What a unique island! Between nature and architecture, there’s no time to get bored.
So what is there to do in Lanzarote?
Here are 21 activities in Lanzarote, with photos, tips and map:
- inspiring volcanic landscapes,
- picturesque beaches,
- unique architecture,
- fun activities,
- …
BEFORE ALL OUR TIPS, OUR favorites
Our favorite car rental platform with great offers: DiscoverCars
Our favorite activities:
Dolphin-watching boat tour
Bus tour: Timanfaya + El Golfo + Los Hervideros + Wines
Our favorite hotels:
Boutique: Royal Marina Suites in Puerto Calero
5 stars: Hotel Fariones in Puerto del Carmen
Adults-only: CalaLanzarote in Playa Blanca
Family: Aequora Suites in Puerto del Carmen
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
1. Best thing to do in Lanzarote: Montana Cuervo
We did a lot of walking on the island. But our favorite is actually one of the easiest: Montana Cuervo.
Located in the Lanzarote Volcanoes Natural Park (around Timanfaya), it is easily accessible by road.
First, you’ll walk across the entire volcano, with a breathtaking view of a well-preserved cone. All around you, there’s lava in various forms. Panels help you understand the landscape around you and the volcano’s geological history.
Then, the path allows you to walk around it and even enter the interior through a side that has collapsed.
Allow 1 to 2 hours, depending on the length of your visit and the number of photos you wish to take.
There’s no shade, so bring water and wear good shoes.
If you don’t want to drive, excursions leave from all the resorts, on a volcanic circuit that includes the first third of this walk (the best part). See program and book.
2. Dolphin-watching: Incontourable!
We love the whale and dolphin watching tours. We had high hopes, and were lucky enough to see an impressive number of dolphins. A wonderful experience with the Lanzarote landscape in the background.
You can also often see bottlenose dolphins in the Canary Islands, including Lanzarote.
See our article.
Choose from 4 tour formats:
Option 1 – Daytime speedboat – duration 1h30 with swimming
See details and availability
Option 2 – sunset speedboat – 2h30 with champagne
See details and availability
Option 3 – fast boat and Lobos Island – 5h with discovery of part of Lobos Island
See details and availability
Option 4 – Catamaran sunset cruise – 2h
See details and availability
There are resident dolphins all year round. Some say that June is the best month to see many of them, but we haven’t found confirmation.
3. Explore the island of La Graciosa
La Graciosa is a small island to the north of Lanzarote. Access is by ferry and there are no roads at all, just tracks in the sand. You can explore it on foot or with one of the 4WD cabs.
Unlike Lanzarote, it is covered in golden-white sand. But there are also a few volcanoes. The colors are magnificent and you can enjoy different landscapes: beaches, volcanoes and basalt columns.
Even the ferry crossing is fascinating, with superb views of the Famara cliffs to the north of Lanzarote.
See our article.
We recommend taking the first ferry in the morning to avoid the crowds who come to spend the day at the beach.
Ferries depart from Orzola. Note that for those staying in Playa Blanca, it takes longer to get to the north (1h10min by car). 2 companies offer ferries from Lanzarote to La Graciosa. See departures and book or book with bus pick-up.
And on site, we recommend hiring a 4WD cab to explore the island’s most beautiful landscapes: book your 4WD tour in advance!
Another option if you don’t rent a car is to take part in a day’s sailing on a catamaran around La Graciosa – see program.
4. Discover Timanfaya National Park
The most famous activity in Lanzarote is the bus tour inside Timanfaya National Park. Located in the west, this is one of the best and most unique parts of the island. It is entirely covered by volcanic soil. There aren’t many ways to experience it. The main one is the bus excursion along the park’s only road. You can’t get out of the bus (to protect the landscape), but you can see some of the most incredible views you could imagine. It’s like visiting another planet! We loved it.
See our article.
Allow less than half a day. Come early to avoid queuing at the entrance.
If you don’t want to drive, half-day excursions take you from all the resorts to experience Timanfaya.
See the program.
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Lanzarote
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- A small car is all you need.
- But you can also choose a larger one if you wish, as the parking spaces are rather large.
- There’s a lot of demand and it’s an island, so book early.
5. Visit the Cactus Garden
A garden full of cacti!!! We really like these funny and varied plants. Of all the best places to visit in Lanzarote, this is our favorite.
The Cactus Garden is the work of the famous artist Cesar Manrique. He imagined how to transform this former rofera (quarry) into an exhibition of the most beautiful cactus flowers from around the world. It boasts some 1,500 specimens of 450 different species representing all 5 continents.
See our photos of the Lanzarote cactus garden
Visit at opening time or in the late afternoon if you want a less crowded experience.
