40 best things to do in Lanzarote, Canary Islands

📝 MY LANZAROTE TRAVEL GUIDE.

Things to do in Lanzarote

Ready to find out that to see in Lanzarote? Let’s begin!

1. Go on a day trip to La Graciosa

If you are going to spend several days in Lanzarote, I recommend taking a trip to La Graciosa, located in the north of Lanzarote. It is the least inhabited island of the 8 populated islands in the Canary island chain. It only has 737 inhabitants. You can imagine how peaceful this island is!

To get to La Graciosa, first you have to go to Orzola port and take a ferry to Caleta de Sebo, one of the two urban centers of La Graciosa (the other is Pedro Barba). The ferry ticket costs €28. You can also go on an organized trip.

You can get more information on how to get to La Graciosa from Lanzarote here. Once you get there, you need to visit the Playa de la Cocina, Montaña Amarilla, Playa Francesa, Playa de las Conchas and Montaña Bermeja.

🛏️ You haven’t booked your hotel in Lanzarote yet? I recommend you the place we stayed at: Conylanza Golf and Mar Suites, an apartment located in a very quiet neighborhood in Costa Teguise. The place was spacious, clean and had a shared garden with a pool. We loved it!

2. Snorkeling in Caleton Blanco Beach

If you want to swim in calm waters and enjoy a good day at the beach, you cannot miss Caletón Blanco. This white sand beach with turquoise waters is located in the north of the island,  2km from Órzola. There are natural pools that were formed by volcanic rocks. You’ll be able to snorkel and observe marine life. Visiting this beach is one of the best things to do in Lanzarote with children.

Next to the beach, there is a parking lot where you can park your car. You can easily drive to the beach. Of course, if you go during high season and don’t get up early, you will have to have some patience until you manage to park your car.

3. Visit Famara Beach and Caleta de Famara

One of the best things to do in Lanzarote is visiting Famara Beach. This beach left me speechless. It is not for less! This beach is more than 5 kilometers long with cliffs in the background. My recommendation is that you spend the last hours of the afternoon here and wait for the sun to set and enjoy an incredible sunset.

This pristine beach is ideal for taking long walks and cooling off with a swim, but it is also perfect for those who enjoy water sports. The wind and waves make this place excellent for surfing, windsurfing or kitesurfing. If you are interested in surf lessons, you can take a surf course in Famara. It is also common to see people paragliding.

Once you’ve visited Famara Beach, you should visit Caleta de Famara which is the town next to the beach. If decide to watch the sunset and visit Caleta de Famara, you will find many places to dine in town. We ate twice at La Mar Café. The place is very cool and the food is delicious. The only downside is that the service is a bit slow. If you are not in a hurry, it will not be a problem.

4. Risco de Famara Viewpoint (El Bosquecillo Park)

If you thought that Risco de Famara was beautiful from the beach, wait till you get on top of the cliff. The view is even more incredible when you visit the viewpoint. From the Risco de Famara viewpoint, 480 meters high, you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the ocean and the coastline of Lanzarote.

This viewpoint is located in El Bosquecillo Park. You must drive on a dirt road but if you go slowly and carefully, you can get there with any car. Admission is completely free. I share the exact location of the parking and the exact location of the viewpoint.

5. Las Cabras Cave

If you visit Risco de Famara viewpoint, you must visit Las Cabras Cave. Once you’re at the viewpoint, walk down along the edge of the cliff and you will get there in less than ten minutes. You will see a small plain at a lower pass with a strange rock where you can head down.

If you begin to go down, you will soon see a small hole in the cliff. You’ve arrived at Las Cabras Cave! You can find the exact location here.

6. Visit “Las Grietas”, famous volcanic crevasses in Lanzarote

A secret spot in Lanzarote is “Las Grietas”, which are cracks on the ground created by the Montaña Blanca volcano. You will be able to enter the crevasse and enjoy the silence and tranquility. To make it very easy for you to find the location of Las Grietas (Lanzarote), the exact coordinates are: 28 ° 58’24.9 ″ N 13 ° 38’09.4 ″ W. You can park your car right in front on a parking space next to the road.

