7 Amazing things to do in Lanzarote

Lanzarote is an island ripe with contrast and beauty, worth admiring at least once in a lifetime. When planning a trip to the easternmost Canary Island it’s in your best interest to keep in mind those places you absolutely shouldn’t miss. Whether it’s a short trip or just because you like to plan every little detail in advance, a list of the most interesting places to visit in Lanzarote will help you organize your trip.

We have prepared a list with seven spectacular must-see locations in Lanzarote, including some favourites of travelers as well as of the Lanzarote Experience Tours team. If you want to know what to do in Lanzarote, keep reading!

-“Lanzarote is not my land, but a land of mine”. José Saramago

Seven amazing things to do in Lanzarote - A Guide.

1. Explore the mysterious beauty of Timanfaya National Park and Montañas del Fuego

Timanfaya National Park is probably the most famous tourist attraction in Lanzarote and the cause of the otherworldly black and red of the island’s soil. Come and discover this Natural Park, declared World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO and consisting of more than 5000 hectares peppered with volcanoes that erupted last in the 18th century. Yet the subterranean geological activity remains and you may be witness by pouring water through holes in the ground and the extreme underground temperatures will transform it into a geyser of steam. Lanzarote is very much alive on the inside!

At the Montañas del Fuego (Fire Mountains) located inside the Park, you may bask in the wild volcanic beauty of Timanfaya in all its stunning splendour. Also famous are its camel ride excursions through the Park, the symbolic animal of the island will delight kids and adults.

Visiting Timanfaya National Park is definitely one of the things you must do while in Lanzarote.

2. Discover the wonders of Los Jameos del Agua

Los Jameos del Agua is one the best known works of Lanzarote born artist César Manrique, he made his native island his most ambitious project. This natural cave is a product of volcanic eruptions and its located in the north of Lanzarote, holds a small lake inside it, a diversity of plants and an auditorium where live shows and cultural events take place. It also hosts a restaurant where you can savor the best the canarian cuisine has to offer. And then there’s the blind albino crab, a species endemic to the island living its little life at peace with palm trees and visitors.

One of the many things to do in Lanzarote, a visit los Jameos del Agua is an absolute must for visitors.

3. Wander the depths of the Earth inside Cueva de los Verdes

In the Cueva de los Verdes (Los Verdes Cave), located in the municipality of Haría, the visitor can walk into the depths of the Earth thanks to this cave, formed by the eruption of Monte Corona which took place 4000 years ago. Inside this extensive gallery comprised of 6 km of volcanic tube many different colours can be observed: reds, yellows and greens, created by the chemical variety of its rocks. It lends the cave a unique appeal, making it one of the best places to visit in Lanzarote.

The large tunnel leads into the sea, through a kilometer and a half underwater segment called Túnel de la Atlántida. The cave may be traversed in guided tours that last about an hour.

4. Bask in the sun of Playa Blanca and Papagayo

Just like the rest of the Canary Islands, Lanzarote has idyllic beaches that will make you forget about the modern world. Two of the most beautiful and special are Playa Blanca and Papagayo.

Playa Blanca is located to the south of Lanzarote, and it’s a quiet tourist beach of calm, crystal-clear waters. Fitted with many services (showers, hammocks, sunshades, etc.) and a seaside promenade with numerous shops, cafes and restaurants.

Furthermore, also to the south (and east of Playa Blanca), Papagayo beach comprises several small coves, small beaches that form a white sands shoreline with idyllic waters in shades of blue, green and turquoise. Papagayo is flanked by mountains, and remains completely pure and unspoiled, no buildings and no sign of civilization. But be warned, it’s indispensable to bring your own water and food if you want to spend your day in this little piece of paradise.

It should be added that the coasts of Lanzarote are not only fit to relax and sunbathe, they’re also perfect for the practice of fun sports and activities such as parascending and jet ski.

5. Lose yourself exploring La Graciosa

Along with many other treasures the northern shore of Lanzarote is home to a small island called La Graciosa (the cute one), perhaps its tiny size and great beauty inspired the meaning behind its baptism. The little island is inhabited by barely 600 residents, mostly fishermen. Legends tell of a 17th century pirate who buried his treasure somewhere in the island, never to be found. Hidden riches or not, La Graciosa does have wonderful, almost deserted beaches like La Francesa and La Playa de las Conchas.

La Graciosa is a unique, unspoiled place (its roads still unpaved), where respect for nature and the environment is evident. It’s the ideal destination for those in search of quietness, solitude, peace of mind, sun and sustainable tourism.

Things to do in Lanzarote : La Graciosa Island, an oasis of peace and tranquility.

6. Visit the House Museum Fundación César Manrique

César Manrique’s print is all over the best places to visit in Lanzarote. The canarian multidisciplinary artist was a true environmentalist pioneer who worked for the defense of nature and its integration in architecture and tourism. One of his most interesting places would be the House Museum that he restored and transformed and which carries his name, in the village of Haría.

This fascinating building, located in a beautiful palm grove lets you enter Manrique’s home, characterised by its white stone rooms built inside black rock volcanic caves, its spectacular pool and the surrounding plant life.

7. Enjoy the curiosities of The Cactus Garden

The last work by César Manrique, The Cactus Garden marks the end of our list of seven things to do in Lanzarote. This magnificent botanical garden hosts 4500 specimens of 450 different species of cactus from all over the world.

In the distance, on a hillside, a typical windmill from a bygone era stands the test of time adding a touch of style to the singular landscape. The Cactus Garden also features a cafe where you can enjoy a drink with the relaxing singing of the birds in the background.

Enjoy some of the best things you can do in Lanzarote thanks to the small-group guided tours of Lanzarote Experience Tours. You may discover more about our guides right here.