Things to do in Lanzarote
Before we travelled to Lanzarote, I didn’t know exactly what to make of the island. Off the coast of West Africa but administered by Spain and a popular destination with British and German tourists and expats, I had assumed that there wouldn’t be much to do.
We worked for most of our time in Lanzarote. And for working holidays, it's important to pick a location that won’t make you wish you were out exploring every second of the day. But I was pleasantly surprised by just how much there is to see and do in Lanzarote.
Places to go in Lanzarote
via Wikipedia
Jameos del Agua
Jameos del Agua and Cueva de los Verdes are part of a 4,000 year old, 6 km long lava tube. But what you can see of it is a cavernous salt lake filled with blind white crabs, and a cave concert hall. It’s designed by artist Cesar Manrique whose artistic vision still has a big impact on the island.
We were at Jameos del Agua for about an hour. But you could easily spend longer wandering and eating at the cafe. There is an entry fee for Jameos del Agua, which you can pay on the door or purchase as part of a CACT pass.
Mirador del Rio
This viewpoint overlooks neighbouring island La Graciosa. The winding drive up mountainous slopes is worth the incredible panoramic view. We stayed at Mirador del Rio for about 30 minutes. But if you stop at the restaurant and shop, you can easily make it a longer trip.
There is an entry fee which you can on the door or purchase as part of a CACT pass.
by @tomokas
Jardin de Cactus
The botanical garden towards the north of the island is dedicated entirely to cacti. In fact, the Jardin de Cactus, is one of my favourite things to do in Lanzarote. As plant lovers, we had no problem passing 1-2 hours looking around all the succulents.
We also ate in the cafe which serves up almost entirely cactus-based dishes. It's more delicious (and less spiky) than it might sound.
There is an entry fee which you can on the door or purchase as part of a CACT pass.
via CACT
Museo Lagomar
Due to Covid restrictions, weren’t able to visit Manrique’s artist residence, the Museo Lagomar. The site was closed during our stay in Lanzarote. However, it’s considered one of the top cultural sights on the island and worth a visit when it's open. The guided tour gives an insight into Cesar Manrique’s life, art, and inspirations.
Some areas of Jameos del Agua, like the outdoor pool area ,were designed by Manrique. So we got a small taste of what Museo Lagomar is like from that.
There is an entry fee which you can on the door or purchase as part of a CACT pass.
by @tomokas
Piscinas Naturales
Along the west coast of Lanzarote, you'll find natural pools formed in the volcanic rock. You can take a dip in some if you're brave enough, while others are dangerous and best viewed from dry land. We visited the Piscinas Naturales Charcones and Los Hervideros, where waves pummel the rocks and spray ocean water through the crevices.
They're an interesting activity to fit into an afternoon spent in the El Golfo area, and access and parking is free.
by @tomokas
Timanfaya + Montañas del Fuego
Timanfaya National Park is one of the most iconic landscapes on Lanzarote. As you drive the long highway through Timanfaya, it feels like you're on a trip to the moon or Mars. The juxtaposition of modern roads lined with amazing historic lava fields and red, black, and, white volcanic craters is amazing to experience.
At Montañas del Fuego you can take a bus tour along one of these craters. It takes about 30 minutes and, thanks to the guided audio, you can learn all about the volcanos and when they erupted. You can also see and feel heat that comes from the remaining lava pits deep in the earth's crust, and eat food cooked over them from the on-site restaurant.
Timanfaya National Park is free to enter and drive or hike through. There is an entry fee to the Montañas del Fuego which you can pay on the door or purchase as part of a CACT pass.
Go to the beach
Lanzarote’s coasts are lined with beaches – some white, some volcanic, and even some with red sand. In summer, you can easily spend every day at the beach in Lanzarote. In fact, even in November, we spent a lot of time sunbathing as the weather was still mild and warm.
Discover some of our favourite sunbathing spots on the island in our blog: The best beaches in Lanzarote.
by @tomokas
Go for a hike
Lanzarote is a big hiking destination – which we didn't know until we got there. Because of its volcanic history, the island is dotted with calderas, mountains, and impressive national parks. Together, they create a unique landscape to hike through.
Find out some of our favourite hiking routes in Lanzarote in our blog: The best hikes and walks in Lanzarote.
Note: I chose and paid for our trips in Lanzarote independently (I didn't even have this blog yet!) This post is not an advertorial and is a true reflection of my experience at CACT locations. However, if you book yours through my Viator link, I might make a little bit of money through affiliation.