A lunar landscape that is breathtaking. Wines that enchant the palate. Beaches covered with black, volcanic sand. Undoubtedly, Lanzarote is one of the most intriguing Canary Islands. Is it worth spending a vacation on the “island of volcanoes”?
El Golfo, Spain
The desert climate of the island makes it possible to go there at any time of the year. For example the warmest month is August with average temperature of 24 °C. In turn, the coldest month is January. However, the weather there is mostly affected by the wind, which can be really annoying.
Timanfaya National Park, Spain
This is unspoilt island where you will not find advertising billboards and such a large hotel areas as in Gran Canaria or Tenerife. Moreover, miles of volcanic landscape and small white houses will make you feel like you are in total wildness. Architecture that harmonizes with the surroundings is without a doubt the merit of work an outstanding Spanish artist.
Haria, Spain
César Manrique Cabrera loved Lanzarote. He wanted to keep raw character of the island. In addition, he was an opponent of mass tourism, which unfortunately developed quickly after his death in Playa Blanca or Costa Teguise. Despite this, there are plenty of unspoilt places in this beautiful island.
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Lanzarote things to do
1. Timanfaya National Park
The most beautiful place on the island we have seen so far. Unique views of all shades of brown, red and black. Huge lava fields through which leads tourist route “Ruta de los Volcanes”. However, visiting the park on your own is impossible. The lunar landscape can only be admired through the bus window.
Timanfaya National Park, Spain
Timanfaya National Park is also called “Mountains of Fire”. The earth’s temperature at a depth of 10 meters reaches even 600 °C. The tourist center of Islote de Hilario is located in the hottest spot of Timanfaya Park. You can find out by yourself when you pick up a few stones from a hot surface of the earth.
Timanfaya National Park, Spain
Employees of the park organize geothermal shows there. The hay inserted between the rocks immediately begins to burn and the water poured into the hole explodes. It is true that the geyser eruption in Lanzarote is not as exciting as for example in Iceland. Despite the fact that it is forced by a man, it makes us aware that the earth in this place is still active.
Timanfaya National Park, Spain
2. El diablo restaurant
The amazing creativity of the architect →César Manrique is clearly visible in the Timanfaya Park. There is a restaurant built on the volcano crater. It blends in perfectly with the surrounding landscape. The glass construction allows you to enjoy the view of the otherworldly volcanic island.
El diablo restaurant, Spain
The kitchen chefs use the natural heat generated by the Earth to prepare meals. You can see a huge grill with your own eyes, and tasting the “hellish” dish will be definitely an unforgettable experience. Restaurants El diablo is undoubtedly one of the most unique restaurants in the world.
El diablo restaurant, Spain
3. El Golfo
Imagine that part of the volcano was washed away by the ocean, and a lake was formed inside the crater. Green lake, which owes its unusual color to algae. Unfortunately, the water evaporates all the time and the surface of the lake decreases. In turn, the salinity is constantly increasing and currently is greater than in the Black Sea.
El Golfo, Spain
The views at El Golfo are spectacular. The blue colour of the Atlantic Ocean contrasting with the black volcanic rocks is breathtaking. In addition, the green lake El Golfo provides us a unique view. To sum up, this place is under protection and swimming in the lake it is prohibited.
El Golfo, Spain
4. Jameos del Agua
Jameos del Agua has been called “the eighth wonder of the world” by the American actress Rita Hayworth. In turn, architect César Manrique described his project as “the most beautiful night club in the world”. Without a doubt, this is the best work of this artist which you must see while your stay in Canary Islands.
Jameos del Agua, Spain
The pool at Jameos del Agua is one of the most beautiful pools in the world. Crystal clear turquoise water and pristine white contrasting with black rocks will make you fall in love with this spot. You will not be able to stop admire it. All the details are perfect, and this place shows the true talent of César Manrique.
