Lanzarote, the northeasternmost of Spain’s Canary Islands, is an open-air museum where nature and human creativity merge into a landscape unlike any other. Dominated by volcanoes, lava fields, and golden beaches, the island also pays homage to the art and architecture of César Manrique, who shaped its terrain with sustainable, harmonious design.
Here’s what you can’t miss on a trip to Lanzarote—where lunar landscapes meet breathtaking art.
1. Timanfaya National Park: The volcanic heart
One of Lanzarote’s most iconic sites is Timanfaya National Park, a vast expanse of solidified lava formed during 18th- and 19th-century eruptions. The landscape feels otherworldly, with craters, steam geysers, and surreal-colored rocks.
- Montañas del Fuego (Fire Mountains): A bus tour (included with admission) takes you through the park’s volcanic cones and lava rivers.
- El Diablo Restaurant: Designed by Manrique, this eatery cooks food using natural volcanic heat!
2. Jameos del Agua & Cueva de los Verdes: Lava caves turned art
Two stunning lava caves transformed by Manrique into artistic attractions:
- Jameos del Agua: A volcanic cave with an underground lake home to blind albino crabs, an auditorium, and a dreamy pool.
- Cueva de los Verdes: A 6+ km lava tunnel with dramatic rock formations and mesmerizing light displays.
3. La Geria Vineyards: Wine grown in lava
Lanzarote produces unique wines thanks to an extraordinary cultivation method: vines grow in small pits (hoyos) shielded by semicircular stone walls (zocos) from the wind.
- Visit a winery (like El Grifo, the Canaries’ oldest) to taste Malvasía, a sweet, aromatic local wine.
4. The Art of César Manrique
The island’s visionary artist-architect left an indelible mark:
- Fundación César Manrique: His former home-studio, built atop volcanic bubbles, blends design and nature.
- Mirador del Río: A viewpoint with breathtaking vistas of La Graciosa island, featuring organic shapes and panoramic windows.
- Jardín de Cactus: A garden with 1,000+ cactus species, Manrique’s final masterpiece.
5. Dream beaches
Lanzarote’s coastlines dazzle:
- Papagayo Beach: Pristine coves with crystal-clear water, perfect for snorkeling.
- Famara Beach: A wind-swept surfing paradise with dramatic cliffs.
- Playa Blanca: Golden sands and turquoise waters, ideal for families.
6. Teguise & Haría: Charming villages
- Teguise: The island’s former capital, with a lively Sunday market and colonial architecture.
- Haría: The “Valley of 1,000 Palm Trees,” where Manrique spent his final years.
Final Tips
Lanzarote surprises at every turn—whether you’re hiking volcanic trails, admiring Manrique’s legacy, or unwinding on secluded shores.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and autumn offer mild weather and fewer crowds.
Ready to explore Lanzarote? Adventure—where fire meets art—awaits!
