A Lanzarote trip is a journey into an otherworldly landscape shaped by volcanoes and the vision of a single artist, César Manrique. His legacy is everywhere, ensuring that art and nature coexist harmoniously.

Here is a guide to the best tourist attractions and must-see sights on the island.

🌋 The Essential Volcanic & Natural Wonders

These sites showcase the island’s unique geology formed by the 18th-century eruptions.

1. Timanfaya National Park (Parque Nacional de Timanfaya)

The absolute must-see. This is a vast, lunar landscape of dormant volcanoes and lava fields.

• Must Do: Take the Ruta de los Volcanes (Volcano Route) bus tour (private cars are not allowed on this route).
• Unique Feature: Visit Islote de Hilario where demonstrations are performed, such as pouring water into a bore hole to create a geyser, proving the heat just beneath the surface. Have lunch at the El Diablo Restaurant, which cooks food using geothermal heat.

2. Jameos del Agua

A masterpiece created by César Manrique within a collapsed section of a volcanic lava tube.

• What to See: An underground salt-water lagoon home to tiny, rare blind albino crabs (jameitos). The complex also features an elegant white swimming pool and a stunning natural auditorium.

3. Cueva de los Verdes (The Green Cave)

Part of the same massive lava tube system as Jameos del Agua, this is a spectacular guided walk into the depths of the Earth.

• Highlight: A natural phenomenon (a “secret”) revealed at the end of the tour, adding a memorable, illusory element to the experience.

4. Los Hervideros

A dramatic section of the coast where lava flow met the ocean, creating a network of spectacular cliffs, caves, and blowholes where the sea violently crashes and “boils” (hence the name, which means “the boiling ones”).

5. Charco de los Clicos / El Golfo

A unique green lagoon (Charco Verde) nestled in a half-submerged volcanic crater on a black sand beach near the small fishing village of El Golfo. The green color comes from marine algae.

🎨 The César Manrique Legacy (Art & Architecture)

César Manrique (1919–1992) was the key figure in the island’s development, ensuring its tourism was sustainable and respected the environment.

6. Mirador del Río

A breathtaking panoramic viewpoint, discreetly built into the cliffs of the Risco de Famara by Manrique.

• View: It offers unparalleled views of the Chinijo Archipelago, including the small, pristine island of La Graciosa.

7. Jardín de Cactus (Cactus Garden)

Manrique’s last major work. It’s a beautifully designed botanical garden built into an old quarry, featuring over 4,500 specimens of cacti from around the world.

8. Fundación César Manrique (César Manrique Foundation)

The artist’s former spectacular home and studio, built into five natural volcanic bubbles. It’s a surreal blend of art, architecture, and volcanic rock, showcasing his commitment to integrated design.

9. Casa Museo César Manrique (César Manrique House Museum)

Located in Haría, this was his final home, a traditional farmhouse renovated in his signature style, offering a personal look at his life and workspace.

10. Monumento al Campesino (Monument to the Farmer)

A striking, modern white sculpture by Manrique dedicated to the island’s farm workers. It’s connected to a museum and cultural centre showcasing traditional Canarian architecture and crafts.

🏖️ Best Beaches & Day Trips

11. Playa de Papagayo

One of the most beautiful and wild beaches on Lanzarote, located within the Los Ajaches Natural Monument. It’s a cove of sheltered golden sand and crystal-clear turquoise water, ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

12. Famara Beach (Playa de Famara)

A sweeping, windswept stretch of golden sand backed by the towering cliffs of the Risco de Famara. It’s a spectacular location, popular with surfers, windsurfers, and photographers.

13. La Graciosa Island Day Trip

Take a ferry from Órzola to the neighboring, mostly untouched island of La Graciosa. It’s a peaceful paradise with no paved roads, perfect for cycling or walking to beautiful beaches like Montaña Amarilla.

🍇 Unique Landscapes & Towns

14. La Geria Wine Region

Lanzarote’s unique, award-winning wine region. The vineyards are planted in small, deep hollows (pits) dug into the volcanic ash and surrounded by low stone walls to collect moisture and protect the vines from the wind—a truly spectacular sight.

15. Teguise

The former capital of the island. A charming, historic town with beautiful colonial architecture, quiet plazas, and winding streets.

• Tip: Visit on Sunday for the island’s largest and most famous street market.

16. LagOmar Museum

A labyrinthine house, museum, and bar built into a volcanic quarry. It was once owned (briefly) by actor Omar Sharif. A stunning example of architecture blended with nature, featuring caves, a pool, and terraces.