What to do in Lanzarote? Complete 2026 guide (itineraries, beaches, volcanoes, hotels)

I used to think of the Canary Islands as beach, sand, sunbathing and partying. The kind of place I’d never set foot in. Big mistake! Because the Canary Islands are actually stunning volcanic islands, with plenty of ups and downs, which makes them, for me, a brilliant playground. And a real change of scenery just a few hours’ flight away.

Unlike some of the other Canary Islands, Lanzarote has been spared from mass tourism. Thanks to the visionary and rather surprising work of the artist César Manrique, the island has kept its authentic feel, with low, uniform buildings. The result: volcanoes as far as the eye can see, a mild climate all year round (the famous “eternal spring”), and an island that’s easy to explore in a week.

Looking for things to do in Lanzarote? Good timing! In this complete guide, I share my must-sees after a week on the island: the best places to visit, the most beautiful beaches, where to stay for your budget, and all my practical tips. The island is small (1 hour 30 max from north to south), so you can easily do everything from a single base. Ready to discover Lanzarote?

5 reasons to visit Lanzarote

• Landscapes like nowhere else in Europe
• Every season is a good one: it’s eternal spring
• A real change of scenery without breaking the bank, honestly
• An island seriously well protected from the excesses of tourism, thanks to César Manrique
• And the chance to hop over to the other islands very easily to stretch out your holiday

Timanfaya National Park, the heart of Lanzarote

The heart of Lanzarote is the Parque Nacional de Timanfaya. A magnificent volcanic landscape that formed not far off 300 years ago. The eruptions of 100 volcanoes (no less!) lasted 6 years and covered roughly a quarter of the island. Which is why you’ll find lava fields pretty much everywhere.

The park is the most touristy spot on the island, but also very well protected. And rightly so. The colours are truly magnificent, and there’s very little erosion, so it has barely changed over time. It stays protected because you can only visit it by coach, and only from the park’s visitor centre. But it’s worth it! Grab a window seat, ideally on the right. Then again, I’d even say you can do the coach tour more than once, so you can do it once on each side! On the downside, the coaches have grubby blue-tinted windows, which isn’t great for photos.

I’ve written a little article on Timanfaya to give you all the information and lots of tips: the different hikes, the prices… that kind of thing.

• Discover the Timanfaya Volcano Park!

Oh, and it really is a must, the park is simply stunning.

• Opening hours: 9:30 am to 5 pm
• Price: €30 per adult (yes, yes, you can see that 50% increase in a year, can’t you?)
• Booking tickets on site or on the official website.
  • Careful! Booking ahead guarantees you entry during the morning, but there’s no set time, so it really is first come, first served.
  • If you don’t book, you’ll queue for a long time in high season, with no guarantee of getting in.
• Guided tour: if you don’t have a car, you can go through an agency to discover Timanfaya National Park. See the offers here!

Careful, the rules have changed! (yes, again, I know). From 15 June, you can book a time slot on the day of your visit. Obviously that’s much more practical than the current system. So you need to turn up 15 min before your slot.

The island of La Graciosa

This place is so lovely! Let me try to convince you. La Graciosa is a small island just opposite Lanzarote, but even wilder. There isn’t a single tarmac road, you get around by bike (so you can already feel the saddle sores coming) and the setting is truly fantastic.

The island is small, with two volcanic craters and gorgeous beaches. Most people go there and back in a day (by boat), exploring by bike or with a guide and a vehicle (quicker!). Personally, I went for two nights there so I could enjoy the island’s fantastic sunsets and have a bit of time. Because honestly, it’s magnificent. And the food’s good too. What more could you ask for?

You hire bikes in Caleta del Sebo, the island’s only village and the starting point for… everything. And getting around really isn’t complicated, there are only two tracks: one looping round the north, one round the south.

You head over by boat from Órzola, in the north of Lanzarote. It takes about 25 min, a great crossing with an incredible view of the island’s cliffs!

• To buy a day return ticket, it’s this way (€26 return)

But you can also discover La Graciosa on a lovely cruise on a catamaran!

In the next article, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about La Graciosa!

Book your boat to La Graciosa ♥

The most beautiful places to see in Lanzarote

As well as the Timanfaya volcanoes and the island of La Graciosa (both genuine must-sees), there are other places you really have to see. They’re the work of César Manrique, who’ll come up a lot throughout this article.

Mirador del Río

The great classic and undeniably one of the best viewpoints on the island. Like many places here, it was designed by César Manrique to blend completely into its surroundings, and you can see a few of his works there. But it’s also an incredible view over the neighbouring island of La Graciosa, especially at sunset.

