16 Unique and Unusual Things to Do in Lanzarote

If you’re intrigued by what lies beyond the resorts and sandy beaches of the Canary Islands, discover some of the more unusual things to do in Lanzarote!

On our Lanzarote road trip, we discovered there’s much more to explore beyond beaches and ‘British tapas’ on a visit to the fourth-largest of the Canary Islands. With otherworldly landscapes forged by volcanic activity, abundant Spanish culture and charming whitewashed villages, it’s well worth getting out and exploring Lanzarote’s more off-the-beaten-track sights.

From awe-inspiring natural wonders to eye-catching sculptures, these are some of Lanzarote’s hidden gems and quirky attractions.

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See desert flora at Jardin De Cactus

One of my favourite road trip stops we visited!

Jardin de Cactus is a botanical cactus garden, home to around 450 species of cacti, from all five continents. Originally the site of an agricultural landfill, the garden opened in 1991.

Through 20 years of work, the Jardin de Cactus has been filled with around 4,500 specimens, alongside carefully cultivated sculptures that complement the plant life. The garden itself takes the shape of an amphitheatre, with a restored windmill at its highest point.

Opening Times: 10am-4.30pm
Admission Fee: €8

Eat a volcano-grilled lunch at El Diablo

Taking in the eerie, Martian landscapes of Timanfaya National Park is a must when you’re visiting Lanzarote. The entire park consists of volcanic soil, scattered with craters, cliffs and a dusting of very minimal, hardy vegetation.

The park is also home to an active volcano in the form of Timanfaya, the park’s namesake. But don’t worry, Timanfaya hasn’t erupted since 1730, so you won’t be dodging lava on your visit! However, chefs at Restaurante El Diablo have found an inventive way to harness the underground heat…

Located at the national park’s visitor centre, the restaurant’s ‘kitchen’ is a 6ft deep circular hole in the ground, with a metal grill placed over the top. Heat rises from the bubbling lava below to cook meat, fish and vegetable dishes. Best enjoyed with panoramic views across the park’s otherworldly landscapes.

Opening Times: 12-4pm
Prices: Main courses start from €16.50

Walk inside a volcano in Timanfaya National Park

To work up an appetite for your lava-cooked lunch, explore on foot to experience the best views of Lanzarote’s most otherworldly landscapes.

A UNESCO Heritage Site, Volcan del Cuervo is a spectacular crater surrounded by lava fields. We took a short and relatively easy walk from the car park, and once there we were able to explore the crater at our own pace.

For something a little more challenging, take the steep hike up Montaña Negra to enjoy panoramic views of Lanzarote and Volcan del Cuervo.

Book it: This half-day volcano hiking tour includes commentary from a certified guide, an informative brochure and a local snack.

Stroll along a black sand beach

Lanzarote is home to its fair share of beaches – but not all of them are the kind you’d expect to see!

The black sand beaches found in certain areas of Lanzarote are a result of the island’s volcanic activity, where eroded volcanic materials creates the uniquely coloured shoreline.

Some of the best black sand beaches to visit in Lanzarote are the popular Playa de los Clicos, and the lesser-visited Montaña Bermeja beach. The latter has a backdrop of the Montaña Bermeja volcano, and provides a striking contrast between the dark sand, blue sea, and red mountain.  

(did you know that you can also find black sand beaches in Iceland?)

Shop for unique souvenirs at Haría Artisanal Market

For an enthralling local experience in Lanzarote, pay a visit to the village of Haría, for beautiful views in the ‘valley of 1000 palm trees’. Wind your way through streets lined with enchanting, whitewashed buildings, and stop by the Casa Museo of César Manrique.

Every Saturday morning from 9am-2pm, stallholders set up in Haría’s Plaza Leon y Castillo for the weekly market. Watch painters, potters and jewellery makers at work, and pick up their handcrafted wares to take home. If you’re hungry, pick up local produce and baked goods, or visit one of the numerous outdoor cafes in the square.

Dive to an underwater art museum

Europe’s first museum of its kind, Museo Atlántico is almost like any other gallery, with seventy manmade sculptures on display. Except that it’s fully submerged in the Atlantic Ocean.

This subterranean museum features the work of British artist Jason deCaires Taylor, illustrating how human behaviour impacts the environment. The sculptures are created from non-toxic concrete and as part of the project, artificial reefs have been added to protect the natural coral and promote growth.

