What Is The Best Way To Enjoy Your Lanzarote Holiday
Do you want to know The Best Way To Enjoy Your Lanzarote Holiday?
I’m going to kick things off by painting a picture of Lanzarote for you. Imagine an island where moon-like terrain meets pristine blue waters, where cultural richness blends with raw, natural beauty. This is Lanzarote, a unique gem among the Canary Islands…
and it’s why so many travellers have it on their radar.
I have just come back from Lanzarote via Fuerteventura. This was my 2nd time visiting in a space of only about 2 1/2 months.
I shared a post about my last visit (which was a disaster) but it really is a great place to visit.
As long as you make the right plans – which I shall talk about today!
The Best Way To Enjoy Your Lanzarote Holiday
So, coming to Lanzarote there’s a blend of adventure, tranquillity, and heritage that gives this island a distinct vibe. At the heart of the Canary Islands, to the East of Morocco (although a part of Spain) Lanzarote has carved out its reputation as a top holiday destination.
Renowned for its ethereal Volcanic Landscapes, Lanzarote also boasts culturally vibrant towns, each telling a story of the island’s storied past.
I stayed in Arrecife both times . It’s a nice laid back area with a few bars, there is the beach here and if I was to come back – here is probably where I’d stay. Although, Puerto Del Carmen is the main tourist area. You also have Playa Honda and Teguise which have their own hotels but it seemed to me on my visit that Puerto Del Carmen was the place to be.
I really like it here, a nice selection of bars, restaurants and shops but its a bit of a naughty place depending on where you go. On my last visit I found a few bars that I really didn’t want to be this time around. Really going to these ruined my last trip but this is why I came back again.
Now, I know you’re wondering What the Best Way Potentially is to Experience this Island Paradise. I would say don’t waste your whole stay in bars getting drunk, don’t lose your phone and bank cards, bring enough money and check out what else is on offer.
And that’s exactly what we’re going to delve into next.
Planning Your Lanzarote Getaway
For me a big part of coming here was cheap flights. When I came to Lanzarote in December (2023) I booked on Black Friday and then my next trip I booked during the January sales.
I paid £35 RTN in December with Ryanair and it was only £15 for my latest trip to get here again but this was ONE WAY without RTN. I had to pay a further £36 to fly back from Fuerteventura at 10:30AM. Also, I had to get a ferry here as well but I was quite happy to do this.
I think best part for me was it only cost me £4 to get to the airport on the local bus. £2 to Stevenage and £2 to Luton. My last trip I paid this as well but it was £50 back in a taxi because it was midnight. On this trip I made sure I could get a daytime RTN which worked pretty well.
Best of all, I think this has been one of the cheapest trips overseas EVER, and I could have done this even cheaper. If I booked my flights and hostels earlier but I didn’t really pay too much.
Although, one thing I learned is deciding when to visit Lanzarote can significantly affect your holiday experience. For this reason, It can be a good idea to look into climate patterns and travel seasons to help you pick the perfect timeframe.
The Best Time To Visit Lanzarote?
Lanzarote is fortunate to have a subtropical desert climate, which means you’re going to find mild, enjoyable weather year-round. However, each season has subtle differences worth noting.
The Summer months, from June to August, are the warmest, with temperatures floating comfortably in the mid-20s to low 30s Celsius. If your ideal vacation includes basking in the sun, this is your time to visit. Although, this is typically when flights are the most expensive.
Or, If you prefer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, consider visiting between September and November or from March to May. These ‘shoulder seasons’ offer a more peaceful experience and often better deals on flights and accommodations.
I am yet to visit at any of these times. December to February is the only season I’ve been here – you maybe will want to bring a jumper for in the evening during these months.
December was actually quite hot I found. February I still was OK in shorts and T-Shirt but it was quite windy. I was lucky to not lose my hat lol.
I mean I would say travelling here in these months are a good time as any. I would actually LOVE to go back anytime of the year. Although, December, January and February seem to be the cheapest.
But what can you expect here you might wonder?
Things To Do In Lanzarote
Aligning your trip with Lanzarote’s cultural calendar can be a good idea to look into. The island bursts into life with vibrant celebrations like the Carnival in February, the Ironman competition in May, and the San Gines festival in August. These events offer a unique glimpse into local traditions and are a great way to make lasting memories.
*Sidenote: There was some Festival going on in Fuerteventura whilst I was at my hostel. The racket lol I kind of am a bit gutted I didn’t go and check it out but maybe next time. I should have went to see but I think I was feeling a bit tired.
Anyway, In my experience, choosing something that resonates with you when it comes to weather preference and the vibe you’re seeking is key.
