Lanzarote is an island that is part of the Canary Islands, well known for its very distinctive characteristics and natural attractions, including volcanic landscapes and crystal-clear beaches, with an ideal climate all year round. Before visiting, we recommend that you get to know how big Lanzarote is. And other details, such as its size, distances and travel tips for exploring the island.
How big is Lanzarote really? Size and geography
Total area in square kilometres and miles
Although it is a small island, it is the fourth largest of the Canary Islands, with a total surface area of 845 km², which is equivalent to 326.62 square miles.
Island dimensions: length, width, and coastline
Lanzarote spans 60 km in width, and from north to south, it can reach 25 km, while its coastline stretches for 213 km. The island’s highest point is 670 metres at Peñas del Chache.
Landscape overview: volcanoes, beaches, and natural parks
Lanzarote is characterised as a volcanic island, largely covered by expansive volcanic mantle areas. Despite this, its terrain is relatively smooth, having eroded over time to form mostly flat areas, which make it easy to access the many wonders the island offers throughout its entire expanse.
Volcanic formations have given rise to landscapes with impressive features, making them key tourist destinations, such as Timanfaya National Park, with its craters that resemble landscapes like those on Mars or the Moon.
Other notable natural sites include Mirador del Río,Jameos del Agua, and Cueva de los Verdes—all natural formations that have been adapted for tourist visits.
In contrast to the volcanic scenery, Lanzarote also boasts iconic beaches such as Playa Papagayo, Playa de Famara, Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, and Costa Teguise. Their crystal-clear waters, golden sands, and facilities for water sports make these beaches a must-visit when travelling to Lanzarote.
Where is Lanzarote located?
Lanzarote is located in the Canary Islands, Spain, in the Atlantic Ocean, at the eastern end of the Canarian archipelago, off the north-west coast of West Africa. It is the easternmost of the main Canary Islands, north of Fuerteventura, in the province of Las Palmas.
The Canary Islands are an archipelago made up of eight volcanic islands, with Lanzarote being the fourth largest.
Is Lanzarote in Spain or Africa?
Lanzarote is part of Spain, although geographically it is located closer to Africa. The Canary Islands, to which Lanzarote belongs, are an autonomous community of Spain and are approximately 1,000 km from mainland Spain.
The distance between Lanzarote and the African coast is approximately 125 km. The closest African neighbour is the coast of Western Sahara and Morocco. This proximity gives the island its distinct semi-desert climate, warm temperatures and sunny weather throughout the year.
Its closest Spanish island neighbour is Fuerteventura, located just 11–14 km away at its nearest points. The two islands are separated by the Strait of La Bocaina and are connected by ferry services between Playa Blanca and Corralejo.
Gran Canaria is approximately 168 km from Lanzarote, while Tenerife is further away, at a distance of 221 km. The islands are connected to Lanzarote by ferry and air.
A flight from Madrid takes approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes. You can reach Lanzarote from the UK on direct flights, which take between 4 and 4.5 hours. If you fly from Bristol to Lanzarote Airport, the journey takes around four hours. Flights from London Gatwick take approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes, while flights from Edinburgh take around 4 hours and 45 minutes. There are also flights from Manchester, Birmingham, Belfast and other UK airports.
Accessibility from mainland Europe
The Canary Islands are connected to Europe through various flights, both direct and with stopovers, as well as by sea, via ferry routes.
Distances between main tourist spots
From Arrecife to Playa Blanca
Arrecife is the capital of Lanzarote and lies approximately 33 km from Playa Blanca. This distance can be travelled by private vehicle, taxi, or public transport.
From Costa Teguise to Timanfaya National Park
If you are in Costa Teguise and want to reach Timanfaya National Park, note that the distance is 38.8 km. You can travel by private car, taxi, or public transport.
How long does it take to explore Lanzarote?
Suggested itinerary for 1, 3, and 5 days
1 day
Although the island is small, 24 hours is not a lot of time to explore it fully. However, if that is all the time you have, there are certain places you must visit, such as Timanfaya National Park,Cueva de los Verdes,Jameos del Agua, andMirador del Río.
