![Haria, Lanzarote](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/Travel/Destinations/Europe/Spain/Lanzarote/haria-2-lanzarote-attractions.jpg?imwidth=680)
The 10 best things to do in Lanzarote
Discover the top attractions in Lanzarote, rom underwater sculptures to hang gliding
![Haria, Lanzarote](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/Travel/Destinations/Europe/Spain/Lanzarote/haria-2-lanzarote-attractions.jpg?imwidth=680)
Lanzarote is not a destination where you have to spend days ticking off a seemingly endless list of museums and art galleries. It does have a sprinkling of those, but a trip here is more about appreciating the natural drama of its volcanic landscape and Atlantic Ocean setting. A major attraction is the work of local artist César Manrique, who not only campaigned to keep development at a low level, but also conjured up a swathe of dramatic buildings, viewpoints and other visionary projects. On the active front, there are opportunities to hike, bike and even whirl off tandem hang gliding.
Explore the charming compact capital
Arrecife feels more like a relaxed town than a capital. Wander around picturesque El Charco de San Ginés, a former fishing village set on a sleepy lagoon. There are shops to check out too, a sprinkling of pavement cafés and the Castillo de San José, an old fortress revamped by the Fundación César Manrique, now housing the MIAC (Museo Internacional de Arte Contemporaneo).
Insider tip: You don’t need to head to the resorts to chill out on a beach after your city sightseeing. Follow the savvy locals to Playa del Reducto, which lies tucked right in the centre and is rarely busy. A promenade now runs right along the waterfront as far as the airport.
Contact: cactlanzarote.com
Price: £
![El Charco de San Ginés, Lanzarote](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/Travel/Destinations/Europe/Spain/Lanzarote/Charco-de-San-Gines-in-Arrecife-lanzarote-attractions.jpg?imwidth=350)
Hop around volcanic vineyards
Shakespeare’s 'Malmsey' is today’s Malvasia, usually a sweet wine in the bard’s day, today more renowned for being bone dry and packed with minerality. Some vines are cultivated in single volcanic craters; all are packed with flavour. The epicentre is La Geria, whose vineyards cling to the old lava fields. Each winery boasts its own appeal, with El Grifo being one of the best setup for visitors.
Insider tip: Many visitors leave the island presuming that Lanzarote only dishes up dry white wine. Today many producers also offer a sweet Malvasia, rosé and even venture into red wine territory. Enjoy a tasting to expand your knowledge of the award winning local wines.
Contact: elgrifo.com
Price: ££
![La Geria, Lanzarote](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/Travel/Destinations/Europe/Spain/Lanzarote/La-Geria-lanzarote-attractions.jpg?imwidth=350)
Immerse yourself in a volcanic national park
Lovers of all things volcanic must explore the Timanfaya National Park. At the visitors centre, you can learn all about how the island was created and the stories behind the volcanic scenery you will find all over Lanzarote. You can book a walking or bus tour around the moonscape of this truly remarkable national park.
Insider tip: For a truly unique experience, hop on a camel for a ride through this otherworldly corner of Europe. You can just pay cash to the handlers for a short but surreal taste of the national park.
Contact: reservasparquesnacionales.es
Price: Visitors centre, free; camel ride, ££
![Timanfaya National Park, Lanzarote](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/Travel/Destinations/Europe/Spain/Lanzarote/Timanfaya-National-Park-lanzarote-attractions.jpg?imwidth=350)
Dive underwater to find hidden sculptures
Lanzarote’s Museo Atlantico is the island’s most offbeat attraction – you’ll need scuba gear or a snorkel to check it out. This ‘museum’ is sunken 40ft below the ocean. It is the brainchild of British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor. The world’s first underwater sculpture park tackles contemporary themes from refugee issues through to selfie culture. Also on show are myriad aquatic visitors.
Insider tip: Don’t get caught up on only the sculptures themselves. Also on show are myriad aquatic visitors. The sculpture park was designed to attract rather than repel the treasures of the deep, so it’s a great way to explore the ocean wildlife.
Contact: underwatermuseumlanzarote.com
Price: Free
![Museo Atlantico, Lanzarote](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/Travel/Destinations/Europe/Spain/Lanzarote/museo-atlantico-lanzarote-attractions.jpg?imwidth=350)
Marvel at Manrique’s magic
César Manrique is the seminal architect and designer who sculpted much of the most dramatic built environment in Lanzarote. To get a handle on this visionary head to the 32,300 sq ft ‘Volcano House’ he fashioned for himself and lived in between 1968 and 1988. The classic Manrique brilliant use of light and elegant natural lines and shapes is in full flow.