Jameos del Agua, Spain
In Jameos del Agua there is an underground salt lagoon where you can spot blind albino crabs. Furthermore, you can see them only on Lanzarote. A staircase surrounded by beautiful plants leads to the Jameo Chico cave. It is worth staying there for a longer, because there are not many places in the world where nature and art of human form such a masterpiece.
Jameo Chico, Spain
5. Bodegas Barreto Vinos El Campesino – Traditional winery of Lanzarote
Cultivation of grapes in this island is without a doubt the most unusual cultivation in the whole world. It would seem that barren land is not suitable for cultivation. However, residents of the island found out that volcanic ash is a great isolator. Water, which is very valuable on the island does not evaporate, so the plant has enough nutrients all the time.
Vineyards in Lanzarote, Spain
The wind is a big problem on the island. For this reason residents decided to create stone walls to protect grapes. Huge grape fields in volcanic areas look really impressive. I think it’s worth visiting one of the traditional wineries in Canary Islands.
Vineyards in Lanzarote, Spain
The Bodegas Barreto winery began operating in 1950. It has been awarded many times for amazing alcohols. It is also worth going there for a dinner, because they serve excellent food. The place itself is very cosy. Beautiful giant cactuses grow in front of the winery.
Bodegas Barreto, Spain
6. Bar Restaurante Los Helechos
A restaurant with a beautiful view can be found not only in Timanfaya Park. The white building with large glazing allows you to enjoy the view of the volcanic island. Bar Restaurante Los Helechos can be a great stop before visiting the next attractions.
Bar Restaurante Los Helechos, Spain
7. Playa Blanca
Island which is not only full of black beaches, but also white soft sand, which can be found, among others, on the beach Playa Blanca. It is located in the southern part of the island, making it a great connection to the neighboring island of Fuerteventura. If you are a fan of sandy beaches make sure to check out →Top 10 most beautiful beaches in Fuerteventura
Playa Blanca, Spain
8. Yaiza
Awarded many times as the most beautiful village in Spain. A sleepy place where actually there are not many attractions. However, it is worth going there to feel the spirit of this place. Imagine that the lava flows in your direction and suddenly splits into two parts. The inhabitants of Yaiza experienced this personally. Lava bypassed their village and flowed towards Uga and Playa Blanca.
Yaiza, Spain
9. Salina De Janubio
Geometric patterns of various colors can be admired in the southern part of the island. It is the largest salt production site on all Canary Islands. In spring and autumn, many migratory birds visit Salina De Janubio. I think this is an interesting attraction of the volcanic island of Lanzarote.
Salinas De Janubio, Spain
Top 10 interesting facts about Lanzarote
1. In 2008, 22 permits for the construction of hotels worth EUR 270 million were cancelled to limit the development of mass tourism.
2. Wines are made from the oldest grapes in the world.
3. Many films have been made on the island, such as When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth and Doctor Who
4. Lanzarote is called the “island of 1000 volcanoes”
5. Only the King of Spain can swim in the Jameos del Agua pool
6. In Timanfaya Park you can try dishes prepared on a hot volcano
7. There is a unique green lagoon
8. On the island the buildings are low and the overhead wires are replaced by underground ones
9. The symbol of Timanfaya National Park is the fiery devil designed by César Manrique
10. In Jameos del Agua there are blind albino crabs living exclusively on this island
Timanfaya National Park, Spain
What is worth to buy in Lanzarote?
- Magnet
Personally, I can’t imagine returning from a vacation without a magnet. It is a symbolic souvenir that can fit in any suitcase. The most common magnets on Lanzarote are the characteristic devil of Timanfaya Park and the black volcanic rocks. - Wine
This island is my number one among all wines! Volcanic wine, grown in a unique way, tastes really amazing. This is a must-buy souvenir from Lanzarote. - Aloe cosmetics
Aloe grows on all Canary Islands, but you can find the largest amout if it in Lanzarote. This plant moisturizes and helps relieve sunburn. It is worth to buy aloe cream while your stay in this sunny island.
Let me know what kind of souvenirs do you bring from your travels!
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