Choose from 57 Fun Things to Do in Canary Islands
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El Cotillo Beach
Though tourism has made its mark on many of Fuerteventura’s beaches and fishing towns, there are a few that have yet to fully feel its effects – and El Cotillo is no doubt one of them. While it’s only a matter of time before it becomes a destination for the masses, for now it remains a sweet former fishing village with idyllic shores ideal for all water lovers.
Located on the northwestern side of the island, El Cotillo has a laidback village vibe that’s hardly fancy, but still exudes a certain charm nonetheless. The town sidles up against the ocean, where you’ll find a rippled coastline complete with a selection of different kinds of beaches. Family’s can park themselves in the sand to the north along La Concha, which is protected on both sides, ensuring calm waters. On the other hand, those in search of both wind and waves will want to travel south to the long stretch of beach situated just beyond town.
Apart from the pueblo and beach lounging, what else is there to do and see in these parts? While you’re venturing from shore to shore, be sure to head south of El Cotillo’s harbor to check out the Fortaleza del Tostón, a tower-like fortress built in the 1790s to defend against pirates. Then, if you’re looking for unsurpassable panoramic views, head north to the Faro de Tostón, a lighthouse situated on a flat finger of land, and surrounded almost entirely by the sea.
Practical Info
All of these shorelines are easily accessible, which means you can park not far away from the beach and have your toes in the Canarian sand in no time. If you wish to go in the water on any of the more exposed shores, however, beware of the waves, which can often be more threatening than they appear.
Address: El Cotillo, Spain
From $ 73
El Golfo
Far removed from the golden sands and azure waters of Lanzarote’s principal beach resorts, the coastal landscape of El Golfo harbors one of the island’s most unique geological areas. A rare example of an ancient hydro-volcano, a combination of volcanic eruptions and sea erosions have imprinted the shore with a half-moon shaped crater lake, Lago Verde (Green Lake), separated from the sea by a stretch of black sand.
Looking down over the beach from the surrounding cliff tops is the best way to view the site, an otherworldly landscape famous for its startling contrasts of colors and shapes. The lime-green waters of the crater lake (the result of the Ruppia Maritima algae that lives in the waters) appear almost luminous against the black sand beach, itself a peculiar blend of black volcanic sand and green Olivine stones, and the small bay is framed by a rugged chain of eroded volcanic rocks.
Practical Info
The coastal village and crater lake of El Golfo lie along the southwest coast of Lanzarote, close to the Timanfaya National Park and can be reached by car or by hiking the 10km coastal walk from Playa de la Madera. Admission to the beach and lagoon is free.
Address: El Golfo, Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
Hours: Daily
From $ 29
Casa de Colon
Charming Casa de Colon was reportedly a rest-and-repair stop for Christopher Columbus and his ship, La Pinta, en route to the New World in 1492.
Originally belonging to the Governor of the Canaries, Casa de Colon was one of a small number of houses that became Las Palmas' first settlement, marking the beginning of the city in 1478.
As you might expect, displays at Casa de Colon have a strong nautical theme and include a replica of a ship's cabin that belonged to Columbus’ fleet, navigation instruments, nautical maps, charts and paintings related to voyages made by the famous navigator. The site's ornate doorways, latticed balconies and chocolate-box-like exterior make it one of Las Palmas’ most eye-catching buildings. If its pretty facade doesn't make you want to discover more about the building's history and Columbus's visit here, the interesting and well-run museum inside will.
Here you’ll find multilingual exhibits that explain the connection between the Canary Islands, Columbus and his great voyages that led him to discover and establish trading links with the new world.
Practical Info
Casa de Colon is in the historic Vegueta district, approximately 10km (6.2mi) south-east of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. To get there by car from Las Palmas, follow the GC-1 highway along the coast in a south-easterly direction. To get there by bus (guaguas) head to the main bus station, estación de Guaguas de San Telmo, south-east of the city.
Address: 1 Calle Colón, Vegueta, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria 35001, Spain
Hours: Daily Monday-Friday 9am-7pm, Saturday-Sunday 9am-3pm
Admission: Free
From $ 11
Corralejo Dunes Natural Park
The Canary Islands sit just 70 miles (113 kilometers) off the coast of western Africa. But the 6,425 acres (2,600 hectares) of rolling sand dunes within Fuerteventura’s Corralejo Dunes National Park might have you thinking you’re visiting the African continent as opposed to a beach-filled archipelago.