🏥 Remember it is very important to purchase travel insurance for Spain if you don’t have medical coverage in this country. I always use and recommend the company Heymondo, where I can offer you a 5% discount on your travel insurance.

7. Los Charcones natural pools

There are many natural pools throughout the Canary Islands. One of the most beautiful natural pools in Lanzarote are known as “Los Charcones”, located in the southwest part of the island. In order to visit these pools, you will first have to go to Playa Blanca, which is one of the most popular towns in Lanzarote. I recommend visiting the natural pools when the tide is low.

Once in Playa Blanca, you have to go to an abandoned hotel located on the coast. To make it easier for you to find it, the exact coordinates are: 28 ° 53’27.9 ″ N 13 ° 52’24.3 ″ W. On the way to the natural pools, you’ll run into a section of the road that is unpaved. I advise you to go very slowly and very carefully. You will see the abandoned hotel right on the coast.

Once you’ve arrive at the hotel, you can leave your car there and go down the rocks to Los Charcones natural pools. There are several pools formed when the tide is low. You can choose the one you like the most and enjoy bathing in it. I went to the one that is right here: 28 ° 53’25.7 ″ N 13 ° 52’35.2 ″ W. By the way, when I was there there were a lot of sea urchins in the pools which made bathing somewhat complicated.

8. Papagayo Beach, one of the best places to visit in Lanzarote

Playa del Papagayo is definitely one of the most beautiful and visited beaches in Lanzarote. Its turquoise waters, golden sand and the surrounding cliffs make this beach so enjoyable. This beach is one of the best places to snorkel in Lanzarote.

The beach is located in Los Ajaches Natural Monument. The access is not free. Admission costs €3 per vehicle until 6:00 p.m. After 6:00 p.m admission is free. The dirt road to the beach doesn’t have many potholes. There is a parking lot very close to the beach. You will also find a restaurant next to it.

The beach can get very crowded therefore, I advise you to go first thing in the morning or at sunset. If the sky is clear, you’ll be able to see Fuerteventura in the distance. Don’t forget to bring something to eat and water. You can also head up the cliff to the viewpoint in Playa del Papagayo.

Activities in Papagayo

In Playa Blanca you can go on a kayak and snorkel trip through Playa del Papagayo. It’s a 4-hour trip and costs €40 per person (€32 for children ages 8 to 12). The tour includes kayaking equipment, snorkeling equipment, a snack and a guide. It is a fun and different way to visit this beautiful beach.

If you’re seeking a relaxing plan, you can opt for a sailing tour around the beaches in the area. It costs €59 per person (€35 for children ages 3 to 11) and lasts 4 hours. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a guide, boat ride between Puerto del Carmen and Papagayo Beach, welcome mojito and tortilla pincho, open bar, lunch, and equipment for water activities. Sounds like a great plan!

9. Spend an afternoon at Playa Mujeres Beach

If Playa del Papagayo is crowded, I recommend going to Playa Mujeres, also located in the Natural Monument of Los Ajaches. It is much larger (it measures 400 meters in length) and it’s less crowded. You’ll spend some relaxing time at this beach. The water is also very clear and has little waves. There is a parking lot right next to it.

You can also visit Playa del Pozo and Playa de la Cera.

10. Visit Timanfaya National Park

One of the best things to do in Lanzarote is visiting Timanfaya National Park. It’s a protected reserve home to 25 volcanoes. The landscape you’ll see is a result of volcanic eruptions throughout the years; 1720, 1736 and 1824.

As mentioned before, Timanfaya National Park is a protected reserve. Thus, visiting the national park without a guided tour is not possible. There is a bus tour that takes you in the national park. The bus ride is 30 minutes long and takes you up close to the “Fire Mountains”. During this visit you’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful and colorful landscape inside the park.

The entrance to the National Park is located on route LZ-67. You’ll find a parking lot where you can leave your car. You’ll also find a restaurant and some information about geothermal energy. You can get on a bus tour right after the entrance.

