Vast volcanic landscapes, Instagram-worthy beaches, a thriving local art scene, and a colorful culture that Canarians are immensely proud of are just some of the things that make Lanzarote an excellent place to visit. The most easterly of the Canary Islands, Lanzarote is located just 77 miles off Africa’s Saharan coastline, making this place look more like a magical desert than what you may expect of a European island.
Many people travel to the island for the chance to gaze upon its spectacular landscape. From pure black earth that grows some of the most delicious wines you’ll ever try in your life to mountains made up of multicolor layers that betray how long they’ve been around, every inch of this island is absolutely stunning.
Whatever type of vacation you’re seeking, you’ll never be stuck for things to do in Lanzarote. From mysterious ancient caves, spectacular coastal walks, and cacti-filled gardens to incredible diving opportunities, gorgeous lookout points, and delicious eats, Lanzarote is the place to go when you need to get away from it all and relax.
With so many cool things to see and do, it can be tricky to know where to begin. To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of the absolute best things to do in Lanzarote. Add these fun activities and attractions to your Lanzarote bucket list, and you’re sure to have an incredible time exploring this part of the Canary Islands!
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).
15 Fun and Unique Things to do in Lanzarote, Spain
1. Have a Volcano Cook Your Lunch at Timanfaya National Park
One of the most popular things to do in Lanzarote is to take a trip to Timanfaya National Park – and for good reason, too! This incredible park is teeming with volcanoes of all shapes and sizes. But don’t worry about being in any real danger. The volcanoes are completely dormant and haven’t erupted since 1824.
Between 1730 and 1736, more than 100 powerful eruptions took place, creating the one-of-a-kind landscape that now covers more than 25% of the island. There are several different ways to explore – from the comfort of your own rental car, on a coach tour, on a camel ride, or on foot. We recommend following one of the walking trails for a real out-of-this-world experience!
End your trip with a meal at El Diablo. This amazing restaurant is staffed by expert chefs who cook all kinds of delicious meats using the heat from a volcano. The prices are pretty high, but it’s an experience you’re unlikely to get anywhere else in the world.
2. See More Than 4,500 Different Cacti at the Jardín de Cactus
You’ll find some of the best sights in Lanzarote at the Jardín de Cactus. This fascinating garden is home to every size, shape, and color of cacti you could imagine. They’re all laid out in a beautiful amphitheater inside an old quarry, which makes it a stunning place to wander around.
Designed by famous local artist César Manrique, the garden boasts more than 4,500 individual cacti from around 500 different species across the world. Thanks to the extremely dry and mild climate of Lanzarote, the plants absolutely thrive here and look their best.
The Jardín de Cactus is so beautiful and has such a wide variety of cacti that it’s received several international awards and is regarded as being one of the most important cactus collections in the world. When you’re done exploring the sun trap, there’s a cute cafe that serves up freshly-pressed juices and plant-based cactus burgers.
3. Fall in Love with a House at the César Manrique Foundation
Whether or not you’re into art, one of the top things to do in Lanzarote is to spend some time at the César Manrique Foundation. Hidden away from the tourist areas in the city of Las Palmas, this stunning home was originally the residence of local artist César Manrique. The unique structure is just as beautiful as the artist’s work and is built into an ancient lava flow.
Take a look around, and you’ll discover five underground caverns, which he used as normal rooms you’d expect to find in a house. These caverns were created naturally by bubbles in the volcanic rock and are connected to the others through narrow tunnels. The lagoon-style pools that you find scattered throughout the grounds are gorgeous.
The upstairs of the building is entirely different. Much more modern and artificial than the volcanic basement, the top floor of the home is inspired by Lanzarote’s traditional architecture, modernized with overhead lighting and floor-to-ceiling windows.
4. Discover the First Underwater Sculpture Museum in Europe
If you’re a fan of scuba diving, you’ll find one of the coolest things to do in Lanzarote in the sea, close to the Marina Rubicon. While this part of the ocean looks like any other from the surface, swim to the bottom, and you’ll discover a remarkable underwater sculpture museum.
Created by artist Jason deCaires Taylor, this unique attraction is the first underwater sculpture museum created in Europe. Swim around, and you’ll come across many cement sculptures and figures which are gradually being taken over by marine life.
Make sure you seek out the Raft of Lampedusa. This part of the museum shows a small boat full of people from Africa seeking a better life in the Canary Islands.
The underwater museum is 40 feet below the surface, so you have to be a pretty confident diver to take a peek. But if you’ve got the skills, you’ll find plenty of diving shops around the marina with affordable gear to rent.
