Blog posts
Things to Do in Lanzarote – The Canary Islands

Things to Do in Lanzarote – The Canary Islands

EUROPE, LUXURY TRAVEL DESTINATIONS, SPAIN

Lanzarote is the easternmost of the Canary Islands, with an area of 845.94 km² (525.64 mi) and a population of approximately 144,000 inhabitants, making it the third most populated island of the archipelago, after Tenerife and Gran Canaria. It is an island with stunning natural beauty that travelers from around the world come to visit each year.

The island of the Majos (name by which the old settlers of Lanzarote are known) owns the National Park of Timanfaya, founded between 1730 and 1736, which was declared a Biosphere Reserve in 1993, together with the whole island. It is a park of volcanic origin that has more than 25 volcanoes, such as La MontaƱa de Fuego. Here you can witness the high temperatures under the volcano’s soil by demonstrations of the heat through straw that burns when deposited in a tunnel only 1,5 meters deep, reaching up to more than 373°K -274° K and more than 870° K to 13 meters deep.

National Park of Timanfaya Lanzarote
National Park of Timanfaya Lanzarote

In addition to being known as La Tierra del Fuego (The Land of Fire), Lanzarote is characterized by its white sandy beaches from the Sahara desert, due to the proximity of the islands to the African continent. There are countless dreamlike beaches such as Famara, Papagayo Beach, and the natural pools of Los Charcones. One of the top five beaches of the Canary Islands is Las Conchas in the Chinijo Archipelago.

Playa de La Concha Image Andreas Weibel
Playa de La Concha Image Andreas Weibel

Lanzarote is known for its incredible wine, and Malvasia is one particular kind that really stands out. It is produced in La Geria and is recognized around the world and decorated in national and international wine competitions.

Malvasia Image Cristina Arrocha
Malvasia Image Cristina Arrocha

Visitors definitely shouldn’t miss out on seeing the works of illustrious artists who were born on the island. One artist in particular is CĆ©sar Manrique, a Lanzarote architect recognized for his respect and love of the environment. He is known for adapting his works to the natural environment. He is most famous for Jameos del Agua, a natural auditorium in the interior of a cave that is home to Munidopsis polymorpha – a very small crab that is ablino and blind.

Artwork by CƩsar Manrique
Artwork by CƩsar Manrique
A moral by artist CƩsar Manrique - Lanzarote
A moral by artist CĆ©sar Manrique – Lanzarote
Jamoes de Aqua, Lanzarote
Jamoes de Aqua, Lanzarote

I’d recommend taking in the spectacular views of Mirador del RĆ­o, a lookout point that is a relatively short distance from the island of La Graciso from which you can see the rest of the islands that make up the Archipelago Chinijo. If you’re a very outdoorsy person, there’s plenty of opportunities for hiking around the island.Ā  In that case, I’d recommend a great hiking backpack; here are some of my favorites.

Mirador del RĆ­o looking at the island of La Graciso
Mirador del RĆ­o looking at the island of La Graciso

La Cueva de los Verdes is also a place worth visiting. It’s a volcanic tube that’s approximately 6 kilometers long, and was an enclave used by the Aboriginal people to hide from the pirates who periodically ravaged the island. If you have more time to explore, or need something to do on a rainy day, I’d recommend paying a visit to the Museo al Campesino or the CĆ©sar Manrique Foundation.

Museo al Campesino in Lanzarote
Museo al Campesino in Lanzarote

Teguise, the old capital of Lanzarote until 1852, is the historical core of the island and definitely worth exploring for an afternoon.

Teguise Lanzarote
Teguise Lanzarote
Costa Teguise, Lanzarote
Teguise Coast Fortress, Lanzarote

Castillo de Guanapay is another place worth exploring on the island. It’s a fortress located on the volcano Guanapay, from which it receives its name. Building began in the 15th century, and its purpose was to protect from the nobles and the rest of the population from continuous attacks. In 1571, the two towers were erected which accompany the main building.

El Castillo de Santa BƔrbara situated in the mountain of Guanapay Image LaguiPhoto
El Castillo de Santa BƔrbara situated in the mountain of Guanapay Image LaguiPhoto

Castillo de San JosĆŖ is another historical landmark built between 1776 and 1779. This castle was deigned by the King of Spain, Carlos III, and today houses the Museum of Contemporary Art. It is also known as El Castillo del Hambre (The Castle of Hunger), because during its contstruction, there were a shortage of resources due to the famine on the island.

Castillo de San Jose Image dlmancé
Castillo de San Jose Image dlmancé

From a rich history to unique landscapes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on the island of Lanzarote!

Save

SaveSave

Pin This!

About the author

Carmen Edelson is the Founder of Carmen's Luxury Travel. Carmen has been traveling the world for over a decade. Her travels allow her the opportunity to pursue her itch to travel to the best luxury destinations, and experience those first class tastes from around the world.

12 Comments

  1. Danielle
    March 27, 2017 at 3:12 am
    Reply

    I haven’t been to Lanzarote since I was a kid but these pictures are really making me want to go back. It looks like there is so much I missed out on!

    • Carmen Edelson
      March 27, 2017 at 9:51 am

      Now you have a reason to return, Danielle šŸ™‚

  2. Laura
    March 28, 2017 at 12:44 pm
    Reply

    What a lovely summary full of useful info and history, thank you for sharing. Heading there in June so will be sure to check out these spots! šŸ™‚

    • Carmen Edelson
      March 30, 2017 at 8:53 am

      That’s wonderful that you are going! June is the perfect time of the year to go to Lanzarote.

  3. Pedro
    March 29, 2017 at 10:46 am
    Reply

    My first ever overseas trip was to Tenerife and, back then, everyone on the island told me I had to visit Lanzarote. Unfortunately, this visit never materialised, but you’ve just made me want to go there as soon as possible!

    • Carmen Edelson
      April 5, 2017 at 1:28 pm

      I hope you make it there soon, Pedro!

  4. Vicky and Buddy
    March 29, 2017 at 8:20 pm
    Reply

    To be honest, I don’t know much about the Canary Islands, only that it has amazing beaches. It’s good to know there’s so much more to see and do though. I’d really like to explore the lava tube, that seems like it’d be a really cool experience.

    • Carmen Edelson
      April 5, 2017 at 1:29 pm

      Yes! The beaches are incredible, but there’s so much more to see and do.

  5. Barb
    April 2, 2017 at 4:28 am
    Reply

    These beaches look stunning Carmen! I was in the Canary Islands in 2004, but I dont remember it being so pretty. Perhaps, It s time to return for another visit.

    • Carmen Edelson
      April 2, 2017 at 5:19 pm

      What I love about the Canary Islands is that you can go to either a white sand beach or a black sand beach on a given day.

  6. Melody Pittman
    April 3, 2017 at 8:31 am
    Reply

    I have not been to the Canary Islands but your pictures have made it look beautiful. Visiting the volcanic park looks like a blast! That would definitely be at the top of my list, although I would like to see a black sand beach and I love visiting castles, too.

    • Carmen Edelson
      April 5, 2017 at 1:30 pm

      Glad to hear it, Melody! I think there’s a wonderful choice of activities.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

four + 20 =