Lanzarote is an island that surprises you from the very first moment. With its mix of volcanic landscapes, architecture integrated into nature, and dreamlike beaches, it's easy to lose track of time. If you can only choose seven places, here's our definitive selection.
1. Timanfaya National Park
A classic that never disappoints.
Visiting Timanfaya National Park means stepping into an almost Martian landscape. Its reddish earth, basaltic formations and steaming craters are the result of the 18th-century volcanic eruptions that shaped the heart of Lanzarote. The bus tour along the Ruta de los Volcanes is a must: you'll travel through the Montañas del Fuego while the guide tells the geological history of the place. Also, don't miss the geothermal demonstrations, where you'll see how the heat beneath the surface can light a fire or boil water in seconds.
- Hours: from 9:30 am to 3:45 pm. Tickets are sold exclusively online, there is no longer a physical ticket office at the park
- Price: €30 adults, free for children aged 0 to 6
- Admission includes the bus tour (35 min) along the Ruta de los Volcanes and the geothermal demonstrations at the Islote de Hilario
- Book your time slot in advance at cactlanzarote.com and bring your downloaded ticket on your phone, as coverage in the area is limited
Excursion to the Timanfaya National Park and La Geria with an optional camel rideCheck availability →2. Jameos del Agua
Art and nature in perfect harmony.
A masterpiece by Lanzarote-born artist César Manrique, Jameos del Agua is an example of how a volcanic tube can be transformed into a cultural and aesthetic space without breaking the harmony with its surroundings. Here you'll find a natural underground pool home to an albino crab unique in the world, an auditorium with perfect acoustics, and spots for contemplation. It's ideal for lovers of photography, organic design, and those seeking a peaceful corner to connect with the island's natural beauty.
- Hours: every day from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (last admission at 5:15 pm)
- Price: from €17, free for children aged 0 to 6
- Address: Carretera Arrieta - Órzola, Lanzarote
In the footsteps of César ManriqueCheck availability →3. Cueva de los Verdes
A journey to the heart of the earth.
Cueva de los Verdes is one of the longest volcanic tubes in the world, formed thousands of years ago by the eruption of the Volcán de La Corona. Walking through it means entering an underground labyrinth of stalactites, vaults and natural passageways, enhanced by dim lighting that highlights its dramatic shapes. The guided tour ends with a final surprise that, out of respect for the magic of the place, is not revealed before the visit. We'll just say this: it will leave you speechless.
- Hours: from 9:30 am to 4:45 pm
- Price: €17, free for children under 7
- Guided tour duration: about 50 minutes, covering nearly a kilometre of galleries
- Address: Carretera Arrieta - Órzola, in the same setting as Jameos del Agua
4. Mirador del Río
A view that takes your breath away.
Located in the north of the island, this viewpoint designed by César Manrique blends into the rock to offer one of the most striking panoramas in Lanzarote. From its windows and terraces you can see the island of La Graciosa, separated by the Estrecho de El Río. It's a perfect place to grasp the scale of the Canary Islands' volcanic and marine landscapes. If you can, visit at sunset: the colours of the sky over the ocean make it an unforgettable moment.
- Hours: from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (last admission at 4:40 pm)
- Price: €9, free for children under 7
- Address: Carretera de Ye, Haría, atop the Risco de Famara
5. Papagayo Beaches
Natural postcards of golden sand and turquoise waters.
Located within the Monumento Natural de Los Ajaches, the Papagayo beaches are a set of protected coves where time seems to stand still. Hard to reach —you have to travel a dirt track or arrive by boat— these beaches reward visitors with crystal-clear waters, ideal for snorkelling, and a tranquillity hard to find in other tourist areas.
- Access: dirt track from Playa Blanca to the different parking areas (Playa Mujeres, Playa del Congrio, Papagayo)
- The access control point for the Monumento Natural de Los Ajaches charges €3 per vehicle for non-residents of Lanzarote
- Payment is electronic only (card or mobile); cash is not accepted
Kayak & Snorkel Tour to Papagayo BeachesCheck availability →6. La Geria
Where wine is born amid ash.
Nowhere else in the world will you see a wine landscape like that of La Geria. Instead of orderly vineyards on fertile soil, here the vines grow individually in pits dug into the volcanic ash, protected by small stone walls. This unique method allows the vines to make the most of the humidity in the air while being sheltered from the wind. The result: fruity white wines, especially the volcanic Malvasía variety, which you can taste at the local wineries while admiring a landscape that seems to be from another planet.
Wine and Vineyards Tour from Playa BlancaCheck availability →7. Fundación César Manrique
The perfect fusion of art, architecture and nature.
César Manrique's former home, built over a field of solidified lava, is now a museum that sums up his life philosophy and creative approach: absolute respect for the natural environment. The house is integrated with the underground volcanic bubbles, transformed into rooms and resting spaces. Besides learning more about the artist's life and work, the visit invites reflection on the relationship between humans, art and nature. A must for understanding the soul of Lanzarote.
- Hours: every day, including holidays, from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm (closed on 1 January)
- Price: €10 adults, €3 children aged 7 to 12; combined ticket with LagOmar: €17 (€4 children)
- Address: Taro de Tahíche, C/ Jorge Luis Borges, 16, 35507 Tahíche, Lanzarote