As I recently discovered during my winter sun break to Lanzarote, this Canary Island is far more than just another beach holiday destination.
I’ll admit, I was initially sceptical, having always thought of the Canaries as purely a beach holiday spot. However, what I found was an island rich with cultural experiences and fascinating attractions that completely changed my perspective.
Here’s some of the amazing attractions I found!
1.César Manrique’s cultural legacy
No discussion about Lanzarote’s culture would be complete without mentioning César Manrique, the visionary artist and architect who shaped the island’s modern identity. During my stay at the Elba Lanzarote Royal Village Resort, I came to appreciate how his influence extends even to modern developments – the hotel’s low-rise design and integration with the landscape is a direct result of his campaigning for sustainable development.
Visit the César Manrique Foundation, housed in his former home built into volcanic bubbles, to see his visionary work up close.
2.The dramatic Timanfaya National Park
During my visit, I was struck by how otherworldly Timanfaya National Park feels – it’s truly unlike anywhere else I’ve been. Born from volcanic eruptions in the 18th century, the park features dramatic lava fields and craters and its entrance is marked by a metal devil designed by Lanzarote’s very own César Manrique.
Start with the guided bus tour to get a comprehensive overview of the park’s history and geology, which enables you to see a part of the park that is otherwise inaccessible to visitors.
This year marks the park’s 50th anniversary, and while the last tour bus departs at 3:15pm each day (a useful tip I learned from our helpful Jet2 representative), it’s worth planning your visit carefully to fully appreciate this unique landscape.
Be sure to stop off at the museum, which is small but informative, and where you can scan a QR code to get a great guide to the different self-guided walks/hikes you can take in the park. We chose the shortest/simplest, which took us to the Caldera Colorada – getting to stand inside an ancient volcano was pretty damn cool!
You might also want to pair your visit here with a trip to El Diablo Restaurant, designed by – you guessed it – Manrique. Here food is cooked using geothermal heat, providing a one-of-a-kind dining experience.
3.The historic town of Teguise
Our Jet2 rep recommended visiting Lanzarote’s historic capital Teguise on a Sunday for the market, and it was excellent advice. It features around 300 stalls selling everything from football shirts to aloe vera balms, but the real charm lies in exploring the historic cobblestone streets beyond the market and the informative signs around town helped us understand the area’s rich history.
Quite by accident we discovered that inside the convent and church of San Francisco is the Dioceses Museum of Religious Art of Teguise.
The artwork wasn’t my kind of thing, but it was still very interesting to look at!
Teguise is also home to the island’s famous Pirate Museum, housed in the Castillo de Santa Bárbara. Sadly, it was closed for renovation during our visit or we would have been there in a flash!
Pro tip: use the car parks at the edge of town. We learned the hard way that navigating the closed streets on market day – even with a sat nav – can be quite challenging!
4.La Geria wine region
One of my favourite discoveries was the La Geria wine region. We visited El Grifo, established in 1775, which claims to be the oldest winery in the area. For €15, we took an audio-guided tour that was fascinating. The wines were a delightful surprise – we tried some special varieties, including a sparkling wine with light bubbles and others that had powerful aromas but surprisingly light tastes.
It’s remarkable how they’ve adapted their growing techniques to work with, rather than against, the volcanic landscape.
For a self-guided adventure, follow the La Geria Wine Route and stop at various bodegas to taste the local Malvasía wines.
5.Cueva de los Verdes
This cave system was one of the most surprising attractions we visited. While you need to book in advance, we actually managed to secure spots just 15 minutes before a tour when we visited during a quieter period. The tour takes about 45-50 minutes and covers about 1km of the 7km lava tube tunnel system.
Our guide was excellent, switching seamlessly between Spanish and English, and there’s a fantastic surprise near the end that I won’t spoil!
Word of warning though – if you have poor eyesight, you might find the dark conditions challenging, and those with mobility issues may struggle.
Keep an eye out for the acoustically perfect underground auditorium, which occasionally hosts concerts.
6.Jameos del Agua
Another site influenced by Manrique, this natural cave system features a lagoon filled with rare blind albino crabs, a stunning concert hall and a chic café.
The perfect blend of art, nature and culture, it’s just a hop, skip and a jump from the Cueva de los Verdes, so if you plan a day trip to the north of the island you can see them both!