The facilities are paid and don’t stay open very late (6 or 7 pm depending on the season), but the huge viewpoint itself is open 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

⭐️ Download your free Lanzarote guide! ⭐️

The Cactus Garden

Because not much grows in Lanzarote’s volcanic soil apart from vines (which is surely the most important thing!), the Cactus Garden is a nice place to discover several hundred species from all over the world. Relaxing.

Jameos del Agua

Because of its volcanic activity, Lanzarote has a network of tunnels carved out by lava over the course of its eruptions. Here, there’s a small tourist complex built around a cave and a lake that’s home to tiny albino crabs. Then a pool, meeting rooms and exhibition rooms on volcanoes (which were closed when I visited). Honestly, nothing amazing and very quick. Nice setting, but still.

Cueva de los Verdes

In the same volcanic network, there’s the Cueva de los Verdes, which you can actually go inside. You really do walk through the tunnels and caves, the lava tube formed a long, long time ago (between 3,000 and 5,000 years ago, during an eruption of the Monte Corona volcano). It’s a really nice visit. You’ll see several cavities (jameos) and a chamber with perfect acoustics where a small concert hall has been set up. Getting a piano down there must have been fun! Anyway, do go, because the visit is lovely, the guide is friendly, and it’s a beautiful natural site 🙂

Careful, you can’t buy tickets on site. So either you get your individual tickets online, or if you don’t have a car, you can go through an agency to discover the site (along with others!)

Lanzarote’s landscapes

I chose Lanzarote because there seemed to be volcanoes absolutely everywhere. And I wasn’t disappointed. There really are loads of volcanoes and craters, sometimes as far as the eye can see. And lava fields covering a good part of the island, since the last big eruptions were barely 200 years ago. The whole south-west is completely volcanic, and even the beaches are set among volcanic rock. The north is greener, with lovely cliffs in the far north-west, facing the superb island of La Graciosa. That’s where the miradors are, which I’ll talk about a bit further down, and some of them are must-sees.

It reminded me a lot of Iceland: volcanoes popping up all over the place, lava fields as far as the eye can see, black sand beaches, but without the glaciers and the freezing temperatures!

Between volcanoes and lava fields

Lanzarote really is an island apart in the Canaries, and that’s largely down to its volcanic activity. The southern half of the island is made up almost entirely of lava fields, volcanoes and black sand beaches. Lunar, exceptional, harsh, unspoilt landscapes. As we’ll see a bit further down, you can walk around several of these craters and through some of the lava fields. Not too much, because it’s dangerous and usually forbidden, but several trails let you get really close to this volcanic activity. For me, that’s what makes the island so special, but by now you’re starting to know me. I love volcanoes.

A rugged west coast

I won’t hide it: the west of the island is my favourite part. Because the landscapes are harsh, steep, lunar and very volcanic. The volcanoes I’ve just told you about, of course, but also black sand beaches, little coves between the cliffs, volcanic rock everywhere. I loved going to see the beaches in the west, not to sunbathe, but to take in that superb scenery. I’ll come back to this, but on the west coast you should avoid swimming: the current is too dangerous.

Los Charcones

Los Charcones is a rather funny place, and completely deserted. First, you’ll find superb lava rock formations by the sea, creating natural pools that are very dangerous because of the current. This whole stretch of coast is very harsh, inhospitable and magnificent.

The other surprise there is an abandoned hotel. Construction started in the 70s but was never finished. No permit, ground too unstable, a falling-out between partners: nobody really knows why, but that’s just as well, because it doesn’t fit the “spirit” of Lanzarote at all. You can walk around it, and there are some nice murals.

The Salinas de Janubio

One of the really lovely spots on the island, the Salinas de Janubio. The Canary Islands have been harvesting salt, that famous white gold, for a long time, and these salt pans on Lanzarote are the largest in the archipelago. What’s surprising is that they sit right in the lava fields, in the most volcanic part of the island. You can go for free, and there are several interesting viewpoints. First, at the southern end for an overall view; to the east, a nice mirador, especially for sunset. To the north, following the road, there’s a car park with a great view of the lagoon and the black sand beach, as well as the sea crashing onto the volcanic rocks. A really lovely spot!

Discover the Salinas de Janubio

Towns and villages in Lanzarote

Lanzarote is lovely, with beautiful nature, but when it comes to towns and villages, they all look a bit alike. What makes the difference is mainly the setting and the size. There are several towns that are beach resorts, and mountain or seaside villages. Arrecife, the only real city, isn’t of much interest

Beach resorts in Lanzarote

There are 3 big beach resorts on Lanzarote: Costa Teguise, Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca, which takes up the whole southern tip of the island. In these 3 towns you’ll find uniform, recent buildings, but with everything you need close by for a nice easy stay. But with lots of people, because they’re busy. There are hotel complexes, but nothing huge, because building is kept in check on the island compared with what you can find on some of the other Canary Islands.

