The Spanish island of Lanzarote is packed full of fun, relaxing and unique things to do both day and night, no matter if you’re embarking on a solo adventure, on a couple’s retreat or have all the family by your side. Now, we know what you’re thinking – as the home of first-class accommodation options in Playa Blanca, we’re sure to be a little bit biased, right? Well, you can decide for yourself as we break down the very best things to do in Lanzarote all year round – whether you’re looking for peace and tranquility, thrills and adventure or simply some scrumptious food and drink, there’s sure to be something on this beautiful island that appeals to you!
As a stunningly picturesque island full of natural beauty, it will come as little surprise that Lanzarote boasts a wide range of captivating beaches. From smooth to volcanic, there’s over 100 to choose from, which is why we’ve compiled our favourites to help you find the best spot for you:
The Papagayo Beaches
At the southern tip of Lanzarote, you’ll find the Los Ajaches Natural Park, containing an amazing array of pristinely kept beaches known as the Papagayo beach collection. Often topping lists of the most beautiful Spanish beaches, this collection is famous for combining intimacy and isolation with tranquil clear waters and breathtaking scenery, making these beaches the perfect option for those looking to escape for a little peace and quiet while soaking up those sunrays. Better yet, these beaches are easily accessible via a range of transport options from Playa Blanca, including a convenient Waterbus from the centre.
Playa de Famara
Visiting the beach for a bit of thrill and adventure? Positioned in the north west of Lanzarote, the longest beach of the island, Playa de Famara, is the one for you! One of the most popular spots on the island for water-sports enthusiasts, the high waves supply the perfect conditions for all kinds of surfing, often drawing keen surfers from all around the world. Though swimming is often banned because of these conditions, Playa de Famara can also often be a great place to sunbathe, with the array of watersports providing enough entertainment to keep you occupied all day long.
Playa Flamingo
Situated in the heart of Playa Blanca and stretching just 200 metres in length, Playa Flamingo is a popular and easily accessible beach spot amongst families thanks to the swimming bay being protected by two breakwaters that prevent almost all waves making the shore. With lifeguards all year round, and a nearby promenade with various restaurants, bars and a supermarket, this is the ultimate spot for a family day out as it’s sure to keep everyone entertained.
Want to find out more about the golden sands of Lanzarote? Check out our handy pocket guide to the island’s beaches here.
As one of the Canary Islands’ most popular islands, Lanzarote is full of great tourist attractions that are not to be missed:
Timanfaya National Park
The most popular of all the attractions the island has to offer, the volcanic park at Timanfaya is visited by close to one million tourists every year – and for good reason!
Also known as Fire Mountain, this huge park houses a stunning garden of colourful volcanoes that have stood dormant for almost 300 years. Following the eruptions of 1730-1736, what remains is a unique lava landscape that is the epitome of natural beauty, with many drawing comparisons to dramatic lunar landscapes. With photo opportunities galore, camel rides, lava demonstrations and a restaurant that uses the excessive lava heat from an opening in the ground to grill meats and fish, you simply must visit this unforgettable spot.
Admission: €12 adults, €6 children
Opening times: 10am – 5:45pm (7 days a week)
Want to know more about Timanfaya National Park, including directions on how to get there and tips on how to plan your trip? Check out our handy pocket guide here.
Jameos del Agua
Famously labelled “the most beautiful nightclub in the world” by its designer and the island’s most historic resident, César Manrique, Jameos del Agua boasts a quirky fusion of nature and mankind. Forging an awe-inspiring landscape into the debris of a volcanic tube and flowing lava, Manrique created an attraction that lives on as an aesthetic masterpiece like no other, with the skillful harmony of nature and art projecting a piece of geological wonder to guests from around the world.
Take the tour at your own pace to ensure you take in all the beauty on offer, being sure to drop by the Jameo Chico restaurant once you’re done to experience stunning views of the pristine water pool and, on a Tuesday and Saturday night, soak up the atmosphere with traditional folk dancing and music.