Certified divers can take part in a small group dive to Museo Atlántico. Haven’t tried scuba diving before? Beginner divers are also catered for, with a full day program. The five-hour experience includes basic diving theory, a try dive, and then the visit to the underwater museum.

Go underground to explore Cueva de los Verdes

Take a trip underground into Lanzarote’s volcanic heart to witness the unforgiving power of molten lava!

Thousands of years ago, the eruption of the La Corona Volcano created an underground lava tube over 6km long, leading all the way from the crater to the sea. The passageway is populated by smaller tunnels and lava caves, and a section of around 1km is accessible to the public as part of a guided tour.

In the 1960s, local artist Jesús Soto designed an atmospheric lighting scheme that highlights the dramatic features and textures within the tunnels.

A tour of Cueva de los Verdes is an absolutely captivating experience, and one of my favourite unusual things to do in Lanzarote!

Opening Times: 10am-5pm
Admission Fee: €15
Book your entry ticket in advance here.

Experience nature meeting art at Los Jameos del Agua

Possibly the most well-known spot on this list of unusual things to do in Lanzarote – but nonetheless worth a visit!

At Jameos del Agua, the natural volcanic landscape combines with the vision of world famous artist César Manrique. Part of the same tunnel network as Cueva de los Verdes, the space comprises three main lava tunnel openings created by the Corona Volcano. In the 1970s, Manrique transformed the site to enhance its natural beauty.

As you descend through the restaurant into Jameo Chico, you’ll encounter a natural pool inside the lava tunnel. The pool is home to a tiny blind albino crab species, very rare and unique to Lanzarote.

On the other side of Jameos del Agua, Jameo Grande features a kidney-shaped man-made swimming pool. The white concrete of the pool base is a striking contrast to the blue water and dark rocks.

Opening Times: 10am-5pm
Admission Fee: €14
Book your entry ticket in advance here.

Sample local beers at a Lanzarote craft brewery

Lanzarote’s best-known for package holiday escapes – but there’s also vibrant city life to discover! I’d highly recommend an afternoon visit to Arrecife, Lanzarote’s capital and commercial hub.

While you’re there, visit Lanzarote’s best-known craft brewery, NAO Beer. Established around eight years ago by Miquel Lasso and his partner Loresso, they offer a curated selection of lager, APA, blonde and specialty beers. We dropped by their Arrecife taproom, housed in a former fishing net workshop and had a great time tasting some local brews.

More off-the-beaten-track, Cervecera Malpeis brewery and taproom is a hidden gem in Lanzarote. Close to Timanfaya National Park in the town of Timanfaya, Malpeis is a small independent craft brewery.

Indulge in wine tasting and tours at La Geria

More into wine than beer? This one’s for you! The valley of La Geria is Lanzarote’s most important wine growing area, on the edge of Timanfaya National Park. The wineries in the area developed ‘geria’ – a unique cultivation method that worked in the barren landscapes.

Enjoy ample wine tastings with a guided winery tour, as you learn about the winemaking process and native grapes of the island.

Look out over the cinematic Green Lagoon

Beside the small seaside village of El Golfo, you’ll find one of the most fascinating unusual sights in Lanzarote.

An emerald-green lake on a black sand beach, the Green Lagoon is a striking contrast to the nearby blue waters and surrounding rugged red rocks. The unique green colour of the water is a result of a semi-precious green stone, olivine, mixing with the sandy bed of the lake.

To get to the Green Lagoon, head to El Golfo and drive downhill to the car park for the lagoon. There’s a footpath that takes you around 150m to the lagoon viewpoint. (The lagoon is a protected nature reserve, so you can’t swim in it!)

Take a dip in Los Charcones Natural Pools

A short drive from the resort town of Playa Blanca, the natural swimming pools of Los Charcones are a beautiful hidden gem in Lanzarote!

The rocky pools are a variety of shapes, sizes and depths, from shallow bathing pools to deeper spots for swimming. Fed by the sea and formed by historic volcanic lava, these natural pools change with the tides.

Only accessible via a dirt track, make sure you take it easy and wear suitable footwear, as surfaces are uneven and can be slippy. It’s worth the effort, as Los Charcones is one of the most beautiful and relaxing natural places to visit in Lanzarote!

