In November 2024, I spent four weeks at Pitaya Coliving in Lanzarote. So far, I visited the Canarian Islands Tenerife and Gran Canaria, but Lanzarote was very unknown territory to me. Let me tell you this: Lanzarote is a world of its own! It’s not the tropical paradise you might expect, neither does it have the misty green forests you’d find on La Gomera or Tenerife. Instead, Lanzarote offers something truly unique: raw volcanic landscapes and an almost otherworldly charm. There’s a reason space agencies like ESA have chosen Lanzarote for astronaut training! “Volcano Island” or even “Holiday on Mars” are probably the best terms to describe Lanzarote. I loved my time on this island and had to share the top 10 things to do in Lanzarote.

This is what makes Lanzarote unique

Lanzarote stands out among the Canary Islands for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, stunning architecture, and year-round mild climate. The Timanfaya eruptions (1730–1736) covered nearly a quarter of Lanzarote in lava and ash, destroying villages and farmland. Many residents fled to other Canary Islands or mainland Spain but gradually returned to rebuild their lives. Despite the devastation, they adapted by developing innovative farming methods, such as planting crops in volcanic ash pits to retain moisture. Lanzarote’s unique volcanic terrain is making the island so special, offering a glimpse into history.

The landscape on Lanzarote was something I haven’t experienced anywhere else before: It’s missing green and flora but it’s making you feel like you just landed on Mars. Unlike some other islands, Lanzarote feels relaxed and uncrowded – unless you are in the capital Arrecife when the cruise ships arrive, then it’s a bit of the opposite.

In general, I found Lanzarote affordable, though a bit more expensive than Tenerife. In most parts of the island you will find free parking (even in major cities like Arrecife), it’s easy to get around and doesn’t feel too crowded. One thing I really appreciated was the lack of massive, unattractive hotel blocks that often detract from traditional architecture. This is thanks to efforts led by César Manrique, whose influence is covered in the “Visit César Manrique Foundation” section below. Overall there are a lot of things to do in Lanzarote!

Best weather to travel Lanzarote

Lanzarote, similar to the other eight Canary Islands, is very popular during the European winter months. With its location close to Africa, the island enjoys pleasant temperatures all year round. It rarely experiences extreme heat thanks to the northeast trade winds and the Canary Current, which help moderate temperatures.

Honestly, I don’t think there is a bad time to visit Lanzarote. However, according to my online research it is recommended to visit during the European winter. The average temperature between October and March ranges from 14°C to 22°C, while it is slightly warmer from April to September, averaging between 20°C and 29°C. What I find so pleasant about the Canary Islands is that it never gets really cold but also not super hot, compared to mainland Spain for example.

Personally, I would visit Lanzarote between October and March, but this is mostly also because this is when the weather in northern Europe is rather uncomfortable. The climate in these months is perfect for being active and going on hikes. Ocean activities are probably more fun a bit before and after that, as the wind can make the air feel a bit cooler.

Visiting the neighbour islands as well? Here are top 5 things to do in Tenerife!

Do I need a car in Lanzarote?

Lanzarote does have public transport and especially between the major towns it’s doable to get around. BUT: I would definitely rent a car – it makes exploring the island much more enjoyable and adventurous! You’ll have the freedom to visit remote beaches, small towns, viewpoints (= miradors), and hidden gems on your own schedule. Especially on the weekends the bus in Lanzarote is a lot less regular and it will take you a lot longer to get to places.

It’s best to book the car early as the prices can go up quickly, especially in high season. The rates in November were between 40-60 Euros per day without booking in advance. Alternatively, if you’re comfortable and have the right license, renting a scooter is another fun way to get around.

You can find the current deals for renting a car in Lanzarote by putting in the details of your trip in the form below or by clicking here:

The best 10 things to do in Lanzarote

1. Hike the Caldera Blanca

The Caldera Blanca hike is one of Lanzarote’s most impressive hikes – in fact the best volcano hike I’ve ever done! You can walk along the rim of its huge volcanic crater while getting amazing views over Lanzarote and the ocean. Caldera Blanca is one of Lanzarote’s largest craters that spans around 1,2 km in diameter. The hike is a do-it-yourself hike that starts at a car park near the village of Mancha Blanca. To get there you’ll need your own car.

