Are you into great natural wonders and sights? You may have already heard that the beaches of Lanzarote are beautiful but you ought to know that there’s so much more than the beaches. This Canary Island has a lot more to offer its visitors. Lanzarote island’s volcanic landscape has exciting lava tunnels, beautiful volcanic vineyards, and other surprises. Let’s take a look at some of the other things to do in Lanzarote.
Cueva de Los Verdes
Translates as the Green Caves, these have been formed because of the Mount Corona eruption that happened around four thousand years ago. It is part of the world’s longest lava tunnel. Historically, the caves have been used as the locals’ hideout from pirate invasions. The sight of the Green Caves is very captivating. There is a special lighting that highlights the various structures as well as the natural changes in color because of the salt and iron. You can walk around the cave across its three levels. It’s a great place to learn about the natural formations as well as how they were used by people in the past.
Timanfaya National Park
This national park is among the most popular attractions in Lanzarote. It is the place to explore if you want to see the Fire Mountains. There, you’ll get to see the unique landscape with its lava fields and the salt marshes and cones that makes you feel that you’re on the moon’s surface. If you’re getting hungry, don’t worry. Within the park is the El Diablo Restaurant where you can eat food that has been cooked on grills using heat from the volcano. Your ticket for the tour also includes a coach tour. You won’t be able to wander by yourself as it may be dangerous. If you do want to walk around, there are also walking tours that will take about three to four hours. You have to book in advance though as the tour easily gets full.
Playa Blanca
Playa Blanca is a charming place to spend time in. You can spend a lazy afternoon there and just watch boats go by. There are also plenty of shops, boutiques, and bars that you can visit to go shopping or just unwind with a drink. If you want to go to the beaches, try the Blue Flag Playa Blanca. It’s a very beautiful place. It is a part of a long stretch of white shores that are capped with volcanic rocks. Watersports are also available at Playa Dorada. You can go scuba diving, jetskiing, and parascending. Papagayo is also nearby. It is arguably Lanzarote’s most fascinating beach, and you shouldn’t pass up on the chance to visit it.
Jameos Del Agua
This place was designed in the 1960s by an artist and architect of Lanzarote, Cesar Manrique. Jameo here means a lava tunnel opening. The Jameos Del Agua is the product of the artist’s transformation of a part of the volcanic system of Mount Corona. Today, there are cafes, gardens, as well as a natural lake where albino crabs and other species can be found. There is also an auditorium where events are held. Apart from that, you can relax with a drink at hand at a cave bar found underground. If you like to experience the nightlife in Jameos Del Agua, stick around until nightfall. It’s open up to 2 AM.
Jardin de Cactus
This cactus garden is a nice attraction found in Guatiza which is in the northern part of the island. You’ll feel as if you’re in an oasis with this garden. There are over a thousand species of cacti plants. It is placed in terraces and looks like an amphitheater. It is another work of the artist, Cesar Manrique. It was his last project made in the 1990s before he died. The various cacti are colorful, a perfect contrast to the backdrop of the volcanic ash which is grey. In the garden are also winding paths, ponds, and lava rocks. Overlooking is a restored windmill, adding a rustic feel to the place. The perfect months to visit the Jardin de Cactus is August to September as many of the cacti plants are in bloom.
Rancho Texas Park
This park is a place that kids will love. It is a Texan-themed water and animal park found in Puerto del Carmen. There are plenty of activities that can be done in Rancho Texas Park such as canoe rides, waterslides, swimming, and gold digging. As for the exotic animals, there are white tigers, birds of prey, sea lions, and Komodo dragons. This is a fun place for your kids to learn about the different animals and cultivate their love for nature.
House Museum of Cesar Manrique & the Volcano House
When you have visited all of the attractions in Lanzarote by the artist Cesar Manrique, don’t forget to visit his studio-home found near Haria. His former home is now a place where you can view his other works and know more about his life. There is also another property of the Cesar Manrique that you can visit, the Volcano House. It is near Tahiche which is about 25 km from Haria. The Volcano House is created in five volcanic bubbles. It has a swimming pool, fountains, natural lighting, and flowing rooms. It is the most treasured art gallery in Lanzarote. In the past, the works of Pablo Picasso and Joan Miro have also been exhibited in this gallery. If you love knowing more about a distinctly Lanzarote art, this is a place that you should definitely visit.
Takeaway
These are some of the things that you can do while you’re in Lanzarote. They’re fun and exciting, and you will certainly learn a lot about the history, culture, and art of the place. You can travel alone, with your partner, with your kids, or with your friends. It will be a fun time for everyone. There’s an activity for every type of traveler while in Lanzarote. Hopefully, this Canary Islands info has gotten you excited to visit this wonderful island.
