Lanzarote travel guide
Meet LanzaroteLanzarote weather reportGetting into LanzaroteTop attractions in LanzaroteGetting around Lanzarote Where to eat in LanzarotePage 2: More information on Lanzarote
Meet Lanzarote
Fantasy and reality somewhat intermingle when it comes to the Canary Islands; this cluster of Spanish isles next to Africa’s northwestern tip. According to Greek mythology, here were located the Elysian Fields, an afterlife paradise reserved for those who lived their lives with ‘decency’. Hercules also completed his eleventh labour here, stealing the Golden Apples from the blissful Garden of Hesperides.
Today, ancient myths may have lost their relevance, but serenity and joy continue to hold their place in this idyllic corner of the world. The island’s exotic beaches, only a few miles from sublime volcanic landscapes, make Lanzarote the perfect destination for summer or early autumn vacations.
As visitors cast their gaze upon the island’s architecture, they will quickly note the different influences left behind by its varying conquerors; from Phoenicians to Romans, and Arabs to French and Spanish, each has left traces of its civilization on Lanzarote’s cuisine, culture, and customs. And yet, the island wasn’t popularized until the 1970’s when local artist César Manrique transformed it into a cosmopolitan resort, subsequently declared by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve.
Lanzarote weather report
Lanzarote is blessed by sunshine throughout the whole year, with an average temperature of 25-27°C during the summer (the highest reaching 40°C sometimes), and 16-18°C during the winter.
Of course summer is the best period to visit the island if you are craving sunny beaches but a visit in early autumn will not disappoint. Rainfall is really low, but summer winds can be persistent as with all Mediterranean islands.
For the latest weather info use the Pampo weather forecast tool.
Getting into Lanzarote
Lanzarote’s airport is 5 kilometres from Arrecife, the capital of the island. With a taxi you can be there in 5 minutes for approximately €6. Alternatively, you can also take the route 23 public bus (called guaga), which takes 30 minutes to reach the capital with the exception of night buses, which are not in operation after a certain hour.
Once in Arrecife, buses and taxis are available for transportation to other destinations.
Top attractions in Lanzarote
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Timanfaya National Park gives an overview of the volcanic eruptions that shook the island in the 18th century, covering a big part of it with lava and practically rendering it desolate for decades. The otherworldly sceneries of the park and especially Montañas del Fuego (Mountains of Fire) have been used by NASA for training purposes, given that Lanzarote provided an ideal substitute of the moon’s landscapes.
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Jameos del Agua in the northern part of Lanzarote is a stupendous volcanic formation (jameo) with an open-sky lava tunnel, which today includes a bar, restaurant, swimming pool and concert hall, among other things. Cuena de los Verdes is another volcanic formation, a complex network of caverns and tunnels with amazing examples of melted rock.
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For sealife-lovers, the Whales and Dolphins Museum in Puerto Calero is a cosy water park. The hallmark of the museum is the giant skeleton of a whale at its entrance.
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Lanzarote’s beaches are the ultimate hot-spot for all kinds of visitors. Costa Teguise, Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca might be the most popular ones, but if you want something wilder and less explored you can opt for Papagayo or Orzola. Water sports such as snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, windsurfing, parasailing and canoeing are available at most beaches.
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Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Nazaret and Iglesia de San Ginés in Arrecife are two iconic Spanish iglesias (churches). These white-washed volcanic stone-built traditional shrines are the epicentre of various festivities during the Easter period.
Getting around Lanzarote
Walking and cycling is a good option to explore a small island such as Lanzarote with the only obstacle being the Mediterranean summer and autumn winds. Alternatively, you can hire a car for which charges are inexpensive. Taxis are also convenient and quite cheap.
Public buses should be your last option, given that routes and the schedules are inconsistent and do not serve all the sights worthy of visiting.
Where to eat in Lanzarote
Local recipes, a mix of Spanish, Arabic and African cuisine, include the delicious mojos (sauces), papas arrugadas (potatoes cooked unpeeled) and gofio, a local type of flour made of cereals and used for pastry.
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Devil’s Diner, the island’s emblematic restaurant, was created by César Manrique himself. Located at the top of a volcano, and with a marveling panoramic view, this restaurant is one of the few places in the world where you can watch your food being roasted by grills using the volcano’s underground heat!
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Restaurante Terraza Case Pedro in Playa Blanca is a hot-spot for seafood lovers serving loads of fresh fish along with excellent papas arrugadas, a traditional ‘wrinkly potato’ dish
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At the stylish Restaurante Museo Internacional de Arte Contemporaneo in Arrecife you can have lunch or dinner in a castle turned into a museum by César Manrique
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La Era in the small town of Yaiza is one of the most renowned restaurants of the island, hosted in an old farmhouse and famous for its meat dishes
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El Bodegon Del Mano at Playa Blanca serves the best steak on the island, accompanied by the delicious local mojos, which are crispy waffles