Price: €12 (general admission), €6 (children ages 7 to 12). Office hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The last bus leaves at 4:00 p.m.

If you like to walk, there are two hiking trails through the park. The first, called the Tremesana Route, must be done with a guide and can be booked at the Mancha Blanca visitor center. The second, the Littoral Route, can be done on your own and runs along a path parallel to the coast.

Another option is to visit the Timanfaya National Park on an organized tour. On this website, you will be able to see different tours that include the bus tour to the Fire Mountains and visits to other places.

11. Go up to Caldera Blanca

Outside of ​​Timanfaya, there are volcanoes that you can visit. One of the main hiking routes in Lanzarote is the one that leads you to the crater of Caldera Blanca. The trail begins just outside the small town of Mancha Blanca. It takes about an hour to climb the crater. I recommend going early, as there is little space to leave your car.

12. Teguise, the most beautiful town to visit in Lanzarote

You must visit the little town of Teguise on your trip to Lanzarote. It is a town full of history and charm. Did you know that it is the ancient capital of Lanzarote from the 15th century until 1852 until Arrecife became the capital. Teguise has managed to maintain its beauty and splendor.

Strolling through the old town of Teguise is simply wonderful. Geting lost in its streets and discovering each of the beautiful corners in this little town is just amazing. You must visit Plaza de la Constitución and the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe de Teguise.

Every Sunday, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the Teguise market is open. It is one of the most popular markets in the Canary Islands. In it you will find a great variety of handicrafts, ecological products, souvenirs, etc. If you are staying in Arrecife or Costa Teguise and do not have a vehicle, you can take a trip to the Teguise market on your own.

13. View from Rio Viewpoint in Lanzarote

Visiting Rio Viewpoint is one of the best things to do in Lanzarote. It is located 400 meters above Risco de Famara, in the north of the island. Apart from having incredible views of the island of La Graciosa, this viewpoint is also very popular for being one of the most representative works of César Manríquez. This famous Lanzarote-born artist was known for integrating art with nature in a very harmonious way.

At this viewpoint you will find a cafeteria and a parking lot. You can also walk along the path next to the parking lot for a free view.

• Price: €5 (general admission), €2.50 (children ages 7 to 12).
• Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

14. Jameos del Agua

Jameos del Agua was made by César Manríquez. This place is located inside a volcanic tunnel created by the eruptions of the Corona Volcano. Once again, the artist knew how to integrate nature with man made architecture to create a space full of beauty, harmony and peace. I recommend going first thing in the morning to be able to avoid a crowd.

• Price: € 10 (general admission), €5 (children ages 7 to 12).
• Hours: 10: 00 a.m – 18: 00 p.m. Last visit at 5:45 p.m.

15. Visit Los Verdes Cave

Los Verdes Cave is located in one of the longest volcanic tunnels in the world. The tunnel begins in the crater of the Corona Volcano and ends in the sea. In the past, this cave was used by locals in the area to hide from pirate attacks. In 1964 the place was conditioned to accommodate visitors Now tourists are able to enter the depths of Lanzarote with a guide.

• Price: €10 (general admission), €5 (children ages 7 to 12).
• Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. It is recommended to visit it at 3:00 p.m.

16. Visit La Corona Volcano, one of the best things to do in Lanzarote

In the northern part of the island, in Haría, you’ll be able to visit La Corona Volcano. If you want to go up to the crater, which is 600 meters above sea level, you will first have to go to the small town of Yé, located on the skirts of the volcano. The climb is 45 minutes. I hope you enjoy the view!

18. Cactus Garden

On the outskirts Guatiza, you’ll be able to visit The Cactus Garden. It has a total of 4,500 cactuses of 450 different species. It is also a work of art of César Manriquez. There is a bar where you can enjoy local tapas surrounded by a beautiful landscape. In this very special garden you will also find one of the last remaining mills in Lanzarote.