Get lost in the caves and passages of the LagOmar Museum

At the former home of actor Omar Sharif, art and nature work in tandem to create one of the most iconic and unique places to visit in Lanzarote.

A collaboration between César Manrique and Jesús Soto, the house stands within a volcanic rock quarry. Each element is carefully constructed to integrate seamlessly within natural structures, including rock gardens, tunnels and secret passages.

Current owners Dominik Von Boettinger and Beatriz Van Hoff have carefully respected and maintained the property. As a result, it’s a fascinating and awe-inspiring open house museum of natural and man-made curiosities.

Opening Times: 10am-6pm
Admission Fee: €10 (you can book in advance online)

View unique art at the César Manrique Foundation

As you’ve probably gathered by now, the art of César Manrique has had a huge impact on the island of Lanzarote. The César Manrique Foundation museum explores the depth and creativity of his work, with some of his most representative pieces on display here.

Constructed over five bubbles of volcanic rock, the building in itself is a fascinating piece of architecture. The artist’s former home is filled with elements of his unique signature design, including blue pools, whitewashed walls, and bursts of cacti.

If you’re interested in seeing more of his work across Lanzarote, you can take a full-day César Manrique island tour.

Opening Times: 10am-6pm
Admission Fee: €10
Combi ticket for the Foundation Museum and House Museum in Haria: €17

Take to the high seas at the Piracy Museum

In the 16^th and 17^th centuries, the Canary Islands were popular targets for pirates, owing to the unprotected nature of the archipelago. In response, the Santa Bárbara fortress was built as a watchtower and refuge in Lanzarote.

Today, Santa Bárbara is home to the fascinating Museum of Piracy. Exhibits tell of the period’s most raucous plunders, alongside the realities of living alongside the threat of invasion.

Opening Times: 10am-3pm (closed Saturday & Monday)
Admission Fee: €3

Go off-road on the island of La Graciosa

Taking in the view from Mirador del Rio on the northern tip of Lanzarote, you’ll have a clear view of La Graciosa. This small volcanic island is easily accessible by ferry, and its calm, peaceful vibe makes for a great relaxing day trip.

The most unique thing about the island of La Graciosa is the complete lack of asphalt roads. There’s no car rental here, and only the island’s 700 inhabitants can drive the sandy tracks and dirt roads across the island.

One of the most popular ways for visitors to explore is by renting a bike in Caleta del Sebo, the island’s main settlement. There are three main bike routes, across mostly flat terrain.

Alternatively, you can book a jeep safari to visit the small villages and pristine beaches dotted around the island.

Unusual Things To Do in Lanzarote: Travel Guide

How to get around Lanzarote

Lanzarote is a small island, and the easiest way to get around is by renting a car and taking a Lanzarote road trip! Most major roads in Lanzarote are well maintained, and you can drive from one end of the island to the other in around an hour.

If you’re not looking to drive, Lanzarote has public bus service around the island. Buses are comfortable and reliable, however services can be infrequent so check the timetables when you’re planning your trip.

Another way to experience the best things to do in Lanzarote is by taking a guided tour. This full-day island tour takes in the major highlights, including Timanfaya National Park, Jameos del Agua, Cueva de los Verdes and Haria.

Where to stay in Lanzarote

We stayed in the city of Arrecife, choosing an apartment (this one) over a hotel so we’d have space to cook our own breakfasts to save some cash. We found it was a great base for travelling around the island, thanks to its central location, with plenty of restaurants and bars. Other accommodation options in Arrecife include Beach House Lanzarote Hostel (£), Hotel Miramar (££) and Arrecife Gran Hotel and Spa (£££).

For a more traditional place to stay in Lanzarote, Playa Blanca is a popular resort town that’s kept some of it’s old-fashioned seaside charm. Check out Casa Salzano Apartments (££), Palmeras Garden (££), H10 Lanzarote Princess (££-£££) and Princess Yaiza Suite Resort (£££).

Other popular destinations for accommodation in Lanzarote include Costa Teguise (for casual and family-friendly vibes), Puerto del Carmen (a typical party and nightlife resort), or Punta Mujeres (a quiet seaside village).

Looking for a more tranquil place to lay your head? Check out the best adults only hotels in Lanzarote, for all budgets!