Lanzarote Holidays

Lanzarote holidays may surprise you. Far more than just a destination to find some winter sun, this mystical island has plenty to offer. From quaint, white-washed villages to swathes of sun-soaked beaches, Lanzarote is an island of beauty.

• Be awe-inspired at Timanfaya National Park: You may think you’ve arrived on another planet but Timanfaya National Park’s other-worldly appearance is due to volcanic eruptions between 1720 and 1736, and in 1824. Traverse the park by bus and visit the Montañas del Fuego centre, where you can see a straw burst into flames upon being dropped into a crater.
• Take a camel ride through volcanic wasteland: Timanfaya National Park’s fun continues at Echadero de Camellos. Here, you can go for a ride on a camel through the incredible landscape. There is also a museum with an exhibition on the National Park and the traditional uses of camels and farming tools.
• Explore Lanzarote’s beaches: No matter the type of Lanzarote holiday you’re looking for, the island’s diverse and stunning beaches offer something for everyone. From sandy, dark-gold Caleta de Famara to the quiet and upmarket Playa Blanca, you can find everything from untouched nature to family-friendly shorelines and trendy beach hangouts.
• Visit the Casa-Museo César Manrique: Don’t leave Lanzarote without delving into the life of the celebrated 20th-century lanzaroteño environmental campaigner César Manrique. A painter, sculptor, and architect, his works can be seen all over the island. This site was his final home and it’s a glimpse into the life of the brilliant man himself.
• Catch a glimpse of whales and dolphins in the wild: Create a memory that will last a lifetime by catching a boat along the dramatic coastline of Lanzarote looking for Dolphins and Whales in their natural habitat. A sea safari adventure like this will delight adults and children alike. Be sure to choose an ethical tour operator.
• See live music at the Jameos del Agua caves: Established in 1966, this cultural centre in Lanzarote was created by César Manrique when a volcanic tunnel formed with the eruption of the Volcán de la Corona. He converted the tunnel into a trendy underground location housing a restaurant, pool, and auditorium with bar seats built into the rocks.
• Taste volcanic Canarian wines: Canarian wine is unique due to the mineral-rich soil of the volcanic earth. So, if you’re a fan of the odd tipple, then wine tasting in Lanzarote is a must. Whites are mainly produced from the native Malvasia, Moscatel and Diego grape varieties and the reds from the native Listán Negro.
• Bathe in natural pools: Resulting from the impact that the wind and sea have had on the volcanic rocks in various areas of the island, these natural pools provide an invigorating alternative to a chlorinated swimming pool. You are welcome to take a dip in these pools, most of which are equipped with steps and rails for safety.
• Step back in time to Teguise: Teguise is the oldest settlement in the Canaries and was Lanzarote’s capital for 450 years. It maintains a significant number of buildings of great historical and artistic value. It makes for a picturesque day out, with white buildings, shops, squares and palm trees. There’s also a bustling Sunday market.
• Be entertained at Rancho Texas water park: With a Wild West theme, children and adults alike will enjoy a day at Rancho Texas. There are water attractions, pools, educational experiences, shows and a range of animals to be seen. Tickets also include a free bus to several areas of the island, making the visit very easy.

Playa Flamingo

• About this beach: Holidays to Lanzarote offer some of the best beaches. Playa Flamingo, in the most sheltered area of the vibrant Playa Blanca resort, is no exception.
• Why visit: The sea here is always calm as it’s protected by two breakwaters. Its powder-soft sand slopes into the softly lapping waves, making for an idyllic holiday setting.
• How to get there: Right on the island’s southern tip, Playa Flamingo is easily accessible for anyone staying in the Playa Blanca area. It’s a 30-minute drive from Puerto del Carmen and Lanzarote airport.
• Who’s it for: Playa Flamingo is a great beach for families due to its calm waters and soft sand. It’s also good for groups of friends given its size.
• What to do: At Playa Flamingo, sunbeds and parasols can be hired. And, with a handful of restaurants to choose from, plus a supermarket, it has everything you need for a day building sandcastles and swimming in the calm waters.

Playa de las Conchas

• About this beach: If you’re looking for remote and unspoilt beaches during your holiday to Lanzarote, Playa de las Conchas will take your breath away.
• Why visit: Unbeatable natural sights. It’s something of a trek to get there, but as soon as you catch sight of the untouched, natural beauty is a worthy reward for your efforts.
• How to get there: Playa de las Conchas is located on the far side of La Graciosa, an islet just off Lanzarote’s north coast. Visitors must catch a ferry from the main island before embarking on a 45-minute walk (or 20 minutes if you cycle).
• Who’s it for: Perfect for anyone looking to escape the crowds or tourist resorts.
• What to do: Soak in the natural sights and sea air. Beware going too deep into the sea as there is a potentially hazardous swell and there are no lifeguards on this beach.

Playa de Papagayo

• About this beach: Playa de Papagayo actually refers to several small, sandy coves separated by volcanic rock. Papagayo is the largest and last of the string of beaches that lines Lanzarote’s southernmost tip.
• Why visit: Not only do you get to witness the unique geology of these coves, but the sand is fine and the water is clear as crystal: perfect for snorkelling. Thanks to their location, the beaches at Papagayo tend to enjoy the best weather on the island.
• How to get there: From Playa Blanca, all coves are accessible via a dirt track or boat.
• Who’s it for: Clear waters make it an excellent choice for snorkellers. Be advised that Caleta del Congrio and Playa Mujeres are both nudist-friendly.
• What to do: Paddle in the clear waters, marvel at the natural beauty and catch sight of neighbouring Fuerteventura across the sea.

Caletón Blanco

• About this beach: Unique in its appearance, with white-sandy shores contrasting the black, volcanic rock that forms its backdrop, Caletón Blanco has something for everyone.
• Why visit: You may be noticing that natural beauty is something of a theme in Lanzarote. But this is another of its must-see beaches for your camera roll.
• How to get there: Caletón Blanco is the far northeast of the island near the fishing village of Órzola. It’s secluded but easily accessible, with a free car park nearby.
• Who’s it for: This beach is great for families due to its natural pools, which enables toddlers to paddle safely.
• What to do: Marvel at the views, paddle in the natural pools and sunbathe. You may want to take a windbreaker as these northern coves tend to witness more wind than other parts of the island. Take refreshments with you as there aren’t any cafés or restaurants in the vicinity.

Playa del Reducto

• About this beach: If you’re looking for a trendier, busier beach spot, then look no further than Playa del Reducto.
• Why visit: Centrally located in Arrecife, this 500m stretch of golden sand is replete with facilities to suit everyone, which brings in locals and tourists alike. It also has a blue flag, is pristine and boasts calm waters.
• How to get there: This beach is right in the centre of Lanzarote’s capital, making it very easy to get to.
• Who’s it for: This beach’s blue flag, plethora of amenities and proximity to reams of bars and restaurants make it an ideal destination for every kind of holidaymaker. Families in particular are well catered to.
• What to do: From cafés, restaurants and shops to a children’s playground and a skate park, you won’t get bored at Playa del Reducto. Calm waters make it ideal for swimming, also.

Spring

• Climate: Book your holiday to Lanzarote in Spring to enjoy delightful sunshine while avoiding the more intense heat of summer. Daytime averages range between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius, dropping to a chiller 12 – 15 in the evening.
• Things to do in Spring in Lanzarote: Great for sporting events due to the cooler climes, partake in the Spring Duathlon held at Costa Teguise or the Volcano Triathlon.
• Why visit Lanzarote in Spring: At this time of year, the island is more peaceful. Culture vultures may wish to visit the Puerto Calero April Fair, where you can sample the local cuisine. Whereas party lovers can head to the famous El Chupadero Full Moon Party.

Summer

• Climate: Visit Lanzarote in summer to count on warm days full of sunshine. Temperatures oscillate between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius.
• Things to do in Summer in Lanzarote: Summer is a great time to partake in water sports and take advantage of Lanzarote’s stunning and diverse beaches. It’s also a great time of year to take refuge in the shade of the island’s many galleries and museums.
• Why visit Lanzarote in Summer: Lanzarote is a great summer holiday option for families due to its family-friendly beaches and water parks. It’s also the season where most events take place. For example, Puerto del Carmen’s open-air cinema and club nights with resident DJs for party animals.

Autumn

• Climate: With average highs of 20 - 26 degrees Celsius, avoid the intense heat of summer by booking your holiday to Lanzarote in Autumn. The months of October to December experience very little rainfall, making it a perfect sunny getaway.
• Things to do in Autumn in Lanzarote: Get into the great outdoors. Autumn is a great time to enjoy the island’s natural landmarks, hike Timanfaya National Park and enjoy the beaches as they’re less crowded at this time of year.
• Why visit Lanzarote in Autumn: Autumn in Lanzarote is a relaxed season. The buzz of summer quietens and you can take in the island’s natural beauty and hike its trails in a pleasant climate. The autumn months can be a pocket-friendly time to visit Lanzarote with better deals on flights and accommodation.

Winter

• Climate: Lanzarote is a great destination for winter sun-seekers. The weather is mild, with little rainfall and temperatures hovering at around 18 degrees Celsius.
• Things to do in Winter in Lanzarote: The mild weather makes Lanzarote in winter great for hiking and outdoor activities. Experience a different kind of Christmas. Traditionally in Canarian culture, presents are brought to children on January 6th by the three kings. The Three Kings Parade in Lanzarote is an annual event celebrated on the 5th of January.
• Why visit Lanzarote in Winter: Enjoy Winter sun with just a 4-hour average flight time! Due to its mild climate and proximity to the UK, Lanzarote prices can experience a spike in winter. So, it’s best to book your getaway well in advance if you want to grab the best deals.

• Lanzarote is a great option for families due to the large number of hotels offering kids’ clubs and excellent entertainment programmes.
• There is much more to do than simply visit the beaches, but they’re a good place to start. With so many of them offering them unique natural spectacles and geological formations, you could visit a new one each day of your holiday and see something new every time.
• There are also a plethora of activities on the island that are great to enjoy with children in tow. Whale and dolphin watching is an experience that children will carry with them forever. Tours last from 2 – 3 hours and there’s the potential to see a wide variety of sea life.
• Timanfaya National Park is fun to visit with children: they’ll feel like they’re walking on the moon! Ride camels, engage with the educational and interactive exhibitions on offer and enjoy a day you’ll never forget.
• Lanzarote is home to several zoos, theme parks and water parks. Loro Parque has a diverse collection of animals from all over the world. And children can learn about the different species through entertaining and educational shows.
• With a Wild West theme, children and adults alike will enjoy a day at Rancho Texas. There are water attractions, pools, educational experiences, shows and a range of animals to be seen. Tickets also include a free bus to several areas of the island, making the visit very easy.
• Another enjoyable experience for families in Lanzarote is the Lanzarote Aquarium: an aquarium with a variety of marine species, including sharks and rays, plus a touch tank where children can interact with starfish and other small sea animals.
• The fun doesn’t end there! How about adventuring out on a Lanzarote buggy tour? These exhilarating tours around volcanic landscapes venture beyond the seaside resorts and take you off-road to see some lesser-known, natural sights of the island.
• Alternatively, head underwater in an actual submarine! Encounter a variety of spectacular marine life and look out for eerie shipwrecks resting on the ocean floor.

• Morning: The best way to begin your day in Lanzarote is by heading to one of the famous beaches or relaxing by the pool in your resort. Your choice of beach will depend on whether you’re looking for total relaxation, a natural spectacle or an action-packed morning of water sports. Either way, it’s smart to hit the beach in the morning before the heat of the midday sun kicks in.

  Alternatively, get to Mount Timanfaya National Park before it gets too crowded. Remember that the park is only accessible by guided tour, so for the best value, pick one that includes hotel pickup and drop-off. Don’t forget to pack your camera!

• Afternoon: If you’re short on time, the best way to spend the afternoon is by packing in some natural sights before taking the opportunity to soak up more of César Manrique’s incredible work.

  To do so, it’s easiest to rent a car and head along the southwest coast, where you can stop along the way to admire the lagoon of El Golfo, visit the Salinas de Janubio salt flats, and enjoy the views from the sea cliffs of Los Hervideros.

  From there, it’s worth the 60-minute drive north to explore César Manrique’s Jameos del Agua, a trendy resort built around a series of natural lava caves.

• Night: Lanzarote has a number of exciting events to choose from to end your day on the magical island. View its rocky cliffs from the sea as you set sail along the coast on a sunset cruise. Soak up the scenery as you glide past Lanzarote’s black-sand beaches.

  Alternatively, spend the evening watching a show. Check out the Music Hall Tavern or Rancho Texas for a country and western night.

• Bars and clubs: Though you’ll find bars and nightlife in most resorts on the island, the area of Puerto del Carmen is most well-known for being a party hotspot. The Avenida de las Playas strip is the area’s vibrant epicentre. Parties last until the early hours and you can find everything from bars and pubs to a buzzing club scene.
• Shows and entertainment: There are amazing shows to see in Lanzarote. From flamenco to theatre to music recitals, there is something for everyone. The Music Hall Tavern in Puerto del Carmen features a range of shows from live music to cabaret to comedy.
• Tapas bars: For foodies, getting a tapas route is one of the most fun things to do at night time in Lanzarote. Tapas bars tend to be located within a short radius of one another, meaning you can hop from one to another, trying the recommended tapa in each establishment.

Traditional dishes of Lanzarote share much in common with other Canary Islands. With its fertile, volcanic soil and abundance of fish, it’s easy to eat and drink well on this island.

• Mojo: is a sauce that’s highly popular in the Canary Islands. The two most common types are mojo rojo (made from red pepper and garlic) and mojo verde (made from coriander and parsley).
• Goat’s cheese: is on the menu in almost every local restaurant. In fact, grilled goat’s cheese topped with mojo is a firm favourite amongst locals.
• Garbanzas compuestas: is a Canarian stew made with chickpeas, potatoes, ribs, bacon, chorizo, onion, peppers and different spices. It packs a punch! But it’s eternally more-ish and makes for a fabulous hangover cure.
• Puchero: is similar to the previous dish. A stew, with a large quantity and variety of meat and vegetables. Beef, pork, chicken, chickpeas, potatoes, pumpkin, carrot, sweet potato, tomato and cabbage are just some of the many ingredients included in puchero. Every chef has his or her own recipe so it will vary from restaurant to restaurant.
• To end the meal with something sweet, opt for one of Lanzarote's typical desserts, Frangollo. Similar to a flan, it's prepared with flour, milk, egg, sultanas and lots of sugar.
• Lanzarote is home to some unique potato varieties, including black potatoes. These are often served with (you guessed it!) mojo!
• Finally, don’t forget to pair your meal with a glass of local Lanzarote wine. Unique due the natural properties of volcanic soil, Canarian wine is truly unique.