The first time I went to Lanzarote, what hit me was that it feels like landing on another planet. Volcanoes everywhere, black lava fields, black sand and red craters, with white villages in between. It is completely different from my island, Tenerife, and that is exactly why it is worth visiting.
Quick answer: do not miss Timanfaya National Park, Jameos del Agua, the Mirador del Río, the vineyards of La Geria, the Papagayo beaches and a sunset in Famara. With more time, add Cueva de los Verdes, the Teguise market on a Sunday and a day trip to La Graciosa.
Top things to do in Lanzarote at a glance
| What | Where | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Timanfaya National Park | West | Half a day |
| Jameos del Agua and Cueva de los Verdes | North | Half a day |
| Mirador del Río | North | 1 hour |
| La Geria wine region | Centre | A few hours |
| Papagayo beaches | South | A beach day |
| Famara | North-west | Half a day |
| El Golfo and Charco de los Clicos | West | 1–2 hours |
| La Graciosa | Ferry from Órzola | A full day |
1. Timanfaya National Park
This is the heart of that “alien island” feeling. Huge eruptions in the 18th century covered a large part of the island in lava, and the Montañas del Fuego (Fire Mountains) are still hot just below the surface. A bus route takes you through the craters, and at the visitor area you can see demonstrations of the heat coming out of the ground.
Local tip: go early in the morning to avoid the queues of cars at the entrance, especially in high season.
2. Jameos del Agua and Cueva de los Verdes
The Lanzarote artist César Manrique turned a lava tube into one of the most beautiful places in the Canaries: Jameos del Agua, with a natural lagoon, a white pool and gardens inside the volcano. Right next to it, the Cueva de los Verdes is a guided walk through the same lava tunnel.
3. Mirador del Río
Another Manrique creation, built into the cliffs in the far north. The view down to the island of La Graciosa and the sea is one of the best in the whole archipelago.
4. The vineyards of La Geria
In La Geria, each vine grows in its own hollow in the black volcanic ash, protected from the wind by a small half-moon stone wall. It is a landscape you will not see anywhere else. Stop at one of the bodegas to taste the local Malvasía wine.
5. The Papagayo beaches
A string of golden coves with clear, calm water inside a protected natural area near Playa Blanca. They are the best beaches on the island for a swim. Bring water and shade, because there are very few services. See all the options in my guide to the best beaches in Lanzarote.
6. Famara
A huge wild beach under the Famara cliffs, with the little surf village of Caleta de Famara at one end. As a surfer, it is one of my favourite places on the island. It is great for surf lessons, long walks and sunsets, but the currents are strong, so it is not a place for a relaxed swim. Read more in my surf guide.
7. El Golfo and the green lagoon
On the west coast, the Charco de los Clicos is a bright green lagoon next to a black sand beach and a red crater. Afterwards, eat fresh fish in the little village of El Golfo and stop at the salt flats of Janubio on the way back.
8. César Manrique’s island
Manrique, born in Lanzarote, shaped the look of the whole island: low white houses, no big billboards and art that blends with the volcanoes. Visit his former home, now the Fundación César Manrique, and the Jardín de Cactus to understand why Lanzarote looks the way it does.
9. Teguise market
On Sunday mornings the old capital, Teguise, fills with a big street market. It is busy, but the historic town is lovely, and it is a good way to finish a slow morning.
10. A day trip to La Graciosa
For me, La Graciosa is the most underrated island in the Canaries. Take the short ferry from Órzola and spend the day on sand streets and white beaches. Read my full La Graciosa guide.
Where to eat in Lanzarote
Some of my picks: El Risco on the seafront in Caleta de Famara, Casa Tino in the fishing village of Arrieta and the Teleclub de Tao for simple local food. See the full list in my guide to the best restaurants in the Canary Islands.
Good to know before you go
- Rent a car: distances are short, and a car lets you combine the volcanoes, the north and the beaches easily. Read my car rental tips.
- It is windy: bring a light jacket, even in summer.
- Combined tickets: the island’s main sights (Timanfaya, Jameos, Cueva de los Verdes, Mirador del Río and others) can be visited with combined tickets, which usually save money if you plan to see several.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Lanzarote?
Four or five days are enough for the main sights and a few beach days. A week lets you add La Graciosa and slower days in Famara.
Is Lanzarote or Tenerife better?
They are very different. Lanzarote is flatter, drier and volcanic, with Manrique’s art everywhere. Tenerife has Mount Teide, green forests and more variety. Read my comparison of which Canary Island is best for you.
Opening times, prices and access rules change. Check official information before you go.
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