This is an article about how to do a perfect roundtrip on Lanzarote. We have selected the top 15 spots for your best experience on the island.
When we had planned our stay on the Canary Islands, we decided to spend the first ten days on Fuerteventura Island and from there to approach the island of Lanzarote via ferry, and ideally also to stay there for 10 days. Since it was the second island on our tour, frankly speaking, we focused more on Fuerteventura during the preparation and much less on Lanzarote.
So actually at the moment when we arrived by our ferry to Playa Blanca on Lanzarote, and we started to drive into Arrecife direction, we both were shocked about the landscape, how it can be so different, so interesting with the spectacular black volcanic land, short and almost identical white houses in every village, and of course the variety of palm trees and cactus all around. The combination of these colors – black, white & green – provides such a pleasing scenography, that it didn’t take too long for both of us to fall in love with Lanzarote.
Check here our recomended Full-day tour on Lanzarote!
What to see perfect roundtrip on Lanzarote Island
We have set up an itinerary for you covering the most important tourist assets on Lanzarote.
Arrecife
The city has been the capital of Lanzarote since the 19th century and is the administrative and commercial center of the island. Arrecife is completely different from the cute small white villages all around the island and if you fancy knowing more, you should definitely check our complete Arrecife article.
Nazaret
Nazaret’s main attraction is called LagOmar, another beautiful Manrique creation. This home was actually built from lava and caves and furnished with bits from shipwrecks, and then pop into the stylish museum restaurant. Besides that, it’s worth mentioning that in the early 1970s actor Omar Sharif came to Lanzarote to film “The Mysterious Island”, he visited LagOmar, fell in love with it and bought it. San Benady knowing Sharif’s reputation as a card player challenged him to a game of Bridge. Sharif accepted the challenge, not realizing that Benady was also a champion Bridge player, and allegedly lost the house within one day.
Teguise
Teguise was found in 1402, and it is the oldest settlement in the Canaries, and was Lanzarote’s capital for 450 years, thanks to its elevated position. It’s full of attractive white buildings, squares, palm trees, and a lovely main square. It’s also a charming place for wandering around between craft shops and bars, on the cobblestone streets. Don’t miss its colourful market!
Arrieta
It is a really small village in the northeast of the island. Besides its charming little streets, white cute houses, you can find there an amazingly good place to eat: Marisqueria el Charcón, where the harbour juts out into the sea and there are steps to the water that people fish from with colourful fishing boats surrounding.
Punta Mujeres
The town is located just next to Arrieta, and it is a super picturesque fishing village. Punta Mujeres has plenty to show – including excellent restaurants and a series of attractive human-made swimming pools and lagoons along its shoreline.
Jardín de Cactus
A lovely garden full of cacti of every size, shape, and variety from all over the world with 4,500 specimens of 450 species thriving in a sun-trap of a dip in the arid landscape. Tip: Don’t forget to order a cactus liqueur in the terrace bar of the garden. 😉
Orzola
Orzola is a beautiful fishing village in the north of Lanzarote. It is located in the municipality of Haría and is the only enclave of the island that has access to La Graciosa, an islet of 700 inhabitants, the largest in the Chinijo archipelago. But Orzola is much more than the gateway to La Graciosa.
Mirador del Rio
This incredible viewing point over the tiny island of La Graciosa is a must-see spot during your stay on Lanzarote. One of the best views that you can find on the entire island. It is located at the top of Famara Cliff, and from here, you can also see the Salinas, the summit of Famara, Montaña Clara, Alegranza, and more.
Haria
Haria is a chilled atmospheric spot of whitewashed villas, towering palms, tropical plants, and a charming main square. The calm and nice vibe here is a world away from the tacky resorts in the south. You can visit here the Casa de César Manrique, one of the artist’s more homely abodes, in a palm grove.
Caleta de Famara
Surfers from all over the world are drawn to Famara’s epic beach, but its 5km long sandy beach is a joy even for those who don’t like jump on board. The cool little town behind it is Caleta de Famara. It is full of colorful surf cafes, bars, and hostels and its streets are covered with sand. Check here all the activities you can do in Famara Beach!
El Golfo
El Golfo is one of the most beautiful villages to visit in Lanzarote, as it borders Timanfaya National Park. Enjoying its many traditional restaurants with sea views is one of the best things to do on the island. El Golfo is a fishing village, with an amazing landscape. You can see the remains of lava from the volcanic eruptions that took place in 1730 and 1736. This incredible landscape, along with the white facades of the houses, makes it a very charming place to visit.
El Lago / El Charco Verde
El Charco Verde is located within the Natural Park of the Volcanoes. It is a volcanic crater, open to the sea with one side eroded in the shape of a crescent. The landscapes in Lanzarote are incredibly diverse, and this is one of the spots that you definitely shouldn’t miss.
Playa Montaña Bermeja
This black sand beach in front of the red mountains is simply priceless. Next to the main road, you will notice a spot with several cars where you can just park, and cross the road on foot. Before arriving at the beach on your right you will find a little green lagoon, and if you continue walking you reach the beach. Worth mentioning that it is one of the most dangerous on the island. The force of the waters and the strength of the currents are remarkable.
Timanfaya
This volcanic landscape has some of the most spectacular views in the Canary Islands. The almost complete lack of vegetation, the rugged lava formations, and the range of colors, from red, ochre, and orange to black, take your imagination to places you never even dreamed of. Buy the tickets with our official provider and skip the line to get in.
Vineyards and the villages of Yaiza & Geria
A great way to get to know the island’s wine culture is to visit its wineries. Just go to wine cellars and taste their delicious Malvasia wines. So special that they have their own Designation of Origin (DO). Don’t forget to visit the famous bodegas. Tip: our favorite ones were: Bodega La Geria & Bodegas Rubicon.
+1: La Graciosa island
La Graciosa is located in the Chinijo Archipelago just north of Lanzarote. Its golden beaches are perfect for swimming and sunbathing. You can get there by the regular maritime lines or by a private ferry transport. An outstanding spot for disconnecting from modern life and just taking things easy. Just rent a bike and try not to miss the last ferry of the day. Meanwhile you can let yourself lost on this truly amazing island. Read our full La Graciosa island review here!
When to visit Lanzarote?
You can go to all the Canary Islands basically at any time of the year and have good weather, most likely. It gets windy sometimes, and sometimes could rain as well, storms aren’t totally unknown, but most of the time it is sunny with an average temperature of around 22-25 degrees. Even in July and August, the temperature is usually only in the mid-twenties centigrade. Whenever you go, it is nearly always warm enough to taste the water, swim a bit and sunbathe.
How to get to Lanzarote?
By ferry
- There are 2 ferry routes operating between Lanzarote and the Spanish Peninsula: Trasmediterranea operates 1 route, Arrecife to Cadiz which runs 1 time weekly. FRS VI operates 1 route, Arrecife to Huelva which runs also 1 time weekly.
- Between the Canary Islands, there are several daily options provided by Armas, Fred Olsen, Maritimas Romero & Transmediterranea companies.
- It is possible to take a private transport to go for a day-trip to Fuerteventura.
By plane
- The César Manrique-Lanzarote Airport, also known as Arrecife Airport, is located about 5 kilometers southwest of the capital of the island.
Where to stay on Lanzarote
The Island of Lanzarote has many options for accommodations. The distances are not a big deal so you can actually a perfect location and the most convenient hotel or apartment on Lanzarote for your budget and move around freely. You probably need to rent a car on Lanzarote.
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