Lanzarote: The Ultimate Guide to Spain’s Volcanic Island
Lanzarote looks like nowhere else in Spain. Black volcanic soil covers much of the land, yet white villages and green vines still thrive. Thanks to the artist César Manrique, the island also feels wonderfully unspoiled, since strict building rules keep skyscrapers away.
Consequently, Lanzarote suits travellers who want dramatic scenery without the crowds. Below, you’ll find the best things to see and do, where to stay, and how to reach the island easily.
What to see and do
Start with Timanfaya National Park, home to the island’s famous Fire Mountains. A coach tour winds through the volcanic landscape, and rangers even demonstrate geothermal heat at the surface. Book ahead, since tickets sell out fast in high season.
Next, head underground at Jameos del Agua, a lava tube turned concert venue and lagoon. César Manrique transformed this cave into one of the island’s most striking attractions. Nearby, Cueva de los Verdes lets you walk deep into the same volcanic tunnel system.
For sweeping views, visit Mirador del Río, perched high above the northern coast. From here, you can see La Graciosa island floating in bright turquoise water. Consequently, it’s one of the best spots on Lanzarote for photographs.
Art lovers should visit the Fundación César Manrique, built into a series of volcanic bubbles. The artist’s former home blends architecture and nature in a truly unique way. Afterwards, wander the nearby village of Tahíche for a quieter look at island life.
Don’t miss El Golfo, where a bright green lagoon sits beside black sand and red cliffs. The colours look almost unreal, especially in the afternoon light. Nearby, the town of Yaiza offers charming whitewashed streets and excellent local restaurants.
Finally, explore the craft market in Teguise, the island’s former capital. Held every Sunday, it fills the old town with stalls, music, and local produce. Its historic churches and cobbled streets are worth a wander any day of the week.
Where to stay
Most visitors base themselves along the southern and eastern coasts, where the weather stays driest. Playa Blanca offers a relaxed, upmarket feel, with a marina and calm beaches ideal for families. Its promenade also makes an easy base for ferries to Fuerteventura.
Costa Teguise suits travellers who want a quieter resort with good watersports and golf nearby. Meanwhile, Puerto del Carmen offers the liveliest nightlife, along with a long sandy beach and plenty of restaurants.
If you’d rather explore a fishing village with real character, consider Arrieta in the north. It has a laid-back atmosphere, black sand beaches, and easy access to the Jameos del Agua and Mirador del Río. It also suits visitors keen to escape the busier resorts.
For a central base, Arrecife, the island’s capital, offers a genuine local feel away from the tourist strip. It also makes a handy stopover before exploring the rest of the island by car. Book Accommodation.
How to get to Lanzarote
Most visitors fly into Lanzarote Airport, located just outside Arrecife. It handles regular flights from the UK, mainland Europe, and the other Canary Islands, so connections are easy to find. Book flights.
There’s no railway on Lanzarote, so buses and rental cars cover all journeys around the island. The local bus network links the airport with the main resorts, though services can run infrequently outside peak season. Driving remains the simplest way to reach Timanfaya, the northern viewpoints, and smaller villages. Hire a Car.
Ferries also connect Lanzarote to Fuerteventura, with a short crossing from Playa Blanca to Corralejo. Longer ferry routes link the island to the Spanish mainland, though these crossings take well over a day. Most travellers therefore choose to fly rather than sail from mainland Spain. Check connections.
Already on the island? Get directions.