Los Pocillos beach

The pale sands that stretch for over 1km are a place for fun and games for the numerous tourists that visit the beach. The ocean breezes, which provide relief from the sun that beats down on the beach, make the waters here perfect for practising windsurfing. If you are looking for less exciting activities, you can hire a pedalo and admire the view from the sea.

The recently renovated seafront promenade has everything youngsters need for entertainment whilst they are not in the water: trampolines, inflatable castles, swings, etc. And you can keep an eye on your children from any one of the numerous bars and restaurants, as you sip a refreshing drink.

The RIU hotels in this area (ClubHotel Riu Paraiso Lanzarote Resort and Hotel Riu Olivina) are located just a few streets behind the seafront, surrounded by gardens and vegetation.

Papagayo beach

This is the name given to the succession of beaches of golden sand that fan out along a 6km stretch of the south of the island. The path is rough and unmade, and there is an entry charge of 3 euros (this is a protected reserve), but the beautiful surroundings make it worthwhile.

The austere, ochre tones of the land contrast with the greens and blues of the sea. Sheltered from the currents by large basalt rocks, the quiet, clear waters are ideal for diving.
When the tide permits, you can walk round the shore and reach private, solitary coves where nudism is frequent.

Timanfaya National Park

In 1730, the volcanoes of Lanzarote began erupting and did not cease to spew magma for six years. The result is a landscape void of vegetation with different shapes and colours. From the natural viewing platform of Montaña Rajada you can delight in observing this immense sea of lava that stretches as far as the coast: craters, undulations, cones and other striking shapes that constitute the nearest thing to the moon’s surface you will find on Earth.

Haría

This bucolic village comprises an oasis of vegetation in the midst of a volcanic landscape. Its name of "Valley of the Thousand Palm Trees" is no mere coincidence, because many of them rise up proud and tall amongst the little white houses dotted around the hills. The picture-postcard image is very similar to that of a North African village.
The colourful bougainvilleas and poinsettias that decorate the villagehouses lend a splash of colour to the whole. Every Saturday morning the local craftspeople sell their products in the Plaza León y Castillo Bajo, in the shade of enormous eucalyptus trees.

Jameos del Agua

Jameo is an indigenous word used to describe the hollow formed when the roof of a cave falls in, making a circular gap that lets in the light. The brilliant Lanzarote-born artist, Cesar Manrique, adapted one of them for tourists and locals to enjoy.

Steps descending into the entrails of Los Jameos will lead you to a natural lagoon inhabited by 10 species of blind, white crabs. These species are unique in the world and are considered authentic zoological jewels.

The artist’s hand can be seen in the auditorium, fitted out in a cave. Taking advantage of the excellent acoustics of the volcanic stone walls, and with a capacity for 600 spectators, it is the venue for Lanzarote’s most important cultural events.

Another place of interest is the Casa de los Volcanes, or House of the Volcanoes, an interpretation centre with didactic exhibitions that will teach you more about these geological phenomena.
To round off this interesting visit there is a large garden with a delightful artificial pool surrounded by lush vegetation.

Mirador del río viewpoint

This viewpoint is another creation by prolific artist Cesar Manrique, who had the gift of improving the work of nature. From its several different levels you can enjoy fantastic views of the Chinijoislands (La Graciosa, Montaña Clara and Alegranza). Located on the highest part of Los Riscos de Famara, its structure, which has been hewn out of the rock, giddily overlooks the edge of an ochre cliff that provides a contrast with the blue tones of the sea.

El Golfo sea crater

Continuous seawater filtrations have turned this crater into a small lagoon of greenish water, separated from the choppy ocean by no more than a small stretch of black sand. From a viewing platform on a reddish boulder you can contemplate this artistic composition of blues, blacks and greys painted by the Atlantic, the beach and the volcano.

Surfing

Of all the Canary Islands, Lanzarote is the best suited for Surfing, with prime spots on the west and north coasts. The best time of year is winter, between November and March, when the waves can reach a height of 5m. Beginners will prefer the summer, when the sea is calmer. In the south-west, near El Golfo, there is another popular surfing area.

Diving

The warm, clear waters of Lanzarote make it one of the best places for diving in Europe. Some compare the island to the Caribbean, although others see this comparison as an exaggeration… you will have to judge for yourself. The area surrounding Puerto del Carmen offers several extremely interesting immersions:

Agujero Azul (Blue Hole): This lava tunnel is lined with anemones, sponges and invertebrates. You will also be able to see groupers, trumpetfish and moray eels, as well as schools of prawns that use this area as a refuge.

La Catedral (The Cathedral): This volcanic vault is one of the most admired places of Lanzarote. From the inside one can see the light filtering into the water, creating a beautiful play of colours. The area is valued for the large groupers that have always inhabited these waters.

These are just two examples of the many interesting immersions the island offers. If you are interested, the local diving schools will take you to many more sites which are also worth discovering.

Golf

Costa Teguise Golf: More imaginative players will pretend they are on the moon, because of the craters and lava flows surrounding the course. Located on the side of a volcano dotted with cacti and numerous palm trees, it has privileged views of the ocean.

Food and drink

The sea supplies Lanzarote’s restaurants with excellent fish such as “la vieja”, maigre and Uga salmon.
As for the meats, the highlights are the delicious ‘ranchos’ or pork stews, accompanied by the typical wrinkly “papas arrugás” and "mojo", or sauce.
Goat cheese is also abundant, and everything can be washed down with the delicious wines from the La Geria district, with sweet, white and aged ‘crianza’ varieties.

Shopping

The traditional craft of Lanzarote is more than beautiful, valuable objects – it is a link with its past and culture, and a way of life in itself. The laces, delicate ceramic figures and wooden and stone objects are all outstanding.

Certain figures known as “los novios del mojón” deserve a mention for their originality: a bride and groom with highly developed sexual features that fiancés used to exchange as gifts in olden times.