Everything you Need to Know before Holidaying in Lanzarote
Lanzarote is a hugely popular holiday destination with close to three million people visiting for sun, sea and sand every year. Regularly frequented by tourists from mainland Spain, the UK, Ireland and Germany, it is a popular choice for those seeking a summer vacation. The setting is ideal for a getaway as this part of the world boasts a warm, subtropical climate and the sun is shining almost all year around.
But it is more than the weather. Lanzarote is unique: a volcanic island (don’t worry, its volcanos are dormant) characterized by red and oche landscapes. It’s a place where you can hike across volcanic craters, ride dromedaries (a one-humped camel) or do a whole array of adventure sports.
More about Lanzarote in this post.
Where is Lanzarote and what is the Weather like?
Lanzarote is a Spanish island situated 600 miles from the Iberian Peninsula and 80 miles off the north coast of Africa. It is one of the seven Canary Islands along with Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, La Palma, El Hierro and La Gomera which are well known holiday destinations. Called the Island of ‘Eternal Spring’, Lanzarote boasts a hot desert climate and it very rarely rains except for a few occasions during the winter months. Summertime is often completely dry, making it a great location for those in search of catching some rays while chilling out by the swimming pool.
What is there to do in Lanzarote?
Lanzarote is a great place for a beach vacation if that’s what you want. Many come here with just that in mind.
But there is much more.
Check out Arrecife, the capital of Lanzarote. It is a picturesque fishing village with little houses that look out over the sea. There is a castle and colonial church to see in the centre and plenty of shops and eateries to enjoy.
Playa Blanca is a popular spot on the southernmost part of Lanzarote. People come here for the beaches, the long promenade, and the shops, restaurants, bars and terraces frequented by locals and visitors alike.
Outdoor Adventures on Lanzarote
To make the most of your stay, it is important to plan ahead and research things to do in Lanzarote. Some activities are best booked in advance due to their popularity. For example, families can visit Jameos del Agua, an underground complex built in volcanic caves. Another popular destination is Timanfaya National Park, a Biosphere reserve protected by Unesco. More on those below.
Some of the unique outdoor adventures you’ll find on Lanzarote
1. Timanfaya National Park’s landscapes are a result of volcanic eruptions. Here you’ll see volcanic peaks, volcanic craters and almost moon-like geography that is unlike any other found in Spain. It’s the perfect setting for outdoor adventures: you can hike among the craters or explore the park on a bike or buggy tour. You can even take a dromedary tour (a dromedary is the correct term for a one-humped camel). Timanfaya National Park is the island’s #1 tourist attraction.
2. Jameos del Agua (which I mentioned above). Jameos del Agua is a concert hall, restaurant, and pool set within a volcanic tunnel. It was created by César Manrique, Lanzarote’s most famous personality, who was an artist and architect. It is unique and one of the most visited attractions on Lanzarote.
3. Mirador del Rio. Another creation by César Manrique is this distinctly built mirador situated on one of the most scenic spots on the island. Located on the northern tip of the island, you can see the slopes of the Risco de Famara and El Río: a narrow strip of sea that gives its name to the viewpoint and that separates Lanzarote from La Graciosa, the eighth Canary Island.
4. Hiking. One of the best hikes in all of the Canary Islands is the 18.7 km hike along the coast from Playa Quemada to Playa Blanca. The hike takes you along black sand beaches and through the Los Ajaches volcanic area. You’ll see turquoise coves and high cliffs at Papagayo Beach before arriving at Playa Blanca.
Water sports on Lanzarote
Beaches. Playa Papagayo is considered one of the finest beaches in Lanzarote with beautiful clear water, fine sand and incredible clifftops. Located in the protected Parque Natural de los Achajes, it’s a great spot for a picnic and to sit back, relax and watch the world go by.
Surfing. If you’re a surfer or want to learn how to surf, head out to the coast of Famara. Schools here offer different surfing classes depending on your level and the amount of time you want to dedicate to learning.
Boat tours. There are many available. You can board a luxury catamaran and tour the coast of La Graciosa. Here, you can sunbathe on board while being served paella. Or, if looking for something more active, you can snorkel in the Atlantic Ocean and check out the underwater sea life.
Diving. Lanzarote has different sea life than the Mediterranean and you will spot seahorses, angelfish, parrotfish, barracudas and groupers. It’s a popular diving destination. Something unusual: near Playa Blanca is the Museo Atlántico, the only underwater museum in Europe. It’s a surreal sculpture park, 10 metres down, populated by sunken statues.
Some Lanzarote Travel Tips
- Lanzarote is a good destination to visit year-round. Maximum temperatures range between 20°C and 28°C. No matter what time of year you visit, you will always enjoy good weather.
- High season is December – January and July – August. During these months there are more visitors and prices are higher.
- You can find cheap flights to Lanzarote. Iberia Express for example offers return flights Madrid – Lanzarote for under 100 Euros (a 2 ½ hour flight)
- Getting around. Public transport is not always dependable and is very limited. Best to rent a car. For many, taking a tour is the best option.
- Where to stay in Lanzarote. Most people will want to be on the coast near the beaches and near infrastructure so they can go out to eat, shop and which serve as good bases for tours. Recommended are the resorts at Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise. A few specific recommendation: Ona Las Casitas (Playa Blanca), Gabiete (Puerto del Carmen), Sabbia Suites Blue (Costa Teguise). There are many options and these are a few of many.
- The Euro is the currency used on Lanzarote.
- Food and wine. Lanzarote volcanic soil gives everything here a unique flavour. The island’s wines, particularly those from the La Geria region, are renowned for their distinctive taste, a result of the grapevines being planted in volcanic ash. The local cuisine reflects a blend of Spanish, African, and Latin American influences, offering flavours that is as diverse as the island’s landscape. There’s fresh seafood, traditional dishes like papas arrugadas (wrinkly potatoes) served with mojo sauce, Estofado (a stew with local vegetables, chickpeas and meat), goat’s cheese, Puntillas de Calamar (battered and fried squid)….Lanzarote is an exploration of taste.
Summing Up
Lanzarote is among the favourite destinations for many holiday makers, as it is the perfect setting to wind down and relax in the sun while also offering individuals, couples and families the chance to enjoy a number of activities both on the water and dry land. Be sure to plan ahead and conduct thorough research to make the most of your vacation in Lanzarote.
Related: What’s it like living in the Canary Islands?
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