Right, I have to admit I don’t spend much time there when I go to Lanzarote, as I tend to look for very quiet places (you can’t change who you are!). But I’ll go back so I can tell you more about them.

Puerto del Carmen

The liveliest resort on Lanzarote, perfect if you want to enjoy the beach during the day and go out in the evening without taking the car.

Pros:

• The liveliest, with restaurants, bars and nightlife
• Long seafront promenade (several km)
• Good balance between buzz and beaches
• Easy access to the airport (10 min)
• Wide choice of accommodation for all budgets

Cons:

• Can be noisy in the evening in some areas
• Very touristy, sometimes packed in high season
• Less authentic than other parts of the island

Who it’s for: Couples and groups of friends looking for some buzz, families who want plenty of restaurant choice, travellers who want to do everything on foot in the evening.

Playa Blanca

The quietest and most family-friendly option, with the island’s most beautiful beaches close by and a relaxing atmosphere away from the tourist bustle.

Pros:

• Quieter and family-friendly
• Lovely beaches (including Papagayo nearby)
• Pleasant marina with restaurants
• Ferry to Fuerteventura close by
• Relaxing atmosphere

Cons:

• Further from the airport (35-40 min)
• Less going on in the evening
• A bit out of the way for visiting the north of the island
• Generally more expensive

Who it’s for: Families with children, couples looking for peace and quiet, those who want to combine Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, beach lovers.

Costa Teguise

The spot for surfers and kitesurfers, ideally located in the centre of the island for getting everywhere, but watch out for the almost constant wind!

Villages to visit

Teguise

Teguise is the prettiest little town on the island. Nicely set up in the hills, it’s the island’s former capital and its oldest town. It does have more charm and feels more authentic than the other towns on the island, and it’s a really pleasant place. Right, it’s not big, so you can get round it fairly quickly, but it’s definitely worth a stop.

El Golfo

El Golfo is an adorable little seaside village on the west of the island. It’s also a great place to watch the sunset. There are a few short walks to do, whether on the volcano behind it, along the coast, or to see the Lago Verde, a small lake which, as the name so helpfully suggests, is green, set between a black sand beach and ochre mountains. Really lovely. But El Golfo is also a good place to eat seafood in a really nice setting.

Tenesar

A pretty, tiny village reachable only by a gravel road. I stumbled on it by chance, thinking “where does this road go?” (it’s an island, so I wasn’t taking much of a risk). You cross the lava fields and end up in this teeny all-white fishing village (naturally), right by the water. It’s also a magnificent place to watch the sunset in peace and quiet.

Uga

In the centre of the island, at the foot of the Timanfaya volcanoes, the village of Uga is ideally placed as a base on Lanzarote. And on top of that, it’s cute, in typical local style: white cube-shaped houses, the church in the middle of the village, volcanoes all around. Its location also means it doesn’t get too hot, and it’s a pleasant place for a stroll. Just to the north there’s a lovely viewpoint for sunrise.

The best beaches in Lanzarote

Unlike some of the other Canary Islands, Lanzarote isn’t especially known for its beaches. And yet there’s plenty of choice, and they’re really not bad at all. The other advantage is how varied they are: white sand and turquoise water, black sand or coves, there’s something for everyone, and they’re scattered all over the island. Let’s look at them in detail.

First of all, be very careful about swimming on the west coast of the island. The currents are very strong, and swimming on that side of the island is really not recommended. Around El Golfo, Famara or La Santa, even if the setting is lovely, you’re 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 little island gets its own dedicated article, so I won’t cover it here.

Beaches in the resorts

Every resort sits right on the beach, so if you’re in Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen or Costa Teguise, you’ll have no trouble going for a dip. You can find more details on this website.

• Costa Teguise: El Jablillo, Las Cucharas, Playa Bastián
• Playa Blanca: Playa Flamingo, Playa Dorada
• Puerto del Carmen: Los Pocillos, Playa Grande, Playa Chica

The Papagayo beaches

At the southern tip of the island, not far from Playa Blanca, you’ll find a nature reserve with lots of coves, each prettier than the last: the Los Ajaches reserve. What’s really nice there is that, although it’s fairly popular, there’s enough room for everyone. Several great beaches tucked between the volcanic rocks, lots of hiking trails, cliffs to explore. All with a view of Fuerteventura, which is lovely at sunset.

Entry to the park costs €3, then you have to drive 5 km on a bone-rattling track, and there’s a little bodega for a snack or a drink, with a great view. Right, the photos don’t do the beaches justice because the weather wasn’t great, but when the sun’s out, the water is crystal clear.

The north-east coves

On the road to Órzola, and more precisely from Jameos del Agua onwards, there are lots of tiny beaches and coves along the road. They’re really easy to find: there’s always a mini car park and hardly anyone around. These include Caleta de las Escamas, Punta Prieta, Caleta del Mojón and Caletón Blanco, which is magnificent. You’ll generally get light sand and turquoise water between the volcanic rocks: the setting is really great.

