Lanzarote, Spain: Beaches, Volcanoes & Island Adventures

Lanzarote, one of the Canary Islands, is a truly unique destination. This island seamlessly blends volcanic landscapes with stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and family-friendly attractions. Lanzarote offers a diverse range of experiences, from exploring national parks and caves to relaxing on pristine shores and indulging in delicious Canarian cuisine.

Lanzarote: An Overview

Located in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa, Lanzarote is known for its year-round sunshine and volcanic terrain1. The island experiences mild temperatures, with daytime temperatures averaging around 21°C and dropping to 15°C at night2. This makes it an ideal destination for outdoor activities and exploration throughout the year.

Lanzarote’s volcanic history has dramatically shaped its landscape3. Volcanic eruptions between 1730 and 1736, and again in 1824, created a unique environment of lava fields, craters, and caves2. This has resulted in an otherworldly terrain that sets Lanzarote apart from other islands.

Interestingly, the renowned artist and architect César Manrique, born in Lanzarote, played a crucial role in preserving the island’s natural beauty3. Upon returning from his travels, he recognized the potential threats of unchecked tourism development. He actively lobbied for planning regulations that prioritized sustainable tourism and prevented the construction of high-rise buildings, which has helped maintain Lanzarote’s unique character3.

Top Tourist Destinations

Lanzarote boasts a variety of attractions that cater to different interests. Here are some of the must-visit destinations:

Volcanic Wonders:

Timanfaya National Park: This park is a testament to Lanzarote’s volcanic origins. Witness geothermal demonstrations, where water poured into the ground erupts as steam geysers, and marvel at the rugged, ochre-hued landscape4. You can also opt for a camel ride through the park or dine at El Diablo restaurant, where meat and vegetables are cooked in a theatrical style using volcanic heat4.
Cueva de los Verdes: This lava tube, formed by volcanic eruptions, offers a fascinating journey through an underground world6. Descend into the depths and witness the intricate rock formations, expansive chambers, and winding lava tubes2.
Los Hervideros: Located on the southwest coast, Los Hervideros is where the wild Atlantic waves crash against dramatic volcanic cliff formations4. Stroll around the pathways that trace this coastal stretch and observe the eroding underwater lava caves4.

César Manrique’s Creations:

Jameos del Agua: Designed by local artist César Manrique, Jameos del Agua is a series of volcanic caves transformed into a unique cultural center6. Explore the underground tunnels, admire the natural pool inhabited by albino crabs, and enjoy live music in the auditorium with bar seats built into the rocks7.
Jardín de Cactus: This cactus garden, also designed by César Manrique, showcases a vast collection of cacti from around the world4. Explore the former quarry transformed into a magical garden with stunning ocean views4.
Mirador del Río: Situated on the north coast, this viewpoint, designed by Manrique, provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the neighboring island of La Graciosa6.

Other Attractions:

Underwater Atlantic Museum: Dive into the depths of the Atlantic Ocean near Playa Blanca to explore the Underwater Atlantic Museum4. This unique museum features sculptures submerged on the seabed, creating an incredible experience for divers and snorkelers4.
La Geria Valley: Discover the unique wine region of La Geria Valley, where vines are grown in volcanic ash4. The volcanic soil and traditional methods create distinctive wines that are worth sampling.
Janubio Salt Flats: Marvel at the Janubio Salt Flats on the southwest coast4. These salt pans create a striking landscape and offer a glimpse into the traditional salt production methods.

