Lanzarote, Spain
OVERVIEW – On this page you can see information about Lanzarote and some suggestions of Things to Do. We reflect on the places we have seen including Timanfaya National Park, the Santa Barbara Castle and an Agricultural Museum.
Video(s) of our visit(s) accompany at the foot of this page.
ABOUT
Lanzarote is one of the Canary islands off the coast of West Africa and administered by Spain. It is synonymous with volcanoes, lava fields, rocks in impossible shapes, black and red earth that contrasts with the typical whitewashed houses, the deep blue sea and the light blue sky. The scenery in the easternmost of the Canary Islands also contains stark, rolling mountains, beautiful beaches of white and golden sand, lush palm groves… and silence, which is also an enigmatic part of the Lanzarote landscape.
On this biosphere reserve island, there are lively tourist resorts and little villages where all is peace and quiet. The large hotels and bungalows of the coastal towns coexist with rural houses, villas and boutique hotels in the charming inland villages.
Population in 2024 was just approx 164,000
Currency is the Euro.
THINGS TO DO
Being a tourist destination, there is a lot to do on the island. Many people who stay often confine themselves to their holiday resorts – but they are missing out on much.
There are of course beaches to visit but it is a land where tourism, art and nature combine. Take a bit of time to venture afield and you will find cactus gardens, volcanic landscapes and villages to explore.
Lanzarote was lucky enough to have César Manrique, a universal, multifaceted artist who knew how to combine art and nature like nobody else. He left a large part of his artistic legacy in Lanzarote, in his structures, sculptures and preservation of the landscape.
TIP: Tours will undoubtedly be available through your cruise or travel company but you may also find alternative options through Viator.
Island’s Famous Artist
César Manrique, an artist born on the island has left an amazing legacy. He worked with the landscape to produce some of his amazing structures. Perhaps his greatest work is Los Jameos del Agua, one of the most visited tourist attractions on the island, where Manrique really surpassed himself. This volcanic tunnel, with its famous, spectacular natural auditorium, is home to a highly singular geological formation, an inner lake caused by filtrations of seawater.
The Mirador del Río is another of his creations. Perfectly integrated into the surroundings, from the natural vantage point over the striking cliffs of Famara, you see spectacular views of the Chinijo Archipelago, formed by the island of La Graciosa and four islets. In the exceptional Timanfaya landscape, he managed to masterfully incorporate the El Diablo Restaurant, a cylindric glass construction that make us feel a part of the volcanic surroundings.
OUR FAVOURITE THINGS TO DO
Timanfaya National Park
We have been to Lanzarote a number of times over our years of cruising. It is a great place to go for a bit of winter warmth and so a popular choice for many. One of the most popular places to visit is the Timanfaya National Park. It has much to offer and is well worth a visit. We have been there on more than one occasion, both on organised tours and privately.
Driving through the park you could easily imagine it as a lunar landscape. Head to the official visitor centre and you will see demonstrations there to interest.
Firstly you will be shown hot stones straight out of the ground, there will be a demonstration of fire not to mention the spurt of steam. There is a cafe and public toilets and you can also see food being barbecued in front of you.
It is a very popular spot and affords some amazing views over the landscape.
Other Viewpoints
Our day visit took out towards Tegise to view its traditional houses, stopping to take in the dramatic landscape. We called in at the Santa Bárbara Castle which is set high on a hill overlooking Teguise and the surrounding area. Then a brief visit to the Agricultural Museum.
Jameos del Agua is the first Art, Culture, and Tourism Center created by César Manrique. It is located in a natural space formed inside a volcanic tunnel.
Our final stop was at Mirador del Rio. This viewpoint is built on an escarpment approximately 475m high and is one of the most unique architectural creations by César Manrique.
What a marvellous way to end our day – coffee and snacks, a magnificent view and a good friend to share it with.
Aloe
There is a thriving industry on the Island emanating from Aloe. It is grown on many farms and there are at least 4 `museums’ that you can visit.
We visited one as part of a tour from the ship. Here they grow the Aloe plants in vast fields and harvest the product. It was quite interesting to have a demonstration on how Aloe is prepared. However the tasting wasn’t quite so popular – definitely an acquired taste.
There was of course the obligatory shop to go round. It is amazing how many products they manufacture. From pure gels to creams and lotions they had something for everyone.
Visit to a Winery
Bodega La Geria, located in the heart of Lanzarote’s surreal volcanic wine region, is one of the island’s most iconic and visited wineries. Established in the late 19th century, it is renowned for its heroic viticulture, producing volcanic wines from vines grown in deep pits of black volcanic ash.
Vines are protected from the trade winds by small, crescent-shaped stone walls, resulting in a striking, otherworldly landscape.
The bodega specializes in the native Malvasía Volcánica grape, producing white, semi-sweet, sweet, and red wines.
Tours and tastings are available.
Visit with Friends
Latterly, one of Lindsey’s friends from school and Young Farmer days has lived and worked on the Island. We were incredibly lucky to have Steve as our host and guide on two occasions. With his local knowledge we have seen parts of the island not often included on more organised tours.
Our most recent visit was no exception although the mode of transport was a little dated – sorry Steve!!
We went to a number of interesting places. There are entertainment venues for all the family in a number of places on the island. On this occasion we were taken to ‘Jurasic Kingdom’. This is a fun park for all the family which includes some great dinosaur models and mini golf.
Accompanying Video(s)
To check out our experiences in Lanzarote just click the video below – and if you enjoy the content simply ‘Like’ and ‘Subscribe’ to see more (subscription is free).