What to do in Lanzarote: the honest guide to the island

Name: Benty
Address: Costa Teguise, Las Palmas, ES
Telephone: +34 669 32 40 89
Price range: €€

You can drive across Lanzarote in an hour, and in that space you'll find volcanoes that look like another planet, five kilometres of sand beneath a 600-metre cliff, turquoise coves without a single parasol and a neighbouring island 25 minutes away by ferry. We live here, so this guide isn't a catalogue: it's what genuinely deserves your time, when to do it and what it costs.

Start with the five essentials, then look at the plans for how you travel — with family, as a couple or chasing sport — and finish with the best time of year and the forecast. Anything shown with a price can be booked directly.

Sport Report Lanzarote — wind, wave, tide, and weather forecast for tomorrow

First things first

The 5 essentials of Lanzarote

If it's your first time on the island, these five plans explain Lanzarote better than any long list. They're spread across the island, so you can combine them from north to south in just a few days.

01 · Volcanoes

Timanfaya and the Fire Mountains

Yaiza · Tinajo

A 51 km² sea of lava that is still hot a few metres below the surface: the most Martian landscape in Europe and the reason almost every traveller ends up in Lanzarote. You cover the Ruta de los Volcanes by official bus, but what really stays with you is walking the lava field at dawn, when the light rakes across the craters and nobody else is there. Book your ticket early in high season and combine it with La Geria, where vines grow in hollows of black volcanic gravel.

Guided volcano hikes

02 · Beaches

The Papagayo coves and the clear water of the south

Playa Blanca · Los Ajaches

Six pale-sand coves protected inside the Los Ajaches Natural Monument, with turquoise water, little current and rocky seabeds full of life. It's the best place on the island to snorkel, especially first thing in the morning. You get there by car along a dirt track (there's a toll), by boat from Marina Rubicón, or on foot from Playa Blanca along the coastal path.

Snorkeling in Lanzarote

03 · Surf

Famara: five kilometres of sand beneath the cliff

Caleta de Famara

The island's wild north, with the Risco de Famara dropping 600 metres above the beach and La Graciosa on the horizon. Surfing in the Canaries was born here and the best atmosphere is still here: small schools, camper vans, waves for every level and sunsets that justify the trip on their own. The cleanest sets arrive from October to March; in summer the whitewater is perfect for starting out.

Surf lessons in Famara

04 · Art and nature

The island of César Manrique

Haría · Teguise

Jameos del Agua, the Mirador del Río, the Cactus Garden and the House-Museum form the route that explains why Lanzarote has no tall buildings and no neon signs. Manrique turned lava tubes and cliffs into architecture without breaking the landscape. A practical tip: visit Jameos first thing and carry on to the Cueva de los Verdes, ten minutes away along the same volcanic tube.

Guide to Jameos del Agua

05 · Open sea

La Graciosa and boat trips

Órzola · Puerto Calero

The eighth Canary Island is a 25-minute ferry ride from Órzola: sand streets with no asphalt and beaches like Las Conchas or Francesa that seem to belong to another ocean. Catamarans and sailing boats also leave Puerto Calero and Marina Rubicón for the south coast, with swimming, snorkelling and frequent dolphin sightings. The perfect plan for a light-wind day.

Sport sailing

For your trip

Plans for how you travel

There isn't one single Lanzarote. The same island works as a quiet beach destination, as a getaway of wine and viewpoints, or as an open-air training camp in the middle of winter.

With family and kids

Lanzarote is an easy island to travel with children: short distances, sheltered beaches and mild sea all year round.

Calm swimming at Playa Flamingo, Caletón Blanco or Playa Chica, all with little swell.
A first surf lesson in the whitewater at Famara, from age 7, with a soft board and instructor.
Cueva de los Verdes and the Cactus Garden: short visits that work really well with kids.
Rancho Texas and the Aquapark in Costa Teguise for a day off the beach.

Family holiday guide

As a couple, unhurried

The island is best enjoyed slowly: volcanic wine, empty viewpoints at sunset and dinners you don't need to book weeks ahead.

A tasting at a La Geria winery late in the afternoon, when the light turns the volcanic gravel gold.
Sunset at the Mirador del Río or Charco de los Clicos, with the cliff right in front of you.
A private sailing or catamaran trip along the south coast, swimming in empty coves.
Yoga in silence at sunrise, or massage and recovery at your own accommodation.

Silent Yoga in Lanzarote

Adventure and sport

Steady trade winds, waves twelve months a year and lava landscapes: that's why Lanzarote is a training base for European triathletes and surfers.

