Best Things To Do in Lanzarote

Immerse yourself in the natural paradise that awaits you in Lanzarote: beaches, volcanic parks, breathtaking viewpoints and a unique gastronomy. Take note.

Carmen Navarro

Carmen Navarro

8 min read

Best Things To Do in Lanzarote

Daniil Sliusar

Lanzarote is a holiday paradise. As soon as you land on this beautiful island, you will be struck by the contrast of the black of its land with the white of its houses, all perfectly aligned on the coast forming very picturesque villages.

If you are eager to get to this paradise on earth, take note of these essential plans to make the most of your stay.

1. Visit the Timanfaya, on foot or by bike

Timanfaya Natural Park| ©Antonio Sessa
Timanfaya Natural Park| ©Antonio Sessa

The Timanfaya is, par excellence, the most precious natural jewel of Lanzarote. This protected park of volcanic origin stands out for the black color of its soil, which was bathed in fire hundreds of years ago with the volcanic eruption of Timanfaya. Today you can tour it on your own or on a guided tour and you can even cross it by bike. Here is a selection of the best tours to Timanfaya.

Its landscapes will leave you postcards that will seem taken from another planet and in less than an hour you can cover much of its surface, in a walk that does not require a special physical form. The entrance to the park costs 12 € and will be the best investment you make during your trip to Lanzarote.

It is also possible to visit Timanfaya by bike, as there is a road in perfect condition that crosses it. If you dare to ride on two wheels, this landscape will leave you with incredible views.

Although another way to discover the landscapes of Timanfaya and that is usually in demand in the area is doing one of the buggy tours in Lanzarote, you will not regret it!

2. Sail in catamaran in La Graciosa

La Graciosa| ©Ferran Feixas
La Graciosa| ©Ferran Feixas

The best thing about a vacation of sun and sea in the middle of nature is to enjoy the environment in its maximum splendor. And for this, nothing better than getting on board a luxury catamaran to tour the coast of the island of La Graciosa, located on the north coast of Lanzarote.

With this excursion you will enjoy snorkeling in the Atlantic to discover its underwater fauna, you can sunbathe on board and you will be served to eat a delicious paella. In addition, you will also have time to explore on your own the small village of Caleta that will welcome you when you arrive at La Graciosa. An unforgettable day to complete your vacation with a day at sea. Here is the ideal place to put into practice some of the 10 best activities to do in Lanzarote.

See the excursion to La Graciosa

3. Enjoy a swim at Papagayo Beach

Papagayo Coast| ©Antonio Sessa
Papagayo Coast| ©Antonio Sessa

Its waters, its spectacular cliff and its fine sand make Playa Papagayo is the favorite of many islanders and visitors to enjoy a day of sun and sea.it is one of the best beaches in Lanzarote The access to the beach already points out ways: a long road practically virgin will welcome you and the views of the beach from above are spectacular.

You will find it in the south, in a protected environment, as it is located in the Natural Park of the Achajes and therefore you will have to pay 3 € for the vehicle for access. If you want to go to eat you will find a beach bar nearby, but to make the most of the day, a good option is to carry some prepared food in your backpack.

4. Discover the Jameos del Agua

Jameos del Agua| ©Javier Martínez
Jameos del Agua| ©Javier Martínez

The Jameos del Agua in Lanzarote are spectacular lakes formed inside volcanic caves. These unique natural formations will surprise you and Lanzarote is one of the best places in the world to see this unique natural element.

You can find them in the northern part of the island of Lanzarote and their peculiarity will surprise you. To access the interior, you must go through some stairs and once inside you will discover the vegetation that curiously has been sprouting between the lava stones.

You will also be surprised by the natural light that enters through the holes or vaults that have formed in the ceilings of the natural tunnels. Do not hesitate to visit it also if you are in Lanzarote with the whole family, as it is usually a natural site that attracts the attention of the little ones for its curious shapes. The price is 9.50 € for adults and only 5 € for children.

There you will also find a cafeteria where you can have a drink to regain strength and continue discovering the wonders that Lanzarote has in store for its visitors.

This is undoubtedly another of the best tours and excursions to do in Lanzarote.

5. Stroll around Arrecife, capital of Lanzarote

Road to Lanzarote| ©Howard Bouchevereau
Road to Lanzarote| ©Howard Bouchevereau

To the east of the island of Lanzarote is its capital, Arrecife, whose coast actually has the soul of a fishing village. Its picturesque little houses facing the sea, where you will find anchored many of the boats of the fishermen who go out to fish from there will seem taken from a postcard.