Lanzarote’s vineyards

It’s funny to see how people always adapt to their environment. Lanzarote is, after all, a volcanic island, very dry and not far from the Sahara. And yet lots of fruit and vegetables grow there, along with a great many vines. And these vines are easy to spot, because each plant gets its own little bit of comfort. To protect them from the wind, people dig a hollow, plant the vine and build a stone wall around it. Then they sprinkle volcanic “dust” over it, which first protects it but above all captures moisture and so helps the plants grow. You’ll find lots of these vines at the foot of volcanoes and even on their slopes, which is quite surprising. The wine itself is pretty good, not exactly light, you can tell it has a bit of character.

You’ll find plenty of vines mainly along the LZ-30 heading out of Uga, with several bodegas where you can taste or buy. Visits and tastings start at around twenty euros, which isn’t bad at all!

Vineyard tour and wine tasting

The best miradors in Lanzarote

Naturally, high ground means plenty of miradors. And Lanzarote does pretty well on that front, with several lovely viewpoints, the main ones being the following.

Mirador del Río

I told you about it at the start of this article: the Mirador del Río is a must, both during the day and for sunset. An incredible view of the island of La Graciosa, truly a perfect spot.

Mirador de Guinate

I came across the Mirador de Guinate by chance, while trying to get to the Mirador del Río and taking the wrong road. It’s a viewpoint quite similar to the previous one, but with far fewer people. You still get the view of lovely La Graciosa, without any facilities. It’s peaceful.

Mirador Caldera

Right, I’d love to tell you more about this one, but I didn’t manage to get there. There are two roads up to it, one of them in a terrible state. Apparently it’s one of the most beautiful views, and the setting is great, with a volcano right next to it.

A few museums to see in Lanzarote

On Lanzarote, you won’t find huge museums, historic collections or a very strong cultural heritage. A lot of it revolves around César Manrique, an artist and a great champion of his island. He’s the one who shaped the island’s character, its very particular white, uniform architecture, and the buildings that blend into nature, notably by being made of lava stone.

These 4 museums can be interesting. They’re not necessarily must-sees, but if you’re in the area, why not!

César Manrique Museum

The César Manrique museum is actually his last home, redesigned to showcase his life and work. Set in a beautiful palm grove in the north of the island, in Haría, it really reflects the man. Bright white cubes and lava stone, blending perfectly into the Lanzarote landscape. So of course you’ll see his studio, his belongings and all that. That’s not what I like most in a museum, I’m more into the idea and the work, and that’s what you get here. It’s the home he lived in at the end of his life, and he really designed it the same way he shaped the rest of the island. Interesting. Not wow, but interesting.

Casa Museo del Campesino

This place is sold as a museum of local life and crafts, but it isn’t really one. It is, of course, very pretty and relaxing, but it’s more a collection of craft shops: olive oil, aloe vera, a restaurant. It’s still in Manrique’s typical architectural style, so it’s pleasant, but you won’t spend 2 hours there.

Aloe vera museum

Aloe vera has always been grown in the Canary Islands, and mainly on Lanzarote, for its cosmetic and healing properties. So they’ve built 5 free visitor centres scattered around the island to introduce visitors to the plant, including one on La Graciosa if you’re heading there. You can find them on the map.

Cochineal museum

While pretty much everyone else tries to get rid of this insect, on Lanzarote they make the most of it. That’s because it’s used to make natural red dye, for medicines or lipstick, for example. Since there are loads of cacti on the island, especially prickly pears, the locals use them to farm cochineal. As world production is dominated by Peru, production here is mainly for the local market, especially tourists.

Walks and hikes in Lanzarote

So, Lanzarote is beautiful, natural and unspoilt, but it’s also very regulated. It’s hard to find hiking trails or do nice walks. There are some, but not many. This isn’t La Palma, which is one giant hiking trail. Here it’s much more limited, but there are still a few. Although we’re clearly talking more about nice walks than real hikes, especially to climb the volcanoes.

Timanfaya National Park is extremely regulated. So you can’t go in on foot. There are rangers on the prowl :p

As I said earlier, the park’s rules forbid anyone from going in on their own, even just for a walk. If you want to do it, you can, but with the park’s own organisation, which offers two hikes. But you need to book well in advance:

• along the coast from El Golfo. Few departures, 9 km through the lava fields along the ocean. Word is you can also do it on your own
• Tremesana, 2-3 km and very easy, to discover the park, walk to the foot of one of the volcanoes and learn much more about the site’s history and geology

You can book and get more information on the national park website.

But above all, there’s this 4-hour guided hike in the park.