One thing I did in Lanzarote was I went to Rancho Texas Wildlife park one day. I didn’t think much of it really but I liked the dolphins and it was something to do.
I will let you make up your own mind about visiting this place, but what I did the next day the Grand Tour of Lanzarote I would say is an ABSOLUTE MUST! My friend who I went with before said he didn’t want to spend all day on the coach but I thought it was worth it. There are plenty of stops along the way but there is no toilet on the coach so maybe stay off the beer!
Apart from that this is a perfect opportunity to see at least 2 of Lanzarote’s main attractions – Including the Volcanos at Timanfaya National Park.
Must-See Attractions: Lanzarote’s Cultural Highlights
When you visit Lanzarote, you’re entering a world where the raw power of nature meets human ingenuity. The rugged beauty of volcanic landscapes alongside artistic creations that blend seamlessly with the environment.
You will see a lot of cool sculptures on your travels through Lanzarote – book the tour and you will see what I mean. Much of Lanzarote’s surge in tourism over the past 50 years has been carefully planned with picturesque scenes in mind.
The Timanfaya National Park is the first stop the Grand Tour will take you to. Actually it’s a cafe first before this for a 20 minute stop to grab breakfast but after that is when the fun begins.
Dubbed the ‘Fire Mountains,’ this area offers an unforgettable experience with its otherworldly terrain. When I got here I thought it was the beach from the Planet of the Apes.
Apparently it is not, it was actually filmed in Arizona and Miami but it looks just like it.
From heere you have the option to go on a Camal ride. I didn’t go for this, it’s 15 euros but the area is pretty amazing. I think maybe I would like to do another tour so I could see more of the place. We only had half hour here I think it was but it was OK because it was one thing after another from this point. I just did not like the wind.
And even going up the narrow roads and round the volcano on the coach was pretty epic. The host for the coach joked on the microphone that the driver Melvin had to close his eyes making these risky turns. Like I am sure Melvin and the other drivers are used to this but you could Imagine if someone went off the road here it’s a long way down lol
But, you do see some pretty Incredible sights on the coach like the El Diablo (Devil’s Restaurant) which is built like a spaceship or something from Star Trek.
Here was another stop on the tour and there was a BBQ here where the food was cooked using geothermal heat. Apparently at 450 degrees Celsius.
None of us got to eat any unfortunately but the tour did Include an all you can eat buffet for 12 euros after we visited here that was well worth it.
Now what about a dose of culture?
Cesar Manrique, a local artist, saw the island as his canvas. His influence is a thread that connects various attractions on the island.
What I was Not Expecting?
The last stop on the grand tour really got me. The magnum opus of Cesar Manrique’s work Jameos del Agua, a harmony of nature and design within a lava tunnel.
Here was maybe the highlight of the whole trip for me. I got off the coach and I wandered off to take a few photos of Teddy lol I come back and people were queuing up to go Inside here.
I actually walked back outside because it was 15 euros to come Inside. Really I thought nothing of it – I was going to wait outside for everyone to get back on the coach for 45 minutes but lucky for me I see the host for the tour and he explained that it was for me part of the tour and it was Inclusive with what I had already paid.
I could not believe how beautiful this place was. From the moment I stepped Inside it was like a beautiful dream and 15 euros to go Inside is worth every single penny. Thankfully I never had to pay for this but at the moment I thought I did – if I had of known what was Inside I would have paid it without hesitation. It is somewhere that should not be missed if you go to Visit Lanzarote this is a real Jewel in its Crown.
What Else Is There?
For beach lovers, there’s more than just the typical stretches of golden sand. There are lot’s of beaches in Lanzarote but the northern coast boasts of hidden coves and natural pools, like those at Punta Mujeres, are pretty special too.
Each attraction offers a unique window into Lanzarote’s soul, setting the stage for even deeper exploration. I think if you are here as a family the Catamaran Cruise to Papayago looks good for £60 and you also have the Dolphin and Whale spotting tours to check out.
Also, Catching the ferry to Fuerteventura is a nice little tip as well. Its around 20 euros from Playa Blanca and it’s a lot quieter than Lanzarote but very special itself.
Lanzarote Beyond the Beach: Activities and Experiences for Every Traveller
So, YOU might think of Lanzarote as a beach paradise first and foremost, but trust me, this island has so much more to offer. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or a culture enthusiast, Lanzarote delivers. There is all sorts to do here – search Viator for Lanzarote tours you will see.
For those who live for thrills, Lanzarote’s diverse landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for a host of adventure sports. The island’s waves are a surfer’s haven while the winds make it a top spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing.
