Lanzarote travel guide - the best (secret) tips & sights

• Places of interest - Top 10
• Popular holiday destinations
• Most beautiful beaches
• Insider tips

Welcome to Lanzarote, a small pearl of the Canary Islands off the coast of West Africa. The easternmost of the autonomous Canary Islands is perhaps the most artistic of them all. Many volcanic eruptions have created a landscape that is sublime despite its barrenness. With its moon-like landscape, the Timanfaya National Park is the most famous example, especially the Montañas del Fuego (Mountains of Fire).

Lanzarote has a rich cultural history, which is reflected in the works of the local painter and architect César Manrique. Despite its modest size, the island is home to around 150,000 inhabitants and attracts tourists from all over the world, who make an important contribution to the island's economy. Due to its unique geology and diverse flora and fauna, Lanzarote is also a UNESCO-protected biosphere.

There are numerous tourist attractions and activities that make Lanzarote a wonderful holiday destination. A must-see is the aforementioned Timanfaya National Park, which offers guided tours through the dramatic volcanic landscape. Also worth seeing are the Jameos del Agua, a unique volcanic tunnel with an underground concert hall, restaurant and salt lake. This attraction, like several others on the island, was converted into a tourist hotspot by César Manrique and houses a unique concert hall, a restaurant and even a swimming pool.

"I am a volcano myself in this land of volcanoes"

César Manrique

Anyone interested in Manrique's work should definitely visit the César Manrique Foundation, which is located in the artist's former home. The interestingly designed building is partly built in five volcanic bubbles and houses a collection of his artworks as well as works from his personal collection, including works by Picasso and Miró.

Lanzarote regions

The seven regions of Lanzarote provide an initial orientation to get in the mood for Lanzarote and develop a feeling for where on the island you would like to spend your holiday. One of these is the island's capital Arrecife, the centre for shopping, gastronomy and nightlife. Although there are not as many beautiful beaches here as on the rest of the island, there are numerous leisure activities, cultural sites and museums for those interested in history and culture.

Teguise is the charming historical centre of the centre of the island. At the time of the Spanish conquest, Teguise was the capital of the island. Here, visitors can discover picturesque cobbled streets, old houses and lively markets that are typical of a traditional Canarian village.

The north, consisting of the coastal towns of Orzola, Caleta de Famara and Haria, is the third region. Here you will find some of the most beautiful beaches in Lanzarote, including the white sandy beach of Famara, which is very popular with surfers due to its gentle waves. The north is also known for its breathtaking natural landscapes such as the Jameos del Agua and the Cueva de los Verdes, both unique geological formations.

In the south we find the popular holiday resorts of Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise. This region is home to some of Lanzarote's most beautiful beaches with fine, golden sand and crystal-clear water. These resorts are aimed at families, couples and groups and offer a wide range of activities to suit all tastes, including water sports, boat trips and a lively nightlife.

Finally, La Geria is renowned for its unique vineyards, which produce some of the best wines in the Canary Islands. Here, visitors can taste the delicious Malvasia wine, visit the wineries and learn more about the traditional cultivation techniques of the island.

The sixth region is Yaiza in the south-west of the island, which is known for its creative architecture. Here you will find the extraordinary work of Cesar Manrique, who is considered the father of Lanzarote's artistic culture. Visitors can see his impressive works such as the Jameos del Agua, his former home in Taro de Tahiche and the cactus garden.

The seventh and final region is the east, which is characterised by its wild coastline and fascinating snorkelling and diving spots. Panoramic views of rocky cliffs, unspoilt beaches and turquoise waters make this region the ideal place for nature lovers and adventurers.

Geography & climate

With an area of 845.94 km², Lanzarote is the fourth largest of the Canary Islands. The island's rugged landscape is the result of its volcanic origins, and several eruptions over the last few centuries have created spectacular lava fields and rugged landscapes. Despite its volcanic character, Lanzarote has a pleasant subtropical climate with average temperatures between 20 and 25 °C, making the island an ideal holiday destination all year round. The island receives less rainfall than other parts of the Canary Islands, with an average annual rainfall of 150 mm.

Places of interest

If you want to enjoy the natural beauty of the island, Timanfaya National Park is the place to go. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to huge lava fields, ancient eruption craters and numerous other geological formations that were created by volcanic activity more than 300 years ago. Timanfaya National Park offers safari tours through the volcanic landscape and visitors can watch the park rangers cooking meat over the boiling heat of the geothermal fields.

Good reasons for a holiday on Lanzarote

Fascinating landscapes

Lanzarote is undoubtedly the perfect place for sightseeing. Its surreal volcanic landscape is unique and enchanting. The Timanfaya National Park, with its distinctive moon-like terrain and spectacular views, is a must-see for any visitor. The island also boasts a number of stunning beaches, including Playa Blanca, Famara and Papagayo. The crystal clear, turquoise waters and fine, golden sand make these beaches the perfect place to relax.

Ideal climate

Lanzarote has a mild and dry climate all year round, making it an ideal destination for holidaymakers. The average temperature on the island is between 20°C and 25°C, with a cooling breeze from the sea. Winter is equally beautiful and pleasant, with temperatures between 17°C and 20°C. This means you can enjoy the sun from November to February without suffering from the extreme heat of the summer months.

Adventure and activities

Lanzarote is not only a destination to relax and unwind, but also a centre for outdoor activities. You can explore the island through various activities such as cycling, hiking, horse riding and diving. The waters of Lanzarote are home to a variety of fish species, making it a perfect place for diving. The winds on the island are also excellent for windsurfing and kiteboarding.

Gastronomy

Lanzarote is a place where foodies can discover and enjoy the island's unique gastronomy. The excellent local cuisine offers delicious dishes that will take you on a culinary journey. Don't forget to try the iconic patatas bravas, wrinkly potatoes, grilled octopus salad and other delicious delicacies.

Culture and history

Lanzarote has a rich history that reflects the spirit and soul of the islanders. The island has six museums that showcase the island's history, art and culture. There are also several art galleries where paintings, sculptures and creations by local artists are exhibited. In addition, the island has unique architecture, including traditional buildings with whitewashed walls and painted wooden windows and doors.