Sightseeing Attractions in Lanzarote

As a volcanic island Lanzarote offers some incredible scenery - often rugged and lunar-like in its appearance with beautiful natural rock formations, caves and lagoons.

Photo Credit: luc.viatour - Flickr

El Golfo on the West coast is a crater with a natural green lagoon, and Los Hervideros is a true spectacle, featuring a series of caves which were formed by blow-holes from an ancient lava flow.

The huge volcanic caves of Jameos Del Agua in the North of Lanzarote, formed by an eruption several thousand years ago, make for a fascinating visit. The cave has an underground saltwater lagoon and due to its excellent natural acoustics has since been transformed into an Auditorium and visitor centre. The late Cesar Manrique, a local artist, helped to create the cultural centre as well as numerous tourist hotspots throughout the island.

The famous Cactus Gardens, another creation of Manrique, is home to thousands of plants and over 1400 species of cacti - it’s an impressive display housed in a disused quarry in Guatiza, with a labyrinth of manicured gardens featuring attractive water features and imposing sculptures.

Santa Barbara castle is another worthwhile visit. Located atop Guanapay mountain overlooking Teguise, this former 16th century watchtower is now a museum and visitor centre, offering insights into the history of the island as well as stunning views across the island.

There are plenty of other sightseeing attractions in Lanzarote to suit all ages and interests so it’s well worth spending a few days on the island. You can find a good range of accommodation to suit all budgets and particularly if you’re holidaying on a shoestring, you’ll find plenty of cheap Lanzarote hotels to keep your finances in check.

Or if you fancy travelling further afield, why not take a day trip to neighbouring Fuerteventura?

Aside from its laid-back vibe and golden beaches, Fuerteventura shares Lanzarote’s breezy characteristics and has become popular for watersports. In fact, the island hosts the PWA world windsurfing event at Sotavento every July so if you are planning to visit during this time, make sure you book quickly - the best Fuerteventura hotels are often booked up months in advance.

You could go one step further and visit bustling Tenerife. By night, party all night in one of the island’s non-stop resorts such as Playa de las Americas or Los Cristianos, and by day, hire a car and explore the ruged terrain and authentic villages dotted around the island, or experience the stunning volcanic terrain of Mount Teide (for cheap car hire in Tenerife check out this useful guide).