• Length: 10 km
• Type of hike: You can do the full loop hike by circling the whole crater or walk up to the rim and turn around.
• Duration: The Caldera Blanca hike takes around 3 hours, but with breaks to rest and enjoy the view it’s better to plan 4 to 5 hours.

The Caldera Blanca hike is a moderate hike. The volcano itself stands at an altitude of 450 meters, most of the hike however is at one level. It’s best to wear proper sneakers as the uneven terrain of large and small gravel makes it a bit challenging to walk on. Don’t forget essentials like water, sunscreen, a hat, and snacks, as there are no facilities along the way.

It’s best to start early in the morning to avoid the midday sun as there is no shade. I wouldn’t recommend a sunset hike as it can be quite tricky walking down the volcano in low light. Click here to find all details about the Caldera Blanca Hike including the starting point.

2. Go Scuba Diving

If you’re into scuba diving, you should at least get a few dives in while visiting the Canary Islands! I’m a passionate diver and first dived in Koh Tao in 2020. If you want to read more about my journey from a non ocean lover becoming a professional dive master click here. Diving in the Canaries is super interesting! The underwater landscape is matching the volcanic landscape above water. You can see octopuses, cuttlefish, sea horses and sting rays. Depending on where you are diving you can also find shipwrecks and marine life that is usually harder to find in tropical waters. Most of the dives in Lanzarote are shore dives, making it accessible and easier to reach than by boat.

The water temperature ranges between 20°C and 25°C, depending on the season. For my dives, I was wearing a 7 mm wetsuit which was perfect for staying warm and comfortable (I am used to 28-30°C so you’ll surely be fine!). There are a lot of dive schools in Lanzarote and I would personally look for a well-rated one close to where you are staying. I can’t really recommend a specific one as our experience was a bit less pleasant once we mentioned that we were dive professionals – but that’s a different story. Two dives should cost around 100 Euros.

Diving in Lanzarote should not be missed if you are a passionate scuba diver! And if you are not: Consider getting your open water certificate in Lanzarote! From what it looked like the dive schools focus on quality and offer good education. There is the so called ‘baptism dives’ which are an introduction into scuba diving without getting the official license. If you love the ocean, you could do it. But if you’re unsure about the whole thing I would probably recommend investing into the Open Water certification as you will be much more prepared and informed about everything.

3. Learn to surf at Famara Beach

If I had to choose the most beautiful beach in Lanzarote, it would be Famara. Located in the north of Lanzarote, Famara Beach is one of the island’s top spots for surfing! I personally gave up on surfing years ago, but the others of the coliving community absolutely loved surfing at Famara Beach. The vast beach with soft, sandy ground makes it a perfect spot for beginners and advanced surfers. Depending on the winds you can also learn other styles like kite or wind surfing.

For those who also don’t love surfing, Famara beach is a must visit spot in Lanzarote. The backdrop of dramatic cliffs and the view of the small island La Graciosa (read below how to get there!) in the distance adds to the beauty of it all. Even the drive down to the coast feels like an adventure in itself – it can barely get better for your eyes!

For surf lessons, I recommend contacting Cactus Surf School – my friends had a really good time with Emilia. If you’re already experienced or just want to practice, you can easily rent a board and wetsuit for around 25 € per day. Make sure to bring a towel to relax and read a book at this beautiful beach. Famara town has some cafés and restaurants to enjoy coffee, sweet treats and savoury food afterwards.

4. Cycle around La Graciosa island

The day trip to La Graciosa was one of my highlights in Lanzarote! La Graciosa is an island off the northern coast of Lanzarote, only a 30 minute ferry ride away from the port in Orzola. Apart from the only small town, Caleta de Sebo, there is no paved roads but beautiful volcanic landscapes and beaches to explore. The island has a length of 10 kilometres and a width of 7 kilometres, making it perfect for a day trip.

• How to get there: Take the ferry from Orzola. They run every 30 minutes and cost around 28 Euros return. You can book the ticket on arrival or online.
• What to bring: Water, sun protection, beach towel, sneakers
• Helpful information: There are restaurants and shops in the main town but apart from that you won’t be able to purchase anything. Make sure to bring enough water.
• How much time to plan: We took the ferry to La Graciosa at 11 am and back at 5 pm which was perfect!

The best way to explore La Graciosa is by e-bike! You might want to challenge yourself and rent a normal bike, but I wouldn’t recommend it. The roads are very bumpy, uneven, and often sandy, which makes pedaling quite tiring – especially with the intense sun. With an e-bike, you can easily adjust the speed to suit your needs. I highly recommend renting from La Molina. It’s best to reserve your bike in advance as it can get quite busy and you can’t really do a lot without a bike on La Graciosa. You can circle the eastern part of La Graciosa by following the main road, which takes you past serveral beautiful bays, beaches and a small ‘abandoned’ town with a bunch of holiday homes. It’s best to just ask the guys from the shop and they will tell you the way. With only one main trail going around the island, it’s almost impossible to get lost. Make sure to bring plenty of water and food, as you can’t buy any outside of Caleta de Sebo.

5. Stroll through Teguise town

Teguise is a beautiful little town in the middle of Lanzarote – not to confuse with Costa Teguise which is more like a coastal tourist town! I absolutely loved Teguise, and visited a few times. Its well-preserved Canarian architecture with white houses, narrow streets and a historic town square make it so special. You’ll find a variety of artisan shops and restaurants. Mura was my favourite coffee shop in town!

What I loved about Teguise is it’s vibrant atmosphere. Every time I went there, they had something else going on: the weekly Sunday market (9am – 2pm), Christmas market in December, and the Saborea Lanzarote Food Festival in November.

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If you don’t want to rent a car, why not choose a guided tour to explore Lanzarote?

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6. Visit Timanfaya National Park

Timanfaya National Park, also called “Montanas del Fuego” (=mountains of fire), is one of Lanzarote’s most iconic attractions. The park gives a perfect introduction into the volcanic landscape formed by eruptions between 1730 and 1736. Timanfaya is protected area and can only be accessed by taking a guided bus or hiking tour. You don’t need to prebook the bus tours, however the hiking tours tend to fill up quickly. Don’t worry though! There are a lot of amazing do-it-yourself hikes in Lanzarote which you can find in this blogpost.

If you are interested in visiting Timanfaya National Park, I recommend to do this activity very early in your trip. This was my very first glimpse of the volcanic terrain, so I was very excited. Some friends from the coliving did the Timanfaya excursion after having been on the island for a few weeks already and found it a bit underwhelming. Tickets for the bus trip cost 20 Euros per person (no pre-booking required!), and the tour lasts about 40 minutes. The bus takes you through windy roads, volcanic cliffs and lava fields. You’ll pass the epicenters of past eruptions, you can literally see the layers of lava and they have a few extra geothermal demonstrations prepared.

The best way to get to Timanfaya National Park is by car. Depending on timing and luck you might have to wait until you’re allowed to proceed to the parking area. When we visited, we didn’t have to wait at all, but when cruise ship groups are visiting, it might all take a bit longer.

7. Volunteer at Sara Protectora Dog Shelter

Dog lovers – this one’s for you! Sara Protectora is a dog shelter near Tahiche in the heart of the island. They take care of around 400 cats and dogs, all looking for their forever home. You can come visit the shelter Mondays to Saturdays between 10.30 am to 1 pm and on Tuesdays from 4 to 6 pm to help walk the dogs. We visited twice and had such a fun and rewarding time. The dogs are very friendly and happy to sniff around and get some cuddles afterwards. The surrounding area provides plenty of space to walk them, with scenic volcanoes and ocean in the background. What’s better than combining holidays with a good cause?

