Visiting Lanzarote for the first time? Make sure you make the most of this incredible volcanic island by ticking off these major Lanzarote must do’s for Lanzarote first timers.
Suggested read: Where to eat and drink in Lanzarote
How to get to Lanzarote
Lanzarote is a Spanish island, but, plot twist, it’s not found off the coast of Spain, but off the coast of North-West Africa. Found about a 4 hour flight from London Stansted, Lanzarote is especially popular with British holidaymakers
The best way to book your holiday to Lanzarote
One of the best ways to visit is by booking your flight to Lanzarote with Jet2. Jet2 has not only reliable flights to Lanzarote, they’re also a great hub for booking accommodation and finding things to do on your holiday to Lanzarote. Perfect for luxury holidays, winter escapes or adventure packed itineraries, whatever the type of holiday you like in Lanzarote, you’ll find it with Jet2. You can read all about my trip to Lanzarote with Jet2 here: Jet2 Lanzarote: Your ultimate 3 day Lanzarote guide.
Things to do in Lanzarote for first timers
1. El Golfo
One of the best things to do in Lanzarote for first timers is visiting El Golfo. Found on the western side of Lanzarote (Google Maps location here) El Golfo is a famous vivid green lake surrounded by rocky black beach. Formed by a volcano, El Golfo lake takes its vivid colour from the algae that lives within it. You can take in the views over El Golfo at a lookout point that overlooks the area.
2. Timanfaya National Park, a must for Lanzarote first timers
If you Google Lanzarote for your first timers trip to the island, you’ll be repeatedly hit with the search result ‘volcanos.’ Lanzarote is home to over 300 volcanic cones, and Timanfaya National Park is not only the best place to learn about volcanos on your first time to Lanzarote, it boasts some captivating and spectacular volcanic scenery that truly feels out of this world. The Timanfaya volcano is the only active volcano on the island (although it last erupted almost 200 years ago) and here you can hold volcanic rock (heads up: it’s very hot), see water burst out of the ground and even enjoy chicken cooked over the volcanic barbecue. Find Timanfaya National Park on Google Maps here.
3. Lanzarote first timers must do: Cueva de los Verdes
After exploring Timanfaya National Park, one of the best things to do as a Lanzarote first timers is exploring the incredible Cueva de los Verdes cave. Found in the northern part of Lanzarote (Google Maps location here), the Cueva de los Verdes was formed over 4,000 years ago after the La Corona Volcano erupted. While the entire lava tunnel is over 8km long, you can explore a rather spectacular part of it on a guided tour. Here you’ll visit areas where concerts are held underground and where there is surprisingly no echo, as well as some of the most mind-boggling scenes of natural beauty you’ll find on your Lanzarote first timers trip.
4. Jameos del Agua, one of the best things to do for Lanzarote first timers
Found on the north eastern side of Lanzarote, Jameos del Agua is one of the most popular spots for Lanzarote first timers. Home to both an incredible salt lake (full of tiny crabs!) within an open lava tube, one of the most beautiful pools you’ll ever see (but sadly, you can’t swim in it!) and a must try restaurant.
5. La Geria, the stunning wine growing region
Lanzarote is known for its striking landscape – but it gets better. La Geria is the stunning wine growing region of Lanzarote, and in addition to beautiful views of the volcanic landscape, there is a thriving industry using the volcanic soil to cultivate delicious wine. If you like learning about wine (or, you know, just drinking it) make a visit to La Geria to explore the unique vineyards and sample the produce. We visited Bodega Stratvs (Google Maps location here) and had a great experience.
6. Haria in the Valley of the Thousand Palms
Located in the north of Lanzarote, is the village of Haria. Situated within the ‘Valley of a Thousand Palms,’ this Instagram friendly village is a great spot to include on your Lanzarote first timers itinerary. This area is surrounded by palms due to the 17th and 18th century traditions of planting trees for each child born. Don’t forget to bring your camera for your visit, you’re going to want to take a lot of pictures! Suggested read: The most Instagrammable places in Lanzarote.
7. Famara Beach
Surrounded by imposing cliffs and frequented by surfers, swimmers and beach lovers, Famara Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Lanzarote and a must do for Lanzarote first timers. We visited this beach in the middle of the day, but word on the street is this western facing beach (Google Maps location here) is a popular spot for sunset.
8. Teguise
The former capital of Lanzarote, Teguise is known as one of the most beautiful towns in all of Spain (don’t just take my word for it, it’s won an official award – from the official Association Of The Most Beautiful Towns And Villages In Spain committee itself). It’s no surprise then that Teguise, located in the northern-middle area of the island, is a particularly aesthetic part of Lanzarote, and makes for some incredible photo and Instagram opportunities (suggested read: The most Instagrammable places in Lanzarote). Spend an hour or so wandering the streets and enjoying the boutique shops in the area. If you’re visiting Lanzarote as a first timer, be sure to add Teguise to your list!
9. MIAC: The International Museum of Contemporary Art
Get your culture fix on your Lanzarote first timers trip at the MIAC: The International Museum of Contemporary Art. You can find this at Castillo de San José at the Port of Arrecife on the south east side of the island (Google Maps location here). This is a small museum, but full of art, sculptures and thought-provoking pieces. Don’t forget to grab a bite to eat at the restaurant below and take in the scenery from the rooftop viewpoint.
10. Eat your way through Lanzarote
Lanzarote is known for being a foodie’s paradise. Whether this is your Lanzarote first timers trip, or you’ve been here time and time again, discover some of the best places to eat and experience the incredible food available here: Where to eat and drink in Lanzarote.
11. Hotel pools, there’s a lot of them in Lanzarote.
Soak up the sun and spend a day lazing away at one of the many Lanzarote’s hotel pools. This one below is at the Barcelo Lanzarote Royal Level and you can book at the same hotel through Jet2holidays.
Things to do in Lanzarote for first timers, 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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