Due to its long stretches of sandy beaches, balmy all-year-round temperatures, palm-filled resorts, and close proximity to Europe, there’s no doubting Lanzarote’s eternal popularity with holidaymakers.
Although it’s also an extraordinary place in its own right with 300 volcanic cones, vast black lava fields, and almost otherworldly landscapes that it’s actually a protected UNESCO biosphere reserve.
From caverns formed by an underground river of lava to protected rocky landscapes created by volcanic eruptions in the 1730s here are 10 of the best and most beautiful places to visit in Lanzarote…
1. Puerto Calero – an attractive cosmopolitan marina and a beautiful place to explore
Located in the south of the island, this attractive place in Lanzarote is well known for its cosmopolitan maritime vibe and high quality of service. Those looking to take in the views on more stable terrains will be able to enjoy the marina and all it has to offer.
As well as being the ideal location for a stroll to absorb the landscape, there are also a series of cafes and shops. Those who have expensive tastes will be glad to know that there are several designer stores to visit, with plenty of places to the sea breeze with a coffee afterwards.
If you’re looking for family hotels in Lanzarote then this is a great area to choose as it’s a peaceful resort but with still lots going on.
2. Timanfaya National Park – truly extraordinary landscapes and one of the best places to visit in Lanzarote
Timanfaya National Park is one of Lanzarote’s most vibrant and popular tourist hotspots. This can be attributed to the unique landscape, made up of dormant volcanoes and spent cones.
Not only are there plenty of opportunities to take pictures of this wondrous landscape, but you’re also able to fully embrace the unique ambiance while enjoying a meal in the famous El Diablo restaurant, which is known for using the heat from a dormant volcano to cook its delicious cuisine.
Visitors can also find out more about the park using the pre-recorded tour guides scattered around the park, as well as additional information from tour guides.
3. El Mirador del Rio – an incredible vista and a wonderful Lanzarote beauty spot
Although there are many beautiful views that can be enjoyed in Lanzarote, one of the most popular is the El Mirador del Rio, and with good reason. Translating to ‘lookout,’ the mirador lived up to its name, as it helped Spanish settlers look out for potential invasions against pirates.
Despite the location being used to counteract attacks in the past, Cesar Manrique was keen to use the space for more peaceful means and used his architectural expertise to create the alluring space that so many visitors enjoy to this day.
The lookout now offers as a vantage point for those looking to enjoy Lanzarote from a new perspective, while still being able to enjoy the conventions of fine dining.
4. Cueva de los Verdes – a striking lava tube and a great natural attraction to explore in Lanzarote
Some people may be looking for something a little unique, whereas others may want to tap into the rich history of Lanzarote.
Either way, the Cueva de los Verdes is worthy of a visit and is something that not only offers a unique experience for those looking for something a little different, but it also ideal for those wanting to find out more about the history of Lanzarote.
The cave is the result of the eruption of the Volcan de la Corona and was used as protection against invasions in the 16th and 17th century.
However, its use today is much more peaceful, and to truly enjoy the experience, it is advised that you take advantage of the local tour guides to fully embrace what this beautiful cave has to offer, as well as the famous legends associated with Cueva de los Verdes.
5. Famara – a beautiful pale golden sand beach to explore in Lanzarote
Although there are several picturesque beaches located in Lanzarote, this one – with its gorgeous pale sand and incredible sunsets – is easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in Lanzarote.
Famara offers the perfect balance of sandy white beaches and choppy waters that ensure there’s plenty of time of surfing, swimmers or snorkellers as well as relaxing afterwards. There are also plenty of windsurfing and kitesurfing schools nearby for newbies.
6. Jardin de Cactus – a unique garden attraction to visit in Lanzarote
Jardin de Cactus translates to the Cactus Garden, and as the name would suggest, offers visitors another taste of nature, and yet another inspiration from Cesar Manrique.
Although a late addition to Lanzarote, it’s not less impressive and marks the last work of Manrique before his unfortunate death in 1992. The garden makes a unique and eye-catching Lanzarote attraction and is a popular place to visit on the island.
7. The Green Lagoon – formed by a volcanic crater
Although there are many man-made structures to admire in Lanzarote, there will always be a place in our hearts for the alluring creations that nature has crafted over time.
Not only does this make for some truly immersive views, but it also documents the rich history that Lanzarote has become so famed for. It’s arguably not ultra-beautiful in a conventional way but it’s most definitely unique.
The Green Lagoon is situated on the west coast of Lanzarote and is made up of an extinct volcano submerged in the Atlantic ocean, with its green tint being attributed to the algae.
Although the El Charco de los Clicos is mesmerising at any time of the day, although many like to take full advantage and view the lagoon from the El Golfo late in the evening.
8. Jameos del Agua – a series of magnificent lava caves and one of the most beautiful places to visit in Lanzarote
Jameos del Agua is another example of how Lanzarote blends new additions into its landscape, and the skills of Cesar Manrique were once again embraced to bring this vision to life.
Once a volcanic tube flowing with lava from the Volcan de la Corona, the location is now an art, culture, and tourism centre that looked to follow its own path when luring its tourists.
Manrique understood the natural beauty of Lanzarote, and rather than change this landscape, he looked to work with it, which is why Jameos del Agua is such a unique space.
As well as preserving the Lanzarote of yesteryear, the Jameos del Agua also offers a cultural experience like no other, such as the concerts that embrace the acoustic qualities of the surroundings as you enjoy an evening meal in this unique location.
9. Playa Blanca – a popular and sophisticated beach resort in Lanzarote
What was once a small fishing village located at the bottom end of Lanzarote, the space has recently been developed and offers something for those wishing to enjoy the more relaxing aspects of Lanzarote.
The beaches in Playa Balance are ideal for sunbathing and swimming, and there are several tourist shops that allow you to purchase unique items as a memoir of your visit.
Although the nightlife is not as active as other parts of Lanzarote, those looking to enjoy a meal and drink can do so in a relaxing ambiance, reinforcing the relaxing aspects of Playa Blanca. A beautiful gem in Lanzarote!
10. Los Volcanes Natural Park – a protected area of volcanic edifices and lava fields
Los Volcanes Natural Park is another destination in Lanzarote that offers a step back in time.
Easily one of the most extraordinary and beautiful places to visit in Lanzarote, the volcanic landscape offers a series of interesting formations that were created because of lava solidification following the last volcanic eruption on the island.
Although vegetation is scarce, visitors can enjoy the different bird species, not to mention the local reptiles. There are also a series of volcanic cones and lava lakes that can be enjoyed along the way.
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Beth was born under a wandering star, with drama in her veins and ink in her pen. After stints studying theatre in Dublin and Utrecht she used her creative streak to see as much of the world as she could on as little money. She toured Italian Schools with a children’s theatre troop, lived as an au-pair in both Rome and Washington DC, explored the British countryside, worked her way through much of Europe, Salsa danced in Cuba and road tripped down America’s west coast where she discovered her spiritual home; Portland, Oregon. In between adventures she resides peacefully with her family, cats and ukulele.
Amazing post and pictures. Lanzarote is an amazing Canary Island. Me and my wife live here on Gran Canaria since 8 years back and goes to visit Lanzarote and Fuerteventure as often as possible.. Would be great to read a blog post about Gran Canaria and Fuerteventure as well some time, soooo many things to see and to do here. Thanks for a great blog 🙂
Wow, great list of places in a popular place to holiday.