Lanzarote is more than just another holiday destination in the Canary Islands; it’s a place where volcanic vistas meet turquoise beaches, art and nature coexist, and traditional culture meets modern tourism. If you’re looking for the greatest things to do in Lanzarote, this guide will show you the top attractions that make the island so special. These are Lanzarote’s best activities, which include both natural beauty and distinctive cultural attractions.
1. Explore Jameos del Agua
César Manrique’s creation, Jameos del Agua, turns a volcanic tunnel into a magnificent cultural area. The combination of a natural lake, lava formations, and architectural design produces a unique environment. Visitors often come for the concert hall and the restaurant built into the cave, but the real wonder is the underground lagoon, home to tiny blind albino crabs found nowhere else in the world.
2. Visit Cesar Manrique Museum
The César Manrique Foundation honors Lanzarote’s most significant character and is more than just a museum. It’s situated in the artist’s former Tahíche residence. Built amid volcanic bubbles, the house blends nature and design in a way that feels futuristic even today. It shows his artwork and personal collections while also providing an inside look at how his vision impacted the island’s identity.
3. Stroll the seafront in Playa Blanca
Playa Blanca is ideal for leisurely strolls. Its lengthy waterfront promenade connects whitewashed streets, cafés, and ice cream shops with sandy beaches including Dorada and Flamingo. Besides the restaurants and shops by the sea, Marina Rubicón offers private boat rentals for beach excursions. Regular ferries take less than half an hour to get to Corralejo in Fuerteventura from the dock. It’s an easygoing area to explore at your own pace with the sea breeze for company.
4. Visit El Golfo and taste delicious seafood
The small fishing community of El Golfo is well known for Charco de los Clicos, a stunning green lagoon that contrasts exquisitely with the surrounding volcanic black beaches. The highlight is dining at one of the waterfront restaurants after taking in this natural sight. The exquisite meals here include seafood paella, grilled octopus, and freshly caught fish, all of which are consumed while the waves crash nearby. In contrast to the island’s bigger tourist regions, the scenery feels genuine. It’s the kind of place where a straightforward lunch may become one of your favorite Lanzarote experiences.
5. Sunbathe in Playa de Papagayo
Papagayo is a collection of seven main beaches with golden sand and stunning, sheltered water in Playa Blanca, which is part of the Los Ajaches Natural Monument. There are only two seasonal beach bars (chiringuitos) and a simple campsite. Access is possible by walking from the Sandos Papagayo hotel along the beach walk, or via dirt track with a gate fee of €3 per vehicle (free for Lanzarote residents with their residence card). Since there aren’t many services and the environment is natural, don’t forget to bring your own water and sunscreen.
6. Shop at Teguise Market
The quiet village of Teguise is transformed into a bustling outdoor market that fills its cobblestone alleys every Sunday morning. There are hundreds of kiosks selling anything from local cheeses, wines, and aloe vera products to jewelry and handmade crafts. Live music and street entertainers enhance the joyous ambiance, transforming shopping into a multisensory experience. There are great neighborhood cafés and restaurants all around the main square and side streets where you can stop for a quick lunch, coffee, pastries, or tapas before continuing.
It’s also a fantastic opportunity to meet people and experience Canarian culture. Even if you don’t intend to buy anything, exploring the market is one of the greatest ways to spend a Sunday in Lanzarote.
7. Go wine tasting at the bodegas in La Geria
You can visit several wineries in the unusual volcanic environment of La Geria, including historic names like El Grifo, Rubicón, Stratvs, La Geria, or Bermejo, to discover the island’s distinctive vine-growing technique in picón pits guarded by zocos. Along with to other regional wines, you can taste award-winning Malvasía Volcánica by driving yourself or scheduling a guided tour. Its combination of landscape, history, and taste makes it a must-visit location.
8. Take a Diving tour to Atlantico Museum
The only underwater museum in Europe is the Museo Atlántico, which was created by artist Jason deCaires Taylor. The sculptures, which form a surreal reef where art and marine life coexist, are 14 meters below the surface. Local dive centers provide guided excursions which depart from Playa Blanca via boat. One of Lanzarote’s most unique experiences for certified divers serves as an important reminder of the ocean’s significance to our ecology.
