Things to do in Lanzarote
Lanzarote's history
Lanzarote boasts spectacular volcanic landscapes, sun-drenched terraces, tantalising tapas, and black golden and white sand beaches. Lanzarote was first inhabited in 1000 BC by a primitive, pastoral tribe known as Majos. Constantly struggling for survival on an island short of resources, by the time the Europeans arrived, the Majos had barely progressed beyond the Stone Age conditions, living in caves, wearing animal skin and herding livestock. Later on, Lanzarote’s beautiful volcanic landscapes resulted from six years of volcanic eruptions from 1730 to 1736 and another smaller one in 1824. You can still feel the heat under the surface of Timanfaya, although it is classed as dormant.
Much of the influence of the island’s architecture and culture is from the local artist César Manrique. He worked with local authorities in creating tourist attractions that would blend nature with the artistic architectural style to preserve the natural heritage without impacting it. As you explore the natural beauty of Lanzarote, you will discover the footprints that the inspirational artist left on his beloved home island, in order to save his island from mass tourism.
Lanzarote’s beaches
Lanzarote has some of the most iconic beaches, with white, golden and black sands meeting beautiful crystal waters. If you want to go further afield and explore the other beaches Lanzarote has to offer, there are endless options to choose from.
From quainter beaches such as Playa Chica, with calm waters and great snorkelling to popular surf beaches with dramatic volcanic landscapes like Playa del Famara you will be spoilt for choice with beautiful beaches immersed within unique volcanic nature.
Lanzarote’s beaches are filled with beautiful natural pools, endless sun, marine life and fantastic waves. You will not be disappointed with the range of beaches the island has to offer, near or far from the resort of Playa Blanca.
There are plenty of excursions perfect for families with calmer swimming spots with less wind as well as wheelchair accessible beaches with promenades and ramps to the sand. To read more about wheelchair accessible places, please see our page.
Local attractions and activities
Lanzarote is full of sports, excursions and activities for the whole family. Watersports are extremely popular because of the great conditions for surfing and windsurfing around the island. If you visit Lanzarote you must not miss a walk amongst the volcanic terrain. You might even want to have a guided tour at the famous Timanfaya National Park. Or why not explore the lava tubes amongst the saves in Jameos del Agua? If vineyards are more your scene, take a tour around the Bodega region to learn the unique way Lanzarote produces their wine from the challenging volcanic land.
For most of the tourist attractions you will see, the beauty will be preserved because of Cesar Manrique who aimed to make every attraction compliment the nature surrounding it. We have listed just a few of our favourites below. The welcome back to our villas will include a full list of our favourite attractions.
The Timanfaya National Park
The Timanfaya National Park, often referred to by tourists as having a landscape similar to Mars or the moon, is a breathtaking volcanic landscape. From the series of volcanic eruptions between 1720 and 1736, this incredible landscape is the only national park that is entirely geological in the Span. The breathtaking mountains, the jagged coastline, huge craters and lava fields are what make Timanfaya a uniquely beautiful place to visit. There are 25 volcanos to see in the national park but the only active one is Timanfaya. This is also a great excursion for the kids who will love the demonstrations of the lava activity on the guided tours.
Vineyards
Located at the foot of Timanfaya National Park, lies the most remarkable wine area on the island is La Geria, a 13,000-acre protected landscape. The volcanic eruptions created a new way of growing vines on this breathtaking scenery which you can learn on one of the guided tours of the area.
Jameos del Agua
Lanzarote also has an underground world of caves, one of the most spectacular created by a series of eruptions. Thanks to the sustainable and respectable actions of Cesar Manrique, these caves were preserved with a perfect combination of art and nature. Famous for its natural auditorium created from the volcanic tunnel, where the lava from Corona volcano once ran, the Jameos del Agua is home to a unique geological formation. Inside you will find the world’s only blind albino crabs, a sculpted pool, a concert hall, and a restaurant overlooking the turquoise waters, created by filtrations of the seawater.
Mirador Del Rio
El Lago Verde also known as the Green Lagoon
South of the small fishing village El Golfo is one of the most famous sights on Lanzarote. A lagoon has formed here at the bottom of a volcanic crater that has partially sunk into the sea. The striking green colour of the “Lago Verde” is given by algae. The play of colours between the green lagoon, the red lava rock and the ochre-yellow rock structures of the crater wall is particularly worth seeing.
El Golfo
The village of El Golfo beside the Green Lagoon is truly stunning with the ocean crashing right up the local waterfront restaurants of this old fishing village. What a way to enjoy lunch in such a spectacular setting just 10 minutes from Playa Blanca.
Salinas de Janubio – Salt Flats
Just a bike ride from Playa Blanca along the biking track or short drive, on the way to the fishing village El Golfo you will find the Salinas de Janubio salt flats, separated from the open sea by a headland. The terraced salt marshes are one of the most interesting sights of the region, as they shimmer in fascinating colour shades when the sun is shining. The salt flats were built as early as 1895 and the salt extracted there is still produced here with traditional methods to this day for its amazing flavour. Enjoy the visitors centre followed by a drink in the restaurant with its panoramic views over the Salt Flats.
There is something for everyone to enjoy in Lanzarote. Whether it’s spending the day at the beach with the kids, surfing, snorkelling, exploring the underwater museum, you will be spoilt for choice when discovering the hidden gems of this island.
