Heavenly beaches facing the Atlantic Ocean, surreal lunar landscapes and charming authentic villages: welcome to Lanzarote, in the Canary archipelago. This piece of land off the coast of Morocco, nicknamed the island of a thousand volcanoes, has many surprises in store for you. Still relatively untouched by mass tourism, thanks in no small part to the artist Cesar Manrique, Lanzarote is an ideal destination for travellers in search of magnificent landscapes, idleness on the beach and natural wonders. Find out how to prepare your road trip to Lanzarote with Ethik & Trips' little extra: a selection of eco-responsible accommodation for your stay on the island.
When to go to the Canaries?
The Canary archipelago offers a pleasant climate all year round. So you can explore Lanzarote and its neighboring islands at any time of year. Renowned for its eternal spring, Lanzarote is a destination you can even explore in winter, during the low tourist season. Avoid July and August, which are much busier and a little hotter.
What is the budget for a road trip to Lanzarote?
The budget for a road trip to Lanzarote is similar to what you might spend in Spain. Expect to spend between €50 and €100 per person per day, between €350 and €700 per person for a week-long road trip on the island.
You should also budget between €150 and €200 for a return flight from Paris.
How long does it take to circumnavigate Lanzarote?
Lanzarote is a small island, about 8 times the size of Paris. However, it is home to many natural and cultural treasures. We therefore recommend spending a week on the island. If you're a little more pressed for time, you can see the essentials in 3 or 4 days.
Visit Lanzarote in a week
A week is the ideal length of time to explore Lanzarote without rushing around too much or having to give up certain excursions.
Here's an example of a 7-day excursion to the island of a thousand volcanoes:
- 2 days in the vicinity of Timanfaya National Park, including a day to hike around the volcanoes, such as Caldera Blanca, Montaña Colorada and Montaña Negra;
- 1 day to drive the pretty road to El Golfo, before discovering Los Hervideros, the Janubio salt flats and the black sand beaches; 2 or 3 days to discover
- the sites of Cesar Manrique in the north of the island;
- 1 day excursion to La Graciosa;
- 1 day to relax on one of the island's beaches, such as Papayago, or extend your stay on La Graciosa to enjoy the beautiful stretches of sand that are a match for those on the main island.
Lanzarote in 3 or 4 days
In 3 or 4 days, organize your stay to explore :
- Timanfaya National Park or hike around the volcanoes for a day ;
- A day to El Golfo, before discovering Los Hervideros, the Janubio salt flats and black sand beaches ;
- 1 or 2 days to discover the sites of César Manrique.
How do I get to Lanzarote?
Lanzarote can be reached in 4 hours by direct flight from Paris. The international airport is that of the capital, Arrecife.
If you have time, the island of a thousand volcanoes can also be reached by ferry from Cadiz in Spain. Allow around 30 hours for the Armas ferry service, departing weekly in each direction.
Why not extend your stay to explore the other islands of the Canary archipelago? Each of them is full of nuggets to discover.
Lanzarote is linked by direct ferry to 4 other islands in the archipelago: Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Fuerteventura and La Palma. Fuerteventura is the closest: just 30 minutes by ferry to the neighboring island.
Getting around Lanzarote
Renting a car in Lanzarote
Even though Lanzarote is a small island, a car is a great way to explore its beautiful roads and get around the island without difficulty. You can opt for the local car rental agency Cicar or use a car rental agency comparator.
Visiting Lanzarote without a car
If you'd like to try the adventure of discovering Lanzarote without a car, it's possible thanks to the island's bus network. However, the frequency can make the logistics of your excursion a little more perilous, and the reliability of the service isn't always up to scratch.
Find out more about buses in Lanzarote.
What to do on a road trip to Lanzarote?
Discover the island's magnificent beaches
Unlike some of its Canarian neighbors, Lanzarote has managed to keep its coastline relatively unspoilt by excessive concrete development. Here are a few stretches of sand not to be missed during your stay:
- Playa El Golfo, a magnificent black sand beach, ideal for enjoying the sunset;
- Playa Papagayo, reputed to be one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, with a dream location for admiring the setting sun;
- Playa de Famara, a windy beach particularly suited to kite-surfing.
