I was recently invited to Lanzarote with Jet2 where I was lucky enough to spend three days exploring the best of what there is to see, do, eat and drink on this volcanic island. Found off the coast of North Western Africa, Lanzarote is one of the Canary Islands and is administered by Spain. This island is very popular with British, Spanish and Scandinavian tourists (especially those wanting to escape the bitterly cold winters up north) and while it has a reputation as being one of the best places to get some winter sun, Lanzarote is actually a fantastic year round holiday destination. I visited Lanzarote in October with Jet2 and was able to experience the gastronomy, culture and striking beauty this island has to offer.
Suggested read: Things to do in Lanzarote for first timers
Jet2 Lanzarote: Day 1
At London Stansted Airport, bright eyed and bushy tailed
To maximise our time on our holiday in Lanzarote, we picked up an early morning Jet2 flight from London Stansted to Lanzarote. We checked in our bags (a 22kg checked in suitcase included) and picked up our boarding pass before making our way through London Stansted security and off to our flight.
London Stansted to Lanzarote with Jet2
Our Jet2 flight to Lanzarote was a breeze. Taking approximately 4 hours, we could sit back, read a book and have breakfast on the plane (you can purchase from the in-flight menu). The benefit of the early morning flight meant we were also treated to a beautiful sunrise.
On arrival
On arrival at Lanzarote we swiftly picked up our bags, swapped out our cooler English weather clothes to our summer holiday outfits and met our tour guide, Inés, for the next few days. Without wasting a moment, we jumped into our transport and headed off to explore Lanzarote. This is a major bonus of catching an early flight: you’re on holiday before lunch time.
El Golfo
Our first stop on our Jet2 Lanzarote trip was to El Golfo. One of the must do sights of Lanzarote, El Golfo is a famous green lake, made so by its high concentration of algae within its waters. Just as we soon came to find about almost everything with this island, the lake was surrounded by striking cliffs and sand, both black by the volcanic origins of the island. Be sure to bring your camera for El Golfo (and, well, for everywhere in Lanzarote) as you’re going to want to snap more than one photo of the incredible contrasting landscape. Suggested read: The most Instagrammable places in Lanzarote.
Timanfaya National Park
Our next stop on our Jet2 Lanzarote trip was the ultra-impressive Timanfaya National Park. Home to Lanzarote’s only active volcano (although I wouldn’t worry yourself too much, it last erupted almost 200 years ago), Timanfaya National Park is one of the most iconic sights in Lanzarote. We arrived and took in the incredible view across the barren volcanic landscape (it really did feel like you were looking out over another planet) before being handed volcanic rocks (they really are hot – my palm slightly blistered – although I may just be a little weak haha) and witnessed water burst from the ground. We were told that we were standing directly on top of magma (I mean, it was ‘directly’ on top, but there was still 4km of earth between us!) which explained the natural phenomenons we could experience here.
After lunch (more on this below), we hopped onto a coach where we were taken on a tour around the national park. These coaches depart regularly and are the only way to see more of Timanfaya as self-drive is not allowed through the main area of the national park. The coach journey was impressive but it was a bit hair-raising to see such a large coach twist and turn through the ultra tight roads, with relatively sudden drops on each side – it just added to the experience.
Lunch at El Diablo restaurant
For lunch (and our first of many delicious meals on our Jet2 Lanzarote trip) we were treated to a volcanic meal at El Diablo Restaurant. Taking barbecue chicken to the next level, El Diablo uses the heat from the volcanic environment to cook the chicken. It tasted delicious, and was pretty impressive after you learnt how the meal was cooked. After lunch, we were also treated to the cutest dessert ever – a mini chocolate marshmallow in the shape of a volcano – all keeping with the theme! Suggested read: Where to eat and drink in Lanzarote
Checked into our hotel, the Barcelo Lanzarote Royal Level.
After Timanfaya National Park, we checked into our hotel Jet2holidays Barcelo Lanzarote Royal Level where we spent a few hours relaxing at the pool and enjoying the spacious hotel room, which came with its own living area and balcony in addition to the large bedroom and modern ensuite. There’s no doubt that Jet2 understood the luxury holiday market.
Dinner at Kentia Gourmet Club in Puerto del Carmen
On our first night on our Jet2 Lanzarote trip, we were treated to an absolutely delicious four course meal with paired wines at Kentia Gourmet Club in Puerto del Carmen. Kentia Gourmet Club, is just as the name suggests: gourmet. When packing for your Jet2 Lanzarote holiday, be sure to include a few dressier items, as you’re going to want to dress up to visit restaurants like this. We enjoyed a goat’s cheese dish, a fish dish, and steak before a tasty chocolate dessert. While paired wines were a delicious added option, if you’re not a big wine fan, you can still order a few incredible looking cocktails instead.
