10 Things to Do in Lanzarote

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 They say that it is the most enigmatic of all the Canary Islands because some of its landscapes are reminiscent of the Moon. This is the way the volcanic forces formed it: with beaches of black or golden sand, with turquoise and emerald waters, with reddish and ochre mountains. It is called Lanzarote, but it could well be called the “Island of Ohhhh”, because whoever is there can hear how tourists continually admire its beauty. Here is a list of great things to do in its amazing landscapes: 

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Between 1730 and 1736, this natural wonder that today forms Timanfaya National Park was born from a volcano. After various eruptions many villages were swept away by lava and fire, and a new landscape emerged. You can walk it today! Start at Mancha Blanca, where you can organize your route at the Visitor Center. 

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You have never seen vineyards like these before, because they don’t exist anywhere else on the planet. At first glance, it seems difficult for anything to grow in this black, dry land, but come closer and you will see the golden malmsey grape trembling on the vine. Although there are different wine areas in Lanzarote, La Geria creates the most striking postcard: the farmers dig small holes in which they plant the roots of the vine in fertile soil and then cover the soil with a mantle of small fragments of volcanic stone that retain the moisture brought by the trade winds; all this surrounded by low walls to protect the plant from the wind. Exquisite wines are born from these lava fields, with Denomination of Origin, which you will be able to taste while you enjoy this extraordinary landscape. 

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And when we say the quiet it is because even the waters are as quiet as an oil raft. The kids will have a great time splashing around on the shore and the adults can get started on snorkeling. How can we not take advantage of this opportunity to see the life underneath these crystalline emerald waters? After a swim, there is nothing better than lying in the sun on this paradise beach on the south coast of Lanzarote. You can even drink or eat something, since there is a small bar nearby. But you will have to leave your car in the parking area.  

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After a day on these magnificent beaches of Papagayo, we can reserve the last hours to say goodbye to the sun, which we see as it hides in the immense ocean while the spectacular landscape of the Natural Monument of Los Ajaches rises behind us. It is an ancient volcanic massif of great beauty, which combines relatively high peaks with ravines that flow into the beaches and cliffs. 

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Lanzarote also has wonderful secrets below the ground. The Cueva de los Verdes is part of the largest lava tunnel in the world, born from the eruptions of the Corona Volcano. The shapes formed by the volcano’s energy are amazing. It’s certain that children and adults alike will let their imaginations run wild in the midst of observing them. And more surprises: the cave, which once served as a refuge for the islanders when North African pirates were stalking them, now has an auditorium that has been converted for concerts. 

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El Charco de los Clicos is one of the island’s greatest treasures. You will see for yourself when you see the amount of colors that melting in your retina when you admire it: greenish waters due to the concentration of algae living on the bottom, the black of the volcanic sand, the reds and ochers of the walls of the ancient crater and the blues of the sky and the sea. In fact, in these rock formations you can see very well how the lava solidified and even seems to be melting. Get your camera ready. 

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In Timanfaya you see a devil. This is a work by César Manrique, the most internationally known artist from Lanzarote. Committed to the Canary Islands, Manrique transformed different spaces so that art could be integrated into nature. Several sculptures by the artist can be found in the island territory, but he also made works such as the Jameos del Agua, the Mirador del Río and the Cactus Garden. At the César Manrique Foundation that occupies his house in Tahíche you can learn much more about his aesthetic ideas. 

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The waters of Lanzarote are ideal for diving because of their temperature and transparency. And there are over 100 diving sites! You will take a nice memory with you when you discover these underwater landscapes.  

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Where to know better the gastronomy of a place than visiting its market? In the Agricultural and Traditional Market of Tinajo you can appreciate the freshness of the local harvest, meat and fish. And more: confectionery occupies a prominent place in the market and on Sundays at the end of the month there are folkloric performances to show visitors activities such as grape-treading, roasting millet or making gofio, and there are even donkeys raised in the municipality.

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How surfers love Lanzarote! The short distances allow them to easily move around in search of the best waves. Moreover, the island is blessed with a pleasant wind: from the north and northwest and from the west and northeast, with mild temperatures all year round. So it is not surprising that competitions such as the Quemao Class are held precisely in El Quemao, opposite the fishing village of La Santa. Experts say that some of the best waves in the world are there, so if you are an expert surfer, grab your board and come and check it out, but if you are not, you can get started in other areas of the island.