If you don’t want to rent a car, you can take part in a Lanzarote excursion from all the major towns, which cover many of the places created by César Manrique. The tour includes the Cactus Garden. See the program (English, Spanish or German guide)
6. Enjoy the wild beaches of Papagayo
One of Lanzarote’s most famous spots is Papagayo beach. Located on the south coast, this is the oldest part of the island. The small cove has a beautiful shape and emerald waters.
There are no roads to get there, only a very bumpy track (where you’re not normally allowed to go with rental cars). We recommend that you enjoy the beautiful hiking along these beaches.
See our article.
7. Explore the canyons of Las Grietas, off the beaten track
Las Grietas, in Spanish, literally translates as “the cracks”.
This is a formation on the side of the 600m-high Montaña Blanca volcano. 3 cracks have formed.
The cracks aren’t very long, but they are quite narrow, reminiscent of a miniature version of the canyons in Arizona and Utah.
We loved the different-sized crevasses with beautiful lines carved into the rock, as well as the views towards Puerto del Carmen and the sea. And it’s easy to get to!
See more photos and our practical tips.
For more “hidden” places, see our list of off-the-beaten-track attractions.
WHERE TO STAY IN Lanzarote
Option 1: Playa Blanca
To the south, the resort is charming with beautiful beaches. We recommend..:
- Hotel Resort Princesa Yaiza, right in the center – see prices, pictures and availability
- Boutique-Hotel Cala Lanzarote – see prices, pictures and availability
- Aparthotel Jardines del Sol – prices, pictures and availability
Option 2: Puerto del Carmen
Main seaside resort with large beaches. We recommend..:
- Hotel Fariones, 5 stars above the beach – see prices, photos and availability
- Boutique-Hotel Aqua Suites – see prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Seaside Los Jameos, for families – see prices, photos and availability
Option 3: Costa Teguise
Smaller and more central, for exploring the whole island. We recommend..:
- Barcelo adults-only Hotel – prices, pictures and availability
- Radisson Blu resort hotel, adults-only- see prices, pictures and availability
- H10 Lanzarote Family Guard – see prices, photos and availability
8. Jameos del Agua: lava, pool and crabs
We think it was one of the most frustrating things about Lanzarote. This pool in Jameos des Agua is so inviting!!!! Isn’t it?
Here, César Manrique transformed part of a long lava tunnel that had collapsed in several places. There’s an underground lake, restaurants and an amphitheatre…
See our article
Also at Jameos del Agua, the natural underground lake inside the section of the tunnel that didn’t collapse is home to small white crabs. You can sit on your side to spot them.
If you don’t want to rent a car, you can take part in an excursion that covers several places imagined by César Manrique, including Jameos.
See the program
9. Climb to viewpoint: Mirador del Rio
Lanzarote’s most famous viewpoint is Mirador del Rio. It is considered one of the best places on Lanzarote.
Located in the north of the island, on the Famara cliffs, this former military base was modified by César Manrique and camouflaged in the rock. It offers breathtaking views of the cliffs and the island of La Graciosa.
If you don’t want to drive, it’s also included in the César Manrique day trip. See the program (English, Spanish or German guide)
10. Admire the waves at Los Hervideros
One of our favorite landscapes on Lanzarote was Los Hervideros. We really enjoyed the mix of turquoise water, dark basalt columns and the little red volcano behind. We sat there watching, fascinated by the intensity of the colors.
A path has been laid out to explore these cliffs and even to go down and look under one of the arches. The walk is short but fun and easy.
See our article.
Los Hervideros is located on the west coast, south of Timanfaya National Park, and the views are best at high tide, when you may see the waves crashing.
If you don’t want to drive, organized tours combine Los Hervideros with a visit to the famous Timanfaya National Park. See program (English-speaking guide)
11. Vertigo at Cueva de los Verdes
This photo was taken at Cueva de los Verdes, in the north of the island. Jesus Soto installed lights in the lava tunnel to create a fascinating experience. We won’t say too much, as we risk spoiling the surprise. But we were very impressed with the experience in the end!
See our article.
12. Lounging on Lanzarote’s most beautiful beaches
Of course, many people also come to Lanzarote to lie on the beach and enjoy the sun.
Lanzarote’s 3 seaside resorts offer very pleasant beaches: Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise.
We prefer the beaches of Playa Blanca.
See our article on Lanzarote’s most beautiful beaches.
13. Fun on land, water and in the air
There are plenty of activities on offer in Lanzarote, from dirt roads to sea and air!
HAVE FUN WITH THESE Lanzarote activities
Dolphin watching
Diving at the Museum of the Atlantic
Buggy / Quad
Catamaran outing
Ferry to the island of La Graciosa
Kayak excursion
Paddle excursion
Parasailing
14. Learn more about Lanzarote wine
Yes, there are vineyards on Lanzarote. It’s quite amazing, but by using picon on the soil to capture moisture and creating small rock walls to protect from the wind, they are able to grow grapes and make wine!
You can visit several Bodegas on the island. The most famous is La Geria with its impressive valley(see tour program – English-speaking guide).