7.The Cactus Garden
Yet another Manrique masterpiece that exceeded my expectations. While relatively small, the cactus garden houses an impressive collection of more than 4,500 cacti from around the world beautifully arranged in an old quarry.
The restored windmill at the top provides excellent viewing points, and I particularly enjoyed the cafe, which creatively incorporates cactus into many of its menu offerings.
8.The Salt Pans of El Janubio
We only did a quick stop here, but I’ve heard that the 90-minute tour of these historic salt pans is surprisingly engaging, and gives a fascinating insight into an aspect of Lanzarote’s industrial heritage that most visitors overlook.
There’s also a shop where you can stock up on local salt to take home!
9.Los Hervideros
Los Hervideros cliffs showcase the raw power of the Atlantic, with waves crashing into volcanic caves. Its dramatic coastal blowholes, known as ‘the boiling pots’, are a must-visit.
We spent quite a while here watching the waves crash against the rocks.
10.El Golfo and its Green Lagoon
Following our Jet2 rep’s recommendation, we timed our visit to El Golfo for sunset, and it was magical. After parking in the free car park, we took the short (and slightly uphill) walk to the green lagoon viewing point, which offers fantastic coastal views.
The lagoon is a surreal sight, contrasting vividly with the black sand beach – El Golfo is one of the few places you can see these on the island, adding to its unique appeal.
The seafood restaurants along the waterfront were exactly as promised – fresh catches with stunning sunset views. We were recommended the restaurant Costa Azul, and it didn’t disappoint.
11.Haria and the Valley of 1000 Palms
Escape to the tranquil village of Haría, nestled in the lush Valley of a Thousand Palms. Legend has it that families here used to plant a palm tree every time a child was born.
This verdant valley provides a stark contrast to Lanzarote’s volcanic landscapes and showcases traditional agricultural practices. The palm grove, historically used for wood, dates and palm honey production, offers insight into how locals have worked with the land for generations. Today it’s a haven for hiking and enjoying Lanzarote’s greener side.
Don’t miss the charming Saturday craft market, where you can pick up unique souvenirs.
12.Yaiza
Often called Lanzarote’s prettiest village, Yaiza enchants visitors with its whitewashed buildings, colourful bougainvillea and peaceful streets.
It’s the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a coffee break at a local café.
13.Snorkelling in Lanzarote’s crystal-clear waters
Lanzarote’s also a fantastic destination for underwater exploration. The island’s volcanic coastline offers excellent snorkelling and scuba opportunities with crystal-clear waters and a variety of marine life.
Playa Flamingo: This quiet beach is ideal for beginner snorkelers. You’ll find calm waters and an abundance of colourful fish close to the shore within the bay’s walls, but if you’re feeling adventurous, venture slightly further out, where you’re likely to see a wider range of marine life. Be cautious of the stronger tides and rocky seabed though.
Museo Atlántico: Located off the coast of Playa Blanca, this underwater museum by artist Jason deCaires Taylor is a must for divers. Sculptures installed on the ocean floor create an eerie yet stunning display while serving as an artificial reef attracting marine life.
Charco del Palo: For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, this secluded spot offers dramatic underwater views of volcanic rock formations and diverse fish species. It’s an excellent option for those looking for less crowded snorkelling spots.
Bring your gear or rent it locally, and take time to explore Lanzarote’s unique underwater world. Many snorkelling tours also combine sightseeing with cultural insights, making it a perfect addition to your island adventure.
Planning your exploration of Lanzarote
We alternated between exploration days and relaxation days by the pool, which worked perfectly for us, but to make the most of these attractions, I highly recommend renting a car during your stay.
Many of these sites are spread across the island, and having your own transportation allows you to explore at your own pace and discover hidden gems along the way.
From my experience, I’d also recommend booking certain attractions in advance, particularly the caves and any special events at the Timanfaya National Park. Keep in mind that while some attractions like Timanfaya and Cueva de los Verdes require guided tours, others can be explored independently.
These cultural highlights reveal a different side to Lanzarote, one that goes far beyond its reputation as a sunshine escape. Whether you’re staying in an all-inclusive resort like I did or opting for independent accommodation, make time to explore at least some of these spots – they’ll give you a deeper appreciation for this fascinating island.