Montaña Caldereta and Caldera Blanca

Watch out, this one’s a gem. From the free car park in Mancha Blanca, there’s a superb 3 or 4-hour hike whose highlight is the summit of a volcano: Caldera Blanca. We’re talking 10 km through the lava fields, and hiking boots are an absolute must, because it’s pretty easy to come a cropper. The view, both from below in the lava fields surrounded by craters and from the top, is superb. For me, it’s a must-do when you’re on Lanzarote.

Climbing to the top of the volcano isn’t difficult. There’s a path, it climbs a bit, but nothing nasty and, above all, nothing dangerous.

It’s also a great place to watch the sunset. So if you want to see it from the top of the crater, don’t forget your head torch! Personally, I caught the end of the sunset from the car park. Silly as it sounds, the view from there is actually great.

Los Charcones

Los Charcones, which I mentioned a bit further up, can be reached either by car on a not-so-easy road, or on foot, and from there you can walk along the coastline to look at those strange rock formations. Take your time, because it really is a lovely spot 🙂

Caldera Colorada and Volcán El Cuervo

The LZ-56 road is really lovely, with little volcanoes all along it. There are two car parks where you can stop and, above all, walk around on the marked trails. The first is for El Cuervo, a big crater that takes a little under an hour, I’d say. The second is for Caldera Colorada, which has superb colours, somewhere between red and black.

Los Bardou volcanoes

Next to El Golfo, on the edge of Timanfaya National Park, you can head down a road with absolutely nobody on it, through the middle of the lava fields, to reach a really lovely volcano: Los Bardou. This crater, which you can climb if you put your calves to work, offers a fantastic view over this part of the island and the surrounding volcanoes, including a cone right next to it that you can’t get to because it’s inside the park.
It’s very windy, so you need to take a bit of care, but it really is a place worth seeing. And on top of that, it’s the perfect spot to watch the sunset 🙂

Where to watch the sunset in Lanzarote

It’s pretty simple: Lanzarote is a real paradise for sunsets, for two reasons. First, because the weather is very often fine, so the colours are there, and the setting is stunning, between the volcanoes, the lava fields and the sea. Honestly, almost anywhere is ideal. El Golfo, the salt pans, the Los Bardou volcanoes: those are places where I loved settling down for it. The great classic is the Mirador del Río. It can get a bit busy, but the view over La Graciosa is truly magnificent.

The best things to do in Lanzarote

You’re not going to get bored on Lanzarote, honestly. We’ve already seen the many volcanoes, the hikes, Timanfaya National Park, the tourist areas. But that’s not all! Because on top of that, there are plenty of other activities on the island. Sports, parks for kids (and grown-ups!), even a dive in a submarine, for example!

Sports and outdoor activities in Lanzarote

Surfing and kitesurfing

Lanzarote is a really great place for surfing and kitesurfing. The west coast, with its current, big waves and wind, is perfect for it. You need to be really careful, though, as there are far more rocks there than on the east coast, which has calmer currents and sandy beaches.

You can head over to Famara, which has a long beach that’s ideal for beginners and a rockier section with big waves for more experienced surfers.

A bit further west, La Santa is a great spot for experienced surfers: there are big waves, it’s a really lovely place, and it’s especially good for watching from the little peninsula.

You can find other spots on this website.

• For a taster session in surfing, you can have a look here.

Paragliding

Paragliding is another popular sport on Lanzarote. And the island really does lend itself to it. Cliffs, lots of wind: the conditions are ideal. It mostly takes place in the north of the island, on the heights above Famara, at Chimida. From there you can take off on either side of the island and fly as far as the Mirador del Río, in the north.

There are several well-known operators (which also happen to be the best rated, handy!) such as Famaraiso and Lanzafly – both offer 20 to 40-minute flights over the mountains, the beaches and the ocean.

• Information and booking

Map of Lanzarote

On this map of Lanzarote, which you can save to Google Maps, you’ll find the main points of interest, the miradors and the villages to visit. You can hide layers if some things don’t interest you, to make it easier to read.

⭐️ Click here to enlarge the map! ⭐️

Lanzarote with children

I think (well, actually, I’m convinced) that Lanzarote is a really great place for children and teenagers. Here are the best activities, in my opinion:

• fascinating volcanoes in Timanfaya National Park
• the Cactus Garden, which always goes down well
• Jameos del Agua
• Cueva de los Verdes, the caves carved out by lava
• the beaches and Papagayo in particular
• sporty activities in the north, like a taster session in surfing or diving
• a dive in a submarine in Lanzarote’s waters. Surprising!
  • Information and booking
• spotting dolphins along the coast on a boat trip
  • Information and booking
• a visit to the Lanzarote Aquarium in Costa Teguise, the largest aquarium in the Canary Islands
  • Information and booking
• the zoo and water park at Rancho Texas, with sea lions and penguins
  • Information and booking
• the Aquapark for some waterslides and a splash among the volcanoes
  • Information and booking

If you’d like to know more, in the next article I explain in detail why Lanzarote is a great destination with kids!