5. Fall in Love with Goat Cheese
When you need a break from all the Lanzarote sightseeing, find a local restaurant and order a plate of goat cheese. Known as “queso de cabra” in the Canary Islands, this spectacular cheese is white in color with a very mild flavor that’s somehow sweet and salty at the same time.
You’ll often find it with a house-made jam and some freshly-baked bread. It may not sound like much of a meal, but it tastes so great that it’s all you need!
You’ll find the best goat cheese from local Canarian restaurants, known as “guachinches” and “bodegones.” El Guachinche de Luis in Costa Teguise is an excellent place to try it
If you want to take some goat cheese home, you’ll find many different kinds available in grocery stores and local farmers’ markets. If you visit a vineyard during your trip, you’ll often get to sample some locally-made goat cheese, too.
6. Spend the Day at the Stunning Playa de Papagayo
Working your way around all the best Lanzarote attractions can be tiring. When you need a break to reenergize, make plans to spend the day at Playa de Papagayo. Located close to the popular vacation resort of Playa Blanca, Playa de Papagayo is definitely one of the top competitors for the best beach on the island.
This small beach is home to ultra-soft blonde sand that curves in the perfect half-moon shape. It’s flanked by towering volcanic rocks that keep the wind off and make sure the dazzling turquoise waters never get too rough. There are a few underwater rocks you need to watch out for when you go swimming, but there are no dangerous currents or undertows here.
Before you enjoy your beach day, you need to plan ahead. There are no facilities on the beach, so make sure you’ve got all the food and drink you’ll need for the day because you won’t be able to buy anything when you get there.
7. Celebrate Like a Local on Canarian Day
One of the most fun things to do in Lanzarote takes place each year on May 30. On this day, the locals celebrate everything it means to be Canarian. The day is officially in honor of the islands receiving their autonomy from mainland Spain in 1983, and Canarians throughout Lanzarote go all out when it comes to loud, lively, and colorful events.
No matter where you are on the island, you’ll see everyone from tiny children to grandparents dressed in typical Canarian clothing. Squares will be dedicated to traditional dances that have been practiced for generations and markets offering the finest local products Lanzarote’s people are proud of.
Interesting shows are often performed, too. Be on the lookout for posters advertising events, and you may have the chance to watch all kinds of cool things, from intense Canarian wrestling to music performances with enough people to completely fill a stage.
It’s important to note that almost everything closes down on this day. So make sure you’ve got all the groceries you need by May 29.
8. Take a Dip in Natural Volcanic Pools
Lanzarote’s spectacular volcanic landscape means its home to all sorts of natural phenomena, including volcanic pools. Take a walk along the island’s coastline, and you’ll come across a huge number of black, rugged pools that are perfect for swimming in. The pools are entirely natural – the only things that have been added are steps and ladders so you can get in and out safely.
Definitely one of the most unique things to do in Lanzarote, swimming in a natural volcanic pool is something you’ve got to do at least once in your life! When the sea is calm, the pools are as still as lakes. But when the sea is rough, the water in the pools bobs up and down, creating a wave-like effect you usually only get in water parks.
Los Charcones, close to Playa Blanca, and Punta Mujeres in the north of the island are where you’ll find some of the best volcanic pools.
9. Hike from Yaiza to Tremesana
You need to get out and about to discover some of the most interesting Lanzarote activities. If you’re feeling energetic, plan to hike from Yaiza to Tremesana. One of the best hikes on the island, this route passes through the dramatic Timanfaya National Park and highlights the incredible diversity and beauty of the island’s landscape.
Because it passes through a protected area, you can’t follow this hike on your own. You need to book the hike online and follow it with the help of an English-speaking guide. The groups allowed to complete the route each day are very small (usually a maximum of eight people), so book as early as you can to avoid disappointment.
The hike takes around three hours to complete, during which you’ll walk approximately three miles. Along the way, your guide will point out all kinds of fascinating stuff you wouldn’t have noticed on your own and will explain why the landscape looks the way it does.
10. Bring a Smile to Your Face with Bienmesabe
Bienmesabe is one of the most unusually named dishes in Lanzarote. This sweet treat literally translates into English as “I taste good,” and that’s a pretty good description of exactly what it is!
Bienmesabe is made from a combination of rich egg yolks, sweet honey, and nutty ground almonds. In its most basic state, it’s a paste that you can eat with a spoon or spread onto bread and cookies. But there are plenty of ways to get creative with it, too!
