With its sun-baked volcanic rocks and beaches, it’s no surprise that Lanzarote is a vacation favorite. The northernmost Canary Island, its moon-like landscapes, and lava fields—celebrated in its UNESCO Biosphere Reserve listing—offer an intriguing backdrop for holidaymakers enjoying water parks, bars, and restaurants in beach resorts such as Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise, and Playa Blanca. Leave these hot spots for camel rides in crater-strewn Timanfaya National Park (Parque Nacional de Timanfaya) and Cueva de los Verdes, forays into whitewashed villages, wine tastings in La Geria’s vineyards, and tours of late artist César Manrique’s futuristic lava-bubble home. For outdoor adventurers, surfing on Atlantic Ocean waves, snorkeling, sailing, and cycling top the things-to-do-in-Lanzarote list.
Lanzarote enjoys warm, sub-tropical weather all year, but peak sun-worshiping season is in July and August, when average temperatures hover around 80°F (26.6°C) (the heat is softened by gentle Atlantic breezes). Winter’s balmy days and the big February to March Carnival season—when the island’s towns erupt with street processions—are also popular with visitors looking to escape cold and snow. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, however, you’ll find Lanzarote most appealing in October and November.
Renting a car in Lanzarote is highly recommended, as driving is the most convenient way to travel around. Rates are affordable, the roads are well maintained, parking is relatively easy, and traffic is light outside the resorts. If you’d rather not drive, you can use the island’s cheap and efficient bus network to get from town to town. Cabs—and, increasingly, rideshare apps—are good for in-town trips. To immerse yourself in Lanzarote’s scenery, rent a bike; cycling is a joy on the wide, open roads. You can also take the ferry to the island of La Graciosa off Lanzarote’s northern shore.
If you’re headed to Timanfaya Natural Park (Lanzarote’s scenic highlight) in the west of the island, consider a detour to enjoy the lesser-known Los Cuervos caldera. This volcanic crater is just as striking as its neighbor but is passed over by most visitors and tour itineraries. Walk through rock-strewn hills to the crater’s perimeter, and you’ll be rewarded by otherworldly views—without any crowds. The loop is a relatively easy walk, and there’s no charge to enter, so the caldera is great for groups and family outings. You can find the parking lot off the LZ-56.