Or, If you prefer to stay on land, mountain biking and trekking through the volcanic terrain can be a blast.
And for Wine aficionados here you can explore the La Geria wine region, where you’ll see how local winemakers have overcome volcanic challenges to create some truly unique vintages.
A wine tour here isn’t just a tasting journey; it’s an education in the resilient spirit of the island’s inhabitants.
*I did not drink on my last trip but I did visit the winery as part of the grand tour. This is another reason you may decide to book this.
There is much on offer visiting Lanzarote it has a bit of everything for everyone and I am sure I still have not seen everything here yet.
Sustainable Tourism: Preserving Lanzarote’s Beauty for Future Generations
NOW, if you do visit YOU’RE going to find out that Lanzarote isn’t just an exquisite holiday destination; it’s also a beacon for sustainable tourism. The island’s commitment to eco-friendly practices is evident in every aspect of its tourism industry.
This was something that was envisioned in the 1970’s and 1980’s when Lanzarote really started to cement its place for International visitors. Something that was really down to the work of DÃaz Rijo who made fresh water (desalination) and electricity a possibility for everyone on the Island.
The history of Lanzarote here is something VERY UNIQUE and SPECIAL. Learning about Lanzarote and how it has come to be what it is now is quite fascinating.
Why You Simply Must Visit?
Don’t worry too much about compromising luxury for sustainability. You can choose accommodations that intertwine both.
From eco-resorts to green villas, these places offer comfort while still maintaining a natural beauty. There are plenty of cheap places such as hostels to stay to but make sure you try to book in advance.
The more affordable places do not stay available cheap for long.
I was a bit silly for not booking my hostel the day I booked my flight I could have got a room at £10 per night. £21 a night I paid.
Of course, it is worth paying more if it is a matter of coming here or not coming here. At the time of writing this (March 2024) it is very cheap here. 2 Euros a pint of Beer. 12 Euros a Steak Meal. 3 Euros 20 Cigarettes (if you smoke) and to get the bus is about 2 euros.
In Conclusion
Just to summarize What Is The Best Way To Enjoy Your Lanzarote Holiday? I think you could come here any time of the year and you could have a good holiday. Maybe you might find it’s quite windy some months (Around January/February) but this might be the cheapest time to come for flights and accomadation.
My tip is to use Skyscanner select One Way and with flexible dates to see the whole month. Also look at flights to Fuerteventura too because getting from here to Lanzarote is not expensive – this might just be the way to do it and this is worth a visit to for a few days if you have enough time.
Note: Check out the Oasis Wildlife park in Fuerteventura if you get the chance it is an amazing day out.
And what else?
Look on Viator for Lanzarote tours this is a must-have app for me and you can money for every booking towards your next trip.
Also, on a final note – I am hoping to go somewhere special – maybe Brazil, Tibet, Easter Island, Ethiopia, Mongolia, Kenya, Egypt, Mexico or Philippines – I have set up a fundraiser if you would like to donate to help me get to one of these places
Besides this many thanks for reading this blog post (if you have) and leave us a comment below if you would like to join in on the discussion of this topic.
Read Some of Our Other More Recent Posts…
- How Do I Afford To Go Travelling SO MUCH – What Are My Secrets?This is something I thought about doing a blog post on before. As every once in a while, without fail, someone will say this to me How Do I Afford To Go Travelling So Much?? My friend actually said this to me just last week as I was boarding my plane to Lanzarote “Wow Alex…
- 9 European Countries In 11 Days – It’s Finally Over – Teddys Tour 2024Wow, what a crazy couple of weeks it has been. I went to 9 European Countries In 12 Days! ((It’s actually 7 if you take away England, and Belgium (where my coach stopped at a petrol station) but I think this sounds a bit better for a title. And actually, It’s funny because I think…
- Lost In Austria Found In Prague – Little Teddy Bear Lost!Since my last post about my time in Belgrade, Serbia It has been pretty eventful I would say. I left Belgrade to go to Zagreb, Croatia and from Zagreb I travelled to Budapest, Hungary then I went to Vienna, Austria and now I am in Prague, Czech Republic (my 4th time here). I will also…
- Surviving Serbia With No Mobile Data (Internet)So, last week I made the decision – I would NOT get my flight to Budapest as Initially planned, I would lose the money (£30) and I would instead take my maiden voyage to the home of the one of the greatest scientists of the 20th century (Nikolas Tesla) and come to Belgrade Serbia. My…
- How Not To Get Lost In Skiathos And The Sporades Islands Of GreeceHow Not To Get Lost In Skiathos And The Sporades Islands? So…, after another one of my Overseas Incidents I thought this would be a great title for this blog post. Which is quite funny actually as Skiathos is not really somewhere you can get lost in REALLY for very long but anyway… Here We…
Bosnia and Herzegonia Brazil Budget Holiday Destinations Canary Islands Czech Republic Easter Island Eastern Europe Egypt Ethiopia Europe Fuerteventura Fuertoventura Gozo and Comino Japan Kenya Lanzarote Malta Mexico Mongolia Oasis Wildlife Park South Korea Spain The Canary Islands The Phillipines Tibet USA
Keen traveller and digital nomad looking to share my stories from my international trips with my faithful companion Mr Bean 2.0 (Alex Chivers).