A few guided excursions in Lanzarote

If you don’t have a car, or you’d rather go with guides to organise your visits, or you fancy doing something a bit different, no problem! There are plenty of activities on Lanzarote 🙂

Guided hike in Timanfaya

In Timanfaya National Park, you can do a 4-hour hike through magnificent scenery, surrounded by volcanoes, with a professional guide to tell you about the history of the island and its volcanoes.

• Information and booking

Day trip to 3 major sites

I’m not usually a big fan of day tours, but this one’s pretty good. A day with a guide to visit 3 of the best sites on the island:

• Timanfaya National Park
• Jameos del Agua
• Cueva de los Verdes

A lovely day where everything is taken care of, and you’re picked up from your hotel to see the most beautiful places on the island!

• Information and booking

The Papagayo beaches by catamaran

If you like boats, you can sail to the superb Papagayo beaches on a 5-hour catamaran trip. It leaves from Puerto del Carmen, so not far.

• Information and booking

Which town to stay in

Hehe, that really depends on you, how you like to travel and what you want from your holiday. It’s perfectly reasonable to want to settle by the sea and enjoy the beach, in which case the 3 resorts (Costa Teguise, Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen) could suit you. But they’re pretty busy. Los Pocillos or Playa Quemada are less touristy. If you know it, I’m pleased to tell you that accommodation on Lanzarote is much easier on the eye than the hotels on Gran Canaria – those don’t follow any rules at all.

If you want somewhere central and quiet, then Uga, Yaiza and Mancha Blanca are really pleasant, and right at the foot of the volcanoes. I stayed in Uga and didn’t regret it.
For sports, the north-west coast around Famara, La Santa or Tinajo is a pretty good bet.

The island is small, so even if you’re staying a while, there’s no need for several bases: everything can be done as a day trip, 1 hour 30 absolute maaax from north to south.

There’s something for everyone on Lanzarote. Little casas, fairly swanky but peaceful hotels, bigger places: you’ll find it all. Let’s look at it in detail below. I’ve given summer-season prices so there are no nasty surprises, as the difference with low season is big. You can click on a hotel’s name to see its description.

In Costa Teguise, Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca

Unsurprisingly, in these resorts you’ll mostly find hotels and big complexes (well, big… this is Lanzarote, with all its protection, so it’s fine!). Playa Blanca is more expensive, with more luxury hotels, but you’ll also find more apartments there.

• Puerto del Carmen
  • Budget: this one’s a gem. The habitaciones Dona Cris offer unbeatable value for money, at €45. There’s also the little Pensión Magec at €40, which is very good.
  • Mid-range: the HG Lomo Blanco apartments from €74, and the 3* Club del Carmen with an excellent reputation, from €107
  • High-end: the Lani’s Suites, probably the most beautiful hotel on the island, a knockout 5* in an exceptional setting, but at €350 all the same. Another magnificent 5*, but more affordable: the Isla y el Mar at €170.
• Playa Blanca
  • Budget: great value for money at Casa Salzano by the sea, for €60, and the Loft La Isla at around the same price
  • Mid-range: two 4* hotels: the Elba Lanzarote Royal at €100 and the Jardines del Sol at €98
  • High-end: there are several very upmarket hotels, including the 5* Princesa Yaiza at €230, and the Iberostar Lanzarote (a really lovely 5*) at €170
• Costa Teguise
  • Budget: excellent value for money at the 3* hotel Siroco from €70, then the cheapest option, the Oceano apartments at €50 for a studio.
  • Mid-range: the Oasis Lanz Beach Mate, a good 4* hotel from €95, or the Be Live Experience (another 4*, right on the beach) for €109
  • High-end: there’s the 5* hotel Melia Salinas, the most luxurious in the area, at €170, and the Barcelo Teguise Beach, a very nice 4* hotel from €130 with a really good all-inclusive deal

Around Timanfaya

Between Timanfaya National Park and Playa Blanca, there are a few nice places to settle, especially around Uga and Yaiza. Around El Golfo, on the other hand, there’s nothing.

In Yaiza, the highlights are some really lovely guesthouses: the B&B Hotelito el Campo at €85, Hotelito La Era at €65 and also Casona de Yaiza at €65. Meanwhile, in La Asomada you’ll find the El Callao apartment, really nice and inexpensive, at €60.

North of Timanfaya National Park, a little higher up, you’ll mainly want to look around Tinajo or San Bartolomé and you’ll mostly find casas, houses and guesthouses, apparently no hotels.