Admission: €10 adults, €5 children
Opening times: 10am – 5pm (7 days a week) & 7pm – 2am (Tuesday and Saturday only)
Tel: 0034 928 848024
Mirador del Rio
Another one of Manrique’s wonderful creations, Mirador del Rio is an old 16th century lookout spot used by Spanish settlers to detect pirates and other potential invaders for almost two hundred years, with a small fortress and gun battery added in the late 1800s to deter American naval incursions. Following Manrique’s revision in 1974, the spot now acts as an impressive vantage point that frames breathtaking coastal views from 479 metres high.
Admission: €5 adults, €2.50 children
Opening times: 10am – 5:45pm (7 days a week)
Though these attractions aren’t accessible by public transport, there are plenty of bus tours that stop by these destinations – however, we recommend hiring a car to enable you to take in these great attractions at your own pace.
If you’re a history buff looking to explore the extensive history of Lanzarote, this handy blog post runs through some of our favourite historic attractions the island has to offer in a little more detail. Alternatively, if you’re on the hunt for culture and education, we’ve broken down more on our favourite cultural spots and the island’s best museums. Whatever kind of attraction you’re looking for, we’ve got you covered!
Lanzarote is renowned for its quirky markets, so why not drop-by one of our top choices and see if you can bag yourself a one-of-a-kind item or irresistable bargain?
Teguise Market
Undoubtedly the most popular of all Lanzarote’s markets (and even all the Canary Islands’ markets), Teguise Market is located in the old town part of Teguise and houses over 400 vendors that sell a wide range of goods from foods and wines to crafts and souvenirs. With so much to explore, ensure you give yourself plenty of time to wander at your own leisurely pace.
The easiest mode of transport to this popular market is the number 13 bus, leaving from Playa Blanca harbour at 9am every Sunday morning and returning from Teguise at 1:30pm – for more information on bus routes, see here.
Opening times: 9am – 2pm (every Sunday)
Arrecife Market
If the thought of fresh, local and organic food already has your mouth watering, then Arrecife Market is right up your street. Located in Charco de San Ginés, surrounding the San Ginés church, stop by to sample and buy the many diverse and wonderful tastes the island has to offer.
Opening times: 9am – 2pm (every Saturday)
Marina Rubicón Market
Staying in one of our Playa Blanca holiday rentals and want a day out close to your new home? Situated on the seafront promenade and surrounded by stylish yachts, Marina Rubicón Market offers a variety of local stalls selling unique clothing, souvenirs, crafts and refreshments in a beautiful setting, making this a great way to spend an afternoon.
Opening times: 9am – 2pm (every Wednesday)
With a wide range of different excursions on offer in Lanzarote all year round and for all types of personalities and comfort zones, look to try something different to really make your trip a memorable one:
Delve under the waters
Though it may be hard to believe, the underwater world surrounding Lanzarote can be just as beautiful as the island itself! For a one-of-a-kind perspective on the aquatic habitats and wildlife Lanzarote has to offer, consider a trip aboard the (‘we all live in a…’) yellow submarine. Officially known as Sub Fun Tres, this sophisticated submarine dives 60m underwater so tourists can spot an array of incredible sea life through the 22 viewing windows and giant observation windows at each end.
To book visit: https://book.submarinesafaris.com/booking/lanzarote/
Are you a diver who wants to get out and feel the depths of the waters for yourself? For an experience you’re sure not to forget anytime soon, why not explore Europe’s only underwater sculpture museum? Guided by official ECO dive guides of the Museo Atlántic, you’ll receive an extensive brief behind all the sculptures on display so you can properly appreciate the art amidst the fish!
For more on all the wonderful diving opportunities Lanzarote has to offer, visit our post all about taking the plunge here.
Explore the seas
Whether you’re looking for thrill or chill, there’s something atop of the waves that’s sure to tickle your fancy!
For water sport enthusiasts, don’t miss out on the great surfing opportunities Lanzarote has to offer across the island. That’s not to say you have to be a pro on the board to get catching some waves, however. On the contrary, check out the Red Star Surf School for individual and group surfing lessons ranging from rookie to expert – better yet, you’ll learn amidst the stunning scenery of Famara beach.