The Basics
In addition to housing the biggest and best dunes in the Canary Islands, Corralejo Dunes National Park also boasts a rugged and dramatic volcanic landscape, dominated by red jagged rock formations and Montaña Roja (Red Mountain) volcano. Day trips to Fuerteventura from Lanzarote often include time at the national park for exploring the beaches and dunes, as well as visits to the hamlet of Betancuria, Church of Our Lady of Regla, and the town of Corralejo.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Corralejo Dunes National Park is a must-visit for adventure travelers and sun seekers.
- Be mindful when swimming at the park beaches—there are no lifeguards on duty and currents can be strong.
- Bring a towel, bathing suit, sun protection, and water to enjoy the park’s beaches.
- Wear comfortable hiking boots, especially if you plan to explore the park’s volcanic landscapes.
- Day trips from Lanzarote can last upwards of 10 hours depending on the option chosen.
How to Get There
The national park lies just off the FV-1 road between Puerto del Rosario and the town of Corralejo. If you’re staying on neighboring Lanzarote, the easiest way to reach the park is via ferry from Playa Blanca to Corralejo or by joining a guided tour.
When to Get There
Fuerteventura is hot and sunny throughout the year, making the national park’s beautiful beaches appealing no matter the season. If you plan to do some hiking in the park, plan to visit between April and June or October, when temperatures are slightly cooler.
What’s in the Sand?
Though the undulating fine white sands of the Fuerteventura dunes are surely reminiscent of the desert, the granules in Corralejo Dunes Natural Park are in fact actually made up of tiny little pieces of shell and mollusk, as opposed to anything rocky.
Address: Fuerteventura, Spain
From $ 17
La Gomera
It may be the second smallest of the Canaries’ seven main islands, but that doesn’t mean that La Gomera is any less spectacular. At 14 miles wide, the round landmass reaches 5,000 feet into the sky at its highest peak and spans all types of landscapes, from banana orchards to mossy rainforests socked in by a layer of ethereal cloud cover. In fact, its mountainous La Garajonay National Park is such an impressive sight that it boasts status as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The landscape isn’t the only thing that makes La Gomera especially noteworthy, though: Its culture is pretty special too. The island offers gastronomic specialties ranging from wine to cheese and pastries. And then of course there’s its famous whistling language, called silbo gomero, which has survived since Roman times. Traditionally used to communicate up to two miles across the island’s deep ravines, the language perseveres to this day thanks in part to its inclusion in school curriculum.
La Gomera gains fame for another reason, as it is on this island where Christopher Columbus made his last port of call before sailing on to the Americas with his three ships. Columbus had intended to stay only four days but ended up staying for a month and followed up his first visit with several others. Nowadays, visitors to the island can check out several landmarks dedicated to the explorer.
Practical Info
Boats make the roughly one-hour journey to and from La Gomera from Tenerife several times a day. La Gomera can also be reached by plane via a 30-minute flight from Tenerife.
Address: La Gomera, Tenerife, Spain
Hours: Daily
From $ 75
La Graciosa
Those looking a change of pace from the busy beach resorts and lively nightlife of mainland Lanzarote will find the tranquil isle of La Graciosa to be an enchanting place, just a short boat ride from the island’s northern coast. The largest and only inhabited inland of the small Chinijo archipelago, La Graciosa is home to just 600 people, has no roads or natural water supply, and no hotels, making it the perfect spot to get away from it all.
With its dreamlike landscape of sandy beaches, sweeping dunes and volcanic hills, most visitors come to La Graciosa to soak up the scenery and getting around the 30 square-kilometer island is easily done on foot, by jeep or water taxi. Along with swimming and sunbathing, the most popular pastimes for day-trippers include cruising around the surrounding isles, cycling along the coast or scuba diving in the surrounding marine reserve, whereas holidaymakers can rent out one of the traditional whitewashed cottages by the Caleta del Sebo harbor.
Practical Info
La Graciosa is the largest island of the Chinijo archipelago, located off Lanzarote’s north coast. Regular ferries from Órzola to La Graciosa run daily between 10am-6.30pm during the summer months and take around 20 minutes, or else you can hire a boat or join a guided tour. Water taxis and bikes are available to rent from the town of Caleta del Sebo.