• Price: €6.5 (general admission), €3.25 (children ages 7 to 12).
• Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

18. Visit Cuervo Volcano, one of the best things to do in Lanzarote

One of the best things to do in Lanzarote for the whole family is visiting the Cuervo Volcano. This volcano is located between the Timanfaya National Park, the Red Mountain and the Black Mountain. Once you leave the car in the small parking lot next to the road, you just have to follow the path that leads you to the volcano. It is a 5 km circular route. There is also a path that takes you inside the caldera.

19. El Golfo Town

El Golfo is a fishing village worth visiting in Lanzarote. Not only because it is next to one of the most beautiful places to see in Lanzarote, the Charco de los Clicos, but also because it has a wide variety of restaurants where you can eat with beautiful views of the sea. We ate very well at the Casa Torano Restaurant. I recommend it!

20. Charco de los Clicos (Green Lake)

We arrive at another of the great essentials of Lanzarote, the Charco de los Clicos, located next to the small town El Golfo, on the southwest coast of the island. This lagoon is popular not only for its beautiful surroundings, but also for the intense green color of its waters, coming from the algae that inhabit the bottom.

The green color creates an incredible contrast with the black sand of the beach, the blue of the ocean and the yellow and red tones of the surrounding mountains. It is one of those places that seem taken from another planet. You will have the best view from the viewpoint, which is accessed by a small path that leaves the parking lot.

21. Bermeja Mountain beach, a wild beach in Lanzarote

I really like Bermeja Mountain beach. If you want to visit a beautiful beach that looks like something out of a science fiction movie, I recommend this place. It is made of sand and black stones. It has a green lake and is sheltered by a red mountain. This beach is ideal to relax and connect with nature.

22. Los Hervideros

Los Hervidores is one of the best places to visit in Lanzarote. If you head south after visiting Bermeja Mountain Beach you’ll arrive at Los Hervidores. You can observe how the waves crash against the rocks and create large columns. Admission is free.

23. Janubio Beach

Janubio Beach is one of the most beautiful black-sand beaches in Lanzarote. It is a beautiful beach to visit; however, due to its strong current, it is not a great place to go for a swim. It not a touristic place therefore, you’ll be able to enjoy some peace and tranquility at Janubio Beach.

24. Janubio Salt Flats

These salt flats are located right next to Janubio Beach. They are the largest salt flats in the Canary Islands. If you’ve never visited salt flats in the past, I recommend visiting Janubio Salt Flats and enjoying the landscape. You should visit the slat flats during sunset. You can book a guided tour of the salt flats and also purchase salt.

25. Lagomar Museum

If you enjoy visiting museums, Lagomar Museum is definitely a place you don’t want to visit during your trip to Lanzarote. The museum was designed by Jesus Soto and Cesar Manrique. It is located in the district of Nazaret and is built on a volcanic quarry formed by natural caves, rocks and tunnels. One of the owners of the house was Omar Sharif who is an Egyptian actor. Inside, you will find exhibitions of emerging artists from the island, a restaurant and a bar.

• Price: €6 (general admission).
• Hours: 10: 00 a.m – 18: 00 p.m.

26. Climb Black Mountain, one of the best things to do in Lanzarote

One of the things to do in Lanzarote is to climbing Black Mountain. The you arrive at the top you can enjoy a panoramic view of the landscape. One of the most beautiful landscapes you will see up there will of Cuervo Volcano. You will also have a very beautiful view of Red Mountain.

This mountain is located next to the LZ-56 road. There is a small parking lot where you can leave your car and start walking. There are several trails to climb to the top. On of which is straight and steep one, where it is very difficult to climb, and others that zigzags. It takes about 40 minutes to the top.

27. Bodega La Geria, must-see in Lanzarote

One of the best things to do in Lanzarote is visiting Bodega la Geria. You’ll be amazed by this unique way of cultivating grapes. Large holes are made on the ground and rocks are places around it. In the middles of the hole, grapes are planted. These holes are dug in a perfect pattern on volcanic land. These holes create quite a landscape as you can see in the photo above.

We decided to enter the vineyards. The exact location is: 28°58’16.4″N 13°42’43.9″W. You’ll also be able to taste wine in the nearby shop. There are also guided tours available.

