Lanzarote's Volcanic Moonscape: Beyond the Beaches, Discover Surreal Landscapes and Cesar Manrique's Artistic Wonders
Ah, Lanzarote. You know when a place just sort of gets under your skin without you even realising? That’s Lanzarote.
It’s got this totally different vibe from the other Canary Islands—as you’ve landed on another planet, but one with really good wine, black sand beaches, and weirdly calming landscapes.
The first thing that hits you is the volcanic scenery—it’s surreal. Proper moon-like in some areas, especially around Timanfaya National Park. You’ll be driving through stretches of rusty red and black rock that go on forever, and suddenly, you’re in this eerie, beautiful silence that makes you feel tiny in the best way.
And then there’s the Cesar Manrique side of things. This guy completely shaped how Lanzarote looks and feels. You will understand more when you visit his house, which is actually built into old lava bubbles—so simple but so clever.
You’ll notice his style everywhere—whitewashed buildings, green shutters, loads of art tucked into nature rather than plastered on top of it. Even Jameos del Agua, with its underground lagoon and chic little concert space, has his fingerprints all over it. It’s like art and nature shook hands and decided to just get along here.
For beaches, Papagayo really is worth the little trek—golden coves with ridiculously clear water. But honestly, even the windier spots like Famara have this wild charm. Great if you’re into surfing or just want to sit and watch the waves crash in with a cold drink in hand.
One tip—don’t miss the vineyards of La Geria. It’s like nowhere else, with vines planted in scooped-out pits in the black volcanic soil. The wine’s surprisingly good (Malvasía is the one to try), and the whole area feels a bit magical when the light’s soft in the late afternoon.
Lanzarote isn’t flashy, but it’s quietly stunning—and it sticks with you. You’ll come back feeling like you’ve had a proper reset.
The three main resorts of the island are Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise, each a mix of golden, white and black sandy beaches.
Lanzarote has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it is easy to see why.
The famous natural attractions include Mirador del Rio, which offers a spectacular panoramic view of the Chinijo Archipelago, and El Golfo, a semi-circular crater made of stone; inside it is a blue-green lagoon surrounded by black sand, red rocks, and the dazzling blue ocean.
If you love wild landscapes, sun, some of the best beaches in Spain, and exhilarating water sports activities, you will adore Lanzarote, as there are many opportunities to enjoy diving, windsurfing, boating, skiing and much more.
5 Curious Facts about Lanzarote
- Lanzarote is the oldest of the Canary Island chain and was created some 180 million years ago.
- Lanzarote is a volcanic island and each eruption has made the island larger as the lava flows and gets cooled down by the sea. Thankfully the last major eruptions were in 1700s.
- Although most people know the main Islands of Tenerife, Fuerteventura, La Gomera, La Palma, El Hierro and Lanzarote, there are actually three smaller islands in the chain located to the north of Lanzarote which can be visited by holidaymakers, they are Alegranza, Montana Clara and La Graciosa ( which translated means the humorous one )
- The first settlers on Lanzarote came from Africa around 5 B.C and were called Moja.
- The island makes its own wine, the vines have been adapted to withstand the high winds that frequent the island and to grow in the unusual volcanic soil.
Best Things to Do on Lanzarote
Explore The Costa Teguise
Costa Teguise is a modern and attractive resort on the east coast of Lanzarote, about 15 15-minute drive from the airport and the capital, Arrecife. It was developed in the 1970s with the influence of the local artist César Manrique, who designed some of its landmarks, such as the Pueblo Marinero and the Hotel Gran Melia Salinas.
The area has five excellent sandy beaches, with clear water and ideal conditions for water sports, such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, and diving.
There is a wide range of holiday facilities, including restaurants, bars, shops, and entertainment options, as well as a golf course and an aquarium.
Costa Teguise is an excellent base for exploring the island's main attractions, such as the Timanfaya National Park, the César Manrique Foundation, and the Jameos del Agua.
Explore Timanfaya National Park
Timanfaya National Park is a unique and spectacular landscape of volcanic origin located southwest of Lanzarote. It covers an area of more than 5,000 hectares and has more than 25 volcanoes and hundreds of craters.
The park was created by a series of eruptions between the 18th and 19th Centuries, which devastated several villages and transformed the fertile land into a barren and desolate terrain.
