Lanzarote is the easternmost of the Canary Islands and lays just 125 km away from Africa. Indeed a small island as its dimensions is only of 60km from north to south and 25 km from east to west but yet a surprising island, with many hidden treasures to explore and see. With the fantastic all year warm climate that never goes below 16 degrees, the many attractions and the sandy beaches makes Lanzarote a prime holiday destination. There are numerous things to see such as cultural sites, beaches to explore, sports to be practiced, surprising landscapes, volcanoes, and much more. A great holiday location for both family and friends, come and discover Lanzarote!
Rent a Car
The first recommendation for anyone visiting the island is to rent a car. Drive around and explore the island at your own pace. Public transportation is not the best within the island and to see the different sites it is advisable to have a car, which also means greater comfort. There will be a magnitude of places you would like to stop and take in the breathtaking views and with a car you have the possibility to do so. It is easy to drive around, very little traffic and good roads.
The Three Main Towns
There are three main towns which are the perfect places to rent a holiday home when in Lanzarote; Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca. All three offer great stretches of sandy beaches, many restaurants and shops, and nightlife for the ones wanting to discover Lanzarote by night. If you would like to rent a holiday home outside the larger holiday areas then a villa or apartment in Nazaret, Playa Honda, Puerto Calero, Villa de Teguise or Yaiza would be strongly recommended.
Puerto del Carmen
2 bedroom holiday villa from 731€ per week. Click for more details.
3 bedroom holiday villa from 768€ per week. Click for more details.
Originally a small fishing village today Puerto del Carmen is the most famous tourist destination and consists of three different areas, the Old Town, the New Town, and Matagorda. It is located on the coast on the south- central part of the island, and is ideally located to explore the islands many sites. Famous for its long stretch of sandy beaches it also offers a great variety of restaurants, shops and bars. Holiday Homes in Puerto del Carmen.
Costa Teguise
Stunning modern 2 bedroom villa from only 75€ per night. Click for more details.
Charming one bedroom apartment from only 295€ per week. Click for more details.
Costa Teguise is located centrally on the eastern coast of the island. Its location makes it a convenient place to explore the cultural attractions such as Puerto del Carmen. Costa Teguise is famous for all the marine activities that can be enjoyed on their beautiful beaches. Windsurfing is very big as there tends to be a little bit more wind here. Costa Teguise is ideal for fun, enertainment and also relaxation.
Playa Blanca
Modern 4 bedroom holiday villa with private pool and jacuzzi. Click for more details.
4 bedroom holiday villa from only 1099€ per week. Click for more details.
Playa Blanca is the fastest growing tourist resort and is located at the most southerly point of the island. Once a small fishing village deserted at the southernmost end it is today known for being more tranquil then Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise. It is home to Lanzarote´s most popular beach El Papagayo, with white sandy beaches and crystal clear water. From Playa Blanca one can take a ferry over to the island of Fuerteventura for a day’s excursion.
The Top Sites to Visit
Parque Nacional de Timanfaya
The Timanfaya National Park.
The Timanfaya National Park also known as The Fire Mountains consists of over 100 volcanoes and craters that first erupted in 1730. For as long as the eye can see one is surrounded by an extremely impressive lunar and stark landscape. Once you reach the central point of the national park there are guided busses that take you through the park driving through small intertwining roads. After the tour one can enjoy lunch at the restaurant which offers breathtaking views while the food is cooked from the heat from the ground!
The Cesar Manrique Foundation
The Cesar Manrique Foundation.
Cesar Manrique (1919 – 1992) is the world famous Lanzarote born artist and architect whom contributed many works of art to the island. He recognized the extreme tourist potential of Lanzarote and was a major influence in the planning of the important landmarks set across the island. With a unique style incorporating the natural landscape and traditional colors of the island yet with a modern touch, has his artworks become some of the major tourist attraction on the island. His former house is a masterpiece itself, a timeless piece mixing natural elements with fantasy and modern touches. Today the house is open to the public and also is the Cesar Manrique Foundation which was set up by friends following his death. The Foundation is a nonprofit organization which is based on art created by Manrique as well as art that the artist acquired during his life, including Picasso and Miro sketches. For those who like design and modern architect than the actual house, and the artworks made by the artist that are spread across the island, should definitely not be missed. Something of the beaten track is the ispiration of Cesar Manriques style used to build Omar Sharifs old holiday home on the island. Today Sharifs former house is open to the public as a restaurant and bar.
Cueva de los Verdes (The Cave of the Greens)
Cueva de los Verdes.
The natural phenomenon is a spectacular system of underground grottos and one of the longest (6km) volcanic galleries in the world. The caves were formed over five thousand years ago when the volcano Monte Corona erupted and ejected a major stream of lava towards the coast and into the sea.
Jameos del Agua
Jameos del Agua
Connecting with the caves lays Jameos del Agua. A jameo is when the ceiling of a tunnel collapses and reveals the presence of volcanic passages. Using the natural wonders the famous Lanzarote born artist and architect, Cesar Manrique, artistically developed the caves and underground grottos to a auditorium, pool, gardens and a restaurant. Within Jameos del Agua also lays the salt water lagoon, known as Jameo Chico which is the home to a species of blind albino crabs that are not found anywhere else in the world.
Jardin de Cactus (Cactus Garden)
The Cactus Garden.
The last work made by Cesar Manrique is the botanical garden which houses over 10,000 types of cactuses from the Canary Islands, America and Madagascar. A unique and spectacular botanic garden which is well worth a visit.
Mirador del Rio
The viewpoint of El Mirador del Rio.
At the very north of the island lying on top of the 600 meter high cliff of Famara lays the view point “Mirador del Rio”. This lookout point was also designed by Cesar Manrique and offers impressive views over the Atlantic Ocean, the small island of “La Graciosa”, and the surrounding landscape. The views are impressive and the inside of the viewpoint is also a great attraction, with a cafeteria with large circular windows overlooking the sea makes it an ever so pleasant location to enjoy a coffee or a drink.
El Golfo and Los Hervideros
The Green Lagoon at El Golfo.
El Golfo is a natural semi-circular volcanic crater which opens to the sea with the famous “Green Lagoon” in the middle. The Green Lagoon gets its color from a certain algae that inhabits the water and is a great contrast to the black sand beached that surrounds it. The village with the same name, El Golfo, has many excellent seafood restaurants.
Los Hervideros.
Los Hervideros which means “Boiling Waters” consists of natural rock formations and caves eroded by the sea from the lava flow from the volcanoes. The name comes from the spectacular waves that crash into the caves and cliffs’ forming a large mountain of surf with gives the appearance of boiling water. The rougher the sea, the more of an attraction it will become!
Sports
Famara Beach, one of the best places to surf and kite surf.
Lanzarote is the ideal location to practice many activities and sports. Diving, deep sea fishing, sailing, golf, climbing, paragliding, cycling, caving are some to name a few. Extremely popular on the island is windsurfing, surfing and kite surfing. The waves of Famara and La Santa offer some of the best waves in the world for surfing. And the wind in Costa Teguise makes it a paradise for windsurfing. Every year the local Ironman triathlon takes place on the island, which many say is the toughest Ironman race in the world.
