A quick guide to Lanzarote, Canary Islands

Do you have a travel “bucket” list? You know, the kind of list where you mentally write down the places you want to visit in your life. I don’t exactly have such a list, but there are a few places that I’d love to visit like Japan and California. One thing’s for sure: the Canary Islands weren’t on this list. But when the opportunity arose to visit one of them I hopped on board.

I’m exaggerating a bit here, as I only visited one island, that being Lanzarote. It isn’t the most renowned island of the bunch such as Tenerife and Gran Canaria. It belongs to the Canary Islands nonetheless, in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Africa! Yeah, I’ve traveled further than that I know, but I still got excited with the opportunity!

I must admit that the coastal towns reminded me of the Greek Islands. White is the prevalent color of the buildings here as well. The inner villages, d a more Spanish (and original) look. Sightseeing wise, the “top” sight for me was the volcano tour. I’ve never been near an active volcano (it last exploded on 1824) before, so it was quite an experience.

What to see in Lanzarote

Cueva de Los Verdes & Jameos del Aqua

Both attractions are part of a 6km long lava tube. The tube was created when the volcano Montana La Corona erupted some 4000 years ago. The locals used some of the caves as a shelter from the pirates. Today you can visit those caves and walk along a 2km underground trail in Cueva de Los Verdes. In Jameos del Aqua you are going to see how a large cave was transformed into a semi-underground concert hall.  Cesar Manrique is the local architect/artist who created Jameos del Aqua.

The Cactus Garden

Located near the town of Guatiza, the garden is also a creation of Manrique. It features thousands of cacti from different species from around the world.

Mirador del Rio

Is a viewpoint on the northern part of the island overlooking the island of La Graciosa. It also has a snack bar which was carved out of an abandoned gun battery. It was designed by Cesar Manrique as well, who envisioned it as a grand restaurant. The best time to visit Mirador del Rio is sunset.

Is a viewpoint on the northern part of the island overlooking the island of La Graciosa. It also has a snack bar which was carved out of an abandoned gun battery. It was designed by Cesar Manrique as well, who envisioned it as a grand restaurant. The best time to visit Mirador del Rio is sunset.

Teguise village

Teguise is an inland village with local flair far from the coastal resorts.

Timanfaya National Park

The national park is a result of the volcanic eruptions in Lanzarote between the years 1730 and 1736. As a visitor, you get to explore the area by designated buses. The lava fields are amazing and since walking is not permitted, they are (almost) intact. The park has also a restaurant which has panoramic views over the volcanic landscape.

El Golfo beach

The beach on the southern side of El Golfo village is part of a submerged and eroded volcano cone. On the beach, there is a green lake. It is filled with volcanic minerals and micro-organisms unique to this lake.

Famara beach

Famara is a popular surf beach on the north-west part of the island.

Where to stay in Lanzarote

Puerto del Carmen is the largest resort town on the island. It has a lot of accommodation options. I stayed at Agua Marina Apartments near the Old Harbour. Another area to look for accommodation is Playa Blanca in the south part of Lanzarote.

If the opportunity to visit the Canary Islands arose again, I’d probably try out another island, Tenerife maybe? (Which also has an Opera House designed by Calatrava).

Have you been to the Canary Islands and if not, would you visit one day?