When thinking Canary Islands, it is tempting to succumb to the siren’s call and spend copious days chained to the sun lounger with a cocktail in hand. And why the hell not. But if you like picture perfect volcanic landscapes, intriguingly shaped cacti, killer views, water sports, inspiring architecture and mouth-watering culinary delights, come to Lanzarote and you will be rewarded by much more than just a pool-side cocktailgasm.

I have seen all this over four action packed days, although one week would be much more sensible. Especially if you want to indulge in the Canary Island staples of sea, sand and sangria (or a cocktail; you choose).  So, here is a quick guide to some practical information and my top 10 things to do in Lanzarote.

Lanzarote vs the rest of the Canary Islands

Now, in ideal world, we all have unlimited holidays and get to decadently hop from island to island until we have seen them all. In reality, we might need to economise. If you like lush greenery, walks in the woods, bustling cities and overdeveloped resort life, head to the west-most El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife or Gran Canaria respectively.

But if the beauty of otherworldly moon-like landscape is your jam, make a beeline for Lanzarote. Why not Fuerteventura, I hear you ask? For one, Lanzarote, offers more in terms of numbers and diversity of attractions. And then there is the charming uniformity of the island, courtesy of local-bred artist and architect Cesar Manrique. Read on and you will find out why.

How to get around

If you are like me, an independent traveller, rent a car or a bicycle. Lanzarote is a relatively small island so you will not spend a fortune on fuel. And the car rental itself is very affordable. Even more so if you share it with others.

Bicycle is obviously even cheaper, and despite the hilly terrain of the island, surprisingly popular.

The main perk of either car or bicycle is the flexibility. This way you can reach all the must see places, plus stop along the way whenever something catches your eye. And it will. 

When to go

Anytime! Lanzarote has a mild dry climate with very little rain fall and comfortable temperatures all year round. I visited in February, which is together with January the coldest month. Having said that, I did rock short tee on some days and indulged in a couple of BBQs with temperatures reaching mid twenties. If you want to hit the sea and have a guaranteed sunshine, come in the summer with temperatures hitting the thirty mark.

Top 10 things to do in Lanzarote

Contrary to what you might think, Lanzarote has much more to offer than your typical beach holiday. Cultural experiences, architectural wonders, water sports, sweeping vistas, decadent cuisine, botanical gardens, dramatic caves and unusual vineyards. Here are my top picks.

1. Tour the moon-scape of Timanfaya National Park

Lanzarote is a volcanic desert and nowhere is it more palpable than in Timanfaya’s Montañas del Fuego. Imagine picturesque conical volcanoes, rugged lava fields and dramatic cavities spread over far-reaching landscape.

Once you reach the car park, you can do one of three things. Take a free bus tour around the inhospitable surrounds, watch a park-employed dude pour a bucket of water into a hole in the ground creating a geyser, before holding a stack of straws above another cavity lighting it on fire, or pop in to the restaurant for a nibble with a view. Not a fan of bus tours myself, it’s the only way to get around this part of the park and did turn out to be rather informative.

2. Discover the underground world of Cueva de los Verdes

Lanzarote’s intricate underground cave system is not only an impressive natural sight, but also an interesting part of the island’s history. Cueva de los Verdes is part of the largest lava tunnel in the world. You can access 1km out of the total 6km across 3 levels.

Back in the day when pesky pirates liked to pop in for more than just the view, locals from all over the island would hide in the caves waiting for the danger to pass. Fast forward several decades, it is a well accessible natural wonder. And for the Manrique fans amongst you, the spot lighting has been desined by none other.

3. Be inspired by Cesar Manrique’s genius at his House Museum and the Volcanic House

In case you haven’t picked up on it yet, Cesar Manrique is a bit of a big deal in Lanzarote. For starters, many places worth seeing have either been outright designed or at least contributed to by this visionary artist and architect. And then there is the whole look and feel of the island.

Follower of eco tourism, Cesar Manrique influenced local government in setting some strict construction guidelines prevailing until today. That is why you won’t find any tall structures, all houses are painted in white and there are no billboards decorating the roadsides.  

You can learn much more at Manrique’s former home and studio, as well as the stunningly designed Volcano House that is also a famous art gallery.

4. Marvel at the breathtaking views from Mirador del Rio

Set on top of the extinct volcano Monte Corona, Mirador del Rio is a unique vantage point to admire the nearby La Graciosa Island. Take advantage of the outdoors viewing deck, or find a scenic retreat in the glass-walled restaurant . If you have been paying attention, you might recognise fruits of Lanzarote’s homeboy signor Manrique in the deck and restaurant design.

And if you find the €8 entrance fee a bit steep, climb over the small wall before the main entrance and enjoy the same panorama for free.

5. Stroll around the coastline by Charco de los Clicos

This small lagoon inside a volcano crater is set on a rugged coastline, promising some beautiful views. Park your noble steed by the El Grifo and set along the small path towards the lagoon. Its main attraction is the vivid green water caused by the algae at the bottom of the lake, and although you cannot access it beyond the viewing deck, it’s a nice sight to take in.

And when you are at it, stroll around the western coast and admire the dramatic rugged terrain with wild Atlantic waves crashing over the sharp rocks in a mesmerising display.

6. Admire over 1000 cacti species in Jardin de Cactus

Designed by Cesar Manrique as the last project before his death, Jardin de Cactus is an impressively diverse cacti garden set in an old quarry in a shape of an amphitheater. The sides are raised into terraces, allowing you to appreciate the entire garden with its more than 1000 plant species set amongst winding paths, fountains and water streams. This is all topped by a picturesque windmill set atop a raised restaurant.

If you fancy seeing the cacti in flower, time your trip for August or September when many of them break into bloom. I didn’t and it was still one of my favourite places on the island.

7. Take a break at Jameos del Agua

Part of the Mount Corona lava tunnel, Cesar Manrique radically transformed this collapsed underground space into beautifully sculpted terraced gardens, café bar, an auditorium and a natural underground lake, home to rare blind albino crabs.

Take a break in the underground café bar and enjoy the cooler temperatures, walk by the lake watching the tiny white crab go about their daily business or wonder up towards the outside swimming pool to soak-up the sun. And if you feel like extending your stay, sit back and watch the shadows get longer before one of the venues turns into a rather unusual night club.

8. Sample some local wine

Contrary to what you might think, the arid volcanic terrain is a perfect breeding ground for the more masochistic of grapes. Once apparently the main source of income for the Canary Islands, wine-making has a long history here. Driving around the La Geria region, you will notice strange half moon shaped volcanic rock walls protecting individual grape plants. This is a method developed over centuries by local farmers, designed to protect each precious plant from the hostile winds.

Take in the sight and no doubt some snaps, before visiting one of the older wineries for some tasting. The oldest winery on the island Bodegas El Grifo is always a good choice. And if you are the health-conscious kind, time your visit for June to part-take in the annual wine-run; a half marathon through the wineries with the premise of winning your body weight in wine.

9. Do some water sports or chill in a natural swimming pool

When you get tired of island explorations but don’t quite feel like relaxing on the beach yet, try some of the many water sports on offer. Surfing, kite surfing, windsurfing, paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkeling and diving are some of the things on the menu. Famara beach, with its propensity to big waves is an ideal place to surf or kite surf. Some of the calmer beaches in the south like Playa de Papagayo are then better for paddle boarding and kayaking.

And when done, relax in one of the many natural swimming pools in the southern and eastern coasts. You will find them hidden in the rocks and accessible only by steps and ladders.

10. Immerse in local life in Haria, Arrieta and Tequise

It is tempting to stick to the larger towns in Lanzarote, drawn to the tried and trusted conveniences of shops and restaurant. Try to resist this temptation and venture to the small towns and villages like the hilltop Haria and Tequise or coastal Arrieta. You will not be disappointed.

Tequise is the oldest settlement in Canaries and former capital of Lanzarote. Dating back to the 1400s, stroll around the picture-perfect white houses shaded by majestic palm trees and buy some local cheese at the Sunday market. Venture to Arrieta for a relaxed lunch in one of the authentic eateries, taking a walk around the harbour full of fishing boats. And when visiting one of Manrique’s more homely abode Casa de Cesar Manrique in Haria, make sure to wander through the town, soaking up the charm of white houses slotted next to each other in this hill settlement.

Lanzarote is a gem amongst the Canary Islands, waiting to rewards those who dare to break the spell of traditional beach holiday. Just a short ride beyond resort walls, you will find multitude of unforgettable things to do in Lanzarote, adding to the yellow, black and red sands of the island’s magnetic beaches. Picture-ready volcanic landscape, extensive underground labyrinth of caves, awe inspiring Cesar Manrique’s creations, stunning viewpoints, plentiful water sport opportunities, white-washed villages; Lanzarote has something for everyone.

If you love Spain like myself, you might want to check out the ultimate 2 week Andalusia itinerary.

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