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Destination

Lanzarote

Hotels in Lanzarote

If there is a Canary Island capable of surprising and enchanting, it is definitely Lanzarote. With an area of only 846 km², this fascinating island in the province of Las Palmas is a territory with landscapes not to be found anywhere else in the world, which was recognized by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve in 1993. To understand how unusual Lanzarote is, look no further than its almost lunar, rocky plains which are astonishingly arid, with hundreds of volcanoes scattered around. Its nickname – the Island of the Moon – comes exactly thanks to the scenery. If that isn’t enough for you to start planning family holidays to Lanzarote, short breaks from your everyday routine or a romantic weekend, then there is much more of the island to discover. What is more, in order for you to be able to experience the entire island’s beauty with comfort, we provide the best hotels in Lanzarote.

Despite the island’s undeniable beauty, tourism in Lanzarote only started developing in 1966, when the local artist César Manrique started constructing his incredible buildings all over the island.

Since then, it has been receiving tourists, eager to visit the tourist attractions it is famous for, experience the natural and cultural treasures of its seven municipalities (Arrecife - the capital, Haria, San Bartolomé, Teguise, Tías, Tinajo and Yaiza) and savour local Spanish food while Iberostar Lanzarote hotel provides accommodation services of the highest quality, letting you relax and enjoy your holiday.

At any of our Lanzarote hotels you will find whatever you are looking for. Whether you are traveling with kids, with your partner or alone Iberostar guarantees quality Lanzarote holidays..

What to see in Lanzarote

One of the number one things to see in Lanzarote is la Cueva de los Verdes. Located in Haria and about 2 km from Punta Mujeres, this beautiful basalt cave once served as a refuge for the ancient Guanches trying to save themselves from Spanish colonizers. Formed by lava from the Volcán de la Corona (Volcano of the Crown), this cave has a 1.5 km long submarine section known as the Tunnel of Atlantis.

Also, in Haria there are two more famous Lanzarote attractions - Mirador del Río and Los Jameos del Agua - two of Manrique’s famous works. Los Jameos del Agua is the first artistic, culture and tourism centre ever to be created by César Manrique. Manrique created this based on debris of a volcanic tube formed by lava flowing from Volcán de la Corona, and is a home to a species of a species of squat lobster (also known as a blind albino cave crab) known as jameítos.

To find out more about the life and heritage of one of the most world famous Canarian artists, visit the César Manrique Foundation in Taro de Tahíche or take a trip to the striking Cactus Garden in Teguise, which became Manrique’s last work in Lanzarote.

Of course, this list of Lanzarote points of interest could not miss the Timanfaya National Park, whose name in Guanche means “Fire Mountain”. In addition to a spectacular volcanic environment, it also excels thanks to its extraordinary biological richness, represented by a great number of endemic plants and animals. That is why this destination always wins first place when chosing the most popular excursions in Lanzarote for kids (and adults too).

As for places to visit in the capital of Lanzarote, Arrecife, we recommend enjoying its magnificent beaches, which are considered some of the best beaches in Lanzarote, such as Reducto, Gaucimeta and Los Pocillos, and pay a visit to the International Museum of Contemporary Art.

Staying at our Lanzarote Park and Playa Blanca hotels, these and other wonderful places in Lanzarote are right on your doorstep.

a woman standing in front of a mirror posing for the camera

Eating out in Lanzarote

Fish is a fundamental ingredient in practically all Canarian cuisines and in many dishes of Spanish gastronomy in general. Lanzarote cuisine is no exception. Fish is a base for a great number of local specialties, such as fried moray eel, churros de pescado (fried fish sticks) or the traditional seafood stews. The fish dishes are usually served with the famous sauce of the so-called Lucky Islands (Islas Afortunadas) – mojo. You can choose from spicy (mojo rojo) and mild (mojo verde) versions of the sauce.

Additionally, meat (especially baby goat or pork) is also important and can’t be put aside. Meat is used in local traditional Spanish dishes such as sancocho (meat soup with vegetables and spices), ropa vieja (a stew made of meat and chickpeas leftovers from puchero) or rancho canario (chorizo stew). And, even though it is neither a fish nor meat dish, a starter or a side dish of papas arrugadas deserves special mention.

Among the Spanish desserts typical in the Canary Islands we would definitely recommend trying gofio de almendras (made of crushed wheat and corn and almonds), bienmesabe (prepared with almonds, eggs, lemon, and sugar), frangollo (with corn flour) or sopa de miel (honey soup).

