21 Unique Things To Do in Lanzarote

Lanzarote is the northernmost island in the Canary Islands. You’ll find plenty of Spanish influence here in the tapas and culture. But the island has its own distinct identity. The volcanic landscapes are unlike anything we’ve ever seen before. The architecture has its own special and sustainable style. 

The island is a UNESCO biosphere reserve due to its volcanic origin, the biodiversity in the shallow sea beds and its commitment to sustainable architecture. Avoid the crowded tourist beaches and discover the best of the island with these 21 unique things to do in Lanzarote.

1. Discover Timanfaya National Park

Explore the volcanic landscapes and lava fields of Timanfaya National Park. Walking routes are limited without a guide, but you can see the Montañas del Fuego (fire mountains) by taking a coach tour. The coach tour is free with the entry price to the national park (€8).

2. Follow the Footsteps of César Manrique

Lanzarote’s most famous son, César Manrique was a pioneer in sustainable architecture. It’s thanks to his work that most of the buildings in Lanzarote retain their traditional whitewashed charm. Manrique’s work can be found all over the island. One of his most interesting buildings, the César Manrique Foundation, is in Tahiche. The architecture at the Foundation is particularly unique. The lower floor is built within five natural volcanic bubbles connected by tunnels.

3. Visit Teguise

Teguise is a town in northern Lanzarote which is famous for its sprawling Sunday market. It can get a little hectic in the morning when coaches full of tourists arrive. Time your trip for the tail end of the market you can enjoy the weekend atmosphere without the mayhem. Enjoy wandering through the town and stop for a caña in one of the courtyards.

4. Beach Hop Along the Coast

Buckle up your seat belts for a road trip along the north of Lanzarote’s east coast. From Orzola down to the town Arrieta, you’ll find secluded beaches and rocky outcrops. Hop from one to the next with your beach towel and swimming cossie. You won’t find pre-set out sun loungers or beachside bars up here, but you will find an almost undisturbed, rugged coastline.

5. Surf at Caleta de Famara

Get your board shorts (or wet suit if it’s chilly!) on and join the weekend surfers at Caleta de Famara. This surf beach is flanked by a fishing village and high cliffs. In the village, you’ll find a few cafes and shops selling coffee, croissants and surf gear. Windswept surfers traipse between the town and the beach, surfboards in hand.

6. Shop at Haria’s Craft Market

Head over to the northern village of Haria on Saturday morning for their local market. You’ll be entertained by Canarian music and traditional dance along the main street. Pull up a chair and order yourself an espresso while you watch. Rows of market stalls sell local crafts, art and fresh produce. We bought a bag of cherry tomatoes, a few onions and some spinach for just €1.

7. Bathe in the Natural Pools at Punta Mujeres

In the town of Punta Mujeres, you’ll find unique natural salt water swimming pools. The shape of the pools were formed by solidified lava left behind from the nearby volcanic eruption. The pools run along the coastline and have become filled with the sea water. If you can bear the cold water, they’re the perfect place to bathe on a warm day.

8. Mind Your Step in the Jardín de Cactus (Cactus Garden)

This impressive garden is home to 450 different kinds of prickly bush. You’ll be surrounded by a spectacular display of squat cactuses, flowering ones and cactus trees. The garden is located in Lanzarote’s cactus-growing region. The Jardín de Cactus is the last work of César Manrique. Entry to the Cactus Garden is €5 for adults.

9. See La Geria Vineyards

Lanzarote’s volcanic soils provide the perfect conditions for growing grapes. La Geria is Lanzarote’s main wine-growing and is a protected area. The locals here have a unique way of cultivating wine. In La Geria, they dug hollows into the volcanic ash to plant the vines. They poured thick layers of soil on top in order to retain humidity. Semicular stone walls encapsulate the vines, protecting them from the regular winds.

10. Enjoy a Lunchtime Meal in one of Lanzarote’s Bodegas

Whilst you’re visiting the vineyards, enjoy lunch at one of the bodegas. You’ll be able to sample locally grown wine from the vineyard where the bodega is located. We can highly recommend lunching on the terrace at Bodega Uga. Don’t expect a menu here. You’ll be served the tapas of the day with the recommended wine. If you’re vegetarian like us, you can expect a feast too. Our three-course meal of salad, grilled vegetables and strawberries and cream – with wine, of course – came to €30 for two.