Hey Alex,
I really enjoyed reading your article about enjoying a holiday in Lanzarote! It brought back some fond memories for me because I visited the island a long time ago and had such a great time. Your descriptions of the landscape and the cultural richness of Lanzarote really took me back.
I love how you shared your experiences and gave practical tips, like considering flight deals and exploring different seasons to visit. It’s so true that planning can make a big difference in how enjoyable your trip turns out to be.
Reading about the attractions and activities you mentioned got me excited about the idea of going back someday. But you know what I’d love to hear more about? The local cuisine! I remember trying some amazing dishes when I was there, and I’m curious to know if there are any new must-try foods or restaurants that capture the essence of Lanzarote.
Also, since you mentioned sustainability, I’m intrigued to learn more about any eco-friendly initiatives or practices within the local tourism industry. Supporting sustainable tourism is something I’m passionate about, and it would be great to hear about ways visitors can get involved during their stay.
Thanks for sharing your insights and tips, Alex! Your article has definitely inspired me to start planning my next trip to Lanzarote
Hi Lizzy, I have been to Lanzarote twice in 2 months. It was just so cheap to get there and back. I could have got there even cheaper but I was kind of hoping I could leave things till nearer the time. Don’t do that if you book. If you find a cheap flight make sure you book the flight back on the same day and look at flights from both Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. Booking off season is definitely a good tip it is hot all year I believe just can get very windy so bring a hat and don’t let it blow away.
The local cuisine I ate out at a few places. There is a Native American place which I quite liked. Good for local music too. There is a steak house next to it that is quite cheap 12 euros a meal. I suspect this is not what you mean though – to be honest I was trying not to go too mad with my spending at all the different restaurants. Although I’m sure you would find some gems.
About the eco sustainability this is pretty much what Lanzarote is built on these ideas. When they thought up the idea of making it into a tourist destination in the 1970s I think it was this was something that was really at the forefront of it all. It is a shame I can’t find the article to share but very fascinating how this has become what it is now.
This is very good Alex well done xxx
Hi Alex. And thank you so much for a fantastic introduction to Lanzarote. It’s funny because when I was growing up, this place had a little bit of a bad reputation, as a tourist trap, filled with nothing but drunken beach goers… 😉 But it’s pretty clear to me, after reading your article that that is NOT the full picture (you can probably find that scene, but where couldn’t you do that, right? 😉
I was of course most surprised by the things that went beynd the beach, like the work by Cesar Manrique and the places you mentioned like Jameos del Agua. These things are so far from the image I was presented to, when I was growing up.
You definitely have me convinced, that I need to revise my impression of this beautiful island, and hopefully go there soon. Thank you for that! 🙂
Hi Michael, it really depends on what you do and where you go. Where I stayed in Arrecife there was none of this but in Puerto Del Carmen there is a lot of drinking going on. During the day you can get a pint of beer for 2 euros so you can imagine that a lot of people are going there and getting wasted. When I went in December I pretty much did this, and I lost my phone it ruined the rest of my holiday but of course I went back in February as I wanted to put things right with the time I spent here. I did not drink at all – I think you can have a pretty good time here not drinking and if you want to avoid trouble just avoid certain places. You should look at visiting and once your here look on Viator for the tours.
Hi Alex,
This is a very informative article on Lanzarote.
I know lots of people who have been to this island and have given great feedback on how their holiday went. I have never been but after reading your article I am seriously thinking about making it my holiday destination this year.
I will let you know if I eventually do and if I have any questions before I leave for the holiday then I will get in touch, if you can help me that is.
Thank you for sharing and keep up the great work.
All the best,
Tom
Hi Tom, You should look into going will be well worth your time. If you actually time it right you can get hear for quite cheap as well. Even if you look at coming here in the colder months in the UK (November to February), it’s hot here all year round.
Also, if you do go look at getting the ferry to Fuerteventura. It is pretty easy to get to and lot’s to do here too.
Check out my article Here>>
Discover The Hidden Gems Of Fuerteventura: Must-See Attractions