Family-Friendly Fun

Lanzarote offers a variety of activities that are perfect for families with children:

Rancho Texas Lanzarote Park: This Wild West-themed park combines a zoo and a water park, offering animal encounters, cowboy shows, pony rides, and water attractions2.
Submarine Safari: Embark on an underwater adventure in a submarine, diving to depths of 30 meters to observe marine life, including angel sharks, barracuda, and parrotfish, and explore fascinating shipwrecks5.
Beaches: Lanzarote’s beaches are ideal for families, with calm waters and soft sand. Playa Flamingo and Playa Dorada in Playa Blanca are particularly recommended for younger children2.
Caletón Blanco: Located in the north of the island, Caletón Blanco is a safe and beautiful beach with many pools made out of lava that are dotted along the shore9.
Aqualava Waterpark: This waterpark in Playa Blanca features volcano-themed attractions, a wave pool, and a lazy river, providing fun for all ages2. The pools are heated using geothermal energy, making it suitable for year-round enjoyment2.
Pirate Museum: Visit the Castle of Santa Bárbara in Teguise, which has been transformed into a Pirate Museum9. This museum offers a fun and educational experience for children interested in pirate history.

Shopping and Markets

Teguise Market: Every Sunday, the charming town of Teguise hosts a bustling market3. Here, you can find a variety of goods, including souvenirs, jewelry made from volcanic stones, local crafts, and fresh produce3.

Where to Stay

Lanzarote offers a range of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets:

Top 10 Hotels in Lanzarote: 10

Hotel	Location	Description
Los Lírios Hotel Rural	Tías	Best hotel in Tías
Secrets Lanzarote Resort & Spa	Puerto Calero	Best hotel in Puerto Calero
Aequora Lanzarote Suites	Puerto del Carmen	Best hotel in Puerto del Carmen
Barceló Teguise Beach	Costa Teguise	Best hotel in Costa Teguise
H10 Rubicón Palace	Playa Blanca	Best hotel in Playa Blanca
Arrecife Gran Hotel & Spa	Arrecife	Best hotel in Arrecife
Hotel Boutique Palacio Ico	Teguise	Best hotel in Teguise
Hotel La Casa de los Naranjos	Haría	Best hotel in Haría
Mana EcoRetreat	Las Breñas	Best hotel in Las Breñas
La Casona de Yaiza	Yaiza	Best hotel in Yaiza

Family-Friendly Hotels: 2

Princess Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort: This five-star luxury hotel in Playa Blanca offers a playground, spa, and a variety of activities for different age groups.
Iberostar Lanzarote Park: Located near the beaches, this hotel has a dedicated family area with a children’s pool and slides.
MYND Yaiza: This modern hotel features a heated swimming pool, slides, a splash park, and a kids’ club.

Areas to Stay:

Puerto del Carmen: This lively resort town boasts a 6-kilometer stretch of golden sand beaches, including Playa Grande, Playa Chica, and Playa de los Pocillos11. The bustling promenade, Avenida de las Playas, is lined with restaurants, bars, and shops11.
Costa Teguise: Located on the eastern coast, Costa Teguise offers a balance of relaxation and family-friendly activities11. It’s known for its sandy beaches, particularly Playa de las Cucharas, which is ideal for windsurfing11.
Playa Blanca: Situated in the south, Playa Blanca is known for its beautiful beaches, calm waters, and family-friendly atmosphere12. It’s a popular choice for those seeking a more relaxed holiday12.
Famara: This area is popular with surfers due to its excellent surfing conditions and stunning beach with dramatic cliffs12.
Puerto Calero: This upscale marina offers a more exclusive and tranquil environment, with luxury hotels and waterfront dining13.

Culinary Delights

Lanzarote’s culinary scene offers a mix of traditional Canarian cuisine and international flavors. Here are some highly-rated restaurants:

Michelin Star Recommendations: 14

KAORI: Located in the luxurious Hotel Fariones, this contemporary restaurant offers a variety of Asian flavors.
ERIZO: Also located in Hotel Fariones, Erizo focuses on local and traditional cuisine with modern twists.
Restaurante Costa Azul: This restaurant in El Golfo offers incredibly fresh seafood on a quaint covered terrace right by the sea.
Kamezi: Located in the boutique villa park of the same name, Kamezi offers a sophisticated menu with a focus on local produce in a beautiful modern minimalist environment.
La Cascada: This restaurant in Puerto del Carmen offers a wide range of high-quality wood-grilled specialties.
SEBE: This restaurant in Costa Teguise offers artful contemporary cooking using local produce and traditions in a warm and modern interior.
Coentro: Located in Puerto Calero, Coentro offers an eclectic fusion of local and Latin-American cuisine with a wonderful tasting menu.

