Short Guide to Lanzarote

Lanzarote has something for almost everyone, you have the crowded resort towns of Costa Teguise, Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca but also the authentic rural houses set in volcanic vineyards, or little beach villages with a surfing soul. You have beaches, sea water pools or your own villa pool, hikes, biking, scuba diving, paragliding, watersports or just relaxing. In this guide we hope to cover a bit of everything to help you discover the gems of Lanzarote and even help you discover something you didnt even know you were looking for. We will go through where to visit, where to eat, what you can do and give helpful tips to enjoy your visit even more.

🗺️ 1. The "Good to Know" Logistics

When to Visit

Lanzarote is a year-round destination, but the seasons vary depending on what you want to do:

• Lanzarote’s "Summer" (September to December): This is arguably the best weather of the year. The Alisios (the trade winds that normally blow across the Canary Islands) calm down and often disappear entirely, leaving warm, glassy days.

• Surfing Season (September to March): If you are chasing waves, you want to focus on the northwest coast, specifically Famara and La Santa. September to December is prime time due to the light winds. Local tip: These areas get incredibly busy now, so don't leave booking your accommodation until the last minute or you might find nothing available!

• Cheaper & Quieter (After Easter to end of June): This is Lanzarote’s true low season. If you want cheap deals and fewer crowds at popular tourist spots, these are the months to book.

• Beach Weather All Year (Playa Blanca): Located at the southernmost tip of the island, this resort town boasts warm beach weather all year round.

• The Wine Harvest (Mid-July to Mid-August): If you want to witness or participate in the vendimia (wine picking)—which is uniquely spectacular in La Geria—this is your window. You can check the official Lanzarote D.O. Wine harvest updates for exact dates.

• Hiking (Winter & Spring): Lanzarote was blessed with unusual rainfall, turning the normally arid island into a stunning, flowering spectacle during the spring. The winter months are ideal for hiking—it’s less dry, the air is cooler, and the skies are beautifully clear.

  
  

💡 Packing Insider Tip: Will I need a jumper? Yes! Lanzarote is full of microclimates. You can be baking in brilliant sunshine, drive 15 minutes up into the hills, and suddenly need trousers and a sweater. Even in the summer, always pack a long-sleeve shirt. The higher parts of the island get breezy and a few degrees colder. We never leave the house without a spare layer in the car!

Which Area Should You Stay In?

• The Resort Towns: If you want a classic hotel or an all-inclusive aparthotel, look at Costa Teguise (the smallest and quietest of the three), Puerto del Carmen (right next to the airport with massive beaches), or Playa Blanca (great for families).

• The Surf Vibe: If you want waves and a laid-back atmosphere, head to the North/West coast: Famara, Soo, Caleta Caballo, La Santa, El Cuchillo, or Muñique.

• Calm Seas & Natural Pools: For quiet coastal villages and sea-water dips, check out the East Coast: Punta Mujeres, Arrieta, and Los Cocoteros.

• Inland Charm: For history, architecture, and rural views: Teguise, Haría, El Mojón, La Asomada, La Geria, or Yaiza.

  
  

🏠 Looking for the perfect local base? At Volkkan Rentals, we manage a handpicked selection of beautiful villas, holiday homes, and surf houses in Lanzarote’s most authentic coastal villages—away from the crowded tourist traps. www.volkkanrentals.com

🌋 2. The "Must-Sees"

Timanfaya National Park (Montañas del Fuego)

The Local Twist: You can no longer just turn up at the gate and buy a ticket. You must book your entrance online in advance via the CACT Lanzarote official site. During high season, try to book a week before you fly out to get your preferred time slot.

• Tip: Bring a cardigan or jacket! The panoramic restaurant and geothermal demonstration area are highly exposed and get very breezy. Also, remember that you are strictly forbidden from leaving the designated pathways to protect the fragile volcanic soil.

The César Manrique Legacy

Lanzarote’s identity was shaped by the artist César Manrique. He created several centers, each entirely unique:

• Jameos del Agua: A stunning volcanic tunnel turned into a cultural center, home to the famous blind albino crabs. (A must-see!).

• Cueva de los Verdes: A walk through a massive lava tube with a brilliant surprise at the very end.

• Mirador del Río: A viewpoint carved into the high cliffs of the north. Local saving tip: If you don’t want to pay the entry fee, you can get the exact same spectacular views looking over La Graciosa island just a few meters down the public road.