Address: La Graciosa, Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
Hours: Daily
From $ 34
Famara Beach (Playa de Famara)
A 1.8-mile-long stretch of golden sand fringed by soaring sea cliffs, the picturesque setting of Famara Beach (Playa de Famara) has earned it a legion of fans, among them renowned local artist César Manrique and Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar. The dramatic surroundings make the beach extremely popular among locals, and there are ample opportunities for exploring, like walking in the sand dunes, hiking across the cliff tops of El Risco (Lanzarote’s highest peak) or tucking into fresh seafood in the traditional fishing village of Caleta de Famara.
Benefiting from consistent winds and world-class reef breaks, the beach is also a hot spot for water sports, with popular activities including surfing, windsurfing and kiteboarding, as well as hang-gliding from the coastal cliffs.
Practical Info
Famara Beach is located on Lanzarote’s northwest coast and is easily reached by car via the LZ-401 and LZ-402 roads. Famara is a family beach, but it is also known for its strong currents and riptides, so take care when swimming.
Address: Famara Beach, Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
Hours: Daily
From $ 52
Cactus Gardens (Jardin de Cactus)
Cactus gets its due respect at this wildly prickly Lanzarote garden, which was inaugurated in 1990. The Jardín de Cactus is the final brainchild of beloved island native César Manrique, the painter, sculptor and architect whose work famously balanced both art and nature. The cactarium, which occupies a former quarry, is home to 7,200 cactus plants and 1,100 different species, all originating from far-off places such as the Americas and Africa.
While there, you can wander the various levels of the amphitheater-shaped garden by traversing its many paths, all lined by peculiar rock formations, various water features and of course, the thorny plants themselves. Spy the giant Don Quijote-style windmill that tops the garden, then take a garden-break by visiting the artisanal goods-filled shop, or by grabbing a bite to eat at the restaurant and terrace.
Practical Info
The best way to get to the Cactus Gardens is by car. Located in the northeastern Lanzarote town of Gautiza and surrounded more or less by agricultural land, the gardens are identifiable from the main road thanks to a giant eight-meter-tall cactus. To take advantage of optimal lighting and to encounter fewer crowds, plan to make your visit during the afternoon.
Address: Carretera General del Norte, s/n Guatiza, Lanzarote, Spain
Hours: Daily 10 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.
Admission: Adults: 5,50 Euros; Children 7-12: 2,75 Euros
From $ 73
Aqualand Costa Adeje
Part waterpark, part amusement park, Aqualand Costa Adeje is popular among families for its variety of rides and attractions. Thrill-seekers can choose from half a dozen waterslides, including a six-lane mat racer, a high-speed body slide, and a funnel slide, while the Kidzworld area features pint-sized attractions that include a wading pool and water castle. The park's giant Jacuzzi tub, heated wave pool, and lazy river offer options for relaxation that are favorites among guests of all ages.
The park's Dolphinarium, home to a pod of bottlenose dolphins, runs one of the most successful breeding and conservation programs in Europe, in which a therapy program offers aid to disabled young sea mammals and onsite biologists study dolphin acoustics between mothers and babies. Be sure to check out the dolphinarium museum to learn about the history, physiology, characteristics, and habitats of the bottlenose dolphin.
Practical Info
Aqualand is located in Tenerife near the Playa de las Americas. To get there, take TF 1 motorway (Autopista) to Junction 29, or take the free daily shuttle bus from Playa de las Americas or Los Cristianos. Height restrictions exist for some of the largest water rides.
Although Viator tours do not include this activity, dolphin swims are available for purchase at the park for an additional fee.
Address: Avenida de Austria, 15, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands 38660, Spain
Hours: Sept–June 10am–5pm; July–Aug 10am–6pm
Admission: Adult €25, child €17.50
From $ 32
Aqualava Waterpark Relaxia
The design of Lanzarote’s Aqualava water park pays tribute to the island’s volcanic landscape with its geothermal-heated pools. The saltwater wave pool (the only on the island) gives the feel of the beach, while the smaller kids' areas are perfectly themed for play. There's a winding lazy river, as well as five waterslides.
The Basics
Aqualava water park is one of the island’s most popular spots to cool down on those hot island afternoons, especially during the summer. The cost of admission includes access to all the park’s attractions, inner tubes, umbrellas, and sunbeds, as well as facilities for showering and changing. Choose between a basic entrance ticket, or upgrade for convenient round-trip transportation from your Lanzarote hotel.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Aqualava Waterpark Relaxia is a must-visit for families traveling with kids.