Timanfaya National Park is one of the most visited attractions in Lanzarote, allowing you to admire the beauty and power of nature.
Guided tours showcase the park's most impressive features, such as the Montañas del Fuego (Fire Mountains), the Islote de Hilario, and the Caldera del Corazoncillo. You can also see the geothermic activity, such as geysers and barbecue pits heated by the underground magma.
Chill Out On Playa Blanca
Playa Blanca is a top-notch holiday destination situated on Lanzarote's southern coast. The town is well-known for its stunning beaches, clean waters, and laid-back vibe, which makes it a favourite holiday spot for sunbathers, beach lovers, and water sports enthusiasts.
The main beach is called Playa Blanca, a long stretch of golden sand well-equipped with sun loungers, umbrellas, and plenty of water sports options such as kayaking, paddle boarding, and snorkelling.
Aside from the beaches, you can also explore the town's charming marina, filled with restaurants, cafes, and shops selling souvenirs and local crafts. Playa Blanca is close to many of the island's main attractions, including the Timanfaya National Park, the Papagayo Beaches, and the famous Cueva de Los Verdes.
Visit Lanzarote Cactus Garden
A trip to a cactus garden may not have been on the top of your holiday itinerary but this one is well worth a visit.
There are some 4,500 specimens that are on display in the magnificent botanical centre known as the Cactus Garden in Lanzarote. It is among the final creations of renowned Lanzarote artist César Manrique, who turned a disused quarry into a surreal world of forms, textures, and hues.
The garden is situated in Guatiza, a sizable agricultural region with cactus plantations where cochineal, a natural dye, is grown. The garden also has a café, a gift shop, and a windmill. The entrance fee to the cactus garden is 6.50 euros for adults and 3.25 euros for children. It is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00.
Discover Los Hervideros
Los Hervideros is a natural wonder that shows the stunning contrast between the volcanic rocks and the strong waves of the Atlantic. It is situated next to the Timanfaya National Park on Lanzarote's west coast in the Yaiza municipality. Spanish meaning "boiling pots," Los Hervideros is the name given to the caves and tunnels created by lava flows from volcanic eruptions in the early 18th century.
It's a fantastic site to watch the powerful waves smashing onto the cliffs, creating a spectacular splash that seems to boil inside the caves.
You can walk along a path that offers different viewpoints of this amazing scenery. The best time to visit Los Hervideros is during high tide or when the sea is rough. Los Hervideros is also part of a triangle of natural attractions, including the Janubio Salt Flats and El Golfo, a green lagoon inside a volcanic crater.
To get to Los Hervideros, you can drive along the LZ-703 road that connects Playa Blanca and El Golfo. There is a free parking area nearby. You can also join a guided tour that typically includes Los Hervideros and other nearby places of interest.
Explore the Jameos del Agua Caves
The Jameos del Agua caves are a unique natural and cultural attraction created by the local artist and architect César Manrique. They are part of a volcanic tunnel that was formed by the eruption of La Corona volcano, one of the longest in the world.
The word "jameo" refers to the openings in the tunnel where the roof has collapsed, creating a space that visitors can access.
The Jameos del Agua consists of three main jameos: Jameo Chico, Jameo Grande and Jameo Redondo. Inside them, Manrique designed a harmonious blend of art and nature.
Facilities at the caves include a café bar, a swimming pool, an auditorium, a museum and a garden. One of the highlights of the caves is the natural lake that hosts a rare species of blind albino crabs that are endemic to Lanzarote.
The Jameos del Agua caves are located in the municipality of Haría. They are open every day from 10:00 to 18:30 and from 19:00 to 23:30 on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. To get to the caves, you can drive along the LZ-1 road that connects Arrecife and Órzola. There is a free parking area near to the main entrance.
Enjoy a Camel Ride
One of the most popular excursions is the Timanfaya National Park and La Geria day tour.
Explore the lunar landscapes of Timanfaya National Park and marvel at the geothermal scenery before going to the wine lands of La Geria.
Riding a camel on the volcanic slopes to experience Lanzarote from a different perspective is great fun!
Visit The Pirates Museum & Santa Barbara Castle
A rеlаtіvеlу new аddіtіоn, The Pirates Museum (Muѕео dе lа Pirateria) opened in 2011. It is a mоdеѕt but іntеrеѕtіng muѕеum lосаtеd in the оldеѕt саѕtlе іn the Canary Iѕlаndѕ, El Castillo de Santa Barbara.