But our favorite was El Grifo, with its small museum and more intimate setting for tasting.
Find out more about the Lanzarote wine route.
15. Enjoy the colors of the salt marshes: Janubios
We’ve always loved salt marshes: their shapes, colors and little cones of white salt. On the west coast of Lanzarote, you can find the Janubios Salinas. In this astonishing landscape, it’s quite a sight!
16. See the sunset and the reflections of Famara
It’s well known that one of the best places to see the sunset in Lanzarote is on Famara beach. And when we saw that the conditions were going to be favourable, we jumped in the car and off we went. We were not disappointed!
The wet sand reflects Famara’s impressive cliffs, struck by the setting sun.
This is one of Lanzarote’s best photo sites, with silhouettes of surfers and light effects.
But you won’t be the only photographer, because it’s a camera magnet.
Definitely one of the most beautiful beaches on Lanzarote.
17. Hiking in Lanzarote
In addition to Montana Cuervo, there are numerous hikes to enjoy the beauty of the volcanic landscape. Among our favorites:
- Montana Colorada and its volcanic bomb
- Montana Los Rodeos
- Montana Roja
- …
See our selection of the most beautiful hikes.
18. Getting lost in a LagOmar labyrinth house
One of our favorite places by César Manrique, was imagined by him but designed by Jésus Soto. It’s a labyrinth house inside an old quarry. We love the way hollows and shapes are used and transformed. This was Omar Sharif’s house.
Find out more about LagOmar.
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19. Tapas and local gastronomy
Another way to get a taste of Lanzarote is to escape to a small fishing village off the beaten track, and enjoy seafood by the water.
And if you’re looking for more gastronomic ideas, check out our selection of the best restaurants in Lanzarote.
20. Amusement parks
Lanzarote offers several theme parks for families:
- In Lanzarote, you can visit the Rancho Texas park, which combines a zoo, water park and other outdoor activities. It’s near Puerto del Carmen – Book your tickets
- Lanzarote also has a second water park on the Costa Teguise with a paintball area – Book your ticket
21. Vister cities in Lanzarote
It’s a good idea to alternate days of excursions with quieter days in the city where you’re staying. Here are a few local activities to enjoy in each of them.
Best things to do in Puerto del Carmen Lanzarote
- Boat trip in search of dolphins during the day or at sunset – with a breathtaking view of Lanzarote from the sea – Find out more
- A buggy ride through the Lanzarote countryside on dirt tracks – Find out more
- Parasailing off Lanzarote (photo below) – We love this activity, you feel safe but the sensations and views are amazing! – Read more
- Visit Rancho Texas Park, a combination zoo and water park – Buy your ticket
- Coastal walk to Puerto Calero
See our article on Puerto del Carmen must-sees.
Best things to do in Playa Blanca Lanzarote
- Walking by the sea
- Climb to the top of Montana Roja
- Hiking along the beaches of Papagayo
- Kayaking, Snorkeling
- If you go scuba diving, there’s an underwater museum.
- Or you can take the ferry to discover the nearby island of Fuerteventura – See options
See our article on Playa Blanca must-sees.
Best things to do in Costa Teguise Lanzarote
- Visit the aquarium – Buy admission tickets
- Fun at the Aqua Park
- Windsurfing
- Diving
See our article on Costa Teguise must-sees.
WITH OUR GUIDE PLAN YOUR DREAM TRIP TO lanzarote
All the information you need for your trip:
- 7 maps that make planning easier
- + 75 pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- + 140 photos to help you choose
Explore Lanzarote – the Video
Before we give you a few more suggestions on local activities in each resort, here’s a short video to give you an idea of what it’s like to explore Lanzarote:
And driving in Lanzarote really isn’t that difficult.
Frequently asked questions
Best things to do in Lanzarote with children
Children love all the activities listed above:
- Rancho Park with zoo
- Water parks
- Dolphin-watching tours
- Mini-golfs
- The beaches
What to do in Lanzarote when it’s too hot
The sun can sometimes be brutal on Lanzarote.
In hot weather,
- visit one of our museums
- take a boat trip, it’s always a little cooler with the breeze.
- cool off in the water park
- go down a lava tube
- stay in the hotel pool
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Lanzarote
- Best of
Most beautiful landscapes
Best things to do in Lanzarote
Most beautiful beaches
Best boat tours
César Manrique’s attractions
Secret places, off the beaten track
- Practical advice
25 tips for a successful trip to Lanzarote
How to get around
How to rent a car in Lanzarote
Driving tips
Best excursions
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 1 week – 10 days
- Where to stay
Where to stay in Lanzarote
Best hotels in Lanzarote
Best 5 star hotels in Lanzarote
Best hotels for families
Best adults-only hotels
Best all-inclusive hotels in Lanzarote
Best boutique-hotels
Best hotels with water park
