Car Hire Lanzarote Airport

Despite being one of the larger Canary Islands, Lanzarote is easy to navigate. There are two main motorways, the LZ-2 and LZ-1, which connect all the major hotspots from north to south.

A well-maintained road network can put you in touch with some hidden gems off the beaten track – allowing you to uncover the secluded side of Lanzarote.

The airport is only a short drive from the capital city of Arrecife, just three miles away to the east along the LZ-2. Head west instead and you’ll pass through Tias, skirt the southern edge of the Timanfaya National Park and continue on to Playa Blanca on the southern coast. To reach the popular holiday resort of Puerto del Carmen, join the LZ-2 and then the LZ-40 and you’ll arrive in a vibrant hub of activity within 10 minutes.

As you leave the airport, remember to drive on the right-hand side of the road, overtaking on the left. Keep your eyes peeled for speed limit signs. Generally, the following rules apply: 120km/h on autopistas (motorways) 100km/h on dual carriageways and 50km/h inside the towns and cities.

Parking is plentiful on the island, and at most resorts and beach areas it’s free to park. In the capital you’ll find plenty of pay and display zones on street parking.

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.