Local cooks and restaurant chefs often stir it into cake batter to create a bienmesabe cake, while others warm it up and pour it over ice cream as a sauce. It’s so rich that a tiny bit is unusually enough to satisfy even the sweetest tooth. So if you spot it on a restaurant’s dessert menu, best only order one to share, or you’ll be left to deal with a sugar overload.
11. Gaze Out from the Mirador del Rio
If you’re planning on renting a car and going on a road trip, one of the must-do things in Lanzarote is to drive past the Mirador del Rio. This viewpoint is hugely popular because it rewards you with some of the most staggering panoramas you’ll see anywhere on the island.
Another of César Manrique’s magnificent creations, the Mirador del Rio rewards your journey with incredible views of the neighboring island of La Graciosa and the islets that make up the Chinijo archipelago.
You’ll find the viewpoint at the top of the Famara Cliff, 1,542 feet above sea level. As well as neighboring islands and islets, you can also see across Lanzarote for miles up here. If you’re familiar with the area, see if you can spot Alegranza, Las Salinas, and Montaña Clara. They’re easily visible on a clear day.
If you can work it into your Lanzarote bucket list, we definitely suggest visiting the Mirador del Rio at sunset. It’s one of the most amazing places to watch the sun dip into the ocean, and you’ll get some remarkable photos.
12. Learn to Surf at Famara Beach
Head to Famara Beach, and you’ll discover one of the best things to do in Lanzarote for watersport enthusiasts. Not only does this beach look incredible and seem to stretch on forever, but it also has the perfect conditions for surfing.
The three-mile-long beach attracts surfers from all over the island keen to hit the waves and show off their skills. If you’ve got your own equipment, head into the water and go for it. If not, you’ll find plenty of surfboard rental places that also offer classes in the nearby town of Famara.
Even if you’re not into surfing yourself, this beach is still an amazing place to visit. There’s nothing like watching the surfers take on giant waves and sail over them with incredible ease. And thanks to the huge size of the beach, you can always find your own quiet spot, no matter how busy it is.
Before you return home, wander through the town of Famara and discover the laid-back surfer cafes and quirky artisan boutiques.
13. Have Your Mind Blown at Jameos del Agua
Jameos del Agua is where you’ll find one of the most interesting Lanzarote attractions. This natural wonder may look like an ordinary cave from the outside. But step inside, and you’ll discover that famous local artist César Manrique has transformed the space into a funky, multi-colored hub of wander.
This one-of-a-kind spot incorporates a restaurant, lagoon-style swimming pool, and auditorium that’s big enough to seat 500 people. Wherever you look, you’ll spot all sorts of quirky details, like bar seats built into rocks and openings in the ceiling which allow light to stream through.
There’s something magical about standing in a lava tube that formed more than 3,000 years ago from a volcanic eruption. While Jameos del Agua is a wonderful place to explore during the day, it really comes into its own in the evening. After sunset, the caves are illuminated with spectacular lighting that makes them feel even more mysterious.
14. Experience the Summer Solstice with St John’s Day
If you’re planning on visiting Lanzarote during summer, you’ve got to join in with the St John’s Day celebrations. This amazing event takes place each year at the end of June and is in honor of the Summer Solstice.
Definitely one of the best things to do in Lanzarote, the festival is celebrated all over the island, but you’ll find the biggest and best events on the beaches. As soon as the sun sets, you’ll spot huge bonfires popping up all over the coast. Big groups of friends and family surround the fires, singing, drinking, eating, and just generally having a great time.
Some brave people jump over the fires, in a tradition that’s said to cleanse the person jumping of their sins. We don’t recommend you have a go yourself, but definitely stop and watch if you see someone else doing it! The evening usually comes to a close with spectacular fireworks displays that light up the night sky.
15. Say ‘Cheers!’ with Volcanic Wine
You’d think Lanzarote’s volcanic soil wouldn’t be good for growing anything – but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The rough, black earth is perfect for growing grapes and transforming them into beautiful wines.
The wines produced in Lanzarote are so superb that they’ve won many different national and international awards. You’ll find various different types of red, white, and rosé wines throughout the island, with something for all palates.
If you think you don’t like wine, give the “blanco afrutado” or “rosado afrutado” a try. These are sweet and fruity white and rosé wines, respectively, and are a great way to introduce yourself to wine drinking.
La Geria is the primary wine region in Lanzarote, and you’ll find many tours in the area you can join to sample a great variety of wines. This tour stops by one of the oldest wineries in Spain where you can explore the grounds before trying some locally-made wines!
There you have it! The 15 best things to do in Lanzarote. What’s your favorite thing to do in Lanzarote?
Planning a trip to Spain? Check out our favorite books and travel guides!
SHARE THIS ON PINTEREST