It is almost taken for granted that the whole Spain food culture includes wine. Even some of the traditional Spanish recipes are cooked in it, so of course, Lanzarote simply could not but offer you some of its typical wines, among which special attention goes to Malvasia.

At Iberostar hotels in Lanzarote, you will find some of the best Spanish restaurants where you can savour the best specialties of Canarian and mainland Spanish traditional food. And should you be interested in show cooking, we gladly provide you with an opportunity to witness our chefs’ great culinary performances.  Check out our Lanzarote deals and get ready to enjoy every single bit of your trip.

an island in the middle of a table next to a window

What to do in our hotels in Lanzarote

What kind of holidays in Lanzarote do you fancy? Do you need an adults-only hotel or a child friendly environment? Or maybe, a spa hotel with several pools, outdoor hot tub, and chill-out area with Balinese beds is what you are looking for? In any case, our Lanzarote resorts provide all the facilities and services needed to make your stay unforgettable!

Furthermore, if you want to go the extra mile for your trip choose the exclusive STAR PRESTIGE area at the Iberostar Hotel Lanzarote Park, where you can count on the best VIP service.

In addition, we propose the best leisure activities in Lanzarote. Staying at Iberostar resorts, you don’t even need to leave the hotel to find activities for children; enjoy disco fun or live music performances. Plus, the location of our hotels allows you to enjoy the active side of life in Lanzarote. How about practicing water sports, enjoying scuba diving, for example, or immersing yourself in the world of dozens of sunken sculptures, brought together by the first underwater museum in Europe? And have you ever thought about testing yourself on the waves of the Atlantic surfboarding or touring the coast taking a vibrant catamaran excursion around Lanzarote? So, there is no chance you are going to be bored staying with us, plus there is always something interesting to do in Yaiza!

On the other hand, if your plan is to forget about your problems, nothing helps better than relaxing or taking a swim at the idyllic Playa Blanca or Playa Papagayo, located only 10 km away from each other.

Check out Iberostar Lanzarote deals and choose the best board type suitable for you and we will take care of the rest.

a view of a beach next to a body of water

The best beaches of Lanzarote

Lanzarote’s beaches run along the 190km coastline and, despite being a destination popular with holidaymakers, they offer unspoiled landscapes. Lanzarote’s beaches are divided into six zones, each one with its own characteristics. The beaches on the south deserve special mention: Yaiza and the huge marina area of Playa Blanca.

Main beaches in Lanzarote

  • Yaiza beaches: In the south of Lanzarote, Yaiza beaches have the largest marina on the island, Playa Blanca. The most beautiful beaches are Papagayo, with fine golden sand, Flamingo, Janubio, in a protected natural area, Montaña Roja and Las Coloradas, which has managed to preserve its wild natural beauty.
  • Arrecife beaches: The beaches in the capital of Lanzarote offer excellent facilities and services. One of their advantages is that they are virtually part of the city. El Reducto is considered to be the best, since it has fine white sand, calm waters and a nice sea promenade. La Concha, beyond city borders, is excellent too.
  • Teguise beaches: The coastline in Teguise gathers numerous beaches that welcome surfers and windsurfers, as they are the windiest in Lanzarote along with those in Tinajo. Las Cucharas is among the best known, as are El Jablillo or Los Charcos. Farama is the longest (6km) but too many high waves make it bad for swimming.
  • Beaches in the north of Lanzarote: In the northern part of Lanzarote are Haría and La Graciosa, in the Chinijo archipelago, which has bright unspoilt beaches of fine white sand like La Laja, El Salado or Francesa.
a group of people on a beach

Events in Lanzarote

Lanzarote has feasts all year round, but it is in the summer that the most important and traditional ones take place. In June and September, Lanzarote commemorates its patron saints in Haría or Yaiza, with the procession of Los Remedios. Local fiestas are the perfect time to get to know the character and culture of the island people.

