Top tourist attractions in Lanzarote

Tourism has been the mainstay of Lanzarote's economy for over 40 years and unsurprisingly this small island has lots to see and do. The island's main attractions are undoubtedly the year-round sunshine and numerous beaches but the unique volcanic landscape has also thrown up a wealth of other tourist hotspots to mystify, entertain and inspire you.

Timanfaya National Park

Volcanoes of Fire Mountain (Timanfaya)

A visit to the volcanoes of 'Fire Mountain' are an absolute must to anyone visiting Lanzarote. The area was declared a national park (Parque Nacional de Timanfaya) in 1968 and today remains a truly spectacular excursion for all visitors.

Camels (or a bus!) are at the ready to take you up the 512' high trek where you can view the amazing volcanic landscape. The El Diablo restaurant is situated at the very top and most of the grilled specialities of meat and fish are cooked in the 140°C heat that comes from the volcano itself.

Fundación César Manrique

The unique appeal of Lanzarote can be attributed very much to artist César Manrique who's impact has endured. To really understand the driving forces behind the island's modern development, we recommend the Foundation as your first stop.

Once the artist's home, it is now a showcase for his life, art and thinking. The Foundation is just outside Tahiche, only 10 minutes from Costa Teguise.

Jameos del Agua

Another Manrique creation, Jameos del Agua is an underground lava bubble wonderfully converted into an auditorium and theatre. The word Jameos means a lava bubble, which occurs when the ceiling of a lava tunnel collapses, or when gases accumulate and explode literally leaving a bubble underground.

Visitors enter through a winding staircase made out of the surrounding rock and enter into Jameo Grande, a roofless volcanic bubble 100m long and 30m wide. This then leads to a garden and swimming pool while a dance floor and bar has been created out of the surrounding volcanic rock.

At the end of Jameos Grande is the concert cave with its wonderful acoustics and seating for 600 people.

The Cactus Garden

El Jardin del Cactus

Having gotten this far, you won't be at all surprised to hear El Jardin del Cactus was also designed by César Manrique!

It is located in the north of the island near Guatiza, about 20 minutes drive from Costa Teguise.

This impressive collection of Cacti, which were selected by the Botanist Estanislao Gonzales Ferrer, features well over 1000 species of Cactus.

The restored windmill and intriguing metal sculptures make for an impressive contrast against the dry volcanic landscape.

Opening Hours: 10.00 - 18.00

El Golfo

El Golfo lagoon

Nope - this attraction wasn't created by César Manrique! The luminous crater of El Golfo is the result of the dramatic events of Timanfaya combined with the effects of the Atlantic. Over time the ocean has eaten into the volcano leaving an emerald-green lagoon which produces a magnificent array of colours depending on the position of the sun.

Close to the crater is the fishing village of the same name with many enticing fish restaurants to choose from, overlooking wonderful sea views. El Golfo is situated about 20 minutes north of Playa Blanca by car.

Papagayo Beach

The beaches of Papagayo

This is in fact a collection of beaches in the south of the island in an area protected from development. Playas de Papagayo conceal the most beautiful natural beaches in Lanzarote which slope gently towards a crystal clear sea.

The biggest, Playa Mujeres, is 90 metres long, after that Playa de las Coloradas, Playa de las Ahogaderas and Playa de la Cera. Beyond the point, Punta de Papagayo, there are two more bays, Caleta de Congrio and Muela de Abajo. In many of the bays you can swim in the nude and fully enjoy the wonderful sun, the freshness of the water and the beach with its backdrop of high cliffs.

Papagayo is a 10-15 minute drive from the resort of Playa Blanca but be aware there is no metalled road or services on the beach. Take towels, sun shade, water and be prepared for a few bumps along the way - the reward is worth it!

El Mirador del Rio

Views from El Mirador to Graciosa

César Manrique strikes again with yet another inspritional creation carved literally from the volcanic rock of Lanzarote! El Mirador was built in 1973 and is an intriguing observation point built into a cliff face 473 metres above sea level.

The commanding view of La Isla Graciosa is impressive in itself but the way in which the structure is so cleverly integrated with the landscape is truly remarkable. Avid Doctor Who fans may recognise the stunning balcony and views from Planet of Fire when it was used as a location for filming in 1984.

El Mirador del Rio is situated on Lanzarote's northernmost tip and will take up to an hour to drive to from Costa Teguise.