A Quick Guide to Lanzarote

Written by Adele Grant Last updated February 19th 201619/02/16

Made up of volcanic land and sunlit shores, discover this fascinating island for yourself with our quick guide to Lanzarote.

Where is it?

Lanzarote is the easternmost of the Canary Islands and is situated just 127 kilometres off the coast of West Africa.

Why go?

There’s so much more to Lanzarote besides its year-round climate. In fact, this charming island is becoming more and more popular for its vast volcanic landscape, secluded coves and endless activities. But one name that instantly springs to mind when we think of Lanzarote is César Manrique. This artist’s nature and art fused creations have helped turn Lanzarote into the distinctive place it is today.

Best time to visit

Lanzarote sees its highest temperatures in the months of July and August, but with a year-round sunny climate, it’s always warm enough to sunbathe. Summer in Lanzarote is hot, but never stifling as temperatures generally hover around the 27°C mark. For us, November is one of the best times to travel as visitors can enjoy quieter beaches and warmer seas.

What to see

As the fourth largest Canary Island, you may think there isn’t much to see in Lanzarote – but this isn’t case. Lanzarote is filled with sightseeing opportunities, and top of our must-see list is Timanfaya National Park in Casa Angelina.

This is one of Lanzarote’s most popular tourist spots, attracting nearly one million visitors every year. This black land is home to a mass of dormant volcanoes and lava fields, so as you can imagine the scenery here is simply mind-blowing. And if you want a truly unique experience, try crossing this fire stained land on a camel.

What to do

If you want to stay active while on holiday, Lanzarote is an ideal choice. The islands rocky landscape, great waves and windy climate are great for those who like extreme sports. Visitors can choose from mountain biking, hiking, caving as well as a host of water-based activities from windsurfing to sailing and surfing.

Where to stay

There are dozens of places to stay in Lanzarote, ranging from great value 3* hotels to stunning 5* properties. But one hotel that stands out for us is H10 Timanfaya Palace Hotel. This 4* adults-only hotel is part of Thomson’s Platinum Lifestyle range, which is great if you’re just after a week of relaxation and sun. And with an on-the-beach setting which sits just 15 minutes away from the resort of Playa Blanca, this hotel is a front-runner in terms of location.

Where to party

When it comes to nightlife in Lanzarote you should definitely hit the resort of Puerto Del Carmen. Whether you’re looking to stay out until sunrise or if you’re just after a couple of low-key cocktails in a beachside bar, Puerto Del Carmen offers a varied nightlife scene which caters to a range of partygoers.

What to eat

Basic ingredients are the key in Lanzarote, think the freshest fish, flavourful stews, and locally grown vegetables. Although the Canary Islands have their origins in Spanish cooking, they still have their own distinct dishes.

One of Lanzarote’s most famous dishes is Papas Arrugadas, which is basically wrinkly potatoes boiled in sea water served with Mojo – a traditional Canarian Sauce made from Garlic and herbs or Paprika. Don’t worry if you’re a fussy eater, Lanzarote also has a great choice of restaurants serving up everything from English to Chinese and Italian dishes.