In Tinajo, there’s the pretty Finca Marisa, at €100. There’s more choice around San Bartolomé, for example the great Finca Rural at €50, and Casa Natura is an excellent choice at €69.

Famara, Haría and Teguise

In Famara, it’s mainly apartments for surfers, and there’s something for every budget, like Surf & Beach at €120 or Yokomosurf Camp at €30.

Meanwhile, in Haría, further inland, you’ll find eco-lodges like Manoa Eco House, tucked away in an exceptional setting.

Finally, in the pretty town of Teguise, there’s the gorgeous 4* Hotel Boutique Palacio Ico at €113.

4 recommended places to stay in Lanzarote

Find your dream accommodationin Lanzarote!

Suggested one-week itinerary for Lanzarote

Here’s a nice itinerary that covers the island of Lanzarote well. To start with:

• this itinerary requires you to hire a car
• I’ve gone into accommodation in detail just above, but I particularly recommend the Livvo Volcan hotel
• it works perfectly solo, as a couple or with children

DAY 1: The Volcanic South – El Golfo, the salt pans and sunset

• El Golfo and the Lago Verde (green lagoon)
• Los Hervideros (rock formations)
• Salinas de Janubio
• Papagayo beaches at sunset

DAY 2: Timanfaya and the volcanoes – The heart of Lanzarote

• Timanfaya National Park
• Montaña Colorada
• Volcán El Cuervo
• Caldera Blanca hike

DAY 3: The Wild North – Caves, Cacti and Mirador del Río

• Cueva de los Verdes (caves)
• Jameos del Agua
• Cactus Garden
• Mirador del Río (view of La Graciosa) for sunset

DAY 4: La Graciosa – A getaway to the wild island

• Ferry from Órzola
• Round-the-island bike ride
• Deserted beaches (Francesa, Cocina, Las Conchas)
• Caleta del Sebo village

DAY 5: Beaches and Villages – The East Coast

• North-east coves (Caletón Blanco, Punta Prieta)
• Haría valley
• Famara beach
• Mirador del Risco de Famara

DAY 6: The Centre and Teguise – Culture and relaxation

• Teguise village
• Casa Museo del Campesino
• Afternoon at the beach (Papagayo or Playa Quemada)

DAY 7: Playa Blanca and final discoveries

• César Manrique Foundation (Tahíche)
• Playa Blanca and Marina Rubicón
• La Geria wine route

Practical information about Lanzarote

Lanzarote’s weather

They say the Canary Islands enjoy eternal spring. Never too hot, never too cold, lots of wind, a climate that’s always pleasant. That’s certainly the case on Lanzarote, and the island gets very little rain, especially compared with La Palma, for example.

As you can see from the charts below, summer temperatures are always good, no more than 30°; in winter it’s mild and the nights are a bit cool, but that’s it. And very little rain. The climate really is pleasant all year round.

When is the best time to visit Lanzarote?

As we’ve seen, thanks to its really mild weather, you can visit Lanzarote all year round. So it all depends on what you want to do there. I went in January and it was very pleasant, but a bit cloudier and cooler than in summer. So for sunbathing, it might not be ideal.

• Crowds: Lanzarote has tourists all year round. That said, it never gets overcrowded, although July and August do see a fair few people arrive. The other months are busy, but never too much. It’s still a very popular destination for school holidays. But you won’t be tripping over each other.
• Prices: whether for flights, car hire or accommodation, prices between high and low season can be three or even four times higher. In low season, it’s a very, very affordable destination. Flights under €100, a car for around €12 a day, accommodation between €30 and €60.
• Activities: sports and cultural activities are available all year round
• Stargazing: Lanzarote’s sky is one of the most beautiful in Europe. The Milky Way is mainly visible in summer, and the weather conditions are better then too. So for that, it’s best to avoid winter and late autumn. From May to September is great.

Lanzarote is one of my favourite destinations for an autumn holiday!

How long to stay in Lanzarote

I stayed for 8 days. Partly because I needed a break, but also because I wanted to make the most of the island, do some walks and see as much as possible without rushing. When you see the size of the island, you’d think a week is a lot, but it really isn’t. The sun sets early, so the days end early: don’t forget that.

So I think the minimum would be 5 full days to do the main museums, 2 or 3 walks, the miradors and the most beautiful spots on the island. A good week, I found, is ideal. With 10 days or 2 weeks, you’ll always have something to do, at a relaxed pace. But don’t underestimate how much there is to do on the island.

Getting from Lanzarote airport

If you’re not picking up a hire car at Lanzarote airport, you’ll need another way to get to your accommodation. Luckily, there are plenty of options!

