Sandy beach & clear waters of Papagayo beach in Lanzarote

Lanzarote holidays

Renowned for its unique volcanic landscape, beautiful beaches and lively atmosphere, Lanzarote is a must-visit destination in the Canary Islands. The subtropical climate means excellent year-round weather, so days can be spent exploring, or chilling out by the sea. There are over 100 beaches in Lanzarote and they offer a great mix. You’ll find stretches of golden sand, hidden bays and even a few black sand beaches – a reminder of the island’s geography. There’s lots to do on the water, including windsurfing, kayaking and snorkelling. You’ll find a few quiet, secluded beaches dotted around Lanzarote that are great for lounging around under the sun.

Away from the ocean, there are day trips to the top of craters and exciting off-road tours. Timanfaya National Park can be explored via bus tour and is home to dormant volcanoes and a breathtaking, rocky landscape. Enjoy all this, and more, on your sun-soaked Lanzarote escape.

Lanzarote information

Plane

Average flight time

4h 30m

Clock

Time difference

GMT +0h

Wallet

Currency

Euro €

Language

Language

Spanish

A guide to Lanzarote holidays

Food & drink in Lanzarote

Full of flavour and colour, food in Lanzarote is a culinary delight. The island offers classic dishes from the Spanish mainland such as paella and tapas and a number of local specialities. Along with fresh seafood and Canarian cuisine, you’ll find restaurants serving up international favourites dotted throughout the island. For the best street food, head to Puerto del Carmen on the southeast coast. Estufado is a local staple all over the Canaries. This delicious stew is made with tender beef, chickpeas, chorizo and veggies. For a side dish, try the papas arrugadas, salted potatoes with a spicy sauce. Together, they make for a hearty meal, so it’s best to arrive hungry!

Puntillas de Calamar is another island favourite. Whole baby squid are deep fried in batter for a crunchy, delicious appetiser or side dish. A supercharged version of calamari, they go perfectly with a cold glass of Dorada, the local beer, or a crisp white wine from a local vineyard. For dessert, you’ll want to try another island speciality, quesillo. This sweet treat is made with milk, cinnamon and a dash of rum – an indulgent finish to any meal. Try a slice with the local liquor, Ron Miel, a smooth but powerful honey rum.

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Beautiful beaches in Lanzarote

The Canary Islands are recognised for their incredible beaches and Lanzarote has plenty of breathtaking beaches on offer. There’s something here for everyone, whether you’re a family after shallow waters for safe swimming, or a couple seeking thrills and spills on the ocean. When it comes to popularity, Playa Blanca tops them all. The name translates to ‘white beach’ and you won’t be disappointed by this gorgeous stretch of sun-kissed sand. Located beside a busy quaint harbour, you can watch the ships bob along the turquoise water as you lounge under the sun.

If you’re looking for somewhere off the beaten track, try Papagayo Beach. Located just 15 minutes away from Playa Blanca via car, the beach is framed by rugged cliffs and is incredibly scenic. The perfect place to relax, Papagayo offers a quieter alternative to Playa Blanca. For water sports enthusiasts, head to Playa Grand. You’ll find everything from paddle boards and kayaks to jet skis and even speed boats. For a unique experience, hop on the Crazy Bull, a ride designed to knock you off into the sea. The question is: how long will you last

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Day trips in Lanzarote

Away from the beautiful beaches, there are plenty of ways to max out your holiday experience in Lanzarote. Unique volcanic features and rugged terrain make this island perfect for days out to remember.

Timanfaya National Park: Known as the ‘Fire Mountains of Lanzarote’, Timanfaya National Park is home to dormant volcanoes dotted around a Martian landscape. The rocky ground here has an unusual red hue that glows as the sun sets. While walking through the park is forbidden in order to protect its natural beauty, Timanfaya can be experienced on the back of a camel or on a bus tour.

Jameos del Agua: A hub for entertainment, arts and culture, Jameos del Agua isn’t your everyday hotspot. Located within a series of enchanting volcanic caves, it is home to a beautiful underground lake. For a unique experience, look out for the blind albino cave crab – this is the only place on earth they can be seen.

Caldera Blanca: Hiking to the top of Caldera Blanca is tiring, but definitely worth the effort. Led by an expert guide, you’ll be taken to the rim of this magnificent crater for one of the most jaw-dropping sights on the island. Learn all about how the crater was formed while taking in the impressive views

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Nights out in Lanzarote

While this is no Ibiza or Magaluf, there’s still a vibrant night scene in Lanzarote. From chilled out beachside vibes to dance ‘til you drop Latin beats, the island has plenty to keep you entertained after the sun goes down.

Puerto del Carman: Puerto del Carman knows how to party! You’ll stumble across cocktail lounges, bars and even a casino for a late night flutter. There are pubs with live music and shows, along with nightclubs pumping out all types of dance music until the early hours.

Playa Blanca: There’s plenty of family-themed entertainment in this charming resort town at the southern tip of the island. For late-night revellers, there are discos, bars and karaoke pubs where you can let your hair down. Make your way to the Marina Rubicon harbour and you’ll be greeted with a number of stylish bars and eateries for an upmarket night out.

Arrecife: On the east coast, Arrecife is a great all-rounder when it comes to nights on the town. Here in the island’s capital, you’ll discover a friendly atmosphere and a vibrant mix of tourists and locals. Complete with dance clubs, rock bars and live music venues, there’s something for everyone. As a bonus, things are bit cheaper here compared to the main resorts.

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Map of Lanzarote

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