Lanzarote Travel Guide: Beaches, Volcanoes & Sunshine

Looking for a sunny escape with a twist? Welcome to Lanzarote, the wild child of the Canary Islands. With its moon-like terrain, palm-filled valleys, and jaw-dropping beaches, this island is equal parts chill and thrilling. Here’s your ultimate Lanzarote travel guide, served up with sunny vibes and volcanic views.

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I’m Hazel, a British travel blogger based near London, in England. I have visited most of the Canary Islands (usually in the winter time, as I like to get a bit of sunshine when it is freezing cold in the UK). My favourite activity in Lanzarote is wine tasting in the La Geria region 🍷

📋 Lanzarote Facts: Know Before You Go.

Firstly, I’ll start my Lanzarote travel guide with some essential practical information.

• Language: Spanish is the official language, but English and German are widely spoken in tourist areas.
• Currency: Euro (€)
• Electricity: Standard European 230V sockets.
• Time Zone: Western European Time (WET), same as GMT.
• Flight time from London: Approximately 4 hours 15 minutes.

🌋 Volcanic Vibes: Lanzarote’s Unique Geography

Lanzarote is a dream for geology-lovers. Think craters, lava fields, and Martian landscapes, thanks to centuries of volcanic activity.

• Timanfaya National Park: Home to the Fire Mountains, with geothermal demos and lava-cooked food. Lanzarote’s main attraction, and a definite must-see.
• Caves & Cliffs: There are lava tunnels like Cueva de los Verdes, and the coastal cliffs around Papagayo beaches, which are amazingly photogenic and dramatic.

📍 Map It Out.

Plan your adventure with a custom Google Map. Tap the blue icons to discover key towns and must-visit spots, or save them to your own map.

✈️ Getting to Lanzarote.

• Fly in: Arrecife Airport (ACE) is your main gateway.
• Hop on a ferry: Regular sailings to/from other Canary Islands, like Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria. The main ports are in Arrecife and Playa Blanca.

🌸 When to Visit Lanzarote.

Lanzarote has a pleasant subtropical climate all year, but each season has its own charm:

🌼 Spring (March–May): If you like things a little quieter but still sunny, spring is a sweet spot. The weather is warm without being too hot, and the island feels fresh and full of colour. Great for hiking or just exploring without breaking a sweat.

☀️ Summer (June–August): This is Lanzarote’s high season – think long, sunny days, very busy beaches, and lots of energy. It can get pretty hot (over 30°C some days), but it’s perfect for swimming and water sports.

🍇 Autumn (September–November): Autumn has a laid-back feel to it. The sea’s still warm from summer, the crowds ease off, and it’s a brilliant time for outdoor adventures or a little vineyard hopping in La Geria.

🌬️ Winter (December–February): It’s winter, but you’d barely know it. Expect mild days, a few breezes here and there, and much fewer people around. A great time to hike, chill, and enjoy the quieter side of the island.

No matter when you go, bring a few layers – it’s usually sunny near the coast, but the wind and evenings can cool things down quickly.

🌇 Town-Hopping: Where to Go.

Lanzarote’s not just beaches and lava fields – its towns are full of character and surprises. From sleepy mountain villages to buzzing seaside hubs, here’s a quick flavour of the places worth pinning on your map:

Arrecife: The capital – historic forts, cool shops, and the pretty Charco de San Ginés lagoon. It’s a great spot to soak up some local life and grab sunset drinks by the water.

Puerto del Carmen: Buzzing nightlife, sandy beaches, and water sports galore. It’s one of the most popular spots on the island (some might say ‘touristy’). It’s lvely, sociable, and packed with things to do.

Playa Blanca: Laid-back vibes, great beaches, and ferries to Fuerteventura. Think palm-lined promenades, family-friendly resorts, and dreamy ocean views. Another place that some might call ‘touristy’.

Teguise: Charming old town with cobbled streets, Sunday market, and colonial flair. It’s got a creative energy too, with galleries and artisan boutiques tucked between historic buildings.

