MileHacker Logo
Attractions & Sightseeing

Attractions & Sightseeing

Lanzarote, Canary Islands

Iconic Landmarks

A vast, protected volcanic landscape, Timanfaya National Park features a stark, otherworldly beauty. It is shaped by massive eruptions and presents as the 'Fire Mountains'.

Jameos del Agua and Cueva de los Verdes are unique complexes of caves and tunnels formed by volcanic activity, transformed by César Manrique into art, culture, and tourism hubs.

Visiting Landmark Tips

  • Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the largest crowds.
  • For Timanfaya, the guided bus tour from Hilario Islet offers the only way to see the heart of the volcanic landscape.
  • Consider CACT bono tickets for combined entry to multiple Manrique centers and national park entry, as they can represent savings. GetYourGuide has tickets.
  • Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes; paths might be uneven.

Manrique's Masterpieces

Jameos del Agua

  • A complex of caves, tunnels, and a lake formed by volcanic activity.
  • César Manrique transformed this natural wonder into an art, culture, and tourism center.
  • Features a stunning underground auditorium, a restaurant, and a rare species of blind albino crab.
  • Check tickets and tours on GetYourGuide.
  • Visit during off-peak hours, like early morning or late afternoon.
  • Allow enough time to explore the various spaces, including the auditorium and the natural swimming pool.

Cueva de los Verdes

  • Part of the same extensive volcanic tunnel system as Jameos del Agua.
  • A guided tour through impressive lava formations, chambers, and a famous optical illusion.
  • Temperature inside the cave is consistently cool; a light layer is advisable.
  • Guided tours take approximately 50 minutes.

Queues form during busy periods. Tours happen in multiple languages.

Mirador del Río

A breathtaking viewpoint and architectural masterpiece by César Manrique. Panoramic views of the Chinijo Archipelago and La Graciosa.

Fundación César Manrique

Manrique's former home and studio, built into volcanic bubbles. It showcases his art, architectural genius, and philosophy.

Timanfaya National Park

A vast, protected volcanic landscape. Demonstrations of geothermal phenomena using the earth's heat.

Museums & Cultural Institutions

Lanzarote's cultural institutions grant insights into its history, art, and unique island identity.

Cultural Insights

  • Museo Internacional de Arte Contemporáneo (MIAC)

    Housed within the historic Castillo de San José in Arrecife, a fortress also ingeniously adapted by César Manrique. It features a collection of contemporary art. The castle itself grants a compelling backdrop and offers views over Arrecife harbor.

  • Casa-Museo del Campesino

    A tribute to rural life, traditional Canarian architecture, and the island's agricultural heritage, designed by Manrique. It includes a monument to fertility, artisan workshops where you can observe traditional crafts, and a restaurant serving local cuisine.

  • El Grifo Wine Museum

    Part of one of Spain's oldest wineries, Bodega El Grifo. The museum details the history of wine production in Lanzarote, demonstrating traditional tools and processes. It grants context for the unique viticulture of the La Geria region.

  • Museo Atlántico

    Europe's only underwater museum, located off the coast near Playa Blanca. It features a series of sculptures by artist Jason deCaires Taylor. Accessible by certified divers, while snorkelers or those on glass-bottom boat tours can see parts of it from above. It serves as an artificial reef, promoting marine life. Check GetYourGuide for tours.

  • Castillo de San Gabriel (Arrecife)

    A small 16th-century fortress situated on a tiny islet in Arrecife harbor, connected to the mainland by a picturesque drawbridge. It now houses a small museum dedicated to local history and ethnography.

  • Castillo de Santa Bárbara (Teguise)

    A 15th-century fortress offering panoramic views over the historic town of Teguise and much of the island. It now houses a museum of emigration, detailing the history of islanders who left for other lands.

Architectural Adaptations

Experience how historic structures like MIAC seamlessly integrate art and heritage, often influenced by César Manrique's vision.

Rural Heritage Focus

Visit Casa-Museo del Campesino to discover Lanzarote's agricultural traditions and rural life, complete with artisan workshops.

Island Viticulture

El Grifo Wine Museum details the rich history of winemaking on Lanzarote, featuring unique volcanic viticulture methods.

Natural Attractions

Lanzarote's natural beauty, shaped by its volcanic origins, draws many visitors.

Playa Grande

The main beach in Puerto del Carmen, known for its long stretch of golden sand and calm, clear waters. Ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and general beach activities.