Major events in Lanzarote

  • La Candelaria: It is held in February in Tías and is the oldest fiesta, since it dates to the years following the Reconquista. They eat fried pork with gofio and traditional cheese, and watch Canary wrestling tournaments, regional dance shows and other folk traditions.
  • Carnival in Lanzarote: Carnival is the main festival in the Canaries, especially in Lanzarote, although in Tenerife or Gran Canaria celebrations are somewhat brighter. In Arrecife, it gathers big crowds and ends with the Burial of the Sardine and a fireworks show.
  • Feast of San Antonio: Tías gets all dressed up on 13 June to honour Saint Anthony. Music, processions and activities for kids and adults abound during this feast day. In Lanzarote they believe it is the perfect day to find someone to marry, since Saint Anthony is the matchmaker saint.
  • Feast of El Carmen: The Virgin of El Carmen is the Patroness of the coast of Teguise, a village where Her feast is held annually on 16 July. Processions at sea are the main activity, and the most picturesque too, as a great number of boats decorated with colourful flowers sail down the coast. Thousands of enthusiastic visitors come to Teguise every year to attend this feast in July.
  • San Bartolomé Festival: On 24 August, San Bartolomé, a town situated in the centre of the island of Lanzarote, celebrates the feast honouring its patron saint. This folk festival is perfect to learn about the history and culture of Lanzarote.
  • Saint Ginés in Arrecife: The major feasts in the capital of Lanzarote last two weeks but the real feast day is 25 August. Traditional dance, meals, processions and parties follow right after the other non-stop, attracting huge crowds. The area of El Reducto beach becomes a great leisure and fun venue.
  • Virgin of Los Remedios Feast: On 8 September every year, Yaiza honours its Patroness with a charming procession filled with symbols. Sports, theatre plays, exhibitions, traditional dance... Activities for the whole week ending with a big water festival and a traditional cookout.

¿Qué visitar en Lanzarote?

The island of Lanzarote is a display of natural beauty you will not find anywhere else in the Canaries. Huge areas of volcanic soils, craters and hard lava live together with crop fields. More than 40% of the island is protected and, in fact, Lanzarote as a whole has been designated a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.

Nature in Lanzarote:

  • Timanfaya National Park: Timanfaya is the best-known natural area in Lanzarote, between Yaiza to the south and Tinajo on the west coast. With 50km², the park covers a good area of the south-western part of the island, where the volcanic landscapes are fantastic. There are as many as 25 volcanoes in the park, Montañas del Fuego (Fire Mountains) among them.
  • Los Ajaches: Los Ajaches is one of the most important natural areas in Yaiza, south Lanzarote. It is a huge volcanic massif spanning over 3,000ha that offers a spectacular landscape of contrasts and signposted hiking trails.
  • Naturists’ cave: This is an outstanding cave in Lanzarote, between Tías and Tinajo, in the protected natural area of La Geria. It has volcanic origin and forms a huge underground passage with galleries and chambers of great beauty. It covers 2.1ha.
  • Los Hervideros: It has a wonderful rugged coast with impressive cliffs in reddish and purple volcanic rock worn away by the sea in the area of Janubio. There are underwater caves that offer a nice show to scuba divers.
  • Saline marshes in Janubio: Close to Los Hervideros, in Janubio Nature Park, there are the beautiful saline marshes, covering nearly 500,000m². The central element is a big highly concentrated salt lake, whose salt is used in cooking.
  • Charco Verde: Also known as Charco de los Clicos, it is a lagoon by the charming coastal town of El Golfo. While still in Lanzarote, it is out of this world. A natural lake on a big black sand beach in the middle of a crater up a volcanic mountain. The lake is fed by seawater and gets its green colour from algae.

History and curiosities of Lanzarote

Curious facts and stories about Lanzarote have to do, most often than not, with its impressive volcanic landscapes. The volcanic island keeps secrets and stories that have come down to us from the aboriginal inhabitants, the Guanches, who have adapted themselves to new conditions while retaining their genuine roots.

History of Lanzarote and curious facts:

  • Mirror of the Moon: Timanfaya Park in Lanzarote looks exactly like the Moon. They say that Apollo astronauts looked at pictures of this park to get an idea of what the surface of the Moon would look like.
  • Lanzarote in film: The stunning landscapes of Lanzarote were chosen by film directors as scenery for blockbusters like Moby Dick, When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth, Doctor Who and Almodovar’s Los abrazos rotos/Broken Embraces, and for TV series like Search for Treasure Island.
  • Island of volcanoes: Lanzarote, with Timanfaya and Los Volcanes Parks, is the area with the highest concentration of volcanoes (25) across Spain. The latest eruptions took place in the eighteenth century, destroying numerous villages in the area of Montañas del Fuego.
  • More than a million visitors: With a population of 140,000, Lanzarote attracts more than a million visitors a year.
  • The other capital: Teguise was formerly the capital of the island. Today, the capital is Arrecife, a busy city that hosts government and administrative buildings.
  • From Genoa: The name Lanzarote, historians say, comes from the name of a Genoese sailor, Lancelotto Malocello, who came to the island in the fourteenth century. The castle of Guanapay – the oldest on the island – was erected over a tower belonging to Malocello.
  • Clicos: The wonderful green lagoon of El Golfo is also known as Charco de los Clicos because it used to be home to a crustacean, clico, that has been extinct for over a century now.