Lanzarote is one of the Canary Islands — a beautiful and always sunny paradise where volcanic landscapes meet deep blue waters. Here are the top Lanzarote attractions you shouldn’t miss:
Top Must‑See Lanzarote Attractions
These are the top recommended tourist spots you must visit:
Timanfaya National Park: Volcanic Landscapes & Activities
A unique national park located in the southwest of the island, Timanfaya is a protected area of volcanic terrain offering a landscape that seems out of this world — full of craters and lapilli (solidified lava fragments).
It’s a fantastic place for hiking trails and scenic routes. There you can also do dromedary rides at the camel station, and even dining at El Diablo Restaurant, where food is cooked using the volcano’s natural heat.
Jameos del Agua: Natural Caves and a Design Marvel
This Lanzarote Attraction is located inside a volcanic tube, and it shows how nature and art can blend together. A unique place designed by architect and artist César Manrique, known for his commitment to sustainable architecture.
Consists of three Jameos (natural cave formed when the ceiling of a volcanic tube collapse). The first is called Jameo chico, the entrance and where the restaurant is located, Jameo Grande where you can find a swimming pool, and Jameo de la Cazuela where you can find a natural auditorium that can host 550 people.
Cueva de los Verdes: Underground Lava Tube Tour
Cueva de los Verdes (Green’s Cave), also known as the Atlantis tunnel, also part of the volcanic tunnel system, is another jameo that you can visit in Lanzarote.
Compare to Jameos del Agua it offers a raw and natural underground experience. The 2 Km tunnel have little human intervention, like some green lights installed by artist Jesus Soto in the 1960s, strategically placed to highlight some particular geological formations, and at the end of this guided tour you will be amazed.
Mirador del Río: Panoramic Views Over La Graciosa
At the north of the island, you can find another architectural masterpiece by Cesar Manriqu. It offers the most amazing panoramic views of Lanzarote and the Chinijo archipelago, you will find various Manrique’s sculptures, and design with spiral staircases leading to the bar-cafeteria.
The mirador del Ríobech is covered in volcanic stone, which blends perfectly with the landscape of the island.
Jardín de Cactus: César Manrique’s Unique Botanical Garden
Also born from the creative mind of Cesar Manrique, this Garden was made in the remains of what used to be an old quarry. Mixing architecture with nature, here you will find more than 4500 specimens of cacti from all over the world.
The Cactus Garden has achieved to be recognized as one of the great gardens of the world, the impressive views from the traditional windmill located within the garden, makes this place one of Manrique´s most quiet and unique masterpieces.
Beaches & Outdoor Experiences
Lanzarote being an island and having a summer like weather all year round, is more than just sight seen, here, you can enjoy the blue waters and lots of sports and water activities in beaches like:
Beach Highlights (Playa de Papagayo, Playa Blanca)
- Playa de Papagayo (Papagayo Beach): This beautiful beach with crystal clear water is perfect for snorkeling, it is one of the most photographed sights on the entire island. Located in a natural cove, which means you need to do a small walk to get there, which offers amazing views of the shore. Also, make sure to stay long enough to enjoy the most incredible and magical sunset in Lanzarote.
- Playa Blanca: Located in the south, this beach is perfect for swimming and relaxing, with nearby shops, restaurants, and a lovely promenade.
Water & Adventure Activities (Diving, Snorkelling)
Lanzarote offers a vast and beautiful set of beaches where you can enjoy all sorts of water activities, like:
- Snorkelling
- Kayaking
- Paddleboarding
- Jet skiing
- Scuba diving
- Freediving
There’s always an activity suited for you on the island.
Nature Walks & Volcano Trails (Caldera Blanca)
Lanzarote’s unique volcanic landscape has a lot of interesting trails to walk along, do some trekking, and even hiking the volcanoes.
- Caldera Blanca is a must-do hike. While not the tallest volcano, it has the island’s widest crater of about 1.4 km across. The paths are easy to follow, making it an accessible and rewarding experience that highlights Lanzarote’s volcanic past.
- In the Timanfaya area, you’ll find many volcano trails to explore. These routes offer deep insight into the island’s geology and often include pick-up and drop-off services.
Culture, Towns & Museums
Lanzarote culture is directly rooted within its unique landscape, a heritage shown through the many museums, galleries, castles, monuments and more, many artists find inspiration on this unique island and its amazing views.
César Manrique Foundation & Houses
César Manrique is the benchmark of Lanzarote’s art world, and visiting the Foundation that used to be his home will make you understand his work about sustainable architecture and the vision that this creative artist had.
Arrecife: Capital City Sights & Market
Arrecife, the capital, offers a mix of history, art, and local life. There are interesting places to appreciate, like:
- San Gabriel Castle: Located in the city centre, houses the history museum
- San José Castle: Now the International Museum of Contemporary Art (MIAC)
- La Recova Market: A vibrant market with artisan goods and local produce that varies by the day — sometimes a craft market, other times a second-hand sale
Teguise Village & Artisan Markets
Once the capital of Lanzarote, this charming town is full of history, characterized by its cobblestone streets and whitewashed houses. Some sights that you must consider are:
- Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe Church, in the central square.
- Sunday Market: The largest and most famous market on the island, where streets are filled with stalls selling local crafts, food, clothing, and art — turning this quiet town into a lively hub.
Local Museums (MIAC, Casa Museo del Campesino)
- MIAC: A contemporary art museum located in a historic castle
- Casa Museo del Campesino: A tribute to Lanzarote’s rural traditions and agricultural history, also designed by Manrique
Practical Info
- Book Timanfaya tours in advance via the official Spanish National Parks website, especially during peak season.
- Many popular bus tours include the entry tickets for major attractions (like Timanfaya, Jameos del Agua, and Cueva de los Verdes).
- Look for tours with hotel pick-up and drop-off included.
- If you are planning on renting a car and visiting the Manrique centers independently, buying a multi-center ticket or Bono Turístico directly from the centers is the best way to save money on entrance fees.
Visiting Lanzarote is an experience you do not want to miss, the Lanzarote Attractions we mentioned here are some of the ones you do not want to miss on the island. If you have more time, there are many other places like a day tour to La Graciosa or La Geria.
Specialist in the tourism sector of the Canary Islands with a proven track record in experience management in Lanzarote. My work has always focused on promoting iconic destinations and optimizing transfer and excursion services on the volcanic island.