Costa Teguise: Family-friendly with windsurf-worthy beaches and chill plazas. It’s got a purpose-built resort feel, but there’s good food, sea breezes, and plenty to keep kids happy.

Yaiza: A serene whitewashed village, great for wine and volcano views. One of the prettiest inland spots. Peaceful, traditional, and surrounded by lava-sculpted scenery.

Haría: Lush and artistic, home to the “Valley of a Thousand Palms” and the César Manrique House Museum. A relaxing base if you’re into nature, crafts, and slow travel.

🚗 Getting Around in Lanzarote.

Getting around Lanzarote is fairly straightforward, and your best option depends on how much of the island you want to explore.

🚙 Hiring a car is the most flexible way to get around, especially if you’re keen to visit remote beaches, national parks, or inland villages. I usually book with Discover Cars – it’s a great comparison site that helps you find good deals and user-reviewed companies.

🚌 Public buses are run by Intercity Bus Lanzarote. They connect most of the major towns and tourist spots, and they’re clean and reliable. Check timetables in advance, especially for Sundays and less-travelled routes.

🚕 Taxis are widely available, especially in resorts and at the airport. They’re metered and safe to use. Handy for short hops or if you’re not renting a car.

🚴‍♀️ Cycling can be a fun and active way to explore the coast or smaller towns. There are plenty of bike rental shops, and some fantastic scenic routes to ride, especially if you want to take it slow and soak up the views.

🌄 Top Sights and Must-Dos in Lanzarote.

This section is split into three parts: natural wonders of Lanzarote, cultural favourites, and fun for all ages. See also my post 14 Amazing Things to do in Lanzarote.

🌋 Natural Wonders of Lanzarote:

Timanfaya National Park: A surreal stretch of lava fields and volcanic cones where the earth still steams and sizzles. Great for dramatic views, geothermal fun, and a landscape that feels more Mars than Spain.

Cueva de los Verdes: A giant lava tube formed by ancient eruptions, with cleverly placed lighting and one very unexpected optical illusion.

Jameos del Agua: An underground volcanic cavern turned cultural hotspot by César Manrique. There’s a bar, concert hall, and a mysterious green lagoon home to tiny albino crabs.

Mirador del Río: This Manrique-designed clifftop lookout has some of the island’s best views – especially across to La Graciosa. It’s sleek, striking, and surprisingly peaceful.

Jardín de Cactus: A quirky botanical garden set in a former quarry, packed with over a thousand species of cacti in every size and shape imaginable.

🎨 Cultural Favourites in Lanzarote:

César Manrique Foundation: Housed in the famous artist’s lava-bubble home, this is where art, architecture, and volcanic rock come together. It’s a glimpse into Manrique’s unique vision for Lanzarote.

Teguise Market: Held every Sunday in the island’s oldest town, it’s a lively mix of craft stalls, local produce, live music, and street food.

Charco de San Ginés: This pretty lagoon in Arrecife is flanked by colourful boats and low-key cafés – lovely for a relaxed wander.

🗺️ Map of Hotels in Lanzarote

Want to see where everything is? This interactive map shows real-time hotel prices around Lanzarote, powered by Booking.com. Zoom in to check out specific areas, and click on hotel prices to view more details. You can also book directly from the map – and most places offer free cancellation just in case plans change.

🌱 Sustainable Travel Tips for Lanzarote.

Lanzarote takes sustainability seriously – it’s a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, after all. You can feel good about your trip by making a few eco-friendly choices along the way:

♻️ Stay Green: Choose eco-conscious hotels, fincas, or guesthouses that use renewable energy or support local culture. There are more popping up every year.

🥕 Shop & Eat Local: Supporting small restaurants and markets helps the local economy – and the food is usually better too!

🦎 Tread Lightly: Stick to marked trails, don’t disturb the wildlife (yes, even the lizards), and keep beaches and hiking paths litter-free.

🚿 Water Smart: Lanzarote is a dry island, so it helps to keep showers short and reuse towels when you can.

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