Also, be sure to visit some of the best beaches in the area, such as Playa Papagayo,Playa Famara,Playa Blanca, or Punta de Mujeres, where natural pools are a major tourist attraction.
3 days
In three days, you can get to know the island better. On the first day, you might visit Timanfaya National Park, El Golfo, Los Hervideros, and La Geria.
On the second day, you could explore more key sites like the Cactus Garden, Cueva de los Verdes, Jameos del Agua, and Mirador del Río.
Leave the last day for exploring in Costa Teguise, the Casa Museo del Campesino, the capital Arrecife, and more beaches like Papagayo, Playa Blanca, or Puerto del Carmen.
5 days
Five days is the ideal time to visit Lanzarote and enjoy all the island has to offer. On the first day, explore the south and west (Timanfaya National Park, La Geria, Los Hervideros, El Golfo, and Playa Papagayo). On the second day, head north, visiting Jameos del Agua, Mirador del Río, and the Cactus Garden.
On the third day, visit Puerto del Carmen (Playa Grande) andArrecife (San Gabriel Castle and El Charco de San Ginés). For the fourth day, plan to see the central and northern areas, such as Cueva de los Verdes and César Manrique’s House.
And for the fifth day, include La Graciosa and other beaches like Playa de Famara in your itinerary.
Best ways to move around the island
In Lanzarote, there are several transport options. Many visitors choose a hire car, which allows greater freedom and flexibility in timing and itineraries. However, if you’re on a tighter budget, the island has public transport, with bus services that connect most of the island’s key landmarks. You can also book Lanzarote Airport Transfers.
Lastly, for shorter journeys, you can hire a taxi or even travel by bicycle, depending on the distance you need to cover.
Is Lanzarote big enough for a full holiday?
The simple answer is yes.
Activities and places you shouldn’t miss
- Timanfaya National Park and its striking volcanic landscape
- Jameos del Agua and Cueva de los Verdes
- Los Hervideros and Charco de los Clicos
- The most beautiful and visited beaches: Playa Papagayo and Playa de Famara
- Day trips to La Graciosa
- Scuba diving and snorkelling in crystal-clear waters
- In terms of art and culture, don’t miss Mirador del Río, the César Manrique Foundation, and the Cactus Garden
Comparing Lanzarote with other Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are made up of several islands, with Tenerife being the largest, with over 2,000 km², followed by Fuerteventura (around 1,600 km²) and Gran Canaria (approximately 1,500 km²). Lanzarote comes in fourth, followed by smaller islands such as La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro.
FAQs about Lanzarote size and travel
Where is Lanzarote?
Lanzarote is in the Canary Islands, Spain. It lies in the Atlantic Ocean, about 125 km off the north-west coast of Africa and around 1,000 km from mainland Spain.
Is Lanzarote part of Spain?
Yes, Lanzarote is part of the Canary Islands and belongs politically and administratively to Spain.
Can you drive around Lanzarote in one day?
It is possible to travel from one end to the other in 2 or 3 hours; however, one day is not enough to see all the island’s most famous and iconic spots. You’ll need to prioritise your favourite places or opt for quick visits.
Is it a walkable island?
Lanzarote has a long coastline and hiking routes, making it easy to explore many of its well-known areas on foot.
How far is Lanzarote from Fuerteventura?
Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are only 11-14 kilometres apart, a distance that can be covered by ferry in about 25 to 35 minutes.
Conclusion: A small island with a lot to offer
When you learn about Lanzarote’s size, its area in km² might make it seem small. However, the reality is that within that number of square kilometres lies a wealth of iconic places and tourist attractions. It’s important to remember that the island offers more than just beautiful beaches — Lanzarote is also rich in culture, tradition and gastronomy, which are well worth discovering.
You can cover a good part of the island in a single day: our guided day trips from your hotel take in Timanfaya, the Green Caves and La Geria without you having to drive.
The island’s star attraction is Timanfaya National Park, and it is well worth booking your visit in advance in high season.
Sources:
- https://www.esa.int/media/fuerteventura-and-lanzarote-en-377885.
- Geoparque Lanzarote y Archipiélago Chinijo, UNESCO Global Geopark.
- MITECO, Reserva de la Biosfera de Lanzarote.
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.
