Five Reasons Why Lanzarote Should Be On Your Travel Radar

The month of March for me will be centered on the Canary Islands – not only will I be visiting Tenerife for the first time, but I’ll also be heading to Trujillo to redeem a prize from a writing contest, in which I wrote about a memorable meal on Gran Canaria.

For the future, I can’t overlook Lanzarote, as the easternmost island’s biodiversity, gastronomic treats and jaw-dropping beaches merit an epic road trip around the bean-shaped island.

 

Most tourists flock to Tenerife or Gran Canaria, but here are five reasons why Lanzarote is a must-see in Spain

And it’s not all golf courses and spas on this vacation paradise – leaving the Tenerife trip planning to my local friend, I began to delve into what Lanzarote has to offer.

The Beaches and Biodiversity

Known to have been formed by underwater volcanic eruptions, Lanzarote has been crowned with a Biosphere Reserve through UNESCO for its richness of flora and fauna, as well as its unique geology. In fact, over 40% of the island has been designated as protected area, the most famous being the moon-like volcanic landscape of Timanfaya National Park.

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There’s also a number of geological sites due to multiple eruptions and underwater volcanic activity. Visit the Jameos de Agua, el Golfo volcanic lake or  the Cueva de los Verdes – they look insane!

And thanks to its miles of coastline, the beaches on Lanzarote are famous for their beauty and their wind sports. Those near Puerto del Carmen are where you’ll find a number of tourist-friendly amenities and all-inclusive resorts, but Yaiza’s white sand beaches and the lunar-like stretches near Tinajo shouldn’t be missed.

The Gastronomy

The gastronomic history of Lanzarote is astounding, rich in vegetables and fish. After tourism, agriculture is the most important industry thanks to its wine-growing regions and tough terrain. This also means that potatoes and yams are widely grown, and the most typical meat dishes are of goat and pork – a far cry from the paella and sangria touristic ploy.

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Be sure to try a gofio, a simple, traditional gift believed to be eaten by the aboriginal people. Made of toasted grain flour, it’s typically eaten with stews or added to water to make dough. Cheese is also a big deal on the island, and several varieties are made.

The Weather

While most of North America and even Spain are caught in the worst winter weather of, um, decades, the Canaries experience an average temperature of 22° (and the average water temperature is close to 20°!) and about 12 hours of sunlight in the summer months.

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Do note that if things gets hazy, it’s because of the sand blowing off of the Sahara Desert – Lanzarote is just 125km off the African coast!

The History

Believed to be the first settled island of the archipelago, Lanzarote has long been inhabited by Phoenicians, Romans and the objective of many European conquerors. It was even believed to be Atlantis by Plato!

Teguise is the historic capital of the island and, at one time, the political center as well. The small city has seen skirmishes and pirate attacks, and is now home to the island’s best museums. There’s also a weekly flea market on Sunday, and the city fills to the brim for the event.

Though a fair amount of the Canaries’ citizens is made up of expats, Lanzarote has a smaller concentration of foreign residents. Because it’s different from mainland Spain, the island merits a visit to see its unique way of life.

Getting to and around Lanzarote

The island is served by both an international airport and ferries from nearby Gran Canaria. Once on the island, renting a car is recommended, or you can cycle, surf, hike or even hitch a ride on the guagua.

Have you ever been to the Canary Islands? Any suggestions for Tenerife?

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About Cat Gaa

As a beef-loving Chicago girl living amongst pigs, bullfighters, and a whole lotta canis, Cat Gaa writes about expat life in Seville, Spain. When not cavorting with adorable Spanish grandpas or struggling with Spanish prepositions, she works in higher education at an American university in Madrid and freelances with other publications, like Rough Guides and The Spain Scoop.

Comments

  1. Excellent portrait of Lanzarote. You could also mention that the small island of La GRaciosa is a short boat ride away and offer a Lanzarote like experience with no car, no traffic and unpaved streets…a complete time travel.

  2. Apart from Gran Canaria of course, Lanzarote’s one of our favourite of the Canary Islands. Yes, definitely check out La Graciosa and, in particular, Playa de las Conchas. Also the La Geria wine region’s great for a booze cruise.
    Gran Canaria Local recently posted..InShape FactoryMy Profile

  3. The caves are spectacular! You chose a great picture. It´s a good spot to see how amazing our planet earth is. I like how the lighting and background music in the caves added to the atmosphere. It would be amazing to see a concert there. I would recommend a visit to anyone (who is not worried about confined spaces, as some of the tunnels are pretty narrow and twisting).
    Jamie S. recently posted..Photo Of The Week – Icy Sunset In TorontoMy Profile

  4. Sounds like I should take some of my own advice. Thanks, all!

  5. Lanzarote is definitely on my list to visit before I leave Spain :) Thanks for Sharing!

    • Hope you make it – I’ve never been either! Tenerife is up this weekend, and it seems like we’re going to pack a loooot in! Safe Travels, guapa!

  6. Such a great sunday read. Thank you so much.

  7. Hello there

    I have visited all of these places you recommend and I have to say they were worth visiting! If you have never been to Lanzarote but thinking of going, do not hesitata and just go! You will not regret for sure!
    Thanks
    Kris
    Kris recently posted..TrustRunk vs. PRMy Profile

  8. Thanks for sharing your experience in Lanzarote. You can also try other places in Canary Islands like Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura. They are some of the Canary Islands points of Interest.
    Enjoy your travel!

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