- Don’t forget to bring a towel and a change of clothes.
- The water park offers wheelchair-accessible facilities, as well as showers, lockers, and free Wi-Fi.
- Leave your jewelry and accessories at home; they’re not permitted on the park’s slides.
How to Get There
Aqualava Waterpark is located in Playa Blanca on the south of Lanzarote. The park provides free transfer from Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise on select days of the week. You can also catch a public bus from Puerto del Carmen (161 or 61), Arrecife (60), Costa Teguise (01 and 03), or from within Playa Blanca (30).
When to Get There
The water park is open throughout the year, but the cooling water features are perhaps most refreshing during the summer months, when highs reach about 85°F (29°C). Check the weather forecast before your visit, as the park closes during bad weather.
Things to Do in Playa Blanca
If you’re in Playa Blanca to enjoy the water park, stick around to check out some of the town’s other attractions. You’ll find a range of restaurants, shops, and bars along the Playa Blanca boardwalk, while the port area is home to a new shopping center. Dorada and Flamingo beaches both lie within walking distance, and the stunning white coves of Papagayo are a short car ride away.
Address: C/ Gran Canaria, 26, 35580 Playa Blanca, Yaiza, Lanzarote, Spain
Hours: Daily from 10 am - 6 pm
Admission: Varies
From $ 24
Anaga Mountains (Macizo de Anaga)
This scenic mountain range on Tenerife is the oldest natural spot on the island. Formed more than 7 million years ago by volcanic activity, today the mountains welcome hikers from around the world. The recognized biosphere reserve and protected park is one of the most biodiverse forests in all of Europe.
The mountains are remote and known for their wilderness. There are many native plant species unique to the area. Several paths wind throughout, all reaching different viewpoints and parts of the forest. The coastline is particularly beautiful from many of the hiking trails as you go higher up. Small streams and pools add to the scenery along the way.
Many small, isolated villages with limited access also exist along the mountain, as do archaeological sites that have discovered the remains of ancient settlers here. Guided walks and tours to the small villages are what most visitors will do on the mountain. The range’s highest point is Cruz de Taborno, at just over 1,000 meters tall.
Practical Info
The Anaga Mountains stretch from Cruz del Carmen on the northern peninsular to Punta de Anaga in the northeast. Two of the best known villages, San Andres and Taganana, provide the most access to the surrounding lands.
Address: Macizo de Anaga, Tenerife, Spain, Tenerife, Spain
From $ 34
Calle Triana
Calle Triana (and the district surrounding it) has become the main commercial center of Las Palmas. The pedestrian street running through its heart is lined with trendy boutiques, old-fashioned shops, international brand retailers and lovely cafes for a bit of post-shopping refreshment.
While some of the shops might be modern, the street itself is among the oldest on the island, dating back to the sixteenth century. Shops and banks began moving into the area in the mid- nineteenth century, and much of the architecture dates back to the same period.
Swing by Calle Triana, 35, where you’ll notice an electric clock dating back to 1868. The clock, built by famous clockmaker Juan Pflüger, reminds passers-by to take their time and enjoy the day.
Practical Info
Calle Triana itself is where you’ll find many of the big brand retailers. Explore the smaller side streets to find smaller boutiques and restaurants.
Address: Calle Triana, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands 35002, Spain
From $ 90
Jameos del Agua
Part natural wonder, part lavish beach resort, Jameos del Agua is one of the Canary Islands’ most distinctive attractions, built within a series of lava caves on Lanzarote’s northeastern coast. The masterwork of local artist and architect César Manrique, the underground complex makes innovative use of the natural volcanic landscape, formed by the eruption of the La Corona volcano some 4,000 years ago, and boasts a bar, restaurant, nightclub and swimming pool.
Built in 1968, Manrique’s creative vision centers around a series of collapsed lava tubes, or ‘Jameos’, where pressure build-up had caused the roofs to fall in, making an atmospheric location for an open-top swimming pool. Additional highlights include a series of underground galleries devoted to the island’s volcanic history, a concert hall that makes use of the natural cave acoustics, and an underground lake, famous for its endemic population of blind Albino Crab (a species found only on Lanzarote).
