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If I were to pick one place for an exotic and yet relaxing vacation – I´d go with Lanzarote! Let’s discuss the best things to do in Lanzarote.

The volcanic landscapes of Lanzarote feel like traveling on the Moon. Countless lava fields and craters, a full palette of red-brown-golden-grey colors – it feels out of this world, for sure. Nevertheless, the emerald blue waters of the Atlantic remind you that you´re literally “in the middle of the ocean”: approx. 1000 km from the Spanish Peninsula and only 150 km from the African continent…

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The Canary Islands

The Canary Islands is a great choice for both summer and winter holidays: the weather is amazing all year round. Local food is Spanish (in its most true and authentic sense) which for me is already worth a visit [lol]. And yet the volcanic landscapes significantly differ from those of the Iberian Peninsula. You often feel like you´re traveling to the Moon. Besides, technically you´re closer to Africa than you´re to Spain. Nevertheless, hospitals, roads, infrastructure – you have all the best European features in a completely exotic setting.

Also read: A Photographic Journey to the Canary Islands

Tenerife, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura are the most famous European islands near the African continent. And while Tenerife, in my opinion, is the best choice for hiking and sightseeing, and Fuerteventura definitely rocks with its sand dunes and chilly beaches, Lanzarote has a bit of both.

For some reason, it ended up being one of my most comfortable and relaxing trips ever. Lanzarote is definitely one of the best Spanish islands – so, I´ll be back for more!

Tenerife had some mountainous roads (that Masca drives…omg) and parking was a problem in the North of the Island. Fuerteventura, despite being a natural paradise, had less infrastructure and things to do in general. However, with Lanzarote, I really can´t find anything to complain about.

Your Perfect Vacation: Lanzarote

Lanzarote was the first island, colonized by the Europeans and yet it´s significantly less touristy than Tenerife or Gran Canaria. Long story short: Lanzarote is a perfect combination of safety, relaxation, and adventure. Driving was great: the roads were new, almost empty and I´ve never had a problem with parking – and it was August, the peak season.

Also read: Best beaches in Spain Off The Beaten Path

All the touristy sites on Lanzarote are relatively close. Therefore, this was one of the few trips in my life when I had enough time to visit all the places I´d planned and still relax on the beach.

– Yes! It was definitely a perfect vacation!

Puerto Calero, Lanzarote

Things to do in Lanzarote

Quick sum up: Timanfaya National Park – Jameos del Agua – Fundacion Cesar Manrique – Jardin de Cactus – Cueva de los Verdes – Los Hervideros and Charco de los Clicos – Mirador del Rio – Museo de la Pirateria – Playa Blanca /Marina Rubicon /Puerto Calero – Playa de Papagayo – Costa Teguise and SUP class – Local Wineries – Day trip to Fuerteventura

To the Moon and Back: Timanfaya National Park

Parque Nacional de Timanfaya
  • Jameos del Agua / one of the architectural masterpieces, designed by Cesar Manrique: natural cave, art gallery, and museum, all in one
Jameos del Agua

Design goals: A house in the Volcanic Rock

  • Fundacion Cesar Manrique (house of a famous artist made with volcanic rocks: a true mix of architecture and nature)
Fundacion Cesar Manrique

Cactus, Cactus, and Cactus again…

Jardin de Cactus

A Mysterious Cave

  • Cueva de Los Verdes (excursion to this cave has a surprising revelation at the end and they ask you not to share it – I´m keeping the secret, you´ll have to visit it yourself )

What a view

  • Mirador del Rio ( offers great panoramic views to the Graciosa Island: a boat trip to this quiet island is also one of the popular activities in Lanzarote)
Mirador del Rio

More out of this world places

  • Los Hervideros and Charco de los Clicos
Los Hervideros
Charco de los Clocos

Pirates?! Where?

  • Museo de la Pirateria (an interesting museum dedicated to Piracy: especially cool for kids – but I, honestly, loved it as well)
Views from the Museum of Piracy

Some beach vibes…

  • Playa Blanca /Marina Rubicon /Puerto Calero – we had our hotel in this area, but it´s a great place to stop by anyway. Most of the best-rated restaurants and bars in Lanzarote can be found here. From those I remember, we loved Blue Note and La Chalanita. These were not very budget options, but they are worth visiting if you don´t mind spending more on fine dining.

Also read: My Most Beautiful Sunsets Around The World

  • Playa de Papagayo is the most famous beach with crystal blue waters, but as we visited in the peak season it was packed: you can always head to the nearby Playa del Pozo or Playa de Mujeres
  • Costa Teguise and SUP (stand-up paddle) class / another great experience, after which I bought my own board
  • La Graciosa Island / If you really crave an epic Canarian beach experience – head to La Graciosa Island. You only have to get on a ferry that departs from Orzola, in the Northeast of Lanzarote. 20 min and you’re in a peaceful heaven.
  • Playa Famara / popular for surfers
SUP near Costa Teguise

What to buy?

  • To eat: wine, cheese, Mojo sauces (also in dry version), smoked fish, olive oil, saffron
  • Natural cosmetics, aloe products
  • Olivine Jewelry / Olivine is the typical volcanic mineral you can find only in the Canary Islands. It´s quite budget-friendly and looks pretty.
  • Lava jewelry and handmade decor
  • Pottery and art
Local wineries in Lanzarote

Day trips: Fuerteventura

Besides the previously mentioned Isla Graciosa, another great day trip from Lanzarote is Fuerteventura. A ferry departs from the little port of Playa Blanca. You can take an organized tour or go just on your own.

Tip: if you decide to take this trip on your own – rent a car/moto/quad in advance. You´ll need to move around Fuerteventura in order to see the most interesting places and there might not be cars available last moment (happened to my friends).

san dunes coralejo fuerteventura
Sand Dunes of Coralejo

Those beaches of Fuerteventura still chase me on cold winter days. Playa de Aguila definitely looks like a surfer´s paradise – one of the most beautiful beaches in Spain, for sure!

However, Fuerteventura is the second largest one in the Canary Islands with over 150 beaches. You can find smth for every taste with this number. How about CorralejoCaleta de FusteSotaventoCofeteAljibe de la Cueva or La Concha?!

Playa de Aguila, Fuerteventura

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