Types of Girl about the Globe (GatG) – Active GatG, Nature GatG, Ocean GatG, Wine GatG
Lanzarote is a spectacular island. As the oldest of the Canary Islands, this volcanic land has a lot to see for solos. Having just spent a week on Lanzarote, I’ve put together a guide on the best places to visit in Lanzarote, how to get around and recommended places to stay.
Best Places To Visit in Lanzarote
Similar to the other Canary Islands, Lanzarote has spectacular scenery. This island has a dramatic volcanic landscape with red and black rocks that will transport you to another planet. In total there are 110 volcanoes and 300 craters on the island.
I’ve visited all the main islands and have to say that Lanzarote is my favourite in terms of landscapes. Where else can you see moon landscape, a green lake, rugged coastline, volcanic seas, and a neighbouring sand-coloured island? It really is unique.
Castillo de San Jose
East Coast
Arrecife is the capital of Lanzarote. It is a small city with a nice seafront promenade and bike track along the coast. Charco de San Ginés is a great spot in the heart of the city where you can find bars and restaurants and wile the hours. Learn more about the history of this capital at the Museum of the History of Arrecife, or catch some rays on the golden sands at Playa el Reducto. If you're here on a Wednesday, Thursday or Saturday, you can see one of the city's flea markets or tourist market selling handmade products. See inside the Yellow House (La Casa Amarilla), the former headquarters of the island's government or take a stroll along Calle Real to enjoy some traditional cuisine.
Puerto del Carmen
Puerto del Carmen is the most popular resort on the island, mainly because of its long beach that is protected by the wind. This lively area on the southeast of the island is a good spot for scuba-diving with several dive centres. It is the most touristy area so expect to see a Wetherspoons and a MacDonalds. You can take lots of Lanzarote excursions from here such as hopping aboard a pleasure boat and seeing Lanzarote from the water.
Playa Bastain in Costa Teguise
On the east coast, you'll find Costa Teguise, a seaside town and tourist resort with plenty of seafood restaurants. This area is popular with families because of its Aquapark and aquarium but you can also windsurf here at Playa de los Charcos. The promenade runs along the seafront where you can walk past its five golden sand beaches toward Las Maretas Palace. Playa Bastian is just a short walk to Playa del Jablillo and further on towards Playa de los Charcos are rock pools and a dive centre where you can stop and have a fish spa!
Pretty Teguise
Not to be confused with the coastal resort with the same name, the small historical town of Teguise is one of the Lanzarote attractions you must visit. It’s located near the Lagomar Museum in Nazaret so it’s easy to visit afterwards. It really feels like you’ve stepped back in time when you step foot into this picturesque square. Make sure to go inside the Church of Our Lady Guadalupe and admire the huge black organ that sits within the 16th century church.
You can learn more about the production of Aloe Vera on the island at the free Aloe Vera Museum, buy volcanic gifts and jewellery from the gift shops and even purchase a sand postcard to send beck home! (Although it will get home quicker travelling with you than using the post on the island). Keep your eyes out for the statues around the town too, each with a description of their importance. Visit here on a Sunday and you can experience the local market too.
Inside the stunning Lagomar museum
From here you can see the Santa Barbara castle. This 14th century castle was built on the rim of a crater and offers panoramic views of the island. Inside the museum you can learn more about the history of piracy in the Canaries.
On the way from Costa Tequise to Teguise, is the Fundación Cesar Manrique. The source of the island’s architectural projects and the reason that development hasn’t taken over the island. This gallery and museum of art and sculpture is the former house of the Lanzarote artist and architect, and is uniquely built out of lava.
Keep heading towards Teguise, for the Lagomar Museum, another of the things to see in Lanzarote. This former home once belonging to Omar Sharif, a famous actor, is built in natural lava caves and is one of the most stunning homes I have ever seen.
Jameos del Agua
North
Thanks to Cesar Manrique, a visionary artist and architect who lived on the island, no buildings are higher than 3 stories tall. His works of art such as the Rio vantage point and Jameos del Agua grotto can be seen around the island. Jameos del Agua is a stunning place to visit. Located in the north of the island, this volcanic cavern with a salt lake and restaurant where you can admire the interior is one of the best things to see in Lanzarote.
Inside the Green Cave
Nearby are the Green Caves (‘Cueva de los Verdes') where you can explore underground lava caves that were once a shelter from the pirates. They are part of a 6km long lava tube and one of the longest tunnels in the world. The magma colours are still in the rocks giving it a reddish colour. Don’t expect the caves to be green though as they are named after the family that used the cave and not because of the colour.
The view of La Graciosa from Mirador del Rio
One of the best viewpoints in Lanzarote is the Mirador del Rio, a 475 metre high viewpoint in the north of the island which has spectacular views of La Graciosa. The lookout is at the end of the Risco de Famara range and includes a small fortress which was added in the late 19th century. If you have enough time, you can travel to the nearby island of La Graciosa, a sandy islet in the Chinijo Archipelago.
Timanfaya National Park
West Coast
There are so many places in Lanzarote that will literally blow you away with how spectacular they are, but one amazing place is Timanfaya National Park. It is so stunningly out of this world that it is one of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves (you will literally feel as though you have landed on the moon). This National Park has over 5,000 hectares of lava formations including lava seas, which formed as part of the volcanoes’ eruptions. Here you can feel the heat from the volcano and watch demonstrations as they show you how hot it is inside the volcano.
A camel ride at Timanfaya National Park.
This is also the place to experience a camel ride. It may seem touristy but riding a camel here across the red and brown landscape is definitely unique. There are less than 300 camels on the island who were brought here to help the locals in the fields. The camels only work 3 days a week so make sure pre-book this one in case it’s not available. (It’s included in the full day highlights tour). Note that each camel has two seats so if you’re solo, you may find yourself paired up with another eager rider.
