On flat days or days used to rejuvenate away from the waves, you might want to take a closer look around the island and see it for the artistic, natural work of art that it is. Whether you are into museums and galleries or would rather suss out some of the island’s natural beauties, here are some suggestions for the things to do in Lanzarote.

Bodegas El Grifo / Museo del Vino

If you are looking for relaxing and culturally rich things to do in Lanzarote, the wine route might be exactly what you are looking for. Located in San Bartolome lies the oldest winery in the Canary Islands and one of the ten oldest in all of Spain. The family-owned Wine Museum is situated in a protected zone called “La Geria”, which once was covered by lava after volcanic eruptions.

Visitors can enjoy a slow stroll through the vineyard, wine tasting and original artefacts such as the wine presses, pumps and crushers from the 19th and 20th centuries.

Jameos Del Agua

It was formerly a bland but huge lava tube used by locals as a trash dump. In an effort to unite mankind and nature into harmony, Cesar Manrique transformed it into a stunning tropical garden, event space and impressive concert hall.

Art Galleries

Cabra Cabra Galeria de Arte

A small and original art gallery located in the historic centre of Teguise. The Cabra Cabra Galeria de Arte shows original works and prints done by English artists Dominic Murray.

Museo Internacional de Arte Contemporáneo-Castillo de San José

The Contemporary Art Museum is located on top of a cliff close to the island capital Arrecife. The space holds a particularly impressive abstract art collection through the efforts of Cesar Manriqué, who inspired the 1st International Visual Arts Competition with the works of Picasso, Tápies, Miró, Millares and Zóbel here.

Nature & Parks

Timanfaya National Park

An eerie and surreal national park covering over 5,000 hectares of lava formations and volcanoes near the west coast of Lanzarote. The Timanfaya National Park ought to be on everyone’s list when scoping out things to do in Lanzarote.

Timanfaya has been included in the Unesco Network of Biosphere Reserves and offers visitors spectacular views of the black and red landscape somewhat resembling Mars.

Jardin de Cactus (The Cactus Garden)

The Cactus Garden, formerly an old quarry that was transformed by Cesar Manrique, hosts the largest assortment of Cacti in the world with 4,500 specimens of 450 species, including cacti from 5 continents.

An oasis of colours and peace awaits visitors.

Mirador del Rio

Over 400 meters high on the Risco de Famara lies an intricate architectural viewpoint designed by none other than Cesar Manrique. Mirador del Rio consists of a cafe, souvenir shop and platform all integrated into the majestic volcanic rock formation.

A panoramic view over the strait of Rio through the eyes of the Mirador (the two large glass windows) leaves visitors speechless.

Cueva de los Verdes

This cave was created by the eruption of Volcán de la Corona. In the 16th and 17th centuries, locals used this impressive cave as a hideout from pirates coming from the north of Africa.

Artists Jesús Soto and Cesar Manrique joined efforts with the Cabildo of Lanzarote (local government) in the 1960s to turn the cave into the mesmerizing space it is today.

Occasionally, the cave hosts a variety of concerts as well.

Los Hervideros & El Lago Verde

Caves, lava formations and spectacular waves. Just below Timanfaya Park by El Golfo lies a unique coastline with black rock formations, red hills and eerie green lakes. This place is definitely worth a day trip.

Los Hervideros.

Montana Corona 

A beautiful Mountain just behind Costa Teguise. Great place for a walk and climb offering great views over the valley and Costa Teguise below. Especially beautiful during the golden hour.

Montana Blanca

This is one of Lanzarote’s highest volcanic islands located by the village of Montana Blanca. There are several trails for trail running and hiking that lead from the village up the mountain. Certainly, another amazing viewpoint from which to enjoy the Lanzarote lunar landscape.

Montana Blanca.

Beaches

Playa Famara

A long stretch of beach with golden sand and the majestic El Risco towering in the background. Our lessons take place in Famara every morning. Therefore, the beach invites kite surfers and bodyboarders as well as beach-goers, in search of sunbathes and scenery.

Famara Beach.

Playa de Papagayo

In the south of the island, not far from Playa Blanca, lies one of the most popular beaches, Playa de Papagayo. The beach offers emerald green water and a stunning sand and mountain backdrop.

Consequently, perfect for a lazy day at the beach, snorkelling and swimming. Be aware that access to the beach is not free of charge.

The other beaches on the island

Playa Quemada

A string of idyllic and secluded coves with volcanic sand and calm waters south of the harbour of Puerto Calero. Great place for a swim away from the hassle and main tourism areas. The beach is accessible via a dirt road.

Caleton Blanco

A lovely wild beach in the north of the island close to Orzola. A dream-like location with white sand and a natural swimming pool surrounded by lava formations. This beach is best on high tide. There are no facilities, so be sure to bring some food and have a picnic there.