28. Antigua Rofera, a unique place in Lanzarote

Bodega la Geria isn’t the only strange and unique place in Lanzarote. When you visit Antigua Rofera, you’ll feel like you’re at a set of a sci-fi movie. In the roferas “rofe” is extracted, which is another word for volcanic sand with large and rough grains. Rofe is used as a top layer in agriculture. If you approach this abandoned “rofera”, you will be able to walk between very unique volcanic shapes.

The exact location: 29 ° 03’26.6 ″ N 13 ° 30’19.1 ″ W.

29. Do a discovery dive in Lanzarote

Never went diving? You should consider giving it a try in Lanzarote. I tried it for the first time a few months ago and it was an incredible experience. If you want to get to know the underwater world, you can book your discovery dive here.

You can book one dive (€75) or two dives (€115). If you have time, I recommend booking two dives because, the first one you may be a little nervous. You’ll definitely be more comfortable on the second drive. Don’t forget your underwater camera!

This activity includes hotel pickup and drop-off, theory and practical class, english-speaking instructor, all diving equipment and insurance.

30. Haría, a charming town in Lanzarote

Visiting Haría is one the best things to do in Lanzarote. It is located in the north of the island in an area known as the “Valley of the Thousand Palms”, since there is a microclimate that allows its lands to be the greenest on the island.

Do not forget to take a walk losing yourself through its streets, visit a local store and have a drink on one of its terraces. Don’t miss the Plaza de León y Castillo and the César Manrique House Museum.

• César Manrique House Museum Price: €10 (general admission), €1 (children up to 12 years old).
• Hours of Operation: 10:30 am – 3:00 pm.

31. Visit Cesar Manrique Foundation

If you like the work artist César Manrique and are interested in knowing more about it, you may want to visit the César Manrique Foundation, located on a lava flow in Tahiche. The foundation is in a house Cesar Manrique lived for 20 years, from 1968 to 1988.

One of the more interesting spaces in the house is Manrique’s old studio, where some of his paintings are exhibited. The garden is also beautiful.

• Price: €8 (general admission), €1 (children up to 12 years old).
• Hours: 10: 00h – 15: 00h.
• If you are also going to visit the César Manrique House Museum, you can buy a combined ticket for € 15.

32. Jabillo Beach (Teguise Coast)

Some of the best restaurants in Lanzarote are in Teguise Coast. However, what I liked the most about this part of the island was snorkeling at El Jablillo Beach. The water was incredibly clear! It is a small beach (350 meters long) with white sand and turquoise waters. It is easily accessible, so there are usually a lot of people, especially families. I recommend going early or late in the day.

33. Arrecife, the capital of Lanzarote

It is not a touristic place in Lanzarote. However, if you are in the area at sunset time, I recommend taking a walk through the Charco de San Ginés. Here the sea water enters the city creating one of the most beautiful postcards of Arrecife.

Around the pond, you will find numerous restaurants with terraces where you can sit down to enjoy a pleasant evening while trying some of the typical dishes. Be sure to try the famous potatoes with mojo.

34. Take a stroll through Arrieta

I recommend visiting Arrieta which is a small town in the north coast of Lanzarote. One of the main attractions of Arrieta is Playa de la Garita, quite popular amongst those who love to surf.

Another reason why some travelers visit Arrieta is because it is very peaceful. Unlike other towns on the island, Arrieta is very quiet. If you want to enjoy a very quiet bath, do not forget to bathe in El Charcón.

35. Cueva del Agua natural pool

Cueva del Agua is another natural pool worth visiting. It is located between Charco del Palo and the Los Cocoteros neighborhood, in a fairly isolated area. It’s somewhat complicated to get to Cueva del Agua natural pool. It is a positive thing, since you will find few people in the pool. From Guatiza, you have to take a dirt road that takes you to a lonely house. Here you can leave the car. Then you walk a bit north, past the house.

Unlike other pools, you have to visit this pool during high tide. There is a cave through which the sea water enters and, if the tide is low, it enters with more force. Also, when the tide is high, you can jump into the pool, as it is deep enough. If you are going to go, I recommend wearing flip-flops.

