In recent years, Lanzarote – one of the Canary Islands (Spain) – has been attracting more and more attention. Not only is it famous for its unique nature and mild climate all year round, it has also witnessed the strong development of luxury boutique hotels, attracting a large number of tourists who love art, design and new experiences.
Lanzarote is not only a land of volcanic craters and pristine beaches, but also a living work of art by the talented designer César Manrique. Every road and building on the island bears his mark, with the green of cacti, the black of volcanic rocks and the emerald green of the ocean. Once an underrated destination, Lanzarote is now a paradise for explorers. Here are some experiences not to be missed when setting foot on this island.
Lanzarote is not only a land of volcanic craters and pristine beaches, but also a living work of art.
Admire the beauty of Manrique architecture
César Manrique’s influence can be seen everywhere on the island, from roundabouts with giant kinetic sculptures to unique architectural features. Visitors should visit the César Manrique Foundation in Taro De Tahíche, where he built a modern house that blends into five natural volcanic caves, now used as a museum for his work and other art exhibitions. Also not to be missed is LagOmar, a house hidden in volcanic rock that was once owned by legendary Egyptian actor Omar Sharif. Mirador Del Río, a cafe and viewpoint perched on the cliffs, is also a stunning structure with spectacular views of La Graciosa.
César Manrique Foundation
Explore unique beaches
Lanzarote has a variety of beaches, from fine white sand to mysterious black lava rocks. Playa Papagayo is the most popular, with crystal clear blue waters and unspoiled natural scenery, but visitors should come early or late to avoid the crowds. Los Charcones, a system of natural pools in the lava rocks, is an ideal destination for those who love to explore. Meanwhile, Playa De Los Clicos impresses with its brilliant green pool surrounded by mysterious black sand.
Playa Papagayo Beach
Shopping for pottery
Lanzarote is becoming a hub for artisanal ceramics, with artisans creating distinctive pieces. At Timijota Studio in Tinajo, Carlos Martínez Arrocha creates unique collections inspired by lava and indigenous symbols. Ceramica Canaria in Haría is also a great place to visit, with ceramics made from clay and volcanic ash using traditional, unglazed methods.
Timijota Studio
Surfing on the beach of Lanzarote
Lanzarote is not only attractive for its scenery but also for surfers. Famara is the most famous beach with consistent waves suitable for both beginners and experts. Those looking for a challenge can visit La Santa, which has powerful and exciting waves.
Surfing on La Santa Beach
Conquer the volcanic land
Lanzarote is known as the “Island of 1,000 Volcanoes”, with a landscape characterized by volcanic craters and vibrant red-orange soil. Timanfaya National Park is a must-see destination, where visitors can admire the breathtaking natural scenery and enjoy chicken grilled over volcanic heat at El Diablo restaurant. For those who prefer tranquility, a hike to the Cuervo crater will provide an enchanting experience amidst unspoiled natural scenery.
The stunning natural beauty of Timanfaya National Park
Experience La Graciosa Island
Just a 25-minute ferry ride from Lanzarote, La Graciosa is a small island with a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for relaxing and exploring nature. Visitors can rent bikes or ATVs to reach unspoiled beaches such as Playa Las Conchas, which offers spectacular views of Montaña Clara Island.
La Graciosa Island
Enjoy wine from volcanic lands
Despite the harsh conditions, with only 35 days of rain a year, Lanzarote produces exceptional wines, the most notable being Malvasia, a white wine with a unique minerality. The vineyards in La Geria use traditional farming techniques, with the vine-growing pits protected by volcanic rock. For a more complete experience, visit El Grifo, one of the oldest wineries, or try the organic wines at Bodega Cohombrillo.
Vineyards at La Geria
Enjoy local cuisine
Lanzarote cuisine focuses on fresh ingredients, with signature dishes such as papas arrugadas, mojo octopus, and fresh prawns from La Santa. El Chupadero is a great place to watch the sunset with a glass of white wine and delicious tapas, while Palacio Ico in Teguise offers an innovative menu from Michelin-starred chef Víctor Valverde.
Salted potatoes papas arrugadas
Sip Canary style coffee
In Lanzarote, visitors cannot miss the barraquito, a typical coffee of the Canary Islands, a combination of condensed milk, espresso, Licor 43, lemon peel and cinnamon. If you are looking for a modern cafe, Mura in Teguise is the ideal place for sophisticated coffee.
Feel the nostalgic atmosphere at the Teleclubs
Teleclubs are a type of restaurant and community center common in the villages of the Canary Islands, especially in Lanzarote. They originated during the Francisco Franco era, when many households did not have their own television, so they established Teleclubs as a common space for people to watch television, socialize and entertain themselves.
Today, Teleclubs have evolved into family-run restaurants with a strong local identity. They not only serve traditional Canarian dishes but also act as community centres where locals meet and socialise. If you want to discover a more authentic side of Canarian life, a visit to a Teleclub is an experience not to be missed.
Lanzarote is a hidden gem in the middle of the Atlantic, no noise, no crowds, just majestic nature, unique art and peaceful corners waiting for you to discover. If you have the opportunity to set foot in the Canary region, this will surely be one of the most surprising and overwhelming experiences of your life.