Discover the world of Cesar Manrique
Most of the sites dedicated to the work of Cesar Manrique can be found in the north of the island. Let yourself be tempted by at least one of the excursions to immerse yourself in the unique world of this artist. Here are some of the main sites:
- Cactus Garden. This former quarry has been transformed into a landscaped garden designed by Cesar Manrique. As its name suggests, you'll see... cactuses ;
- Lagomar, an astonishing troglodytic villa, decorated with works by Cesar Manrique. Expect a one-of-a-kind discovery that's well worth the detour;
- Mirador Del Rio. Enjoy a breathtaking view of the island of La Graciosa while discovering an architectural marvel by Cesar Manrique ;
- Fondation Cesar Manrique. This former home of the artist offers a good introduction to his work ;
- Jameos del Agua. It is in the heart of lava tunnels that Cesar Manrique scattered many of his creations.
Take an excursion to the island of La Graciosa
This island definitely feels like the end of the world. With no paved roads, few buildings and superb volcanic landscapes, the neighboring island of Lanzarote is well worth a visit. To explore it, we recommend renting a mountain bike for a one-day tour of the island's volcanic landscapes and beautiful beaches.
To extend your stay, spend the night here and enjoy the next day lounging on the magnificent beaches of this small piece of land.
The island of La Graciosa can be reached in just 20 minutes by boat from the north of Lanzarote with the Lineas Romero and Naviera Armas companies.
Admire Lanzarote's volcanoes
Lanzarote is best known for its superb volcanic landscapes. When you come face to face with these immense, surrealistically colored stretches of desert, you'll understand why! To say that Lanzarote transports you to another planet is hardly an understatement.
Don't miss..:
- Timanfaya National Park. Accessible only by tourist bus or on foot with a guide, Lanzarote's star attraction has landscapes that will leave you speechless.
- If you'd like to explore the volcanoes on your own, Lanzarote has it for you. Beautiful walks await you around Caldera Blanca, Caldera Colorada and Montaña Negra.
The road to El Golfo
The LZ-704 to El Golfo and then the LZ-703 along the coast are well worth the detour. Take a few breaks along the way to admire :
- Playa El Golfo, with its breathtaking panorama of black sand framed by red-toned rocks and blue ocean;
- the coastline around Los Hervideros, formed by lava plunging into the ocean. A number of trails offer magnificent views of the glowing rock, the raging coastline and the surrounding volcanoes;
- Les Salines de Janubio. Discover a lovely view of the salt marshes, a rather surprising panorama after walking along the volcanoes and admiring the lava flows.
Where to stay in Lanzarote?
For your stay in Lanzarote, we suggest 3 eco-friendly accommodations, 2 in the north of the island and one further south, ideally located to allow you to explore the island's riches easily and without traveling too many kilometers.
Eco Fisherman's Cottage, a 5-person cottage facing the ocean
This authentic, charming accommodation welcomes you to the village of Arrieta, facing the seafront. Fully equipped, it sleeps 2 adults and 3 children comfortably. The Atlantic Ocean is just 2 steps away, and village amenities are within easy reach. Its location is ideal for excursions to Cesar Manrique sites or exploring the island of La Graciosa. The icing on the cake? The home's electricity is generated by solar panels!
Book your stay at Eco Fisherman's Cottage.
Eco Finca de Arrieta, an eco-village in Lanzarote
Eco Finca de Arrieta offers 17 yurts, villas and off-grid cottages for a comfortable, unusual and ecological stay in Lanzarote. Eco Tower, Eco Luxury Farmhouse or Eco Twin Yurt: a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets!
The heated swimming pool and ocean 300 meters away let you relax between 2 excursions to discover the riches of Lanzarote.
Book your stay at Eco Finca de Arrieta.
Los Lirios, an eco-friendly hotel in Lanzarote for exploring the south of the island
Welcome to Los Lirios, a renovated early 18th-century farmhouse ideally located for exploring Timanfaya National Park. Stay in a typical local building in which the original features have been preserved. Comfortable rooms, an outdoor swimming pool and a sunny terrace await you.
Book your stay at Los Lirios for your road trip to Lanzarote.
Image by lapping de Pixabay
Image by Enrique from Pixabay
Image by neufal54 from Pixabay
Image by lapping de Pixabay
Image by obenbleibenstuttgart from Pixabay
