Lanzarote’s rugged landscape means it’s no cookie-cutter holiday island. Here you can wander from raw black rock formations to golden sandy coves in moments, all of it blessed by the year-round sunshine.
Time for Timanfaya
There’s no need to worry about Lanzarote being a volcanic island. It’s been over 200 years since the last eruption here, almost three centuries since a major one. The towering volcanoes are dormant, but they’re still warm – so you can experience their heat in key locations.
Timanfaya National Park dominates one side of the island. It’s a huge and surreal place that you can only enter as part of a guided trip. The conditions here have given rise to flora and fauna you won’t find anywhere else, and there are hot springs and geysers galore. Park up and take a camel ride into the heart of these stunning surroundings around the Fire Mountains.
Black and gold
There aren’t many parts of the world where you can choose the shade of sand you want to walk on. In Lanzarote, you have a choice of black or golden sand – although the latter dominates the coastline. There are an array of beaches both busy and secluded. The major resorts provide the traditional family holiday experience, where you’re never far from a restaurant, café or a crowd.
Beyond that, you’ll find places lesser visited, where you can soak up the sun in solitude. Look out for the south coast’s Playa Blanca, which has kept much of its charm even as it has grown more popular. It has a clutch of beaches – Papagayo, Flamingo and Dorada included – just take your pick.
Then there’s the surfing paradise of Playa de Famara on the northern tip. It’s better for water sports than sunbathing, as it catches the wind. If you’re based near Arrecife, try and grab a spot on the Playa del Reducto, a 500-metre long beach with plenty of watersports and a park at the end of the promenade. It’s ideal for keeping kids entertained.
Capital of cool
Arrecife has expanded significantly in the past few decades, with more than half of the island’s inhabitants living and working here. Despite it being so populated, it retains a welcoming vibe and unique charms – making an afternoon or two exploring its delights more than worthwhile.
Start at the seawater lagoon, Charco de San Ginés, which is lined by white fisherman’s cottages glimmering in the sun. Wander the promenade and stores or simply enjoy the play of the sun on the gently rippling water. There are plenty of places to pick up souvenirs, such as on Calle Real, and a number of excellent restaurants serving up delicious local cuisine. Book a seat at Lilium – it’s widely regarded as the best restaurant on the island. Located in the redeveloped Marina area, it serves up modern Canarian cuisine including dishes such as confit black pig and fisherman’s rice.
With Lanzarote island car hire you can discover all the wonders of Lanzarote and more at your own leisure.