Taxis

• • It’s the easiest option, but not the cheapest (well, it depends how many of you there are). There are loads of them outside the airport. Here are the approximate fares (they’ve probably gone up over the last 2 or 3 years):
    • €25 to Puerto del Carmen
    • €30 to Costa Teguise
    • €50 to Playa Blanca

Buses

The bus network on Lanzarote is very good. Lots of routes, and the towns are well served, although you’ll need to check how often they run. To plan your trip:

• You’ll find all the routes and stops on this page
• By clicking here you’ll get all the timetables
• But by clicking here you’ll get the journey planner, handy!

Otherwise, here’s the key information for the airport bus:

• • route 161 runs from the airport to Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca (route 261 goes the other way)
  • to get to Costa Teguise, first take bus 22 to Arrecife, then bus 3
  • to get to Uga/Yaiza, it’s bus 161 too

Book your airport shuttle!

Cheaper than a taxi, no haggling (which suits me just fine, haha :D): you can book a shuttle from the airport to your accommodation (or the other way round).

Here, for example, you choose the date, time, pick-up and drop-off points and number of people, and hey presto! Here’s what you get (price per vehicle):

• Airport – Costa Teguise, 4 people: €27
• Airport – Playa Blanca, 4 people: €50
• Airport – Puerto del Carmen, 4 people: €22

Book your private airport shuttle in Lanzarote!

How to get to the other Canary Islands from Lanzarote

Naturally, the most logical option is to fly. There’s an excellent inter-island network with Binter, CanaryFly and Air Europa. A ticket costs at least €35, but more often €50.

• Tenerife, Gran Canaria, La Palma can be reached by plane with direct flights. Lots of flights a day. Direct flights to La Palma are less frequent
  • Compare inter-island flights
• El Hierro and La Gomera can, on the other hand, be reached by plane with a stopover in either Tenerife or Gran Canaria. Flights generally take 2 hours 30.

But you can also, and it’s seriously nice, take the boat! With or without a car, there are ferries running between the islands. Lots of crossings a day, they’re quick, not especially expensive, and ideal for getting around.

For example, getting from Lanzarote to Fuerteventura takes 25 min and costs €20 with the car.

And to get from Lanzarote to Gran Canaria, you go via Fuerteventura and it’ll cost you €50

For ferries, make sure you check the website of FredOlsen , which is the operator. Avoid middlemen, as their prices are much higher.

How to get around without a car

There’s a good bus network on the island linking all the towns: Arrecife and the airport, Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise, Órzola… And the prices aren’t crazy, starting at €1.40 a ticket. You can find all the info on this website, and plan your journeys. Handy!

But if you want to know more, in the next article I explain how to get around Lanzarote by bus, but be aware that the tourist sites are very poorly served, or not at all!

Is the tap water safe to drink?

Well, it is, with no real surprises. It’s heavily treated, so it doesn’t taste great, but it’s perfectly drinkable and safe.

How to buy your tickets

The CACT Lanzarote card, which let you buy tickets for 3, 4 or 5 sites, no longer exists.

You now have to buy your tickets individually: there are no more bundles or discounts of that kind.

Prices are between €7 and €20, there’s been a bit of inflation!

You can buy tickets:

• on site, at each visit, but it’s risky when it’s very busy
• online, on the new official online ticketing platform. Regularly buggy, though.

Payments and cash machines

So, the Canary Islands are part of Spain, and therefore in the eurozone. Even so, you’ll quite often be charged fees at cash machines, so watch out, it’s a nasty surprise. These aren’t fees charged by your bank, but by the cash machine itself.

Cash is often preferred on Lanzarote, but whenever you can, pay by card precisely to avoid spending too much cash and having to withdraw more.

In conclusion

As you can see, Lanzarote is one of the most surprising of the Canary Islands, one that has something for everyone thanks to its landscapes and its culture. Whether you want to hit the beach or do some sport, climb volcanoes or visit museums, Lanzarote has something for every taste, while being less touristy than better-known islands like Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura or Tenerife. Finally, Lanzarote has the huge advantage of being inexpensive and accessible in every season, so you can have a fantastic holiday without spending much.

Articles about Lanzarote

• Where to stay in Lanzarote: the best accommodation – town by town, with the pros and cons of each
• Do you need to hire a car in Lanzarote? – hiring a car gives you freedom and gets you to places you couldn’t otherwise reach
• Lanzarote with children – in this article I explain why the island is a great family destination!
• The map of Lanzarote with the most beautiful places to see – an interactive map to help you plan your stay
• When to go to Lanzarote – month by month, which time suits you best?
• Discover Timanfaya Volcano Park – how to visit the most beautiful place on Lanzarote
• Things to do on the island of La Graciosa – here’s why you should visit Lanzarote’s little sister!

Articles about Gran Canaria

• Have a look at the following article to plan your trip to Gran Canaria
• And here are the best car hire companies in Gran Canaria to avoid the pitfalls
• In the next article, I show you where to stay with magnificent views in Gran Canaria