Windsurfing and wing foiling at Las Cucharas, with 15–25 knots almost guaranteed from May to September.
An official freediving course with 20–30 metres of visibility in the northern lava pools.
Hiking through Timanfaya, the Risco de Famara or Caldera Blanca, almost always on your own.
An eBike ride through La Geria and the craters of the island's interior, with a local guide.

All Sports in Lanzarote

At a fixed price

Experiences you can book today

The island's most booked experiences, with a clear price, duration and meeting point. We organise them with local Lanzarote schools and guides, not through middlemen.

from €155

Surf class in Famara

Your first wave on Lanzarote's most famous beach, in very small groups.

2–3 h Famara

View dates & book

from €60

Windsurfing in Costa Teguise

Constant wind, flat water, and top-notch equipment in Las Cucharas.

2 h Costa Teguise

View dates & book

from €120

Freediving and apnea

Learn to freedive safely at the Museo Atlántico and Playa Chica.

2–4 h Puerto del Carmen

View dates & book

from €50

Guided volcano hiking

Routes with a local guide through craters, cliffs, and coasts not found on standard tours.

3–5 h All the island

View dates & book

from €124

Volcano route by eBike

La Geria, lava, and panoramic views without the steep climbs: the eBike does the work.

3–4 h La Geria

View dates & book

from €250

Sailing on a Racing Yacht

Go sailing on a racing yacht: you'll also take the helm.

3 h Puerto Calero

View dates & book

When to come

The best time to visit Lanzarote

The annual average is 21 °C with more than 300 days of sunshine. There's no bad season — only the season that matches what you want to do.

Winter (December to March)

18 to 22 °C, dry air and the most consistent waves of the year. The best season for surfing, hiking and golf, and the reason thousands of Europeans spend the winter here. The water drops to 18 °C: a thin wetsuit does the job.

Spring (April to June)

The most balanced time: few people, 22–25 °C, the wind starting to build and the sea still calm in the morning. Ideal if you want to combine beach, trails and sport without the heat.

Summer (July to September)

Trade winds at full strength (15–25 knots) and water at 22–23 °C. Peak season for windsurfing and wing foiling, and the best visibility of the year for snorkelling and freediving. Book activities in advance.

Autumn (October to November)

For many, the island's best season: the sea still warm, the first surf swells, lower prices and empty trails. Days of 24–26 °C and mild nights.

Which are the best days this week for outdoor activities?

Check the 7-day forecast and discover the three best days for your outdoor adventure on the island.

Getting around the island

Short distances

It's 30 minutes from the airport to Playa Blanca, 20 to Costa Teguise and 40 to Famara. You can cross the whole island in little over an hour, so you can stay in one place and still see everything.

Car, taxi or pick-up

A rental car is the most practical and cheapest option, especially for reaching Famara, El Golfo or La Geria. Many of our experiences include pick-up at your accommodation, so you can travel without a car if your plans are specific.

Where to stay

Costa Teguise for wind and water sports, Puerto del Carmen for nightlife and racket sports, Playa Blanca for calm beaches and families, and the north (Haría, Famara) if you're after quiet and surf.

Not sure which plan is best for you?

No problem, we'll advise you individually. Write us on WhatsApp and we'll create a free adventure recommendation for you. We speak English, German and Spanish fluently.