Jet2 Lanzarote: Day 2
Breakfast at the hotel
On our second day of our Jet2 Lanzarote holiday, we headed for a breakfast buffet at our hotel where there were numerous options available, suitable for a range of appetites and diets. After fuelling up for the day, we headed out again, ready to explore the island.
A Jet2 Lanzarote holiday highlight: The Cueva de los Verdes
Our first stop for our second day of our Jet2 Lanzarote holiday was the Cueva de los Verdes. This iconic Lanzarote location (and a must do for first-timers to the island) was formed over 4,000 years ago through volcanic eruption. When La Corona Volcano erupted, lava surged through this 8km long tunnel, leaving a trail of (pretty impressive if you ask me) destruction in its wake. Nowadays, as a part of a guided tour, you can explore a part of Cueva de los Verdes where you’ll discover an underground concert hall and areas of the lava tube where there is surprisingly no echo. This is one spot not to forget your camera, because although the lighting can be a little dim (you’re in a cave after all). the scenery you’ll come across is incredible. Although a lot of our Jet2 Lanzarote holiday was really great, the Cueva de los Verdes was my highlight of the entire Jet2 Lanzarote trip.
The Jameos del Agua
One of the most well-known things to do on your holiday in Lanzarote is the Jameos del Agua. Architect Cesar Manrique, created this Lanzarote attraction which includes a spectacular pool (no swimming allowed, unfortunately!), a beautifully set restaurant (more on this later) and, like the Cueva de los Verdes above, a smaller part of an old lava tube, which is home to a salt lake full of tiny little crabs.
Lunch at Jameos del Agua Restaurant
After we explored Jameos del Agua caves and surrounds, we tucked in for another brilliant lunch on our Jet2 Lanzarote holiday at the on-site restaurant. Set in the entrance to a part of the lava tube and decorated with cacti and giant hanging baskets, we enjoyed pumpkin soup, fish and another delicious chocolate dessert. The restaurants setting wasn’t just very Instagrammable, but its shade and surroundings ensured we stayed cool on the hot Lanzarote days.
Wine tasting and tour at Bodega Stratvs
Suitably full, we then headed to our next Jet2 Lanzarote holiday itinerary location: the Bodega Stratvs. Set beside Timanfaya National Park in the La Geria wine region, Bodega Stratvs is a must do Jet2 Lanzarote location for lovers of wine and for lovers of photography (because the scenic views and unique landscape at Bodega Stratvs are something worth capturing!). We were taken on a guided tour of the winery by our tour guide Yurena (who, hands down, was the funniest person we met on this Jet2 Lanzarote trip). She showed us how they grow the grapes in the hot weather, and the process taken to ferment the wine on site. Just one of the larger barrels we saw held 14,000 litres of wine (still processing how much wine that is!) After we learnt about how the wine was made, we were then able to taste it, sampling different types of wine that Bodega Stratvs produced, all while looking out over one of the Lanzarote volcanos (which is not a bad way to spend an afternoon!)
Time to relax, poolside
Lanzarote is a year-round summer destination, so a must do when on a Jet2 Lanzarote holiday is ensuring you leave time to sit back and relax, poolside. Our accommodation, just like most accommodation across Lanzarote, boasted several fantastic swimming pools. After we finished our second day exploring on the Jet2 Lanzarote trip, we headed back to Jet2holidays Barcelo Lanzarote Royal Level and had some downtime (that most of our group spent by the pool).
Dinner at Hespérides Restaurant in Teguise
Well rested and ready for dinner, we hopped back in our transport and headed to Teguise (more on exploring Teguise with Jet2 Lanzarote further down). Dinner tonight was at Hespérides restaurant, a cosy restaurant situated along the white walls of Lanzarote’s former capital city. We were again treated to a number of courses, including a tuna and avocado dish, one of the best pork meals I’ve ever had and a somewhat inventive dessert involving vanilla ice and sweet corn. You can read more about eating at Hespérides here: Where to eat and drink in Lanzarote.
Jet2 Lanzarote: Day 3
A Jet2 Lanzarote sunrise
I visited Lanzarote with Jet2 in October, when the sun rose each day at about 750am. This later sunrise meant it was possible to catch it each morning without forgoing a sleep-in. Our accommodation had views of both the sunrise and sunset, but due to it facing predominately east, the sun rose over the ocean (and thus, created beautiful photo opportunities), which I couldn’t help myself but get out and capture.
