Lanzarote sights: volcanoes, Manrique and beaches

In short: Lanzarote is black, red and white: lava fields, volcanic cones and low houses, because the artist César Manrique prevented high-rise buildings. The most important sights belong to the island’s art and culture centres (CACT). For Timanfaya and the Cueva de los Verdes you have to reserve a date and time in advance.

How much do the Manrique centres cost?

The best-known sights are run by the island government under the name CACT. According to the operator, the centres are open 365 days a year, and children up to 6 years old get in free.

All information as of October 2026. The Casa Museo del Campesino is free. The official shop shows whether combined tickets are currently available.

How does a visit to Timanfaya National Park work?

The Fire Mountains (Montañas del Fuego) were formed during eruptions in the 18th century. You are not allowed to enter the core area on your own. You drive to the visitor centre on the Islote de Hilario, where the bus tour through the lava fields that is part of the visit begins. Up there, staff show you how hot the ground still is, and the restaurant grills food over geothermal heat. Choose an early time slot: later on the access road gets congested, and the light is better in the morning.

Which places in the north go together?

You can do the north in one day if you stick to the order. Drive all the way up first and work your way back.

1. Mirador del Río: viewpoint in the cliff face overlooking the neighbouring island of La Graciosa.
2. Cueva de los Verdes: guided walk through a lava tube.
3. Jameos del Agua: the same tube, transformed by Manrique into a lagoon, garden and concert hall.
4. Jardín de Cactus (Guatiza): cactus garden in an old quarry.
5. Fundación César Manrique (Tahíche): his former home, built into lava bubbles. Not part of the CACT centres.

If you have an extra day, take the ferry from Órzola to La Graciosa: a small island without asphalt roads.

What is there to see in the south and west?

The south combines wine growing, coastline and the island’s best beaches.

• La Geria: vines in hollows of volcanic ash, each with a semicircular stone wall against the wind. Try the Malvasía.
• El Golfo: a green lagoon (Charco de los Clicos) in front of a black beach.
• Los Hervideros and Salinas de Janubio: surf crashing into lava caves and salt pans, both on the same coastal road.
• Playas de Papagayo: light-coloured bays in the Los Ajaches protected area, reachable via a dirt track. According to media reports, non-residents pay 3 € for access (as of October 2026).
• Teguise: the old capital in the interior of the island, with a big market on Sundays.

Local tips and combinations

Lanzarote is easy going if you take the wind and sun seriously.

• Wind: bring a jacket for the viewpoints, even in summer.
• Shade: There are hardly any trees. A hat, water and sunscreen belong in the car.
• Paths: Lava rock is sharp, wear sturdy shoes instead of sandals.
• Fuerteventura: According to Fred. Olsen, the ferry takes 25 to 35 minutes (as of October 2026). A day trip to the beaches on Fuerteventura is very doable, more routes in Island hopping.
• Food: fish, goat’s cheese and wine from the island, background in Canarian food.

Lanzarote is also popular with people who work remotely. What is different in terms of tax compared to the mainland is explained in Self-employed in the Canary Islands.

Frequently asked questions

As of October 2026. Opening hours, prices and entry rules change. Check them on the official websites before your visit.

Cover image: Luis Miguel Bugallo Sánchez (Lmbuga) · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0