Its relatively recent volcanic activity and the respect of its people for nature make Lanzarote a unique place for its unusual landscapes. We present 10 impressive places on the island that, although you can visit them on your own, we advise you to get to know them comfortably on excursions with official guides so that you get the most out of them.
1. Green Lagoon
A natural reserve and considered one of the symbols of the island, the Green Lake rests at the foot of an ancient volcano near the sea. The algae of the Ruppia maritima species that inhabit the lagoon cause an unusual greenish tone in its waters that contrasts with the gray of the sand that surrounds it and the blue of its nearby sea.
2. Cave of the Greens
This volcanic tube that goes 6 km from the coast to the La Corona volcano offers you a tour through the entrails of solidified lava. Sinuous paths and large rooms follow one another offering visions that are not possible on the surface. The Hall of the Esthetes, the Moorish Gate or the Throat of Death are some of its main attractions.
3. Jameos del Agua
Jameo is an aboriginal word to describe the sunken ground where a volcanic conduit opens to the surface. The famous Lanzarote artist César Manrique knew how to harmonize the beauty of this place by incorporating a series of elements that make it worth visiting. In the small interior lake, you can observe the jameitos, a species of dwarf, blind and albino crabs endemic to the place and highly delicate. In addition to its lake, Cesar Manrique created an artificial pool and a concert hall in this place that will certainly not leave you indifferent.
4. Lagomar
This impressive house is another reflection of where Cesar Manrique was able to pour out his creativity. Built in the excavated part of a volcanic mountain, it has a crystalline artificial lake surrounded by several caves transformed into beautiful rooms. But Lagomar not only has a special charm for its beauty but also for a curious story. Legend has it that the famous actor Omar Shariff lost this property playing cards. Today, at the entrance of the house, you can enjoy an à la carte restaurant, especially delicious in this magical environment.
5. La Graciosa
This small island or large islet is the greatest exponent of the Chinijo archipelago. Calm, in a word, describes this island. Its virgin beaches, small houses and slow pace make the island the perfect place to relax like you have never done before.
6. Los Hervideros
Located east of Timanfaya Park, these volcanic cavities and holes on the coast await you to offer you a special spectacle. Calculate your visit well to coincide with high tide and you will see how the sea capriciously seeps through the lava caves to ascend furiously to try to touch the sky. Good shoes and spare clothes are recommended for this visit.
7. Mirador del Río
The narrow arm of the sea that separates Lanzarote from La Graciosa is known as El Río. From the top of the Famara cliff, more than 400 meters above sea level, this viewpoint offers you the most spectacular views of the Chinijo Archipelago. When visiting this place, you will understand why Cesar Manrique chose this place to build this viewpoint.
8. Timanfaya National Park
The must-see visit to Lanzarote. Fire lives under your feet in this land. The recent volcanic eruptions of the 18th century left dozens of volcanic cones in a place with almost no vegetation. You can feel the heat a few centimeters from the surface and check it in several of the experiments that are carried out near the El Diablo restaurant. A camel ride would be the icing on the cake, while the swaying of this animal accompanies you on your visit to the Mountains of Fire.
9. Janubio Salt Flats
This Protected Natural Space and great architectural work still produces high quality sea salt today. The reddish colors that the salt flats take and their respective white mounds draw a landscape of harmonic geometry that hypnotizes. The lagoon that forms the salt flats was originally created by volcanic eruptions that drew a lava barrier between it and the sea.
10. César Manrique Foundation
This great Spanish artist born in Lanzarote is world famous for his extraordinary ability to respect nature in his creations. And so you can appreciate it in the César Manrique Foundation, whose headquarters are located in the Taro de Tahiche in Teguise. This is the house where the artist lived converted into a museum. It houses two exhibitions, one of contemporary artists of César and another with his work. Worth visiting, art and nature merge in this lava flow from a volcano.
11.La Geria
Wine lovers, be surprised! The people of Lanzarote do not give up when it comes to producing wine. This protected natural space shows you how to make the most of the properties of this land. Small circles sunk in the ground house the protected vine, surrounded by its wall of volcanic stone. This is how it is protected from the tireless wind and nourished by the rich soil that rests under the volcanic picón. Tasting its wines, in addition to enjoying this peculiar landscape, is a wonderful experience.
We have given you 11 reasons to get to know the island, but there are certainly many more that will surprise you and that you will have to discover by visiting Lanzarote. Enjoy a vacation in Lanzarote and return with a suitcase full of images and sensations that will undoubtedly remain in your memory for the rest of your life.