Write us on WhatsApp +34 669 32 40 89

Frequently asked questions

What can you do in Lanzarote in a week?: A split that works: one day for Timanfaya and La Geria, a beach day at Papagayo with snorkelling, a day in the north (Jameos del Agua, Mirador del Río, Cueva de los Verdes), a day at sea (surfing in Famara or a boat trip), a full day on La Graciosa, a day of sport or hiking and one free day with no plan. Distances are short: it's little more than an hour by car from one end of the island to the other.
What are the must-sees in Lanzarote?: Timanfaya National Park, the Papagayo coves, Famara beach, the César Manrique sites (Jameos del Agua, Mirador del Río, Cactus Garden) and a day on La Graciosa. Those five make you understand the island; everything else is what turns it into a place you return to.
When is the best time to visit Lanzarote?: Any time: the annual average is 21 °C with over 300 days of sun. Winter is dry with the best waves, spring and autumn are the most balanced seasons, and summer brings the strongest trade winds — ideal for windsurfing and wing foiling.
Do you need a rental car in Lanzarote?: If you want to move freely, yes. The roads are good and empty, and the most beautiful places (Famara, Papagayo, El Golfo, La Geria) are far from the resort areas. If you're only doing specific activities, many experiences include pick-up at your accommodation and save you the car.
What to do in Lanzarote with kids?: Sheltered beaches like Playa Flamingo, Caletón Blanco or Playa Chica, a first surf lesson in the whitewater at Famara from age 7, Cueva de los Verdes, the Cactus Garden, Rancho Texas and the Aquapark in Costa Teguise. We have a complete family holiday guide.
What can you do in Lanzarote when it's windy?: Wind is an advantage, not a problem: it's the best day for windsurfing and wing foiling in Costa Teguise, for visiting Timanfaya and La Geria, or for the caves and art centres, which are sheltered. The southern beaches, like Papagayo or Playa Blanca, are protected from the north-easterly trade wind.
And if it rains?: It rains on fewer than 20 days a year. On those days Jameos del Agua, the Cueva de los Verdes, the César Manrique House-Museum, the La Geria wineries and indoor plans all work well: padel, spa, physiotherapy or a good brunch.
How much do activities in Lanzarote cost?: A group surf lesson is around €45–65, a windsurfing or wing foiling session starts at about €70, the official two-day freediving course is above €200, and a guided hiking or eBike route runs €50–90 per person. On each experience you see the exact price before booking.
Can you do outdoor sport all year round?: Yes, and that's what sets Lanzarote apart. There's no real winter: 18–22 °C in January, constant trade winds, water between 18 and 23 °C and very little rain. That's why the island is a training base for European triathletes, cyclists and surfers during the cold months on the continent.
How do I book an excursion or activity?: Each experience is booked from its own page, with dates and a fixed price. Confirmation arrives within minutes along with the meeting point, and if you'd rather we put together a tailor-made plan for your days on the island, you can request a personalised proposal.

Live it, don't just read about it

We organize these experiences ourselves, with local guides and instructors. Tell us what you fancy and we'll send you a tailored proposal.

from €50

Guided volcano hiking

Routes with a local guide through craters, cliffs, and coasts not found on standard tours.

3–5 h All the island

View dates & book

from €124

Volcano route by eBike

La Geria, lava, and panoramic views without the steep climbs: the eBike does the work.

3–4 h La Geria

View dates & book

from €250

Sailing on a Racing Yacht

Go sailing on a racing yacht: you'll also take the helm.

3 h Puerto Calero

View dates & book

Personal response within 24 h · No upfront payment

What to do in Lanzarote: the honest guide to the island

Sport Report Lanzarote — wind, wave, tide, and weather forecast for tomorrow

The 5 essentials of Lanzarote

If it's your first time on the island, these five plans explain Lanzarote better than any long list. They're spread across the island, so you can combine them from north to south in just a few days.

01 · Volcanoes

Timanfaya and the Fire Mountains

Yaiza · Tinajo

Guided volcano hikes

02 · Beaches

The Papagayo coves and the clear water of the south

Playa Blanca · Los Ajaches

Snorkeling in Lanzarote

03 · Surf

Famara: five kilometres of sand beneath the cliff

Caleta de Famara

Surf lessons in Famara

04 · Art and nature

The island of César Manrique

Haría · Teguise

Guide to Jameos del Agua

05 · Open sea

La Graciosa and boat trips

Órzola · Puerto Calero

Sport sailing

Plans for how you travel

There isn't one single Lanzarote. The same island works as a quiet beach destination, as a getaway of wine and viewpoints, or as an open-air training camp in the middle of winter.

With family and kids

Lanzarote is an easy island to travel with children: short distances, sheltered beaches and mild sea all year round.

Calm swimming at Playa Flamingo, Caletón Blanco or Playa Chica, all with little swell.
A first surf lesson in the whitewater at Famara, from age 7, with a soft board and instructor.
Cueva de los Verdes and the Cactus Garden: short visits that work really well with kids.
Rancho Texas and the Aquapark in Costa Teguise for a day off the beach.

Family holiday guide

As a couple, unhurried

The island is best enjoyed slowly: volcanic wine, empty viewpoints at sunset and dinners you don't need to book weeks ahead.

A tasting at a La Geria winery late in the afternoon, when the light turns the volcanic gravel gold.
Sunset at the Mirador del Río or Charco de los Clicos, with the cliff right in front of you.
A private sailing or catamaran trip along the south coast, swimming in empty coves.
Yoga in silence at sunrise, or massage and recovery at your own accommodation.

