The Volcanic Island of Enchantment
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Lanzarote is a volcanic island in the Canary Islands, off the coast of Africa. It is known for its unique landscape, which was shaped by a series of eruptions in the 1700s. The island is home to a variety of volcanic formations, including lava fields, craters, and cones. In addition to its volcanic landscape, Lanzarote is also known for its beautiful beaches, its mild climate, and its vibrant culture. The island is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world, who come to enjoy its natural beauty, its laid-back atmosphere, and its many activities.
Visit Timanfaya National Park; home to an expanse of lava fields, which were created by the eruptions in the 1700s as mentioned above. Visitors can take a guided tour of the park, or explore it on their own and go to Jameos del agua, a unique volcanic tunnel & caverns featuring an underground concert hall, restaurant & salt lake. Although not for us, you can go hiking in the Caldera de Taburiente, this volcanic caldera is one of the largest in the world. There are several hiking or cycling trails that lead through the caldera, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Lanzarote has a number of beautiful beaches, including Papagayo Beach, Playa Blanca, and Playa de Famara. The island is relatively small, so you can easily get around by car or bus. There is a wide variety of easy to use bus lines especially from the busiest tourist areas.
Like other eastern canary islands, such as Fuerteventura, Lanzarote is a great place to go windsurfing or kitesurfing. The strong winds that blow across the island make it a perfect place for these activities. The Famara beach is ideal for learning the sport. There is lots of space and beautiful surroundings all in close proximity to the town of Famara - see maps below
The César Manrique Foundation is dedicated to the work of César Manrique, a famous Spanish artist who was born in Lanzarote. The foundation houses a number of Manrique's works, as well as a museum about his life and work. Fun fact: The airport is even named after him!
Lanzarote is a truly unique island, with a lot to offer visitors. Whether you're interested in its volcanic landscape, its beautiful beaches, or its vibrant culture, you're sure to find something to love on Lanzarote.
Additional information:
How do I get to Lanzarote?
Lanzarote is easily accessible by air, with direct flights from many major cities around the UK. The flight time from the UK varies, but is normally within the region of 4 hours. If you're visiting another canary island, such as Fuerteventura, flights or ferries between them are often very regular and affordable. Why not extend your trip and visit two islands instead of one?
Where should I stay in Lanzarote?
Lanzarote is a place where lots of people book package holidays, so all of your accommodation, flights, luggage, and sometimes food and drink is taken care of. If that's what you're looking for, we recommend booking through Jet2Holidays or Easyjet Holidays.
If you're trying to travel a little cheaper, sometimes booking everything separately means you can get a better deal. Have a look for accommodation in Lanzarote that will suit your group size and budget on booking.com or Expedia.
Do I need a visa to visit Lanzarote?
Citizens of most countries do not need a visa to visit Spain for a stay of up to 90 days. Read our Schengen Agreement post to find out more details about this rule.
What's the currency in Lanzarote?
The currency of Spain is the Euro. You can change money when you arrive or withdraw from ATMs, but be aware of high conversion fees! Some ATMs may charge you to withdraw money, even if your bank doesn't. It's always best to pay in local currency, but we had no issues paying by card in Lanzarote.
What languages are spoken in Lanzarote?
The official language of Spain is Spanish, but English is widely spoken in Lanzarote as it is a major tourist destination. It's always polite to learn a few phrases, though!
What's the weather like in Lanzarote?
Lanzarote is close to the equator so it's nice and warm all year round. The island has an average of more than 300 sunny days per year, and only 16 days with rain on average every year! It's a windy island so it can make the temperatures feel a little cooler than they actually are, especially on an evening by the sea.
Here's the average high / low temperatures for each season:
Spring: 23°C / 15°C
Summer: 27°C / 19°C
Autumn: 25°C / 18°C
Winter: 21°C / 13°C
What's the time zone in Lanzarote?
Fuerteventura is in the Western European Time Zone. The time is usually the same as the UK, but an hour behind Spain's capital, Madrid.
What are the best things to do in Lanzarote?
We always try and give you a few great recommendations of things to do on our Sightseekr Inspiration posts. If you're looking to fill your itinerary, have a look for the best activities, excursions and other things to do in Lanzarote on GetYourGuide here.