P.S.: 80 % of the shelter’s income depends on donations. If you would like to contribute, even without visiting, you can support them by leaving a donation by clicking on this link. Thank you!

8. Visit the César Manrique foundation

When driving around Lanzarote, you’ll quickly notice the absence of huge, unattractive hotels. This is largely thanks to the influence of César Manrique, a Spanish artist who was born on Lanzarote. His vision for preserving the island’s traditional architecture led to strict regulations, including limiting building heights and maintaining the island’s aesthetic. Given his significant impact, you should definitely pay a visit to the César Manrique Foundation which gives deeper insights into his personality and artistic vision.

The foundation is located in his former home, a massive villa built around five natural lava bubbles. Nature and artistry perfectly blend together here. I’m not much of an art enthusiast but found walking through the house quite enjoyable. They also show a few documentations – the better ones are towards the end of the tour – showing his passion for preserving the island’s traditional architecture. The entrance fee to the César Manrique foundation is 10 €.

If you enjoyed this experience you can also visit other iconic sites he created:

• Mirador del Río
• House Museum in Haría
• Jameos del Agua
• Cueva de los Verdes

*sorry for the lack of photos of his house – sometimes I’m so focused on the experience that I forget to capture it. You gotta see it through your own eyes I guess!

9. Enjoy the viewpoints in Lanzarote

My favourite two viewpoints in Lanzarote were Mirador de El Risco and Mirador del Rio. The north side of Lanzarote has stunning cliffs and both viewpoints give a different perspective. Both miradors are only accessible by car.

Mirador de El Risco

Mirador de El Risco offers a beautiful view over Famara town as well as parts of La Graciosa island and the surrounding Atlantic Ocean. In fact, it’s the highest point of the Famara cliffs. We visited this viewpoint twice and on both occasions spotted the hoppoe bird – one of Lanzarote’s most distinctive birds! It’s a really beautiful little guy and we couldn’t see him anywhere else but on the final road leading to the mirador.

Mirador del Río

Mirador del Río is a viewpoint platform designed by César Manrique. This mirador costs 8 Euros entrance fee which is worth paying. The architecture of the platform is stunning and gives the best views over La Graciosa. It is built into the cliff, and I still can’t get my head around how they made this happen.

If you don’t want to pay the entrance fee it’s still worth driving up to this part of the island, as you can park next to Mirador del Rio and get a similar view. It’s a perfect spot for sunset in Lanzarote.

10. Hike the Camino de Los Gracioseros trail

The Camino de Los Gracioseros trail is another great hike on Lanzarote which combines stunning cliffs and ocean views. The hike starts at the top of the Famara cliffs and descends 400 meters to sea level. The grounds are uneven and rocky, so it’s good to wear sneakers or hiking boots. I found the descent very manageable. You’ll arrive to a flat, sandy area that leads you to a serene beach. If you want, you can continue the hike past the beach to the Del Rio salt mines. We decided to relax at the beach instead and take a refreshing dip in the ocean.

Keep in mind that the most challenging part of this hike comes at the end! You will have to climb up the same path, up to 400 metres. Make sure to save some water for the way back! Overall, I would plan around 4-6 hours for this experience. The hike itself isn’t very long but the beach is great and you can spend a few hours there. Click here to see the full hike.

• Length: 4 km
• How to get there: Park your car at Las Rositas parking.
• Type of hike: This is not a loop hike, you will take the same way back.
• Duration: 4-6 hours
• What to bring: Bring some snacks, sun protection, a beach towel and lots of water.

photo credits: thanks to loic.barret

Final thoughts

Lanzarote is an island of very unique landscape. I really enjoyed my month there, discovering the viewpoints, doing hikes, and exploring its local culture. The island is perfect for those who like a mix of activities and relaxation. If you’re into flora and fauna, you might be a bit disappointed, but for all those who are open to a different world, the island is great. I’d definitely recommend anyone visiting Lanzarote at least once – it’s just special.