Top 10: Things to Do in Lanzarote

The fourth-largest island of the Canary Islands, home to breathtaking volcanic landscapes, fresh fish and fine Spanish wines… There’s a lot more to Lanzarote than its stunning beaches, tourist resorts and Irish pubs (though there are plenty of them too). At Civitatis, we think that the ‘Island of Eternal Spring’ is somewhat underrated as a tourist destination, offering a wide range of experiences, for people of all interests. Today we’re going to share our favourite things to do in Lanzarote. ¡Vamos!

Before we get onto the best things to do, first, let’s run through some of the burning questions that might be on your mind about Lanzarote…

• Where is Lanzarote? Lanzarote is the easternmost of the Canary Islands. It’s located in the Atlantic Ocean, around 125 kilometres (80 miles) from the African coast.
• What’s the weather like in Lanzarote? As is suggested by the name ‘Island of Eternal Spring’, Lanzarote enjoys warm, sunny, dry weather year-round.
• What’s Lanzarote’s connection to Spain? Lanzarote, whose indigenous people are the Majos, was conquered by the Spanish in the 15th century, and subsequently integrated into the Spanish Empire.

1. Explore Timanfaya National Park

One of the jewels of Lanzarote is the vast, rugged and colourful Timanfaya National Park, whose otherworldly landscape was formed by volcanic eruptions from as little as 300 years ago. One of the coolest areas is the enchanting Los Volcanes Natural Park—a 25,000-acre expanse within Timanfaya. Embark on this thrilling buggy tour of Los Volcanes Natural Park or this Los Volcanes Bike Tour, and traverse the volcanic formations, in style!

Alternatively, visit the park as part of this Timanfaya National Park & Jameos del Agua excursion, during which you’ll also get the chance to discover the auditorium, restaurant, and pools nestled within lava caves, known as Jameos del Agua.

2. Hit the Waves at Famara Beach

With the high-quality waves in Lanzarote (and the warm temperatures), some have taken to referring to the island as the ‘the Hawaii of Europe’. Across the island, you’ll find beaches suitable for surfers of all levels, from complete beginners to seasoned professionals. Perhaps the best-known (and our favourite) is Famara Beach. This golden paradise stretches 6 kilometres (3.7 miles), providing plenty of room for surfers of all levels to enjoy 0.5-2.5 metre (2-8 ft) waves. The town in which the beach is located is also home to a range of cool cafés, bars and hostels!

If you’re a beginner yourself, or it has been a while since you’ve caught some waves, do a lesson with Lanzarote Surf School on Famara Beach, which includes equipment, an expert instructor and a certificate!

3. See the Island through the Eyes of César Manrique

César Manrique was a Spanish artist, architect and sculptor born in Lanzarote, who spent much of his life undertaking architectural projects on his home island. Throughout the island (and elsewhere), you’ll come across Manrique’s eclectic works. The aforementioned ‘Jameos del Agua’ is a terrific example of the way in which this beloved artist sought to integrate his art within the natural environment.

On this César Manrique Tour of Lanzarote, you’ll see a number of the beloved artist’s finest works on his native island, with an English-speaking guide, and entry included!

4. Explore the Old Town of Teguise

Situated on the northeast of Lanzarote, Teguise (capital of Lanzarote until 1847) was one of the first places to be settled on the Canary Islands, and it has the historical legacy to show for it. Taking a stroll through the town’s palm tree-lined streets, you’ll come across a variety of beautiful historical buildings, highlights including the Town Hall and Convent of Santo Domingo. Just outside of the town is the unmissable Santa Bárbara Castle—an epic 14th-century fortress built on the rim of a volcanic crater.

If you’re lucky enough to be in Teguise on a Sunday, it’s definitely worth checking out the Sunday Market, where you’ll find a huge range of items from cheese and wine to leather goods and jewellery!

To explore the town accompanied by an expert tour guide, check out this private tour of Teguise.

5. Get Your PADI Scuba Diving Certificate

If it’s something you’ve been considering doing (or not), Lanzarote is the perfect place to get your PADI Scuba diving Certificate. Across the island, you’ll find various places where you can learn from experts how to safely descend to the seabed of the Atlantic Ocean. On this PADI Scuba Diving Course with Civitatis, you can gain your accreditation from Costa Teguise, Arrecife and Puerto del Carmen in Lanzarote!
Once you have your certificate (though it’s not necessary), we recommend checking out the Museo Atlántico—Europe’s first underwater sculpture museum. 12 metres (40 ft) underneath the water lies a fascinating selection of cement sculptures by artist Jason deCaires Taylor.