My recommendation is that you take the opportunity to visit the city during one of the afternoons of your trip, after enjoying a morning at the beach. Here you can have an ice cream or sit in one of its terraces to contemplate how the residents of this beautiful town live and it will seem that time stands still.

Take the opportunity to see its castle, its colonial church in the center and even to shop in one of its stores. There are also parks and green areas where you can take a pleasant walk or sit and read on one of the benches.

6. Surf in Famara

Surf in Famara beach| ©Howard Bouchevereau
Surf in Famara beach| ©Howard Bouchevereau

Did you know that Lanzarote is also the mecca of pilgrimage for many surfers? Specifically on the coast of Famara, thanks to its waves, you will find the perfect setting for surfing or to get started as a surfer.

I leave you this article in which you will see the best surf lessons in Lanzarote. All along the coast surf campuses are organized with different days of duration so you can choose how and when you want to get started in this sport. You will find from a basic course of two hours to a whole week surrounded by professionals and apprentice surfers who like you, come to Lanzarote in search of a vacation to connect with nature.

If you want to complete your days off doing sport in the Atlantic, do not lose sight of Famara!

7. Discover Yaiza and its kettles

Kettles of Yaiza| ©JP Files
Kettles of Yaiza| ©JP Files

The most spectacular cliffs of the island you will surely find them in Yaiza. Go to what seems like the end of the world to see the waves crashing hard against the rocks (in fact, the rougher the sea, the more spectacular the visit).

You can go with children as long as you take special care with them, since it is a totally unspoiled and natural area and you will not find safety barriers and you will have to be careful to avoid falls.

Take advantage of your visit to the south of the island to also visit the town of Yaiza, a small village of white houses with a lot of culture and tradition that is worth a stop.

8. Go to the Mirador del Rio to get the best views

Views of Lanzarote| ©Howard Bouchevere
Views of Lanzarote| ©Howard Bouchevere

I have already told you about La Graciosa and I hope you have already assumed that visiting this small island is a must during your trip to Lanzarote. But if you also want to enjoy it from the air, you will have the best views of the island from the Mirador del Rio.

The wind that usually blows here, the calm and silence of the place will make you feel totally immersed in this natural wonder. At almost 500 meters high, the views from up here seem to be taken from the flight of a bird. You can easily reach it by car and there is plenty of parking space. Once there, you can walk along the viewpoint to have different points of view.

9. Enjoy Playa Blanca by day and by night

White beach| ©Jorge Fernández Salas
White beach| ©Jorge Fernández Salas

Located in the south of the island of Lanzarote, it is one of the key places for visitors arriving to the island. Its offer of accommodation (both hotels and resorts and apartments) and the variety of restaurants, bars, stores and terraces, make it a busy and lively place, both day and night.

In Playa Blanca the 365 days of the year seem like vacations and its quiet and dynamic spirit will infect you with a good vibe that makes it worthwhile to stop by. Come one evening for dinner and a stroll along the promenade, but do not hesitate to spend a morning or afternoon shopping.

From here you can reach the Timanfaya very quickly, so it might be a good idea to complete your visit to the natural park with a walk through Playa Blanca. Here you can do one of the hiking tours offered by the island, a unique way to connect with the nature of the place.

10. Go sailing to see dolphins off the coast of Lanzarote

Dolphin watching| ©Pablo Heimplatz
Dolphin watching| ©Pablo Heimplatz

Did you know that the coasts of Lanzarote are home to dozens of dolphins? Whale watching is one of the most popular activities on the island and there are local companies that will take you out to sea to see them in their habitat. There are numerous boat tours around Lanzarote that include this activity.

You should know that all companies that organize dolphin watching tours in Lanzarote are environmentally friendly and comply with all regulations to not invade the space of cetaceans. Undoubtedly, it is one of the favorite activities to do with children in Lanzarote.

Other recommendations for your trip to Lanzarote

Knowing Fuerteaventura| ©Bruno
Knowing Fuerteaventura| ©Bruno

Lanzarote is in itself an idyllic place to spend an unforgettable vacation. You will have so much to do on the island that there will be no chance for boredom. However, here is an article about excursions to Fuerteventura from Lanzarote, another Canary Island you will fall in love with.

If you still have doubts about how much time to allocate to your getaway, you can take a look at our travel guides depending on the duration of your vacation: