Lanzarote Hotels
The fourth largest island in the canaries, Lanzarote is set amidst volcanic craters, deep volcanic rock, and secret caves. The year round sunshine and warmth together with the many beaches and Spanish hospitality plays a big part in the popularity of the resort with many visitors returning year after year. There is plenty to see and do in Lanzarote, from the Timanfaya National Park to the lava caves at Cuerva de los Verdes.
How Hot?
Lanzarote is the closest of the Canary Islands to the African coast, resulting in a dry climate with year round good weather, and making a great holiday destination for any season. During the summer months the average temperatures are between 64-75ºF and in the winter month's 61-68ºF.
The island sees very little rain, with an average 16 days of rainfall annually, usually between December and February. The north of the island is usually windier, cloudier and has a little more rain due to the moist trade winds, resulting in the perfect climate for enjoying surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing activities.
Out and About
The north of the island has a number of popular visitor attractions including the Jardin de Cactus at Guatiza; a beautifully landscaped and extensive garden planted with thousands of cacti. A little further north of the seaside village of Punta Majeres, you can take a guided tour of the Cueva de los Verdes (the green caves), which were formed by lava from a volcanic eruption around 4000 years ago. You can also visit the Jameos del Agua, by day or night, to enjoy the beautiful landscaped pools and gardens set in open-air caves, browse the House of the Volcanoes museum or book an evening meal with a traditional folk dancing show. The Cueva de los Verdes and Jameos del Agua form part of the world's longest volcanic tunnel.
Inland, you might like to visit the peaceful, white-washed town of Haria, which is located amid the greenery of the Valley of a Thousand Palms. Around the town square you can visit the two churches and the Museo de Arte Sacro, browse the artisan shops and the craft market which is held on Saturday mornings. There are walking and hiking trails or you can simply stroll up to the picnic area at the top of the Montana de Haria and enjoy beautiful views over Famara. In Tahiche you will find one of the most popular visitor attractions on the island, the Cesar Manrique Foundation. At the Cesar Manrique Foundation you can stroll around the former home of the islands famous and artistic architect, built into underground volcanic rock caverns, the gardens and art gallery.
An easy way to visit most of the towns, historic and cultural attractions mentioned above is with the Lanzarote Vision; a fleet of double decker tourist buses which circle two hop-on, hop-off routes in the north and the south of the island. The northern route links the beach resort of Costa Teguise, the capital city of Arrecife, the inland towns of Teguise and Haria, the seaside village of Arrieta and the following visitor attractions: the Cesar Manrique Foundation, the Monument and Museum of Campesino, Jameos del Agua, the Cueva de los Verdes and the Jardin de Cactus. The southern route links the beach resorts of Playa Blanca (and the Rubicon Marina), Puerto del Carmen and Playa de los Pocillos, the inland towns and villages of Tias, Yaiza and San Bartolome, two wineries in the El Geria wine region, the Monument and Museum of Campesino and the spectacular lava fields at the National Park of Timanfaya.
The Timanfaya National Park is one the islands most popular natural attractions and comprises miles of lava fields which you can travel through by coach or by camel. In the park there is a restaurant which cooks meat using natural underground heat and there are entertaining demonstrations to display the power of the regions thermal activity.
At the north-west point of the island, the end of the road is marked by the Mirador del Rio where you can enjoy spectacular views over the salt pans, El Risco beach and across to the Chinijo Islands of Graciosa, Montana Clara and Alegranza. Excellent views of the Chinijo Islands can also be enjoyed from the cliffs of Famara, on the western coast, where the beach is particularly popular with windsurfers. For a closer look and the chance to laze on the deserted beaches you can take the ferry from Lanzarote to Graciosa. The ferry runs regularly from Orzola, a laidback fishing village in the north of Lanzarote, where you can also swim in its tranquil blue lagoon and enjoy a fresh fish meal at a harbour-front restaurant.
Rancho Texas Park, just outside of Playa de los Pocillos, offers family fun during the day amid the landscaped gardens with a tropical wildlife and bird park, a small farm, daily shows including a sea lion show as well as a splash and chill-out zone. Or, leave your visit until the evening and have a great night out at one of the Country & Western or Spanish theme nights.
Leisure attractions on Lanzarote include the chic marinas at Playa Blanca and Puerto Calero, the two beautiful 18 hole golf courses at Costa Teguise and Puerto del Carmen, the Lanzarote Aquarium at Costa Teguise and the 2 waterparks at Playa Blanca.
The Gran Karting Club near Matagorda offers an adrenalin fuelled adventure with karts and circuits suitable for everyone from the under 5's to the experienced racer. There is also a cafe bar and viewing terrace if you just want to watch. For paintballing, off-roading, camel and horse-riding safaris, Lanzarote A Caballo enjoys a unique setting, surrounded by volcanoes and craters, approx 2km east of Uga.
For designer boutiques visit Arrecife, Marina Rubicon and Puerto Calero Marina or for large indoor shopping malls try Deiland Shopping Centre in Playa Honda and the Biosfera Plaza in Puerto del Carmen. The largest market is held at Teguise on Sundays but you can also find artisan pieces and local produce at Haria on Saturdays, Mancha Blancha on Sundays and Uga on Saturdays and Sundays. There is also a morning market around the El Charco lagoon area in Arrecife; the Marina Rubicon on Wednesdays and Saturdays and at Puerto Calero Marina on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Out for Lunch!
Lanzarote has a wide variation in food in both the quality and type of food available on a daily basis. There is something to suit everyone here in Lanzarote from Chinese and Japanese to Italian and English. You will also find traditional Canarian food in a variety of outlets all over the island. Some of the traditional cuisine you will find includes Pescado a la Sal, which is fish baked in salt, Calamari, Tuna Steak and Octopus.
If you are after traditional Canarian cuisine you are better off travelling further into the island away from the touristy areas. Here you will find a more typical choice of foods including local produce and little tapas bars. For a more formal dining option, these can be found in the quiet residential areas as well as the centre of the resorts. Playa Blanca is perfect for dining with its wide choice of bars, restaurants and tapas bars.
Quick Facts
Flight Time - From London 3 hours 25 mins, From Manchester 4 hours 10 mins, From Glasgow 4 hours 30 mins
Currency - Euro
Nightlife - Restaurants, Bars, Nightclubs and Cafes - mixed and varied.
Best Time to Visit: Lanzarote is an all year round holiday destiantion.
Top Hotels In Lanzarote
Here's a list of our top accommodations in Lanzarote, ranked by our customer ratings and reviews.
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