What a unique island! Between nature and architecture, there’s no time to get bored.
So, what’s there to do in Lanzarote?
Here are 21 things to do in Lanzarote, with photos, tips and a map:
- inspiring volcanic landscapes,
- picturesque beaches,
- unique architecture,
- fun activities,
- …
Our favorite car rental platform: DiscoverCars
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 Lanzarote’s Volcanoes Natural Park (around Timanfaya), it’s easily accessible by road.
You first walk facing the entire volcano, with a breathtaking view of a well-preserved cone. All around you, there’s lava in various forms. Signs help you understand the landscape around you and the volcano’s geological history.
The path then takes you around the volcano and even inside through a collapsed side.
Allow 1 to 2 hours, depending on the length of the tour and the number of photos you want 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.
Bottlenose dolphins are also a common sight in the Canary Islands, including Lanzarote.
See our article.
Or take a look at our favorite tour: daytime speedboat – duration 1h30 with swimming.
See details and availability
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.
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
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.
- Demand is high, 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 all over 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 hire a car, you can join an excursion to Lanzarote 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 little 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 are not very long but they are quite narrow and they remind us 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.
CHOOSING A HOTEL IN Lanzarote
Choosing where to stay:
Select by hotel type:
- 5-star hotels
- Best boutique-hotels
- Best adults-only hotels
- Best all-inclusive hotels
- Best hotels for families
Our favorite: Hotel Cala Lanzarote – See prices, photos and availability
Select by city:
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
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
9. Climb to viewpoint: Mirador del Rio
Lanzarote’s most famous viewpoint is Mirador del Rio. It is considered to be one of the best spots 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 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 just sat there and watched, 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.
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 resorts offer very pleasant beaches: Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise.
We prefer the Playa Blanca beaches.
See our article on the most beautiful beaches in Lanzarote.
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
- Buggy / Quad
- Kayak excursion
- But also: Diving at the Museum of the Atlantic, Catamaran outings, Paddle excursions, 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.
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 the impressive cliffs of Famara struck by the setting sun.
This is one of the best photo spots in Lanzarote, with silhouettes of surfers and plays of light.
But you won’t be the only photographer, as it’s a camera magnet.
Definitely one of Lanzarote’s most beautiful beaches.
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.
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.
- By buggy car to discover Lanzarote’s landscapes from dirt tracks.
- Parasailing off Lanzarote (photo below) – We love this activity, you feel safe but the sensations and views are amazing! –
- 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 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.
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 case of strong heat,
- 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
Most beautiful villages
Best boat tours
César Manrique’s attractions
Secret places, off the beaten track
Most beautiful hikes
- Practical advice
25 tips for a successful trip to Lanzarote
How to get around
How to rent a car in Lanzarote
Driving tips
Where to stay in Lanzarote
Best hotels in Lanzarote
Best excursions
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 1 week – 10 days
