Curious things to do in Lanzarote
Author: Beena Nadeem
Beyond the sun loungers and sangria lies a lava-strewn, sun-splashed isle where wild cacti stand by even wilder landscapes and culture flows through arty creations and bustling markets.
The magic of maverick Manrique
If you like Lanzarote’s volcanic landscapes, you’ll love discovering how Cesar Manrique left his mark them
Swap your sun lounger for surreal spaces and lava-inspired design that artist Cesar Manrique built into the landscape. His influence can be seen island-wide from sculpture-filled roundabouts to statues to amphitheatres – the latter includes th[NE2.1]e Jardin de Cactus, home to over 4,000 prickly plants. Visit his volcanic-bubble home at the Cesar Manrique Foundation then head to Jameos del Agua for a glowing lake with rare blind albino crabs. A visit to cliff-carved LagOmar – once home to Omar Sharif [NE3.1]– and the panoramic Mirador del Rio that overlooks the island of La Graciosa will finish off your cultural tour nicely.
Top tip: Don’t miss lunch at El Diablo, this Manrique-designed restaurant even grills meat over volcanic heat.
Local beaches
If you liked Lanzarote’s pin-up beach Playa del Papagayo but want to dodge the crowds, then head for these wilder gems
Beaches on Lanzarote can be as wild as they are varied, and travelling beyond the main strip is an eye-opener. While many visitors flock to Papagayo, you might aim for the wilder side such as Charco del Palo for its volcanic rock pools, all set in a naturist-friendly village with an off-grid feel. If you fancy some tidal rock pools with striking turquoise lagoons, try Los Charcones or Caleton Blanco. For something that almost glows green, head to Playa de los Clicos, a black beach with a striking lagoon behind it.
Top tip: Take a boat to the beautifully unspoilt eighth Canary Island, La Graciosa. This car-free wonder feels wonderfully unplugged from it all.
Salt flats
If you liked exploring Timanfaya National Park, you’ll love these salt-infused landscapes
For those seeking to venture beyond the typical tourist paths, the Janubio salt flats offer a unique experience. This expansive salt marsh becomes a shimmering wetland in autumn, fringed with salt-tolerant vegetation that attracts migratory birds like sandpipers, plovers and stilts. A thoughtfully designed trail system allows visitors to explore this delicate ecosystem along set paths[NE4.1]. Especially striking is the water in the lagoons that comes in shocks of pink and red thanks to the seaweed and crustacean that inhabit them.
Top tip: Get there before sunset and you’ll see the sun slumping behind the horizon and the waters get even redder. You can even buy gourmet salt here to take home.
Markets without mayhem
If the liked Teguise Market but not the hustle that comes with it, you’ll love the calmer Haria Artisan Market
Held each Saturday[NE1.1], Haria Artisan Market is a crafty spot that’s quieter and leafier than its Teguise cousin. Haria is a sleepy place with its own microclimate which means it’s covered with lush palm trees, which provide some nice shelter to the market too. Expect to find anything from home-made jams, cactus marmalade, hand-thrown ceramics and aloe vera products produced locally. Once you’ve bagged your artisanal bounty, head for some nearby cafes.
Top tip: Just off market square you’ll find cafes serving the likes of goat’s cheese and fig salads or slow-cooked Canarian lamb.
Wine tours big and small
If you like discovering new wines, you’ll love touring Lanzarote’s artisanal wineries
Lanzarote’s lunar-like volcanic landscapes are home to more than 20 wineries, many of which offer tours that allow you to learn more about the island’s winemaking traditions and techniques. They include Bodega La Geria, the island’s most visited winery, and its oldest, El Grifo, which started up in the late 1700s and even has an on-site museum. Both are located within the Parque Natural de Los Volcanes.
Top tip: Even served by the thimbleful, Lanzarote’s wine can hit hard. Book a tour and let someone else navigate while you focus on sipping.
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