9. Explore Cueva de los Verdes
Cueva de los Verdes is an impressive volcanic cave system formed by ancient lava flows. Walking through its tunnels and chambers feels like stepping into another world. The guided tours reveal fascinating geological formations, and the cave’s natural acoustics even allow for concerts in its underground auditorium.
10. Experience Puerto del Carmen
The most popular resort town in Lanzarote is Puerto del Carmen, which has a variety of beaches, entertainment, and nightlife. After spending the day lounging on Playa Grande, you can visit the Avenida de las Playas for dining options, nightlife, and shops. Puerto del Carmen offers everything, including exciting evenings and family-friendly activities.
11. Step Inside the Famous Lagomar Museum
One of the island’s most distinctive attractions is the Lagomar Museum, which was inspired by César Manrique and built into volcanic rock. The property, which was once owned by star Omar Sharif, is a labyrinth of gardens, terraces, and caverns that blend in perfectly with the surroundings. It’s a work of art in and of itself as well as a museum.
12. Discover the Fire Mountains of Timanfaya
The Timanfaya National Park, known as the Fire Mountains, showcases Lanzarote’s volcanic origins in dramatic style. The park’s landscape of craters and lava fields feels almost lunar. Visitors can take guided bus tours, witness geothermal demonstrations, and even enjoy food cooked using the natural heat of the volcano. There’s also the option to ride camels at the Echadero de Camellos, right by the park entrance, a popular choice for families.
13. Explore Arrecife, the Capital of Lanzarote
Lanzarote’s capital, Arrecife, blends culture, history, and contemporary island lifestyle. Charco de San Ginés, a lake encircled by vibrant homes and bustling restaurants, is its most stunning neighborhood. San José Castle and San Gabriel Castle, two ancient buildings that were built as pirate fortresses, are also located in the city. In terms of its history, Arrecife has a growing art scene, commercial avenues, and cultural events. The new Open Mall offers cafés and high street brands for shopping. For a vantage point, visit the Arrecife Gran Hotel, the only high-rise on the island, where bars and restaurants serve coffee, lunch, or sunset cocktails while enjoying stunning views of the city and El Reducto beach. Spending a day exploring the island’s urban side is highly recommended.
14. Admire the Sculptures Crowning Castillo de San José
With breathtaking sea views, Castillo de San José is perched on a cliff above Arrecife’s harbor. The International Museum of Contemporary Art, which features pieces by well-known Spanish artists including César Manrique, is located inside. The fortification is crowned outside by contemporary sculptures that combine creativity and heritage. Once a military fortress, the castle itself now represents the artistic evolution of Lanzarote. It is a place that both historical enthusiasts and art lovers will enjoy.
15. Enjoy the Views from Mirador del Río
Mirador del Río is one of the most breathtaking viewpoints on Lanzarote, perched high on the cliffs of the island’s north. Designed by César Manrique, it perfectly integrates architecture with nature. From here, you can see La Graciosa and the surrounding islets, framed by turquoise waters and dramatic coastlines. The panoramic view is unforgettable, especially at sunset when the sky is painted with warm colors. Visiting this spot is a must for anyone wanting to appreciate the island’s natural beauty at its finest.
Are you prepared to experience everything Lanzarote has to offer?
Lanzarote is a place full of surprises, from golden beaches and natural beauties to culinary delights and cultural treasures. The island offers something for everyone, making every visit remarkable, regardless of your preferences for exploration, adventure, or leisure. And if your goal is to do more than just visit, in KPG Property our real estate team specialists can assist you in moving forward. Our specialty is locating homes that are ideal for your lifestyle, whether it be classic homes with island charms or contemporary villas with stunning views of the ocean. With our help, you can choose the perfect property to begin a new chapter in your life, in addition to discovering Lanzarote’s natural beauties.