Silent Yoga in Lanzarote

Adventure and sport

Steady trade winds, waves twelve months a year and lava landscapes: that's why Lanzarote is a training base for European triathletes and surfers.

Windsurfing and wing foiling at Las Cucharas, with 15–25 knots almost guaranteed from May to September.
An official freediving course with 20–30 metres of visibility in the northern lava pools.
Hiking through Timanfaya, the Risco de Famara or Caldera Blanca, almost always on your own.
An eBike ride through La Geria and the craters of the island's interior, with a local guide.

All Sports in Lanzarote

The best time to visit Lanzarote

The annual average is 21 °C with more than 300 days of sunshine. There's no bad season — only the season that matches what you want to do.

Winter (December to March)

Spring (April to June)

The most balanced time: few people, 22–25 °C, the wind starting to build and the sea still calm in the morning. Ideal if you want to combine beach, trails and sport without the heat.

Summer (July to September)

Autumn (October to November)

For many, the island's best season: the sea still warm, the first surf swells, lower prices and empty trails. Days of 24–26 °C and mild nights.

Which are the best days this week for outdoor activities?

Check the 7-day forecast and discover the three best days for your outdoor adventure on the island.

Getting around the island

Short distances

It's 30 minutes from the airport to Playa Blanca, 20 to Costa Teguise and 40 to Famara. You can cross the whole island in little over an hour, so you can stay in one place and still see everything.

Car, taxi or pick-up

Where to stay

Costa Teguise for wind and water sports, Puerto del Carmen for nightlife and racket sports, Playa Blanca for calm beaches and families, and the north (Haría, Famara) if you're after quiet and surf.

Frequently asked questions

What can you do in Lanzarote in a week?

A split that works: one day for Timanfaya and La Geria, a beach day at Papagayo with snorkelling, a day in the north (Jameos del Agua, Mirador del Río, Cueva de los Verdes), a day at sea (surfing in Famara or a boat trip), a full day on La Graciosa, a day of sport or hiking and one free day with no plan. Distances are short: it's little more than an hour by car from one end of the island to the other.

What are the must-sees in Lanzarote?

Timanfaya National Park, the Papagayo coves, Famara beach, the César Manrique sites (Jameos del Agua, Mirador del Río, Cactus Garden) and a day on La Graciosa. Those five make you understand the island; everything else is what turns it into a place you return to.

When is the best time to visit Lanzarote?

Any time: the annual average is 21 °C with over 300 days of sun. Winter is dry with the best waves, spring and autumn are the most balanced seasons, and summer brings the strongest trade winds — ideal for windsurfing and wing foiling.

Do you need a rental car in Lanzarote?

If you want to move freely, yes. The roads are good and empty, and the most beautiful places (Famara, Papagayo, El Golfo, La Geria) are far from the resort areas. If you're only doing specific activities, many experiences include pick-up at your accommodation and save you the car.

What to do in Lanzarote with kids?

Sheltered beaches like Playa Flamingo, Caletón Blanco or Playa Chica, a first surf lesson in the whitewater at Famara from age 7, Cueva de los Verdes, the Cactus Garden, Rancho Texas and the Aquapark in Costa Teguise. We have a complete family holiday guide.

What can you do in Lanzarote when it's windy?

Wind is an advantage, not a problem: it's the best day for windsurfing and wing foiling in Costa Teguise, for visiting Timanfaya and La Geria, or for the caves and art centres, which are sheltered. The southern beaches, like Papagayo or Playa Blanca, are protected from the north-easterly trade wind.

And if it rains?

It rains on fewer than 20 days a year. On those days Jameos del Agua, the Cueva de los Verdes, the César Manrique House-Museum, the La Geria wineries and indoor plans all work well: padel, spa, physiotherapy or a good brunch.

How much do activities in Lanzarote cost?

A group surf lesson is around €45–65, a windsurfing or wing foiling session starts at about €70, the official two-day freediving course is above €200, and a guided hiking or eBike route runs €50–90 per person. On each experience you see the exact price before booking.

Can you do outdoor sport all year round?

Yes, and that's what sets Lanzarote apart. There's no real winter: 18–22 °C in January, constant trade winds, water between 18 and 23 °C and very little rain. That's why the island is a training base for European triathletes, cyclists and surfers during the cold months on the continent.

How do I book an excursion or activity?

Each experience is booked from its own page, with dates and a fixed price. Confirmation arrives within minutes along with the meeting point, and if you'd rather we put together a tailor-made plan for your days on the island, you can request a personalised proposal.