• Exact location: 29°04’12.3″N 13°27’24.1″W.

36. Walk around Montaña Colorada, a great thing to do in Lanzarote

If you want to walk between volcanoes but do not want to have to climb a lot, I recommend taking the circular route that surrounds Red Mountain. As you can imagine based on its name, this mountain stands out for the reddish color of its slopes. It is a very simple route, suitable for the whole family. Along the way you will find different information panels about the different volcanoes in the area. It is very interesting.

37. Diving in Atlantic Museum of Lanzarote

Did you know that in Lanzarote there is an underwater museum? It also caught my attention when I discovered it! It is the only underwater museum in Europe. You can dive among the sculptures created by Jason deCaires Taylor, who also created a museum of this type in Granada (country) and Cancun (Mexico). If you are interested, you can book a diving trip in advance to the Atlantic Museum of Lanzarote.

38. Charco del Palo Natural Pool

Charco del Palo Natural Pool is ideal if you like to feel free and wild in nature. This pool is located in Charco del Palo, a nudist area in Lanzarote. As you can imagine, everyone who visits this place is completely naked. If you want to feel the rays of the sun in every corner of your body, this is the place for you. This neighborhood is located in Mala, in the northeast of the island. The pools are very easy to access.

39. Pools of Punta Mujeres

Some of the most popular pools are in Punta Mujeres, a charming town located in the northeast of Lanzarote. In Punta Mujeres you will find several natural pools, some of them well protected from the sea, which make them ideal for children. If you want to enjoy the sun, the sea and village life, you cannot miss this beautiful corner of the island.

40. Playa Blanca, in the south of Lanzarote

Playa Blanca is one of the best places to visit in Lanzarote. There are many beautiful beaches nearby like Papagayo Beach. Unlike other towns, Playa Blanca has a more relaxed atmosphere. After visiting the beaches of Los Ajaches Natural Monument, you can stop for dinner at one of the nearby restaurants.

In Playa Blanca you can go parasailing, get on a jet ski or water bike tour.

You can also go on an organized day trip to Fuerteventura from Playa Blanca. If you are also visiting this island, have a look at my post on the best things to do in Fuerteventura.

Other places to see in Lanzarote: Casa del Campesino Museum, Casa José Saramago, Honda Beach, Bodegas El Grifo, Caleta del Mojón Blanco and the inclined palm tree of Lanzarote, located at the base of Black Mountain (update: the palm tree was cut off).

💡 If you have around 5 days to visit this island, don’t miss this 5-day Lanzarote itinerary!

Where to stay in Lanzarote

One of the main concerns people have when planning a trip to this island is figuring out where to stay in Lanzarote. There are many towns on the island that are great options. Your decision will depend on whether you are going to visit the entire island, if you are going to spend every night in the same place, if you prefer a quieter or more lively place, etc.

Lanzarote is not a very large island, therefore, it is not necessary to stay in different places. You can choose a town and visit all of Lanzarote staying in one place.

We stayed in Costa Teguise and visited every corner on the island. We chose this coastal town because it is in a more or less central location and very close to the highway that crosses the island from north to south. It is also on the coast and has many places to eat.

We stayed at Conylanza Golf and Mar Suites which are apartments located in a very quiet neighborhood in Costa Teguise. The apartment was spacious, bright, clean and had a terrace overlooking the sea. There was also a common garden with a pool. It had no private parking but on the street there is a lot of space to park. I highly recommend it!

Best towns to stay in Lanzarote:

• Hotels in Costa Teguise.
• Hotels in Playa Blanca.
• Hotels in Caleta de Famara.
• Hotels in Haría.
• Hotels in Arrieta.

Map of places to visit in Lanzarote

On the following map, I have marked all the places to visit in Lanzarote mentioned in this article:

If you are visiting other parts of this beautiful country, check my Spain travel guide.

I hope this post about the best things to do in Lanzarote has been very useful and informative and has helped you organize your visit to this charming island. If you have more questions or want to tell me about your trip to the Canary Islands, you can leave a comment or write me an email. Until next time, travelers!