sets early, so the days end early, so I think a minimum would be 5 full days to see the main museums, 2-3 walks, the viewpoints and the most beautiful places on the island. I thought a full week was ideal. 10 days or 2 weeks, you’ll always have something to do, at a leisurely pace. But don’t underestimate how much there is to do on the island
Flying to Lanzarote
Lanzarote is well served from many european cities with direct flights, whether by low-cost carriers like Transavia (I like it a lot) or regular airlines.
Lanzarote’s airport is Arrecife (ACE). It takes 3 hours direct from Paris, which is very reasonable. And it’s easy to find flights for under €100 with low-cost airlines, especially in the off-season. The following cities have direct flights (price from low season):
- Paris: from 70$ with Air France, Iberia, Transavia, Vueling, Easyjet…
- London: from 30$, with Easyjet or Ryanair
- Dublin: from 75$ with Aer Lingus or Ryanair
- Berlin: from 70$ with Easyjet or Eurowings
- Amsterdam: from 80$ with KLM or Transavia
- Madrid: from 30$ with Ryanair, Iberia, Air Europa
- Oslo: from 80$ with Norwegian
Optimize your search by comparing the above airlines, but also by using comparators. I personally use and strongly recommend Kayak and Momondo (in addition to going directly to the airline websites)
Transport from Lanzarote airport
If you don’t have a rental car from Lanzarote airport, you’ll need to find another way to get to your accommodation. Fortunately, we have plenty of solutions!
- Taxis
- This is the easiest option, but not the cheapest (depending on how many you are). You’ll find a whole host of them just outside the airport. Here are the approximate rates (they’ve probably gone up in the last 2/3 years):
- 25€ for Puerto del Carmen
- 30€ to Costa Teguise
- 50€ for Playa Blanca
- This is the easiest option, but not the cheapest (depending on how many you are). You’ll find a whole host of them just outside the airport. Here are the approximate rates (they’ve probably gone up in the last 2/3 years):
- Buses
- The bus network on Lanzarote is very good. There are many lines, and places are well served even if you have to check the frequency. To plan your trip:
- All bus routes and stops are listed on this page.
- Click here for timetables
- But if you click here, you’ll get the planner, which is really handy!
Otherwise, here’s the main information about the airport bus:
-
- line 161 runs from the airport to Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca (line 261 runs the other way)
- to get to Costa Teguise, first take bus 22 to Arrecife, then bus 3
- to Uga/Yaiza, take bus 161 as well.
Book your shuttle to/from the airport!
Less expensive than a cab, not subject to negotiation (which suits me ahah :D), you can book a shuttle from the airport to your accommodation (or vice versa). Here, for example, you choose the date, time, pick-up and drop-off point, number of people and off you go (price per vehicle):
- Airport – Costa Teguise 4 people: €27
- Airport – Playa Blanca 4 people: €50
- Airport – Puerto del Carmen 4 persons : 22€
Car rental in Lanzarote
Renting a car is the easiest way to get around the island, and it’s not expensive either. In the low season, you can rent a decent car for 15€ a day, which is very reasonable.
You’ll need to pay attention to 2-3 things. First of all, the reputation of the rental company. Some don’t get good press, so I’ll recommend one or two.
Then, use a comparator (I mostly use Kayak), and you’ll have all the information you need.
Last but not least, pay attention to the notion of debit/credit cards.
In my country, we mostly use debit cards, which is not always the case abroad. So, to avoid unpleasant surprises, choose rental companies that accept debit cards, otherwise they’ll take advantage of the situation to charge you more, add options and that sort of thing. And it’s best to get in early.
Even if there are many companies, it can be easily full, especially in high season, so it’s best to rent from the airport. Prices are no more expensive than in the city, and it’s super convenient. And there’s no need to take a big car – the roads aren’t difficult, and those that are paved are in great condition.
There are two very reputable car rental companies (belonging to the same group, in fact): Top Car and Autoreisen. The prices are also very reasonable, there’s no hassle to return the car, and it’s very satisfactory
How to get around without a car
There is a good bus network on the island, connecting all the main places: Arrecife and the airport, Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise, Ozorla, cactus garden… all the tourist spots are accessible.
And the prices aren’t too shabby, starting at €1.40 a ticket. You can find all the info you need on this site, and plan your trip. Practical!
How to get to other islands
- Fuerteventura can only be reached by ferry from Lanzarote. The trip costs €19 and there are at least 4 departures a day.
- Tenerife, Gran Canaria and La Palma are accessible by air with direct flights. Numerous flights a day, prices from 90€ and 45min flight time. Direct flights are less frequent for la Palma.
- el Hierro and la Gomera, on the other hand, are accessible by plane with a stopover in either Tenerife or Gran Canaria. Flights generally take 2h30.
Is the water safe to drink?
Well, it is, without too many surprises. It’s highly treated so it’s not super good, but it’s perfectly safe to drink
How to buy tickets
The CACT Lanzarote card, which used to allow you to buy tickets for 3/4/5 places, no longer exists. Now you have to buy your tickets individually, there are no more packs or discounts of this kind. Prices are between 7 and 20€, there has been a slight inflation! You can buy tickets :
- on the spot, for each visit, but it’s risky if it’s very busy
- online, on the new official online sales platform. Not the most stable website, but it works.
Payments and cash dispensers
So the Canary Islands are part of Spain, and therefore part of the euro zone. However, you’ll be charged quite often at ATMs, so be careful, it’s a nasty surprise. Cash payments are often preferred in Lanzarote, but as long as you can, pay by card to avoid spending too much cash and having to withdraw.
In conclusion
As you can see, the island of Lanzarote is one of the most surprising of the Canary Islands, one that will appeal to everyone thanks to its landscapes and culture.
Whether you want to go to the beach or do some sport, climb volcanoes or see museums, Lanzarote will satisfy everyone’s desires, while being less touristy than other better-known islands such as Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura or Tenerife.
Finally, Lanzarote has the huge advantage of being inexpensive and accessible in all seasons, so you can have a great vacation at low cost.
Some other resources about Lanzarote: