Your guide to Lanzarote
Lanzarote highlights
Volcanic landscapes
Lanzarote is one of the most volcanic Canary Islands, with craters, lava fields and ash-covered hillsides shaping much of the terrain. Timanfaya National Park is the standout, where guided routes cross stark, ethereal scenery. Nearby, Los Volcanes Natural Park extends the landscape, while the Green Lagoon offers a vivid contrast against black sand.
Island art spaces
A trip to Lanzarote brings you into the world of artist César Manrique. At Jameos del Agua, a volcanic cave becomes an atmospheric cultural space, while his former home, now the César Manrique Foundation, offers a closer look at his ideas. The Jardín de Cactus rounds it out with a striking display set in a former quarry.
Wine tasting
Head inland to Lanzarote’s main wine region, where black ash fields stretch across the landscape and vines grow in shallow pits edged by low stone walls. Tastings feel closely tied to the surroundings, with crisp malvasía volcánica wines poured just steps from the vines. Back in Arrecife, wine bars keep the evening going with local bottles and small plates.
Lanzarote: Know before you go
| Language | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Time zone | UTC+0 (WET) |
| High season | December - March and July - September |
| Low season | April - June |
Find the best time to go to Lanzarote
Weather in Lanzarote
March – May: Spring in Lanzarote is warm and sunny with little rain, making it perfect for hiking and outdoor sightseeing across the island.
June – August: Bringing hot and dry weather, this is the peak season for beach lovers. Take advantage of the warm and clear ocean waters with snorkeling and scuba diving excursions.
September – November: Sea temperatures stay mild, extending the beach season well into fall, with the bonus of fewer crowds. Strong Atlantic swells begin in October and persist through March, producing big waves.
December – February: While you might need a light jacket for cooler evenings, winters are still great for a sunny escape. January is the wettest month, but you can usually expect nothing more than brief showers.
Events in Lanzarote
Carnaval de Arrecife (February): Live music and costumed parades take over Arrecife with annual themes including the Wild West and Ancient Egypt. Attend the Burial of the Sardine, when a paper-mache sardine is placed on a bonfire, marking the closing of the event.
Fiestas de Nuestra Señora de los Dolores (September): One of Lanzarote’s biggest religious festivals sees locals dressed in traditional clothing make a pilgrimage to the village of Mancha Blanca. Flowers and food are given as offerings at a shrine, while streets fill with artisan markets and music.
Enogastronomic Festival Saborea Lanzarote (November): Teguise is the setting for a two-day celebration of the island’s culinary scene. Expect a full program of demonstrations, tastings and workshops led by chefs and winemakers.
The best neighborhoods in Lanzarote
Arrecife
This port city and island capital is where to stay in Lanzarote for a blend of local history and relaxed modern life. Shaped by centuries of seafaring trade, it’s home to castles that now house art galleries and museums, alongside a lively marina and beachfront promenades. Hit the backstreets, where bars and restaurants highlight a growing food and wine scene.
Good for: Museums, historical landmarks, dining
Puerto del Carmen
Sun, sand and sea define Lanzarote’s busiest resort town, set on the island’s calm southeast coast. A long sweep of golden sand is backed by a busy promenade packed with bars, restaurants and hotels for all budgets. By day, it’s all about swimming and watersports, while the area comes alive after dark with pubs, clubs and late-night dining.
Good for: Beaches, hotels, nightlife
Teguise
Cobblestone streets and whitewashed buildings give this inland village a timeless appeal. It bursts to life when hundreds of artisans sell their wares at Sunday’s Teguise Market, and musicians and dance groups perform in bars and squares. You can experience Canarian music culture at the Casa Museo del Timple and village history at Casa Museo Palacio Spínola.
Good for: Village life, shopping, history
Things to do in Lanzarote
Family friendly
There’s plenty to do with the kids besides hitting the beach, like exploring the caverns and lagoons of Cueva de los Verdes. Learn about pirate invasions at the Museo de la Piratería in Teguise, and take in sweeping coastal vistas from the Mirador del Río viewpoint. Feeling adventurous? Museo Atlántico, Europe’s first underwater art museum, welcomes divers of all skill levels.
Take in the culture
Blending art, architecture and history, Arrecife is home to some of Lanzarote’s best museums. Don’t miss the International Museum of Contemporary Art, located inside Castillo de San José, or the artifact-filled rooms of Castillo de San Gabriel. In Mozaga, the Casa Museo del Campesino celebrates Lanzarote’s farming culture. It’s also worth strolling between the traditional whitewashed houses of Yaiza.
Places to eat
Restaurants in Lanzarote range from beachside shacks to Michelin-star experiences. Popular island dishes include ‘papas arrugadas’ (wrinkly Canarian potatoes), often served with tangy red and green ‘mojo’ sauces. The seafood in Lanzarote is also top-notch. Try ‘puntillas de calamar’ (deep-fried baby squid) and Santa prawns, freshly caught in the village of La Santa.
Nightlife
Puerto del Carmen is Lanzarote’s nightlife hotspot, especially the Irish pubs and dance clubs lining Avenida de las Playas (known as The Strip). If you want to sip cocktails while listening to live music, head to Costa Teguise. Find upscale bars around Playa Blanca’s Marina Rubicon and a local vibe in Arrecife. Clubs on the island usually open after 11pm.
Shopping
Save space in your bags for aloe vera cosmetics, volcanic lava jewelry and ‘conejero sombreros’ (high-crown, wide-brim farmers’ hats), among other souvenirs. Weekly artisan markets in towns like Haría and Playa Blanca are good places to find them. Biosfera Plaza in Puerto del Carmen features mainstream fashion and footwear brands in an open-air setting.
Beaches
With over 125 miles of coastline, Lanzarote has a beach for every type of traveler. Playa de Papagayo is the island’s classic postcard image, famous for white sand, crystal-clear waters and snorkeling. Visiting with the family? You’ll find calm waters and soft sand at Playa Dorado and Playa Flamingo. Hit the north coast for surfing at Playa de Famara.
Get ready for Lanzarote
Budget
Whether you’re relaxing on beaches or hiking scenic trails, some of the island’s most enjoyable activities are free. This makes planning cheap trips to Lanzarote easy. You can get a cheap meal for around 11 euros (€) and a local beer for less than €3. If you need to take a taxi, a short ride will cost about €11.
Day trips from Lanzarote
A 25-minute ferry ride from Órzola takes you to La Graciosa, part of the Chinijo Archipelago, where you can bike across volcanic landscapes and visit coves like Playa de las Conchas. For a longer outing, ferries from Playa Blanca connect to Corralejo on neighboring Fuerteventura, known for its dune-backed beaches and windsurfing.
Getting around Lanzarote
Most coastal towns have beaches, hotels and restaurants within walking distance, making it comfortable to get around on foot. Intercity Bus runs services between Arrecife and towns and villages across the island. Pick up a rechargeable Bono General card for a discount on standard fares. Or consider renting a car for the ease of exploring at your own pace.