Insider tip: It’s best to visit early in your trip, as you’ll be seeing a lot of Manrique’s work from hotels to viewpoints and on to myriad public sculpture. Seeing his studio and lair first offers a valuable insight into his work and personality.
Contact: fcmanrique.org
Price: ££
![Volcano House, Lanzarote](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/Travel/Destinations/Europe/Spain/Lanzarote/Fundacion-Cesar-Manrique-lanzarote-attractions.jpg?imwidth=350)
Visit a cultural centre built within a cave
César Manrique’s work at the Jameos del Agua was perhaps his finest. He forged his imprint on to a network of natural underground tunnels. Think James Bond villain’s lair meets Jurassic Park, and it’s unsurprisingly a venue for regular cultural happenings. There is also a cave restaurant, a snack bar with an ocean view and a bar. Look out too for the revamped museum, with its insight into Lanzarote unique geology and volcanology. They’ve got seriously fun virtual reality headsets now too.
Insider tip: Make sure to check out the striking pool, as it is home to a rare species of blind crab. They can come and go with the tides as the caves lead straight into the ocean.
Contact: cactlanzarote.com
Price: ££
![Jameos del Agua, Lanzarote](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/Travel/Destinations/Europe/Spain/Lanzarote/Jameos-del-Agua-lanzarote-attractions.jpg?imwidth=350)
Explore the former capital of Lanzarote
The historic Teguise is both the oldest and most charming of Lanzarote’s hinterland settlements. Its most famous attraction is its bustling Sunday morning market. It is quieter and more appealing the rest of the time, with a couple of unassuming museums, including one dedicated unusually to pirates, to explore. The great joy, though, is just wandering around admiring Teguise’s historic architecture and relaxed ambience.
Insider tip: Teguise’s sibling, Costa Teguise, stages a market of its own in Plaza del Pueblo Marinero on Friday nights from 5pm until 12am. It’s very handy if you’re staying in the resort or nearby Arrecife, though it’s not on the same scale as Teguise’s market.
Contact: turismolanzarote.com
Price: Free
![Teguise, Lanzarote](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/Travel/Destinations/Europe/Spain/Lanzarote/teguise-lanzarote-attractions.jpg?imwidth=350)
Fly free as a bird on a tandem hang gliding experience
This one-in-a-lifetime activity requires no experience. Lanzarote offers excellent conditions for hang gliding, especially in the cooler winter months. It’s the best way to appreciate the natural beauty and scale of Lanzarote, and if you’re lucky with the weather, you may even snatch views to La Graciosa and down to Fuerteventura, too.
Insider tip: Remember to bring a jacket. It may be balmy down on the ground, but it can be nippy when you are up in the air so best come prepared.
Contact: lanzafly.es
Price: £££
![Lanzafly, Lanzarote](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/Travel/Destinations/Europe/Spain/Lanzarote/lanzafly-lanzarote-attractions.jpg?imwidth=350)
Head off for a hike along the Atlantic coast
Lanzarote may not really be known as a hiking destination, but it offers a string of superb walking routes. You can ease across old lava flows, up and down volcanoes and enjoy rugged rambles along the Atlantic coast. The spectacular trek from the village of Haria to the old capital of Teguise is one of the finest adventures with plenty of viewpoints along the way and a great ridge.
Insider tip: Cicerone publishes an excellent guide to walking on Lanzarote (and Fuerteventura), which includes detailed route information and rough maps. You should still always have a proper map and a compass, plus have someone in your group who is able to use them.
Contact: cicerone.co.uk
Price: Free
![Haria, Lanzarote](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/Travel/Destinations/Europe/Spain/Lanzarote/haria-lanzarote-attractions.jpg?imwidth=350)
Escape to a 'new' island
Bijou La Graciosa became the eighth Canary Island in 2018, after it was reclassified. It is a real timewarp – a place you can seriously relax. Tarmac roads and the cares of the modern world have yet to descend on this end of the world oasis. It’s ideal day trip territory just a short (often rough) boat trip from the north of Lanzarote.
Insider tip: Make the effort to yomp up one of La Graciosa’s volcanoes, as they offer sweeping views out over this deeply dramatic island and back towards a swathe of Lanzarote. Montana Bermeja offers the best views.
Contact: lineasromero.com
Price: £££
![La Graciosa, Lanzarote](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/Travel/Destinations/Europe/Spain/Lanzarote/La-Graciosa-lanzarote-attractions.jpg?imwidth=350)
How we choose
Every attraction and activity in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from world-class museums to family-friendly theme parks – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations.
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