Lanzarote Holidays

Caleta de Famara is Lanzarote’s main surfing hub, with a broad beach, regular waves and surf schools catering for different abilities. The cliffs behind the sand give sessions a memorable backdrop, while beginners can book lessons rather than heading into unfamiliar Atlantic conditions alone.

Lanzarote’s clear Atlantic waters make scuba diving accessible to both beginners and experienced divers. Sites around Puerto del Carmen offer volcanic formations and varied marine life, with possible sightings ranging from colourful reef fish to rays, moray eels and turtles on suitable dives.

Walking trails around Lanzarote reveal landscapes that cannot always be appreciated from the road. Routes through volcanic areas lead past cones, lava fields and craters, although limited shade and exposed terrain mean carrying water and choosing cooler parts of the day is sensible.

Guided quad tours add a little speed to Lanzarote’s volcanic scenery. Routes around areas such as Montaña Roja use rocky tracks rather than ordinary roads, giving visitors a bumpier way to see the landscape while operators handle routes, safety requirements and licensing conditions.

A ferry from Órzola opens up a very different day on neighbouring La Graciosa. With no paved roads, visitors explore on foot, by bicycle or authorised 4x4, moving between sandy tracks, quiet settlements and wild beaches such as Playa de las Conchas.

Long before European rule, Lanzarote was inhabited by the Majos, whose ancestors are believed to have arrived from North Africa. They lived from agriculture and livestock, used caves and partly underground dwellings, and developed their own social structure, tools, pottery and traditions.

European contact increased during the fourteenth century before the conquest of Lanzarote began in 1402. The island subsequently became a feudal territory, Christianity expanded and the remaining indigenous population gradually mixed with settlers arriving from Europe.

Lanzarote’s Atlantic position repeatedly exposed it to raids from pirates and corsairs. Fortresses including San Gabriel, San José and Santa Bárbara were built or strengthened for defence, while places such as Cueva de los Verdes were used by residents seeking shelter.

From 1730 to 1736, prolonged volcanic eruptions transformed a large part of Lanzarote. Villages and farmland disappeared beneath lava, communities were displaced and agriculture had to adapt. The black volcanic landscape that now defines much of the island grew from this extraordinary period.

Arrecife grew into Lanzarote’s main urban centre during the nineteenth century, but another major shift arrived in the 1960s as tourism developed rapidly. New infrastructure followed, while César Manrique pushed for a model that protected the island’s landscape and architectural identity.

Built around César Manrique’s former home in Tahíche, the foundation gives visitors a clear sense of how deeply the artist was influenced by Lanzarote. Rooms and living spaces are worked into volcanic bubbles, bringing together lava, architecture, modern art and the island’s distinctive design language.

Lanzarote’s former capital still feels closely connected to the island’s traditional character. Its cobbled streets lead past galleries, churches and whitewashed buildings, while the Sunday market brings local crafts and produce into the old centre. Cultural spaces also host exhibitions and concerts throughout the year.

Teguise’s Casa-Museo del Timple introduces visitors to one of the Canary Islands’ most recognisable traditional instruments. Alongside displays about the small stringed instrument, the museum offers a useful window into Canarian folk music and the musical traditions that continue across Lanzarote.

La Geria shows how Lanzarote turned difficult volcanic land into productive vineyards. Vines grow in individual hollows dug into black volcanic ash and sheltered from the wind by stone walls. Visiting local bodegas adds wine tasting and traditional farming techniques to the experience.

Castillo de San José in Arrecife now houses Lanzarote’s International Museum of Contemporary Art. The eighteenth-century fortress was restored with César Manrique’s involvement, creating an unusual setting where modern artworks sit within a building originally constructed during a difficult period in the island’s history.

Usually falling in February or March, Carnival is one of Lanzarote’s biggest celebrations. Arrecife starts the party before festivities move around the island, with elaborate costumes, street parades, live music and dancing. The traditional Burial of the Sardine brings Carnival to its wonderfully eccentric close.

Held in May, IRONMAN Lanzarote brings athletes from around the world to one of Europe’s longest-running triathlon events. Puerto del Carmen provides the main race setting, while the swimming, cycling and running routes turn Lanzarote’s volcanic landscape into a demanding natural course.

Typically held in June, Sonidos Líquidos pairs live music with the striking volcanic vineyards of La Geria. Concerts take place among vineyards and bodegas, giving the festival a setting that feels unmistakably tied to the island rather than a conventional music venue.

The feast day of the Virgen del Carmen falls on 16 July, although celebrations continue on different dates in Lanzarote’s coastal communities. Maritime processions are the highlight, with the Virgin carried out to sea among decorated boats, alongside folk music, open-air dancing and traditional activities.

Arrecife celebrates its patron saint, San Ginés, each 25 August, with festivities building around the date. The capital is filled with Canarian music, traditional gatherings, sporting events and concerts before the main day brings religious ceremonies, a procession and a large fireworks display along the waterfront.

Held around 15 September in Mancha Blanca, this is one of Lanzarote’s most important traditional celebrations. The romería sees islanders arrive in Canarian dress with music and decorated carts, while religious events, folk performances and the island’s handicraft fair add to the occasion.

Music Hall Tavern brings cabaret, comedy and drag performance together in one lively evening in Puerto del Carmen. Dinner is part of the experience, followed by colourful costumes, music and plenty of audience-friendly humour, making it one of Lanzarote’s better-known organised evening shows.

Puerto del Carmen is the island’s liveliest choice after dark. Bars, pubs and music venues line the beachfront area, with everything from acoustic sets and tribute acts to late-night drinking. Quieter streets sit surprisingly close to the main nightlife strip.

Part animal park and part water park, Rancho Texas works particularly well for families looking for a full day out. Visitors can see live shows and animal encounters before switching to swimming pools, slides and splash areas, all within the Puerto del Carmen attraction.

Aquapark Costa Teguise offers an easy break from sightseeing, especially for families. Racing slides and faster rides suit older children, while smaller pools and splash areas cater for younger visitors. There are also gentler attractions and places to stop for food between rides.

Close to Lanzarote Airport near Tías, Gran Karting Lanzarote offers outdoor racing for visitors looking for something more energetic than an afternoon by the pool. Different kart categories cater for varying ages and experience levels, making the circuit a straightforward option for families, groups and competitive friends.