Visit the nearby wine region of La Geria and see the unusual funnel-shaped vineyards. You can take tours here to sample the local wine and learn more about wine production on the island.
The vibrant Green Lagoon
South Coast
Head to El Golfo on the southwest coast for Charco de Los Clicos, a natural green lagoon formed within a volcanic crater. The Green Lagoon has been declared a Natural Reserve and seeing the black sand beach against this natural algae is really impressive.
In the south, you’ll find one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Papagayo Beach is every cliche – white sand and turquoise waters. Once you’ve finished sunbathing you can grab a bite to eat at the beachside restaurant.
Whether you want to ride a camel or drink the best wine, Lanzarote packs a lot into its island. With a World Biosphere reserve, vineyards, caves and lagoon, Lanzarote is the Canary island to visit.
Visit the wine region
Lanzarote Excursions
Being a holiday island means that this island is geared up for tours whether you have the desire to ride a camel or see a Lanzarote National Park. Get Your Guide offers Lanzarote tours and excursions. Some of the tours require a minimum of 2 people but there are plenty to book as a solo including small group full day tours with a tour guide, and it’s really simple to use. Just check the reviews, price and availability then book online for your solo trip to Croatia. * Check all prices and day tours in Lanzarote
If you’re not hiring a car, there is a full day highlights tour that I took to explore the main attractions on the island. This is pretty much a whistle stop tour though so don’t expect to spend too long in each place (visiting the winery was the quickest tour I have ever taken).
If you’re a wine solo, Wine Tours Lanzarote collect you from your hotel and take you to a variety of bodegas where you can see how the vines grow differently on the island and then sample the wine. Being a small tour and with wine involved means that they are sociable too.
Places To Stay in Lanzarote
The majority of the buildings in Lanzarote are low-rise so expect adult-only resorts and lots of apartments with studios and a communal pool. There is something for every budget from 3-star to 5-star hotels but don’t expect the quality to be the same star rating as you may expect at home. There are villas, and guest houses if you prefer to stay somewhere more traditional.
You’ll also find fitness resorts such as La Santa, where you may feel a bit isolated if you’re alone but if it’s just fitness that you want without the socialising then look at the reviews for La Santa to see if it’s what you need. Other places are Barcelo Resort Lanzarote and Vitalife Lanzarote where I stayed which I definitely recommend.
I also stayed in an Airbnb in Nazaret which although was within walking distance of the Lagomar Museum and the gorgeous little town of Teguise, you really need a car to explore from here.
If you're looking for company, choose one of the popular resort destinations such as Puerto del Carmen or Costa Teguise where you can meet other holiday-makers. Below are recommendations for solo female travellers. For all other accommodation click on the link below.
* Check prices, dates and availability for all Lanzarote accommodation
Playa Honda – Blue Ocean Lanzarote
If it's some quiet time that you need, the Blue Ocean Apartment is in Playa Honda on the island. The apartment is close to bars and restaurants as well as a supermarket so you can cook your own meals. There's a balcony and two bedrooms (even though you'll only need one as a solo), a flat-screen TV and good Wifi. You are close to the airport so make sure you take some earplugs with you.
- Prices start from £94/€107 per night
- Check dates, prices and availability: Blue Ocean Apartment
Costa Teguise – Apartamentos Oceano
These 3-star apartments offer adults-only accommodation located in the popular resort of Costa Teguise. The apartments are stylish and have a balcony where you can enjoy your morning breakfast after preparing it in your own kitchenette. Or stroll along the promenade and find restaurants and bars nearby. The complex has a pool and terrace and you're only a few minutes walk to the golden sandy beach. There is the option to add breakfast onto your room rate too.
- Prices start from £66/€76 per night for a studio with a pool view
- Check dates, prices and availability: Apartamentos Oceano
Getting Around Lanzarote
Lanzarote isn't a big island so hiring a car is easy, especially if you want more freedom and to see more of the island. The island is safe to drive around and the road surfaces are good. * Find car hire prices here
Although most people hire a car on the island if they’re looking to explore outside of their pool or beach, Lanzarote has a good bus service and reaches Costa Teguise, Playa Blanca and Puerto del Carmen as well as other places on the island. You can either buy your ticket from the drivers or at the bus station in Arrecife. * Check bus lines and schedules here
You can store your luggage under the bus during the journey and then collect it afterwards. The buses have a screen at the front which displays the next stop and bells to push when you want to stop. Some of the bus drivers don’t speak great English but just let them that your fare is for one, state your destination and you’ll be fine.
The express water bus runs between Puerto Calero and Puerto del Carmen. Ferries also run to the small island of La Graciosa.
From Lanzarote Airport
There is only one Lanzarote Airport on the island. Taxis and buses leave from both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 of Arrecife Airport. A taxi will cost approx €20 to Arrecife or €25 to Puerto del Carmen. From the airport, you can take buses to various points on the island. Line 22 bus runs to Arrecife and costs €2 for the 10-minute ride, and Line 161 bus runs the 24-minute journey to Puerto del Carmen. * Plan your bus route here
Take the ferry from Playa Blanca to Fuerteventura
Travelling Onwards
If you’re travelling from the UK or Spain, Lanzarote is well connected with low cost airlines such as Ryan Air, Easy Jet and Jet2Holidays (if you’re on a package deal).
Ferries operate from Playa Blanca in Lanzarote to Corralejo in Fuerteventura and there are several lines crossing the Atlantic Ocean. You can pre-book a ticket through Direct Ferries but make sure to book in advance to get a good ticket price otherwise it goes up closer to the time. Or you can just turn up and get on the next one unless it’s peak season. I bought a ticket when I arrived and paid €20 for my single journey.