6. Discover Lanzarote’s Marine Life

Lanzarote’s marine life is a treasure trove waiting to be explored. One of the coolest ways to get in touch with Lanzarote’s vibrant underwater ecosystems is on this Puerto Calero submarine tour, on the southern end of the island, during which you’ll descend 30 metres (100 ft) underneath the water.

Alternatively, you could grab a ticket to the Costa Teguise Aquarium—the largest in the Canary Islands, with over 1 million litres of water (265,000 gallons), across 33 different spaces in the aquarium. Inside, you’ll find species from the Canaries including moray eels, bream, gilt-head bream and Canary damsels along with various sharks and more!

If dolphins are more your speed, you’d better check out this dolphin watching activity, during which you’ll sail across the shores of Lanzarote, catch a glimpse of some of these majestic sea creatures and learn more about them.

7. Head Off on a Wine Tour

Even to the uninitiated, wines from regions like La Rioja are well-known to be among the best in the world. But did you know that the Canary Islands, and specifically Lanzarote, produces various premium wines? All over the island, you’ll find awesome wineries, with unique wines, whose flavours are affected by proximity to the ocean and the abundance of volcanic materials in the soil. Not sure what to do in Lanzarote? Check out this El Grifo Winery Tour, to explore one of the oldest wineries on the island (and in the country), producing wine since 1775. Over the course of the tour, you’ll get to explore the winery’s archives and vineyard and also enjoy a tasting of various wine varieties!

8. See Lanzarote from the Sky

If you’re a thrill seeker, and the other entries on this list haven’t quite tickled your fancy, one of the most exciting things to do in Lanzarote is this Parasailing Activity in Puerto del Carmen. Once you’ve learned how to safely use the equipment, you’ll be pulled along by a boat until you take flight, soaring to heights of up to 60 metres (200 ft).

9. Go on a Day Trip to La Graciosa

For us, a day trip to La Graciosa is a must if you have enough time when visiting Lanzarote. Walk along the little town’s unpaved, sandy streets, and relax on the island’s incredible virgin beaches. See it for yourself on this La Graciosa day trip!

If you get the chance during your visit, check out the Museo Chinijo. Billed as the ‘smallest museum in the world’, this tiny building packs a punch, and provides an interesting history of the island, and some information about its diverse flora and fauna.

10. Discover the Janubio Salt Flats

Add a pinch of salt to your trip by visiting what is certainly one of the most interesting parts of the island: the Janubio Salt Flats. This protected natural area houses the largest salt flats in the Canary Islands. On this Janubio Salt Flats Guided Visit, you’ll gain an insight into the extraction process, as well as the history of the site. You’ll then get to taste some of this premium salt for yourself!

Transport: How to Get around Lanzarote

Like the rest of the Canary Islands, the best way to travel in Lanzarote is with a rented car. However, Lanzarote does also have an extensive public transportation option, which is cost-effective, and allows you to travel to the majority of the island with relative ease. Alternatively, Civitatis offers stress-free transfers to a number of points on the island, at a competitive price!

What Food to Eat in Lanzarote

Of course, Lanzarote has every kind of cuisine you can think of. If you fancy a burger and chips, alongside a cold beer—the island’s got you covered. On the other hand however, Lanzarote has a wonderful cuisine.

To start, indulge in Lanzarote’s take on patatas bravas—papas arrugadas. These tender, salty, wrinkled potatoes are usually paired with a vibrant mojo picón—a zesty red pepper sauce—or mojo verde, a refreshing blend of cilantro and garlic. Seafood lovers will enjoy lots of fresh fish in Lanzarote. Grilled sole and octopus are some of our favourites! For a heartier dish, try sancocho, a Canarian specialty. This rich, flavoursome stew consists of salted fish, sweet potatoes, and gofio, a nutty toasted flour. Finish with bienmesabe, a Canarian almond cream dessert, rich in honey and cinnamon—a perfect sweet finale.

There you have it, our top 10 things to do on the wonderful island of Lanzarote. No matter where your interests lie, there’s plenty to do and see. Before you travel, check out our Lanzarote tourist guide for more information on this beautiful island. If you’re still looking for inspiration, be sure to check out more tours & activities in Lanzarote with Civitatis. ¡Buen viaje!