Visit the Green Lagoon
The Green Lagoon, also known as El Golfo, is a stunning natural wonder located on the southwestern coast of Lanzarote. It's a volcanic crater filled with green water due to the algae that thrive in its mineral-rich waters.
The contrast between the green water and the surrounding black volcanic rocks creates a dramatic and picturesque landscape, perfect for those unique holiday snaps!
Discover Wine Valley at La Geria
The La Geria Valley is Lanzarote's principal wine-growing region, occupying just over 50 square kilometres of land in the south-central area of the Island.
The unique landscapes and black volcanic ash produce a variety of excellent wines.
For a special holiday experience, why not enjoy a guided tour at the El Grifo Winery in San Bartolomé. Here, you will learn all about the secrets of historic winemaking plus indulge yourself in a delicious wine-tasting session.
The tour includes a pleasant stroll through the lush vineyards at the El Grifo Winery and seeing the estate's grand house with its magnificent library which houses some of the oldest bibliographic works in the Canary Islands.
» As part of our Lanzarote travel guide, read our full article on the nine best things to do in Lanzarote.
Best Beaches in Lanzarote
Playa Papagayo is a stunning beach located on the southern coast of Lanzarote. It is renowned for its off-the-beaten-path location sand, clear waters, and breathtaking natural surroundings.
Nestled within the protected natural park of Los Ajaches, Playa Papagayo offers a tranquil and unspoiled setting away from the bustling tourist areas. Its secluded location makes it a perfect escape for those seeking peace and tranquillity.
The beach is divided into a series of small coves, each with its unique charm and character. Sun-seekers can relax on the soft sandy shore and soak up the warm Canary Island sun.
There is parking a few minutes walk from the beach, and although it is in a secluded location, there are a couple of decent beach bars close, El Risco and Casa El Barba, where you can enjoy a selection of well-cooked local dishes.
Here are some of the best beaches in Lanzarote:
- Papagayo Beaches: A collection of small coves with clear water, white sand, and stunning cliffs.
- Famara Beach: A long and wide beach with stunning views of the cliffs and ocean.
- Playa Blanca: A long stretch of golden sand with calm waters and plenty of amenities.
- Playa Grande: A popular beach in Puerto del Carmen with golden sand and clear water.
- Playa de Los Pocillos: A wide and spacious beach with golden sand and calm waters.
- Playa de Matagorda: A peaceful beach with calm waters and plenty of amenities.
- Playa Chica: A small and secluded beach with clear water and great for snorkelling.
- Playa del Reducto: A long and wide beach with golden sand and plenty of amenities.
- Caleta del Congrio: A secluded beach with clear water and stunning volcanic landscapes.
- Playa Flamingo: A family-friendly beach with calm waters and plenty of amenities.
Getting to Lanzarote
To get to Lanzarote, you can fly from many European cities to the Lanzarote Airport, which is near Arrecife's capital. You can also take a ferry from other Canary Islands, such as Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria or Tenerife.
Once you are on the island, you have several options for public transport. You can use the bus service, which connects all the major towns and resorts of Lanzarote. The buses are modern, air-conditioned and cheap. You can buy tickets on board or use a "Bono" card that gives you discounts. You can check the routes and timetables on the website of Intercity Bus Lanzarote.
You can also use the taxi service, which is metered and regulated by the government. The taxis are white or red and white, and have a sign on the roof.
Taking a ferry or water taxi to another area of Lanzarote Spain or to neighbouring islands is ana fun way to island hop. Fred Olsen Express and Naviera Armas are the two ferry companies that run services between Beach Blanca and Corralejo in Fuerteventura. Moreover, a ferry service connects Orzola with La Graciosa, a little island devoid of any roads or automobiles. From Beach Blanca to Marina Rubicon or from Puerto Calero to Puerto del Carmen, water taxis are also available.
Finally, you can also fly to other islands or destinations from Lanzarote Airport. There are two airlines that offer island-hopping flights: Binter Canarias and Canaryfly. They fly to Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Palma, El Hierro and La Gomera. From Gran Canaria and Tenerife, you can also fly to Morocco or The Azores.