Lanzarote
The island of Lanzarote lies around 140 kilometres off the Moroccan coast in the Atlantic Ocean. Known for its unique volcanic landscape, beautiful beaches and mild climate all year round, Lanzarote offers the perfect combination of nature, culture and relaxation.
Lanzarote is the fourth largest Canary Island and was named after Lancelotto Malocello, the “discoverer” (or rather rediscoverer) of the Canary Islands. The original name of the island is Titerrogatra, which means “red mountains” and refers to the volcanic activity on the island.
The island is really something special. All life on the island is characterised by its volcanic origins. Around 36 million years ago, the base of the island was formed by submarine volcanic eruptions. The surface was then formed in four main volcanic phases, which gradually gave rise to the island.
The last of the formation phases was not so long ago. From 1730-36 and 1824 there were several eruptions that spread 3-5 cubic kilometres of new lava over about 23% of the island’s surface. Much of this area is now part of the Timanfaya National Park. Due to this uniqueness, the island has been a UNESCO biosphere reserve since 1993.
From quiet bays to lively beaches – Lanzarote has something for everyone. The crystal-clear water on beaches such as Playa Blanca or Papagayo and the pleasant water temperatures are perfect for swimming. For surfers, Famara is an absolute highlight with ideal conditions for this water sport.
In addition to relaxing on the beach, Lanzarote offers a variety of activities such as diving, hiking, cycling and more. The island is ideal for those who prefer an active holiday, but also for those who simply want to unwind.
Canarian cuisine is another highlight of a Lanzarote holiday. Local specialities such as “papas arrugadas” (wrinkled potatoes) with mojo sauce or fresh fish and seafood will tempt every holidaymaker in the island’s small restaurants. The wines of Lanzarote, especially those from the picturesque wine region of La Geria, are renowned for their quality and unique flavour.
Lanzarote vacations – our tips
To spend a vacation on Lanzarote offers the possibility to discover the unique nature and culture of the island, besides relaxing on the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean.
Natural landscapes on Lanzarote
One of our most spectacular visits on the island of Lanzarote brought us to the Cueva de los Verdes, the lava caves in Lanzarote’s north.
In the hinterland of Playa Blanca and easily accessible from our hotel is a volcanic cone. Our goal: summiting this volcano!
There are vineyards on Lanzarote? It might be hard to imagine, but there are wine-growing areas even on Lanzarote. Driving through this area by car is well worth a go.
What a sight! A sea of black lava, mountains with crumbling peaks, ragged magma boulders and sandy plains as far as the eye can see. We are in the Timanfaya National Park and are about to discover the fiery mountains of Lanzarote.
Continuing down the road from the Salinas de Janubio on Lanzarote, one reaches the cliffs of Los Hervideros and finally the little fishing village El Golfo.
A little ways from the fishing village El Golfo, on the south coast of Lanzarote, is the salt mine Salinas de Janubio.
The Jameos des Agua are in the lava field of the Volcan de la Corona. They are part of an accessible system of lava tunnels on Lanzarote.
Sights on Lanzarote
We introduce our top three destinations on the island of Lanzarote. Fancy the Canary Islands? Fancy Lanzarote? Discover a sublime landscape on this island with us.
After we only paid Mirador del Rio a short visit during our last stay, we came back and this time also visited the old fortress.
Arrecife is the capital of Lanzarote. The majority of visitors do not take the time to get to know the biggest town on the island even though it is the most important centre of trade and administration and plays a huge role in the life of the island.
Playa Blanca is on the south coast of Lanzarote. In this aridest region of the island it’s sunny almost every day of the year and so the little fishing village Playa Blanca developed into a hot spot for tourism.
Our hotel was in the small town of Puerto Calero, west of Puerto de la Carmen. A trip to the port was a welcomed change from laying at the pool.
A rental car is definitely worth the money on a trip to Lanzarote. It gives you the flexibility to explore places in your own time and seek out spots that are less busy.
The Jameos des Agua are in the lava field of the Volcan de la Corona. They are part of an accessible system of lava tunnels on Lanzarote.
Our hotel tips
We compiled a video out of our pictures from our Lanzarote trips.
We like Lanzarote at every season. This time, we chose March to flee the cold in Germany and instead enjoy 24 degrees Celsius, sunshine and the Hotel SBH Royal Monica in Playa Blanca.
The Hotel Costa Calero is close to the Puerto Calero marina, west of Puerto del Carmen. The neighbouring islands Lobos and Fuerteventura are visible from here.
Travel information about Lanzarote
Travel to Lanzarote
by plane
Lanzarote has an airport which is located near the island capital Arrecife. 95% of all holidaymakers arrive by plane. Most of the planes fly charter flights, but there are also regional connections to the other Canary Islands. The flight from Germany takes 4-5 hours.
The distances at the airport are quite short, there is only one terminal.
By boat
In Arrecife is the seaport of Lanzarote. It is the most important transhipment point for the island’s supply. From here the ferries also run to other Canary Islands and to the Spanish mainland.
From Playa Blanca and Puerto del Carmen boats go to Fuerteventura
On the way in Lanzarote
by car
The road network on Lanzarote is well developed.
In a Lanzarote vacation it is definitely worthwhile to book a rental car. The island is small and you can easily reach all the sights by car.
by bus
Arrecife is the center of the bus service on Lanzarote. From here buses depart to almost all places on the island. From smaller towns, buses often leave in the morning for the capital and return in the evening.
Tickets can be bought from the bus driver.
by taxi
Taxi drivers must have a licence on
Best time for a stay at Lanzarote
Lanzarote has a mild climate with little rainfall all year round.
Spring (March to May):
Temperatures rise gradually in spring, starting at an average of around 20°C in March and rising to around 23°C in May. Rainfall is low in spring, with monthly averages of around 10-15 mm. The number of rainy days varies, but is generally low, with an average of 2 to 4 days per month. The water temperature in spring is between 18°C and 20°C.
Summer (June to August):
In summer, temperatures range from a pleasant 25°C to 29°C. Summer is the driest season on Lanzarote, with hardly any measurable rainfall. Water temperatures reach pleasant levels of around 20°C to 23°C in summer.
Autumn (September to November):
Temperatures remain warm in autumn, starting at an average of 28°C in September and cooling down to around 24°C in November. Rainfall increases slightly, but remains low at an average of 10-20 mm per month. The number of rainy days increases slightly, but remains low at an average of 3 to 5 days per month. Water temperatures are still warm in autumn, starting at around 23°C in September and cooling down to around 21°C in November.
Winter (December to February):
Temperatures are milder in winter, averaging between 17°C and 21°C. Winter is the wettest season, although rainfall is still moderate with an average of 20-30 mm per month. The number of rainy days is higher than in other seasons, with an average of 4 to 6 days per month. The water temperature drops to around 17°C to 19°C in winter.
These figures are based on long-term averages and may vary in individual years.
Fresh trade winds occur all year round. There is significantly more rainfall in the mountainous north than on the rest of the island. However, the precipitation does not always come in the form of rain. There is often humid fog. In recent years, there have been occasional short downpours on the island during the summer months.