Volcanic island of Lanzarote: attractions & highlights
In the footsteps of César Manrique
Anyone travelling to Lanzarote will hear and read about César Manrique sooner or later. This tireless artist made a decisive impression on the island and was an advocate for sustainable and nature-focused tourism. His legacy includes the fact that there are no real skyscrapers on the island to date. Two impressive museums remind us of him: in Tahíche is the Fundación César Manrique, his former residence, which he built in the middle of a lava stream. Nestled in an exceptionally beautiful palm tree grove in Haría, Casa Palmera is also one of the must-see highlights in Lanzarote.
Underground wonder: Cueva de los Verdes
The Corona Volcano last erupted in Lanzarote several thousand years ago. A huge lava stream flowed from the volcano towards the sea, forming an eight-kilometre long lava tube, the Cueva de los Verdes. The fascinating complex of underground tunnels and vaults was then recast by César Manrique to make the cave into a unique destination with a concert hall and magical lighting. A visit to Lanzarote’s top attraction will immerse you in the island’s impressive volcanic landscape.
Bright salt: Salinas del Janubio
The Salinas del Janubio are terraced salt gardens laid out above the La Caleta lagoon, separated from the Atlantic by a narrow headland. Shimmering in stunning shades from turquoise to pink, the result is a fabulous sight against the blue Atlantic. Nearby is the charming fishing village of El Golfo. To the south of this is a crater of the Montaña de Golfo volcano, partially collapsed into the sea, where a green lagoon has formed. The striking colour is created by algae, which have adapted to the high salt content of the lagoon. An insider tip for Lanzarote: plan an evening visit to experience the sunset here.
Lanzarote’s delightful highlight: La Geria
As you travel along the road between Uga and Masdache, you can admire a fantastic view of La Geria's 5-hectare wine region. The hardened lava layer is ingeniously used here as a windbreak for the vines planted in circular pits in the soil. This creates a surreal green and black mosaic that produces the best wines in the Canary Islands and the famous Malvasia wine. A guided excursion is an excellent choice if you wish to sample a drop of wine here or there from the local bodegas on your tour of Lanzarote’s wine region.
Vibrant meeting place: Puerto del Carmen
Puerto del Carmen is one of Lanzarote’s most popular holiday destinations. Here you’ll find numerous charming and luxurious hotels right on the long sandy beaches. It also has a marina and a wealth of shops and restaurants. The promenade is perfect for long walks – or even a cycle tour to Arrecife. You can enjoy water sports on the Atlantic Ocean during the day, and the island’s most vibrant nightlife takes place here in the evenings.
Art & Gastronomy: Castillo de San José
The magnificent Castillo San José in Puerto Nao was built in the reign of Charles III to defend the island of Lanzarote. Two centuries later, artist César Manrique transformed it into the International Museum of Contemporary Art (MIAC). It now houses an impressive selection of art by international and Canary Island artists, as well as a varied cultural programme. Highlights include the restaurant with its wide window frontage that offers a magnificent view of the bay.
Unearthly moments: the Stratified City
The “Stratified City”, actually Antigua Rofera, looks as if it originated from a strange planet: bizarre rock formations in a wide variety of grey tones with tunnels, holes and caves adorn the landscape here. If you’re travelling on the LZ-404 by car to other attractions in Lanzarote, you’ll probably come across it anyway and can easily stop in the nearby car park to take a few photos.
Quiet coves: Playas de Papagayo
The Playas de Papagayo include seven magnificent bays in the Monumento Natural de los Ajaches Nature Reserve in the south of Lanzarote. Fine golden-yellow sandy beaches stretch here between turquoise waters and dark volcanic rocks that protect you against the wind. If you’re looking for restaurants and beach bars, you’re better off at the touristy Playa Blanca nearby; a trip to Lanzarote’s coastline and Playa Papagayo is more for those looking for peace and quiet.
Canary history in Teguise
Teguise was the first settlement in the Canary Islands and was once the capital of Lanzarote. The Old Town is today the historic centre of Lanzarote, and the district is a conservation area due to its architectural and cultural heritage.
The Plaza de la Constitución is especially worth a visit with its palm trees, Indian bay trees and the church of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, and an excellent market with handicrafts and traditional goods is held here every Sunday.
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