With natural beauty, volcanic landscape, and fun ventures, this Canary Island makes for the perfect getaway.
Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
A four-hour plane journey from the UK, Lanzarote is one of Spain’s most tranquil island destinations. One of 13 Canary Islands, Lanzarote is in the Atlantic Ocean, off the northwest coast of mainland Africa.
Lanzarote is one of the top holiday destinations for European tourism for its subtropical temperatures and long stretches of gorgeous beaches. What’s more, Lanzarote has volcanic origins, in its wake leaving a unique and fascinating landscape.
With an average year-round temperature of 25°C, sun lovers have a wide variety of beaches and coves to choose from. Whether you’re up for some more rigorous activity, visitors can choose between windsurfing, paddle boarding, sailing, and diving.
This vibrant island has something in store for everyone, let’s take a look at what Lanzarote has to offer:
Timanfaya National Park
Lanzarote is volcanic in origin, which gave it its stunning, lunar landscape. In the region of Yaiza, you can find Timanfaya National Park. Visiting the volcanoes is a must when visiting the island. Most of the volcanoes are extinct, with only a few that are still active. The park also gives some geothermal demonstrations from the volcanic pits, and the El Diablo restaurant also utilizes this heat for cooking.
The park is made up of black, volcanic soil. Walking through the park’s scenery is a breathtaking experience, the Fire Mountains, to its rare plant species. We recommend that when visiting the park, you try to get on one of the bus tours that go through the mountains on the steep roads.
You might feel a bit uneasy as the bus carefully treads its way through the “Ruta de lo Volcanoes”, but we assure you that the views seen from these volcanic heights are simply unforgettable. The coach trip is included in the entry fee.
El Diablo Restaurant, Timanfaya National Park
A Variety of Stunning Beaches
Lanzarote is famed for its variety of beaches with white sand, black sand, and also pebble beaches. From the white sands of the aptly named Playa Blanca, to the turquoise blue waters of Playa de Papagayo, Lanzarote is sure to have a beach for everyone’s tastes.
The busiest and most touristy beaches would be in the popular resorts of Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, and Costa Teguise. If you’re looking for something more secluded, we suggest heading to the city of Arrecife or Famara, which also boast their share of gorgeous beaches.
Don’t be afraid to go off the beaten trail to discover the beautiful coves, calas in Spanish, that the island has to offer. The best part about the beaches in Lanzarote is that beachgoers can enjoy an average water temperature of 19.5 ºC practically all year round.
Famara, Lanzarote, Canary Islands
It’s a Great Place to Try Surfing
With many locations that are prime for surfing, Lanzarote attracts seasoned surfers from all over the world. If you are a complete newbie, we recommend taking lessons at one of the many experienced surfing instructors working on the island. There are also activity centres that provide surfboard rentals.
Famara Beach in particular is a great spot to catch a wave, offering the best waves on the island.
Volcano Surf School Lanzarote
It’s Perfect for Exploring
Lanzarote makes for an unbeatable location for sports enthusiasts, thanks to its pleasant temperatures and diversity of landscapes. Hikers and cyclists flock to this Canary island from far and wide for its rugged, volcanic landscape.
Running enthusiasts can take advantage of getting in a few hours in the morning to enjoy an exhilarating run along the edge of the ocean. Cyclists love to come here for a challenge by getting out onto the windy terrain.
Its Art and Culture is Tied to the Island
We’ve been talking about nature and the outdoor activities in Lanzarote so much, that we bet you’re surprised it’s also bursting with art and enriched culture.
Lanzarote-born artist César Manrique was inspired by the awesome nature of the island, creating pieces in his unique vision. His works can be found in art and culture centres throughout the island.
A man beyond his time, Manrique is regarded as the pioneer of sustainable tourism. He worked tirelessly to defend the island’s natural assets and worked with the government to develop the island’s natural resources. We recommend checking out the César Manrique House Museum, which gives a glimpse into Manrique’s personal life.
It’s also because of Manrique that the houses on the island must be painted white, with wooden frames in either blue, green or brown, depending on whether they are coastal or rural. This represents the colour palette that Manrique maintained throughout his life: blue for the ocean, black, orange, and red for volcanoes, green for the vegetation and pristine white for the houses’ white-washed walls.
Traditionally painted houses in Lanzarote