Haría, Valley of the Thousands Palms
After breakfast, which we enjoyed again at the hotel, we set out again on our final full day of our Jet2 Lanzarote holiday. This morning we ventured to the north of the island to a village called Haría, set within the Valley of the Thousand Palms. Back in the 17th and 18th century, each time a child was born in the village, a palm tree was planted, which, as you can imagine, led to an awful lot of palm trees (hence the name). Even without the Instagrammable palms, Haría is a very picturesque village in itself, with gorgeous buildings, white walls and thriving bougainvillea plants.
Another Jet2 Holiday Highlight: Exploring Teguise
After leaving Haría, we headed towards another Instagrammable location on our Jet2 Lanzarote holiday: Lanzarote’s former capital, Teguise. Back now in the day after having dinner in Teguise the night before, this time we were able to wander the streets and take in its beauty. And its beauty, is not just me saying so, Teguise has been recognised as one of the most beautiful towns in all of Spain (because remember, the island of Lanzarote is included within the country of Spain). In addition to walking the streets, you can pop into one (or more!) of Teguise’s many boutique stores, and if you’re interested in photography, you can find the exact spot of the Instagrammable windmill below here: The most Instagrammable places in Lanzarote.
Famara Beach
We continued the third day of our Jet2 Lanzarote holiday by visiting Famara Beach. Unlike the other beaches we had visited on this Jet2 Lanzarote holiday, Famara Beach has a long stretch of golden (rather than black) sand. Farmara Beach is an immensely popular beach in Lanzarote (and a must do for first-timers), especially with holidaymakers seeking the sun and surfers. Famara Beach is a great spot for beginner to advanced surfers and it’s so well-known for surfing, many people take learn to surf lessons here at the beach. While we visited in the middle of the day, this beach faces west and is apparently a very beautiful spot to spend sunset.
Lunch at MIAC, the International Museum of Contemporary Art
After building up a healthy appetite, we headed to MIAC, the International Museum of Contemporary Art, located at the Port of Arrecife, for our final Jet2 Lanzarote lunch. Before exploring the museum (more on this below), we were treated to a delicious dining experience, including a tomato and papaya salad, another beautifully cooked steak and a cherry yoghurt dessert. I won’t spoil it here, but when you visit on your own Jet2 Lanzarote holiday, be sure to head to the bathrooms, as they have some of the best views of the surrounding harbour.
Explored MIAC: The International Museum of Contemporary Art
After we ate, we headed upstairs to the International Museum of Contemporary Art. Situated within the Castillo de San José, an ancient fortress that has been transformed into an impressive gallery, this small but interesting museum showcased sculptures and works of art. Don’t leave without heading to the museum’s rooftop where you can take in the views across the harbour and surrounding landscape.
A Jet2 Lanzarote relaxed afternoon
Having explored for most of the day, we finished our third day on the Jet2 Lanzarote holiday back at our accommodation. Here we could go for a swim, read a book by the pool, or head out for a wander around Costa Teguise, which is what I chose to do. Our accommodation was located just across the road from a small, slightly stony beach, with beautiful blue water.
A final Jet2 Lanzarote dinner
For our final night on our Jet2 Lanzarote holiday we went to a nearby restaurant and enjoyed traditional Spanish tapas, sangria and local beer. It was the perfect way to wrap up the Jet2 Lanzarote trip.
Jet2 Lanzarote: Back to London Stansted
On our final day of the Jet2 Lanzarote trip, we woke up, had another filling breakfast and headed back to the airport for our flight back to London Stansted. If you can nab a window seat, do so, as you won’t be disappointed due to the spectacular aerial views of the island as you depart.
How to book your Jet2 Lanzarote holiday
Jet2 is not only the perfect place to book luxury holidays (without the luxurious price tag), it’s also easy to organise your Lanzarote holiday as you are able to book your Jet2 flights to Lanzarote, your must do activities on your holiday to Lanzarote and your accommodation (like where I stayed at the Jet2holidays Barcelo Lanzerote Royal Level) all in the one place.
Been to Lanzarote before and looking for something different? Check out Jet2’s luxury holiday options or their other flights from London Stansted (there’s over 50 different destinations you can choose from!)
Jet2 Lanzarote: Your ultimate 3 day Lanzarote guide, please note:
I explored Lanzarote with Jet2 as a part of a collaboration. For more information on my disclaimer and how you can work with me see: Work With Me.
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