11. Explore Los Hervideros, Salt Flats and El Golfo

This trio of unique sights in the south of Lanzarote can be reached by car or bike. Start at Salinas de Janubio, the Canary Island’s biggest salt flats. Lava from volcano eruptions formed the walls of a natural lagoon here and these salt flats were later built in 1895. Continue round to Los Hervideros, a stretch of sea caves along the rugged coastline. And finally stop at El Golfo, a half-submerged cone of a volcano. Here you’ll find a black sand beach and Lago Verde, a green lake with a weird glow.

12. Climb Monte Corona’s Volcanic Crater

Hike through the vineyards of the village of Yé and scale this extinct volcano to see its deep crater. You’ll be surrounded by ocean views on your way up the volcanic path. Start the walk at the white church in Yé and follow the path through the vineyard. The walk takes around 45 minutes each way and is low intensity.

13. Spend the Day at Arrieta Beach

Head north for a beach day in Arrieta. This cute coastal village is home to one of Lanzarote’s best beaches. The bay is safe and sandy. Bring your own picnic to the beach or eat in one of the many local fish restaurants in Arrieta. When evening falls, pull up a bar stool in front of the camper van converted into a bar serving mojitos and wine on the beachfront.

14. Walk through Cueva de los Verdes

Cueva de Los Verdes (The Cave of the Greens) is a 6km-long underground volcanic tunnel naturally formed by La Corona Volcano 21,000 years ago. This lava tube is one of the longest and most unique in the world. The tunnels were previously used as a hideout by the locals who sheltering from pirate attacks coming from north Africa.

15. Drive Up to Las Nieves

Driving up the mountain road between Famara and Haria and you’ll find Mirador de Ermita de las Nieves. Marked by a small white chapel, this is the most spectacular viewpoint in Lanzarote if you can find a clear day. “Las Nieves” means snow, but of course, it never snows in Lanzarote. The name is given to the island’s highest point which is usually clouded by fog. Farmers on the island used to make pilgrimages here to ask for rain for their crops. The viewpoint is a unique alternative to the very touristy Mirador del Río. You’ll have the lookout all to yourself.

16. Laze on the Beach at Papagayo

If you’re after a beach holiday in Lanzarote, then Papagayo’s beaches are where you’ll want to be. This string of golden sand beaches is the most beautiful in the Canary Islands. Along the coast, there are unique caves in the volcanic rock. The waters are crystal clear. The beaches are within the Los Ajaches Natural Park and you can walk or cycle between them.

17. Drink Lanzarote’s Locally Grown Wine

Lanzarote is home to excellent volcanic wine. If you’re the designated driver like me, you might not get a chance to sample any wine when you see the vineyards. Well, no problem! Stop by a local supermarket and pick up a bottle of Vega de Yuco, which usually costs €8-10. The dry white wine is said to be Lanzarote’s best, though we loved the red just as much.

Luke drinking wine whilst I drive ;)

18. Take a Sunset Walk from Playa Blanca to the Lighthouse

Though we wouldn’t recommend staying in the Playa Blanca area, we saw the best sunsets down here at the most southern point of Lanzarote. You can leave the crowds of sunburnt Brits with chip butties behind and walk from Playa Blanca to Faro de Pechiguera, the white lighthouse at the most southern tip of the island. Look out over the Atlantic Ocean with the island of Fuerteventura in the distance as the sun starts to set.

19. Look Out Over Graciosa Island

Head up to the Mirador del Rio, the viewpoint looking out over Graciosa Island. We recommend skipping paying the €4.50 entrance fee into the Mirador because it’s so crowded with tourists. Instead, walk down the lane to the side of the viewpoint until you can make out the gorgeous Graciosa Island. Be careful of the cliff edge!

20. Try an Electric Car

Reduce your emissions with the unique experience of driving an electric car in Lanzarote. We drove a hybrid electric Toyota from Finca de Arrieta (see below), the courtesy car which they privately offer for guests who stay with them. Hybrid cars run on a combination of petrol and electricity, and emit less pollution. These zippy electric cars are a pleasure to drive.

21. Stay in a Yurt

Get a good night’s sleep at Lanzarote’s eco retreat, Finca de Arrieta. The finca has unique Mongolian yurts and casitas built from local stone. This sustainable retreat is off-the-grid, making use of its own solar and wind power for electricity and hot water. Pop open a bottle of cava and relax under the gorgeous wooden latticework of the yurt. This unique accommodation is perfect for families wanting a quiet glamping holiday close to the beach.