Whether you're after a relaxing beach, adventure, culture, or a look at the stunning volcanic scenery, you'll find plenty to suit you on Lanzarote.
Beaches:
There are 93 beaches on the island of Lanzarote, each offering something unique. Some boast brilliant white sand, while others have black volcanic sand. Some are secluded and deserted, while others are meticulously maintained and bustling with amenities.
Most would agree that the most stunning beaches Lanzarote has to offer are at Papagayo and Famara. Papagayo is a beautiful collection of coves, while Famara is a gorgeous nine-kilometre stretch of sand.
Location is crucial in choosing your beach on the island. Generally, beaches in the south, like Papagayo, enjoy better weather, while the north can be windier and rainier, not always suitable for sunbathing in the winter. The north of the island can experience strong winds, making the sea sometimes unsuitable for swimming, although surfers and kite-surfers on the island certainly enjoy this time!
Beaches such as Playa Garita at Arrieta are ideal for those seeking facilities, featuring toilets, showers, bars, and restaurants.
Timanfaya National Park:
Timanfaya National Park encompasses 50m² of volcanic landscape and craters.
The dramatic and otherworldly landscape was created between 1730 and 1736 when 25 volcanoes erupted in this area (still one of the world's longest volcanic eruptions). There have been no eruptions since 1824, but the lack of rainfall, and therefore erosion, has preserved the landscape as it was forged by these volcanic events. One can truly feel the power of the geothermal activity, with temperatures just a few meters below the ground reaching up to 600C. The park features a restaurant called 'El Diablo' where Canarian food is cooked on a cast iron grill above a hole in the ground.
The park is open from 10:00-18:00 every day. Admission is €8 (includes a free coach tour around the park).
El Golfo:
The small coastal village of El Golfo is home to the green lagoon, or El Lago Verde. Here, an emerald green lake sits in a volcanic crater semi-eroded by the forceful Atlantic Ocean. The color of the water is caused by algae and contrasts against the black sand and the rugged, colorful rock formations, creating a spectacular sight. Afterward, you can head back into the village of El Golfo, which boasts some of the best seafood on the island. Lunch at one of the great seafront restaurants that overlook the ocean is an experience not to be missed.
Los Hervidores:
Just down the road from El Golfo is Los Hervidores (literally meaning 'Boiling Waters'). Here, the ocean has eroded caves and spit holes into the molten lava.
Things To Do In Eastern Lanzarote
The East of Lanzarote is brimming with things to see and do, making it one of the best places to visit on holiday. In Arrecife, you can learn all about the history of the island at Castillo de San Gabriel, an ancient castle located on an islet just off the coast.
Or you can indulge in a bit of culture by admiring the works of art at the Museo Internacional de Arte Contemporáneo, an international art gallery set inside a castle.
Accommodation takes all shapes and forms, with everything from five-star luxury hotels to quaint B&Bs. The five-star Arrecife Gran Hotel & Spa is located just steps away from El Reducto Beach and boasts a luxury spa and four restaurants with amazing sea views.
Costa Teguise is more of a typical holiday resort, located further north than the capital and split into two distinct sections the Old Town and the New Town. It can get very sunny and warm summer temperatures peak at 28°C in August and there are 11 hours of sunshine a day in July.
The highlight of the resort is the beaches. Las Cucharas Beach is hugely popular for its windsurfing which, thanks to the consistent trade winds, is possible to enjoy all-year-round.
However, June and August are the best months to take part in the sport, as the winds are at their strongest and most reliable.
For families, Los Charcos Beach is a better pick. Despite being fairly windy, the clear blue waters are almost always calm and safe for swimming, thanks to the man-made breakwater out to sea which protects the coast from strong waves and currents