Want to learn more about how to catch the waves in Lanzarote? We’ve got you covered in this handy guide.
Alternatively, if you’re looking to take to the waters at a slower pace, why not consider a fishing expedition? Many believe Lanzarote to boast the best fishing in the Canary Islands thanks to its unique marine geography and wildlife, and conditions are good all year round – so what’re you waiting for?
…or stick to the land!
If you’re not keen on finding your sea legs while in Lanzarote, not to worry – there’s plenty of exciting things to do from the safety of the land, too!
For example, take in the unrivaled volcanic landscapes, lunar aesthetics and geological wonders via one of the island’s many guided walking tours, or for those with younger children or older legs, enjoy a brilliantly unique tour of Timanfaya via electric car!
Thinking of strapping on your walking boots and exploring the island by foot? Be sure to check out our top hiking routes in this informative blog post.
As such a popular holiday destination amongst families of all ages and sizes, it will come as little surprise that Lanzarote boasts all sorts of fun activities to keep the kids smiling all day long!
Rancho Texas
Located in Puerto del Carmen, this unique Wild West theme park has a whole host of attractions that are sure to keep kids of all ages entertained for hours and hours on end. From cowboy themed activities and attractions to the island’s biggest zoo and live animal shows, both you and the kids will be spoilt for choice when spending a jam-packed day of fun at this excellent family theme park. Better yet, there’s a free bus service that runs daily from the heart of Playa Blanca!
Opening times: 9:30am – 5:30pm (7 days a week)
Admission: €14 adults, €9 children
Lanzarote A Caballo
Located within a quick 5-10 minutes’ drive from Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote A Caballo is a riding centre that offers a great variety of activities for children of all ages. For example, very young kids can enjoy horse and camel drawn wagon rides and the exciting Fort Apache playground, while older children can partake in pony and camel rides.
Opening times: 10am – 6pm (7 days a week)
Prices: Pony rides from €3, Camel rides (15 mins) – €12 adults, €10 children
Aquapark
As the biggest waterpark in Lanzarote, the whole family is guaranteed to have limitless fun at Costa Teguise’s Aquapark. With pools, slides, a 10D cinema and even paintball, this is a must-visit for families with children of any (and indeed every) age.
Opening times: 10am – 6pm (7 days a week – closed until March 29, 2020)
Admission: €23.50 adults, €17 children (4-12 years), €17 adult after 3pm, €13 children after 3pm
Not enough to keep the kids entertained? Check out our blog post on things to do with the kids in Lanzarote for more fun ideas – you can find it here.
Food and drink is one of the things Lanzarote does best, with an array of stunning restaurants that accommodate each price range across the island. Since you’re absolutely spoilt for choice, we’ve gone to the liberty of listing some of our favourites:
La Chalanita
Situated on the Avenida Marítima promenade in the centre of Playa Blanca, La Chalanita is renowned for its beautiful sea views of Fuerteventura across the bay. Look to grab an outside first floor table for memorable al fresco dining with specialist local meat, fish and seafood dishes.
Tel: +34 928 091 427
El Guachinche de Luis
If it’s an authentic, local experience you’re searching for, El Guachinche de Luis is the spot for you. So small it’s easy to miss, this locally run restaurant offers up delicious home cooked food with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and generous portion sizes – better yet, it’s super cheap! Find this hidden treasure in Costa Teguise.
Tel: +34 928 346 912
Blooming Cactus Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurant
Searching for vegan, vegetarian or gluten-free options? Look no further than the aptly named Blooming Cactus Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurant, located in Puerto del Carmen. With food served in tapas style to allow you to mix and match, dishes can even be prepared for specific dietary requirements when contacted in advance – service doesn’t come much better than that!
With so much to do, explore and experience on this wonderful island, what’re you waiting for? Book a first-class Lanzarote villa or apartment rental with Optima Villas today to begin putting your plans for an unforgettable holiday to Lanzarote into fruition – with so much on offer, there’s no time to waste!