Lanzarote tourist attractions

If you’ve a penchant for history, come to Teguise, the first colonial capital of Lanzarote. It was built in the centre of the island in the hope that this would guard it from swashbuckling pirates (it didn’t). A visit here is rewarded with pretty colonial buildings with traditional Canarian balconies and charming courtyards. The simple pleasures are the ones to enjoy here: take a saunter through the cobbled streets at your own - read: slow - pace.

Otherworldly Timanfaya National Park is something to behold. The volcanic landscape remains active to this day, so you can handle volcanic soil and ogle at spurting geysers. Film buffs may recognize the park from scenes in Clash of the Titans - even if you haven’t seen it, you’ll appreciate how cinematic your surroundings are. Take it all in from atop a camel - these animals have been brought over to Lanzarote from Northern Africa for hundreds of years. Beware: these ships of the desert are known to spit.

The Fundación César Manrique is a splendid museum and gallery in what was the artist’s home, with murals, paintings, ceramics and views over the eerie volcanic landscape from huge windows. Everything is white, from the paths and walls outside to the gleaming interior. This isn’t a massive surprise on an island where there are strict colour rules for building: materials and paints for external surfaces in Lanzarote are only available in brown, green and blue, the designated colours for wood-work on white buildings. As for the art - the main event - you'll find plenty of Manrique’s own paintings, ceramics and sketches, as well as works by heavyweights Picasso and Miró.

Hands down one of the best Lanzarote tourist attractions, the Cueva de los Verdes once provided a hiding spot for locals when marauding pirates came to town. The shapes on the cave walls and ceilings - formed by solidified lava and enhanced by discreet lighting - really are something to write home about.

There’s a reason Puerto del Carmen is the most popular resort on Lanzarote: simply put, it offers some of the island’s best beaches. Playa Grande and Playa de los Pocillos, and the less popular Playa Matagorda - closest to the airport - extend eastwards for 6km from the little fishing harbour that was the heart of the original village. There’s everything you’d expect and more: golden sands, sunbeds, bright umbrellas - plus banana boats, pedalos, beach cafés and glorious waters. Oh, and did we mention the fresh-fish restaurants? Sublime.

One of César Manrique’s last projects was the creation of the Cactus Garden, a headline act on the line-up of Lanzarote attractions. Its resident plants are a far cry from the little spikey plants that punctuate the shelves of hipster bedrooms: some of the cacti here are humongous - with more than 4500 plants representing some 450 different species, they come in all shapes and sizes. Add in a stunning volcanic backdrop (actually a disused quarry) and you’ve got something really special. There are plenty of places to stay in the area - search from our Lanzarote holidays

If a fine alcoholic tipple is up your street, don’t miss La Geria, where grapes are grown in the volcanic soil. Visiting a bodega is an essential stop on any trip to Lanzarote - try Bodega El Grifo where you can sample wine and explore the museum. The landscape in the region is characterized by coiled lava and vineyards, where the vines growing in the picón (cinders) are planted within semicircles of volcanic rocks to stop the soil blowing away in the strong winds.