Charco del Palo

If you feel like getting rid of your clothes on a particularly hot day, head to the famous nudist village of Charco del Palo in the north of Lanzarote to enjoy some of the most beautiful natural swimming pools on the island. A great alternative to the touristic beaches on the island.

Los Charcones

Unspoilt nature is only a 5-minute drive away from the tourist resort of Playa Blanca in the south. A series of natural swimming pools accessible via a dirt road. Take a book, a snack and enjoy the day in one of the stunning pools.

Playa del Risco

Close to the Mirador del Rio, Playa del Risco, a long stretch of white sand beach with views of Famara and El Graciosa is another example of the beautiful north of Lanzarote. An amazing place to align yourself amongst the cliffs and golden sand and bathe in crystal clear waters.

Playa Montana Bermeja

A red mountain meets the black sand and rough seas on this stunning beach. The currents and waves can get quite powerful which is why this beach is rather recommended for photographs and a quick walk rather than sunbathing and swimming. The moonlike landscape and play of colours will leave you in awe. Definitely worth a visit!

Other Sites and Points of Interest

Teguise Market

The market in Teguise opens every Sunday from 9:00 to 14:00. Hosted in the historic city centre of the small town, the market stalls offer food, souvenirs, fashion, crafts and jewellery. The market can get quite busy so it’s best to arrive early for a hassle-free stroll around.

Another thing to know. There are special bus routes you can take to and from the market and a lot of parking space as well. The parking fee is about 2€.

Sunday in Teguise

Indeed, every Sunday, you can enjoy many small concerts that take place in different restaurants in the historic centre!
Furthermore, every Sunday evening, you can enjoy a live concert at the bar La Palmera! Spanish atmosphere guaranteed!

La Geria

Located in the southwest of the island, lies a spectacular stretch of land in the municipality of Yaiza with Timanfaya National Park to its east. The area had been covered by volcanic ash due to Timanfaya’s eruption and today hosts the largest wine production of Lanzarote. Due to these eruptions, vines are cultivated by digging a pit into the ash and building a small, circular wall of stones around it to protect them from the wind. That is how the best Malvasia wine in Lanzarote is produced in wineries surrounded by valleys and volcanic ash.

Besides that, you can take a trip by bus or car and taste the wine produced in these artistic circles of ash or take one of the two hiking routes: La Asomada to La Geria and the La Geria route.

Good to know: Timanfaya, Salinas de Janubio, Los Hervideros and Charco de los Clicos are all close by. This area is known as the landscaped triangle and is well worth a day trip.

Cheese Tasting in Uga

There are several cheese producers on the island. The Finca de Uga offers visitors an authentic cheese-tasting experience and also places great importance on the animal’s welfare. So you can combine cheese tasting with wine tasting while you’re discovering the wine route

Monumento al Campesino

In San Bartolomé, very close to Caleta de Famara, César Manrique paid his last tribute with a monument dedicated to the working women and men of Lanzarote. Guarded by a statue made of boat tanks, iron and cement, the Monumento al Campesino consists of several buildings that resemble traditional homes.

Furthermore, a restaurant serves traditional dishes of the island and invites visitors to dine and dwell. The site also hosts a bar, coffee shop, workshops as well as local cultural activities.

Salinas de Janubio

Lanzarote was once one of the biggest salt producers in the Canary Islands with 26 salt production sites running in the 1940s. At this time, only two of these remain, one being the Janubio Salt Flats situated near El Golfo in the southwestern part of the island.

Visitors can enjoy the beautiful views over the coastline and contrasting colours of the flats or take a tour through the warehouse (open from 7:30 to 14:30) and buy some coarse salt to take home.

Furthermore, there is also a restaurant, Mirador de las Salinas, which offers a panoramic view over the flats.

Outdoor Activities

Lanzarote offers a natural playground for surfers and water sports enthusiasts. Naturally, they flock from all over the world to enjoy the swell and wind. But the island’s landscape offers more than just waves. Indeed, the rugged terrain, volcanic mountains and endless roads leading across the land offer some of the best conditions for cycling, trail running, and trekking.

Discover the island via a bike tour, hike, trail run or whatever gets your blood rushing.

Skateparks

If you’re into skating, there is good news for you. Indeed, there are several skate parks in Lanzarote. Check below for details.

Skatepark in Famara

You need not venture far to skate around. There is a quarter pipe and a couple of street obstacles located directly in Famara.

Arrecife Skatepark

There is a big indoor skatepark in the island’s capital that will get any skater excited. With a variety of ramps and rails, you can easily spend a day here.

If you like this article, feel free to look at our other interesting pages to learn more about Lanzarote.

Find our surf school and surf camp in Caleta de Famara, Lanzarote, Canary Islands. We are looking forward to welcoming you to our beautiful island!