Playa Chica

A smaller, sheltered cove near the Old Town Harbour. Its calm, clear waters and rich marine life suit snorkeling and diving, even for beginners.

Playa de los Pocillos

A wide, long sandy beach located on the eastern side of Puerto del Carmen. Generally quieter and more exposed to the wind, making it popular for wind sports or simply enjoying more space.

Diverse Landscapes

Volcanic Parks

Parque Natural de Los Volcanes surrounds Timanfaya and offers numerous marked hiking trails through recent lava flows and volcanic cones. It grants an opportunity to experience the volcanic landscape up close.

Wine Region

La Geria is the unique wine region where vines are grown in hollows protected by stone walls from the wind, creating a stunning, lunar-like agricultural landscape.

Coastal Wonders

Cuevas de los Jameos del Agua, a natural wonder formed by lava flows and transformed by César Manrique, combines nature and art.

Pristine Beaches

Papagayo Beaches (near Playa Blanca) feature a series of unspoiled golden sand coves located at the southern tip of the island, offering crystal-clear waters.

Protected Areas

The island's commitment to preserving its unique natural environment is evident throughout, including its UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status.

Protected Areas & Ecosystems

Lanzarote's commitment to preserving its unique natural environment is evident throughout the island.

Protections

  • Biosphere Reserve: The island is an UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, highlighting its ecological value.
  • Volcanic Formations: The landscape showcases the power of volcanic activity and natural erosion.
  • Marine Life: The coastal waters teem with diverse marine species, especially in protected areas.

Geological Wonders

Experience unique geological sites that tell the story of Lanzarote's formation.

Formative History

  • Volcanic Eruptions: The major eruptions of the 18th and 19th centuries shaped much of the current landscape.
  • Lava Tubes: Explore extensive underground lava tunnels formed by ancient flows.
  • Basalt Columns: Witness fascinating rock formations created by cooling lava.
  • Geothermal Activity: Observe the earth's heat firsthand at Timanfaya.

Environmental Preservation

Lanzarote places a strong emphasis on preserving its unique environment. Visitors play a role in supporting this.

Stick to marked paths, dispose of waste properly, and respect local flora and fauna to help maintain the island's natural beauty.

Hidden Gems

Beyond the main tourist circuit, Lanzarote offers quieter, less-visited spots.

Architectural Oasis

Jardín de Cactus, another César Manrique creation, is a beautifully landscaped garden built into a former quarry. It features thousands of cactus species, offering a peaceful and visually stunning experience.

Features

  • Thousands of cactus species.
  • Built into a former quarry.
  • Located in Guatiza.

Coastal Dramatics

Los Hervideros features jagged, impressive lava cliffs where the sea crashes into caves and blowholes, creating dramatic sprays and sounds. This natural phenomenon presents a powerful display of the island's volcanic origins.

Visual Spectacle

  • Sea crashing into lava caves.
  • Dramatic sprays and blowholes.
  • Excellent for photography.

Salt Flats Beauty

Salinas de Janubio, the largest salt flats in the Canary Islands, produce artisanal sea salt. They present stunning colors, especially at sunset, due to varying salinity levels.

Aspects

  • Artisanal sea salt production.
  • Stunning colors at sunset.
  • Good spot for photography.

A good spot for understanding a traditional island industry.

Authentic Village Charm

Playa Quemada is a small, authentic fishing village near Puerto del Carmen. It features a black sand beach and traditional seafood restaurants, granting a glimpse into local life away from the main resorts.

Village Features

  • Black sand beach.
  • Traditional seafood restaurants.

A peaceful spot for a quiet meal or a relaxing afternoon.

Off-the-Beaten-Path

Exploring these hidden gems uncovers a different side of Lanzarote, beyond the typical tourist paths. They showcase the island's diverse appeal.

Local Discovery

  • Discover quieter spots.
  • Experience local life.
  • Capture unique perspectives.

These locations provide a connection with the island's spirit.

Attraction Diversity

Volcanic Wonders

The island's volcanic past sculpts its most famous landscapes and unique natural formations.

Manrique's Legacy

César Manrique's art and architecture integrate seamlessly with the natural environment.

Coastal Allure

From golden sands to rugged cliffs, the coastline offers diverse scenic beauty.

Sightseeing Notes

Many attractions close earlier in the evening. Check opening times before your visit.