SamuelLanzarote is one of the seven main islands that make up the Spanish archipelago of Canary Islands. Due to its moderate climate all year round, this archipelago has become an incredibly popular holiday destination for mainland European.
Lanzarote is the easternmost island of the seven, and its landscape is predominantly volcanic. The ever-present volcanic surroundings of this island are what makes it unique.
At a glimpse, the island may look barren and scarred owing to its past volcanic activities. However, look deeper and you’d be pleasantly surprised by the beauty and diversity of its scenery. From frozen lava field to beautiful beaches, from endless volcanic vineyards to gargantuan craters.
I had the chance to visit this small yet diverse island as well as the neighboring island of Fuerteventura and I’d like to share the highlights of this wonderful place.
Getting there:
Most visitors will arrive to the island via the airport of Lanzarote, close to the island’s capital Arrecife. Numerous flights from mainland Europe are available to this popular destination.
Regular ferry service connects Arrecife to the other Canary Islands’ capitals. Playa Blanca at the southernmost point of the island is also connected to Fuerteventura’s Corralejo. For the adventurous travelers, long distance ferries from Spanish mainland’s Cadiz and Huelva are also available.
The easiest way to exploring the island is definitely by car, which can be rented at the airport. However, public buses are also running to almost all corners of the island and the bus routes and timetables can be checked in its website.
1. Caldera Blanca
Offering impressive view unlike any other, this one gigantic crater is truly what a sight to behold. Measuring more than 1 km across in diameter and over 450 meters at its highest point, this beast of an extinct volcanic crater is undoubtedly the largest and most amazing of them all.
The view from the crater’s rim is truly memorable and the sheer size of the crater is dizzying. Hikers are also treated to the surrounding view of several neighboring more diminutive craters amid the vast frozen lava field, mimicking small islands scattered on the sea.
The crater is located in the Timanfaya national park, at the heart of Lanzarote. Travelers seeking to ascend and navigate through its massive rim can start the hike from the nearby small settlement of Mancha Blanca. A trail runs from there, through the frozen lava field, all the way to the foot of the caldera before ascending to the rim. This crater is definitely a must see for every visitor to Lanzarote.
2. Timanfaya national park
Occupying a significant chunk of Lanzarote, the massive Timanfaya national park (Parque Nacional de Timanfaya) was crated by a volcanic eruption in 1730s. As a result, the ejected lava spread over a vast area and solidified, creating the surreal frozen lava field landscape of today. Owing to its large size, plenty of sights are spread over this unique national park.
The trail around the coastal town of El Golfo offers a magnificent opportunity to observe the frozen lava field along the coast as well as in the interior of the national park. This circular route starts and end at El Golfo and is quite popular among hikers looking to experience the surreal moon-like landscape of Timanfaya.
The diminutive extinct crater of Volcán El Cuervo provides a prime spot for walking through inside a crater. A small footpath runs through the whole crater and the unique experience of being inside, surrounded by the tall crater’s wall is quite humbling.
Arguably, the most popular and most touristy spot in the whole national park is the Ruta de los Volcanes through Montañas del Fuego. This route lies right in the middle of Timanfaya and sits on the active part of the volcanic area.
Tourists flock to this place to ride the organized tour bus navigating through some of the most dramatic moon-like landscape in the area. Check out also the chicken grilled with the volcanic fire at the aptly named El Diablo (The Devil) restaurant and the mini man-made geyser powered by the heat of the earth.
3. Volcanic vineyard
The barren volcanic surface of Lanzarote seems like worlds away from the lush vineyard image typical from, for instance, southern France. However, here in this unique island you’d find vineyard in the unlikeliest of setting with equally baffling method.
Spread over the vast grey sandy plains and hills of Lanzarote are the numerous vineyards that cultivate the delicious volcanic wines. What strikes visitors the most is the unorthodox way the grape vines are grown. Not on a lush green plain in endless rows of vines, but rather in countless holes dug up in the sandy soil.
This way, the relatively low precipitation can be collected efficiently in each hole and the root can reach deeper underground in search of water. On top of that, being nestled in the holes also shields the fragile vines from excessive battering of wind, as the constant gust in this island can sometimes be maddening, even for humans.
To see the best volcanic vineyard landscape, the route stretching from Uga to La Asomada is unbeatable. This path crosses right through the middle of endless vineyards covered with holes of all sizes, each housing the precious vines of Lanzarote. Don’t forget to visit one of the nearby ‘Bodegas’, or wine cellars, for a taste of the red or white delicacy.
4. Mirador del Rio (La Graciosa)
La Graciosa is an islet due north of Lanzarote, which can be visited by boat from the northern town of Órzola. I’d been meaning to visit this island but due to the treacherous weather condition at that moment I decided not to. What’s the next best thing then? See the whole island from a high ground of course!
Mirador del Rio is the best viewpoint to get the wonderful panoramic view over the entire La Graciosa amid bright blue sky and sea as a backdrop. Located on a high plain in the northern part of Lanzarote, this mirador or viewpoint directly faces La Graciosa and the strait that separates it from Lanzarote. The surrounding rural landscape around the viewpoint is also worth the trip.
5. Haría and its surrounding
Nestled in the lush green valley of Lanzarote’s northern highlands, Haría is one of the prettiest settlement in the island. The residents of Teguise due south may dispute that claim, but the surrounding of Haría is arguably more scenic.
Numerous trails and paths run through this area characterized by its endless valleys and ravines, fertile and green unlike most of Lanzarote. Check out also the nearby Mirador Rincón de Haría for a stunning view from the edge of dizzyingly tall sea cliffs.
6. Surf town Famara and its cliffs
The town of Famara is a haven for surfer. Tucked away at an isolated bay north of the island, the rolling waves of its beach has long welcomed surfers from far and near. Surf schools line the streets of the town and sound of raging waves breaking by the shore is of constant presence here.
The breathtaking cliffs of Famara lie nearby, standing tall and firm against the constant assault of the waves and wind. With equally impressive views from the base or the top, the cliffs are truly some of the most remarkable features of Lanzarote.
7. Cueva de los Verdes
Cueva de los Verdes is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Lanzarote. This cave system is formed by past volcanic lava activity, leaving underground networks of passageway in its wake.
Visitors are only allowed to enter with a guided tour through the complex cave system. Some chambers were so large that it was turned into a unique underground concert stage and hall. I’d have to admit though that the cave can easily get overcrowded. Check out also the nearby Jameos del Agua, a unique restaurant and concert hall which is also a part of the same cave system.
