Top things to do in Lanzarote
Lanzarote is a beautiful Spanish island and the most northern of the Canary Islands. Like many of its neighbours, it is known for its amazing volcanic landscapes, but you'll also find quaint towns and villages and spectacular views and beaches. With beautiful weather all year round, we're not surprised so many choose to enjoy this destination time and time again.
But with so much on offer, you might find yourself a little spoiled for choice when it comes to day trips, excursions and things to do in Lanzarote. To help make planning your holiday easier, our expects have put together a list of some of our favourite day trips in each municipality.
Things to do in Tinajo
Visitors to Santa Rosa last winter, Mr and Mrs Jones, were full of praise for site manager Deirdre MacDonald and Activity Club leader Carmen. They visited in December 2015 and wrote to tell us about the excursion they joined during their holiday…
Having visited La Caleta de Famara, the windswept village in the northern part of the island many times over the past few years, to walk on the beach and sample the excellent fish restaurants, it was with a different objective that we visited Lanzarote in December.
We were introduced to the Santa Rosa Activity Club during Deirdre's welcome talk. The club, which promotes all sorts of eco-friendly activities, is supported by both professional and volunteer help, a lot of the volunteers being British expats. We were really impressed with the whole experience.
Deirdre introduced us to Carmen who runs the Activity Club and organises the brilliant eco-friendly tours all over the island. The one we joined was a half day trip to Famara which was partly historical and partly archaeological.
After a half hour Land Rover journey we met our guide Arminda at the harbour in Famara. There she described some of the older properties situated around the harbour, and one in particular which was built in the style of Gaudí's Barcelona architecture; it had so many interesting features and is unique to Lanzarote.
Our party of six then walked along the beach listening to Arminda describing the history of the area. We climbed up the foothills of the Risco de Famara – the highest cliffs on the island – where she showed us the stones and pools once used by the washerwomen of Soo, a village some 5km away, to wash the clothes of the rich, this being the nearest source of water to them so many years ago. We also visited the site of an "Ermitage" dating from the 16th century eventually abandoned because of marauding pirates.
A stroll back to the village followed by cool wine and fish stew was not the end of our visit, as on the way back to Santa Rosa Carmen drove us through the desert, now green because of the October rain, where we saw a host of wild birds including a bustard, shrike, curlews and falcons: an unexpected treat!
This was an inspirational trip for us; gentle, slow, ecotourism.
We're so glad the holiday was a success and that Santa Rosa is such a hit at all times of the year. Thank you to Mr and Mrs Jones for getting in touch.
Things to do in Teguise
Alternatively, the Rancho Texas Park is just a 20 minute drive from Santa Rosa, and offers a fun selection of activites for all ages. There's a collection of animals from around the world, including tigers and birds of prey, as well as canoe and pony rides and a water park area. The name 'Texas Park' is a nod to Lanzarote's links to Texas, but apart from the weekly Country & Western Night, you won't be overwhelmed by Texan themed events. But it's a fun day out which everyone is bound to enjoy!
Also in Teguise you'll find the Castillo de Santa Barbara, an impressive castle sitting high above the bustling town of Teguise. A crucial watch point for defending the island from pirates and other invaders travelling to and from Spain, the castle has plenty of history to lose yourself in, as well as some remarkable views.
Things to do in Yaiza
Yaiza is a municipality with some of the most beautiful and dramatic landscapes and vistas on the island. A couple of our favourites are El Golfo and Los Hervideros, which we explored in another blog post.
With a 45 minute drive from the property, this is actually one of the longer day trips you can do, but the longer drive is definitely worth the reward! El Golfo, or 'the Green Lagoon' is a truly spectacular sight, while Los Hervideros provides real insight into the power of the ocean, making it clear how the waves carved out the island's many coastal landmarks.
Yaiza is also home to the Timanfaya mountains, otherwise known as the fire mountains. This designated National Park covers over 50 square kilometres and is one of the biggest attractions on the island. The beautiful landscapes, unique restaurant and interesting tours are all a must-see for any nature lovers visiting Lazarote.
Things to do in Haría
Meanwhile in Haria, some of our favourite day trips can actually be found under the surface. Less than half an hours' drive from Santa Rosa, the Cueva de Los Verdes is a huge volcanic cave that has been transformed into a breathtaking art insallation. Using lights and shadows to enhance and celebrate the texture and shape of the rocks, the artist Jesus Soto has created an unforgettable experience. You can only access the cave by booking onto a tour, but it is certainly worth a visit while you're on the island.
A little down the road, you can also stop at the famous Jamoes del Agua. This cave is bursting with surprises, including a cafe and bar built into the stone and a sparkling natural lake. It's the perfect place to enjoy lunch or a drink before returning back to your accomodation.
Things to do in Arrecife
Last but not least, Arrecife is the capital of Lanzarote and definitely worth a day's exploration. In comparison to the beautiful, unspoiled landscapes of the rest of the island, this lively city is bursting with culture and history. If a day of shopping tickles your fancy, you won't be disappointed! If, however, you'd rather give the shops a miss, there's still lots to see – two castles, chic restaurants and museums, to name but a few.
To find out more about the destination and how to get involved in a similar excursion simply pop your details in at the bottom of the page for a brochure.