Other Recommendations:

Restaurante Lilium: This Michelin-starred restaurant in Arrecife offers a sophisticated tasting menu featuring local island cuisine15.
Coentro: Located in Puerto Calero, Coentro offers a fusion of tapas and worldly dishes with bold flavors15.
La Cabana Macher: This intimate restaurant in Macher provides a romantic setting and serves fresh Mediterranean dishes15.
Enjoy: This Asian restaurant in Puerto del Carmen offers a lively atmosphere and a variety of Chinese, Thai, Japanese, and Vietnamese dishes16.
Aroma: This unassuming Indian restaurant in Puerto del Carmen serves authentic and affordable Indian cuisine16.

Example Holidays

Lanzarote offers a variety of holiday experiences, from active adventures to relaxing beach getaways:

Adventure Holidays: 17

Cycling the Land of Volcanoes: Explore the island’s volcanic landscapes on a self-guided cycling tour with bike hire and luggage transfers included17.
Walking on Lanzarote: Discover Lanzarote’s natural beauty at your own pace on a self-guided walking holiday17.
Hike and Bike Highlights of Lanzarote: Combine hiking and cycling on a guided tour that showcases the island’s diverse landscapes17.

Other Holiday Options:

Lanzarote Family Time: Enjoy a family-friendly holiday in one of Lanzarote’s resorts, with plenty of activities and attractions for children1.
Lanzarote & Tenerife – Volcanoes & Beaches: Combine a visit to Lanzarote with a trip to Tenerife, experiencing the volcanic landscapes and beaches of both islands1.

Conclusion

Lanzarote is a captivating island that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and family-friendly activities. The island’s volcanic origins have created a dramatic and otherworldly landscape, while the vision of César Manrique has ensured the preservation of its natural beauty and the development of sustainable tourism. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a cultural immersion, Lanzarote has something to offer every traveler. Families will find plenty of kid-friendly beaches and attractions, while adventure seekers can explore volcanic landscapes, caves, and hiking trails. Couples can enjoy romantic dinners with ocean views and unwind in luxurious hotels. With its stunning beaches, diverse culinary scene, and vibrant culture, Lanzarote is sure to leave a lasting impression on every visitor.

Lanzarote Quick Facts

Feature	Details
Location	Canary Islands, Spain
Climate	Mild, average daytime temperature of 21°C, dropping to 15°C at night
Language	Spanish
Currency	Euro (€)
Main Attractions	Timanfaya National Park, Jameos del Agua, Cueva de los Verdes, Mirador del Río, Jardín de Cactus, Underwater Atlantic Museum, La Geria Valley, Janubio Salt Flats, Los Hervideros
Family-Friendly Destinations	Rancho Texas Lanzarote Park, Submarine Safari, Playa Flamingo, Playa Dorada, Aqualava Waterpark, Caletón Blanco, Pirate Museum in Teguise
Best Places to Stay	Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise, Playa Blanca, Famara, Puerto Calero
Best Restaurants	Restaurante Lilium, Coentro, La Cabana Macher, Enjoy, Aroma, KAORI, ERIZO, Restaurante Costa Azul, Kamezi, La Cascada, SEBE
Local Holidays	Canary Islands Day (May 30th), Virgin of the Volcanoes (September 15th)

Spain Plug Socket Type

Spain uses Type F plugs, also known as Schuko plugs.¹ These plugs have two round pins and are similar to those found in Germany and other European countries.² If your devices use a different plug type, you’ll need a travel adapter to charge them while in Spain.³ It’s always a good idea to check the voltage requirements of your devices as well, though most modern electronics are dual-voltage and will work fine in Spain.