• The Cactus Garden & The César Manrique Foundation: Also highly recommended. You can buy combined multi-center tickets online to save money.

Secret Sunset Spots

Skip the crowded resort bars and catch the sunset from the dramatic coast of El Golfo, La Santa, or the Mirador de Famara (the lookout points high up on the Risco cliff). Just check the weather first—sometimes clouds get "stuck" on the Risco, blocking the view. For a more relaxed evening, watch the sunset over the vines from Bodega Rubicón in La Geria with a glass of local wine.

Natural Sea-Water Pools

• Los Cocoteros: A fantastic, quiet pool that is one of my personal favorites, especially if you have children, as it features a lovely little sand area at high tide.

• Punta Mujeres: This gorgeous village has at least three distinct natural pools to enjoy, plus several spots along the promenade where the town has installed pool-style steel steps so you can dive straight into the open ocean.

• Los Charcones (Playa Blanca): These wild, deep pools in the south are breathtaking, but you must be incredibly careful. Check the marine forecast before you go. Never visit during high tide or rough seas; sudden surges can easily wash you out into the open ocean. Only visit on calm, clear days at low tide.

  
  

A Day Trip to La Graciosa Island

Catch the ferry from the northern port of Orzola for a day in paradise. Local Advice: Do not rent a bike unless you are exceptionally fit and used to cycling on deep sand and heavily rutted terrain—the dirt roads are very rough. Instead, hire one of the local 4x4 taxi drivers at the port. They can drive you across the island to Montaña Amarilla, our absolute favorite beach. You can even arrange a specific time for the taxi to come back and pick you up.

Easy (and Free!) Volcano Hikes

You don't need to pay for a tour to get close to the volcanoes. These two routes are free, signposted, and easy for the whole family:

• Montaña Colorada: A flat walk around the base of the volcano where you can stand next to a massive, iconic "Volcanic Bomb" (a giant rock thrown out during the eruptions).

• Volcán del Cuervo: A spectacular trail that actually allows you to walk right inside the collapsed volcanic crater. Reminder: Always stick strictly to the marked paths to protect the landscape.

  
  

🍽️ 3. Authentic Food & Wine

The "Teleclubs"

Long ago, before every house had a television, the local government created Teleclubs—social centers where neighbors gathered to watch TV and eat cheap, local food. Today, they are still the best places to experience authentic Canarian cooking at great prices.

• How they work: The management of these public spaces goes up for a "lottery" election every few years. Because the chefs and owners change, a Teleclub that was amazing two years ago might be completely different today. Currently, our top recommendations for excellent food are the Teleclubs in Mozaga, Los Valles, Soo, and Mancha Blanca.

  
  

The Best Paellas & Seafood

If you are craving fresh fish, traditional arroces, or paella, bookmark these local spots:

• Arrieta: La Nasa (right by the sea).

• Janubio: Mirador de Las Salinas (amazing views over the salt pans).

• El Golfo: Casa Rafa.

• Playa Blanca: Brisa Marina and Sucarrat.

• Famara: Restaurante Dunas.

  
  

The Volcanic Wines

La Geria is world-famous for its unique method of growing vines in deep volcanic ash pits protected by stone semi-circles. While the historic bodegas like El Grifo (the oldest winery in the Canary Islands) are well worth a tour, the last few years have seen a boom in fantastic, small-scale boutique wineries. Don't just stick to the main road! Hunt down smaller producers like Bodega Erupción, Jable de Tao, or Bodega Olivina. You can plan your route using the official Lanzarote Wine Board Map.

🏄 4. Adventure, Surf & Active Travel

Lanzarote is an absolute haven for active travellers. The unique landscape makes it a world-class training ground for sports. Whether you want to base yourself at a dedicated sports resort with Olympic pools and group fitness classes, or prefer a independent adventure, the options are endless:

• Water Sports: World-class surfing, windsurfing, wingfoiling, scuba diving, and deep-sea fishing.

• Land & Air: Road cycling, mountain biking, trail running, hiking, and paragliding off the dramatic cliffs.

• Mind & Body: Unwinding with yoga, meditation, and mindfulness sessions surrounded by peaceful volcanic nature.

  
  

🌊 Ready to catch some waves or unwind? At Volkkan, we don't just offer beautiful places to stay—we live the island lifestyle. Join us for private Surf Lessons in Famara or balance your adrenaline with a restorative Yoga or Massage Session.

[Book Your Surf & Yoga Experience with Volkkan today!]