Practical Info
Jameos del Agua is located on the northeastern coast of Lanzarote. The caves are open daily from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., while the restaurant and nightclub are open Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Admission costs €8 for adults, €4 for children. It is free for children under 7.
Address: Jameos del Agua, Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
Hours: Open daily from 10:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., while the restaurant and nightclub are open Tuesday Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Admission: Adults €8, Children €4, Children under 7 free
From $ 34
Catedral de Santa Ana
As the seat of the Diocese of the Canaries in the Roman Catholic Church, the Catedral de Santa Ana is one of the most prominent monuments of Canarian architecture. Construction was initiated in 1500 on orders of the Catholic Monarchs, Queen Isabella I of Castile and King Ferdinand II of Aragon, after Gran Canaria was conquered in 1478. It was completed on the eve of Corpus Christi in 1570, although substantial renovations were made over the following centuries—which explains the disparity in some of the architectural details. Designed in the purest Gothic tradition with touches of Neoclassical and even Baroque, the structure consists of two campaniles, an ornate nave with double aisles as well as a sanctuary. The cathedral’s interior is famous for its palm tree-like piers and for its twin towers, one of which is accessible to tourists on a quest for unobstructed views of Gran Canaria. The south wing of the cathedral also features the Sacred Art Museum and its valuable collection of sacred artifacts, sculptures and works of art.
Practical Info
Catedral de Santa Ana is located on Plaza de Santa Ana in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands. It is easily accessible from the port via route GC-1 and Calle Juan de Quesada, or by bus via routes 54, 7 and 70. The cathedral is open to visitors from 10am to 4:30pm on weekdays and from 10am to 1:30pm on Saturdays. Entry costs €3 per person.
Address: Plaza de Santa Ana, 13, Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
Hours: Open to visitors from 10am to 4:30pm on weekdays and from 10am to 1:30pm on Saturdays.
Admission: €3 per person
From $ 11
Janubio Salt Pans
Salt has played an important role in Lanzarote since the late 19th century, accounting for a large percentage of the island’s industrial income and even making its mark on local culture – during the traditional Corpus Christi festival, brightly-dyed salts are used to decorate the street with large colorful artworks. Today, the salt industry has fallen into decline, but a number of the island’s traditional salt pans remain in use – manmade flats where the sea water is channeled and left to crystalize, allowing the sea salt to be harvested.
The Janubio Salt Pans are the island’s most famous, created in the early 20th century by Victor Fernandez and consisting of over 440,000 square meters of pans, making it the biggest salt refinery in the Canary Islands. Today, the area is a protected National Heritage site and produces up to 10,000 tons of salt each year, harvested by hand during the summer months. The historic site has also become a tourist attraction, and the gigantic patchwork of salt pans makes for a unique view, set against a backdrop of the black sand Janubio beach and attracting an array of native birds.
Practical Info
The Janubio Salt Pans are located on the southwest coast of Lanzarote, close to the village of Yaiza.
Address: Janubio Salt Pans, Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
Hours: Daily
From $ 29
Jardin Botanico Canario Viera y Clavijo
A staple of Gran Canarian and Spanish culture, the botanical garden was named after pioneering Spanish cleric and scholar José Viera y Clavijo. It opened in 1959 after seven years of landscaping. And although it is intrinsically linked to the island’s history, the garden was technically the life work of Swedish-Spanish botanist Eric Ragnor Sventenius, who devoted a number of years of his life to optimizing and expanding the site. The garden, which spreads over 27 hectares and is officially Spain’s largest, comprises of 500 plant species endemic to the Canary Islands scattered in several divisions, like the "Garden of the Islands", the "Garden of Cacti and Succulents" and its 10,000 succulents, the "Laurel-leaved Forests", the "Fountain of the Wisemen," the "Macaronesian Ornamental Garden” as well as the “Hidden Garden” and its sublime greenhouse. It now houses plants from all over the world and a research laboratory.
Practical Info
Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo is located on Carretera Nueva San Lorenzo in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands. It is located roughly 7 kilometers southwest of city center but easily accessible from by car via Carretera del Centro. It is accessible by bus via routes 301, 302 and 303. The garden is open every day from 9am to 6pm. Admission is free.
Address: Ctra. Nueva San Lorenzo, Km 2, Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
Hours: Open daily, 9am to 6pm.
From $ 49
Auditorio de Tenerife (Tenerife Auditorium)
With its sweeping white façade looming over the waterfront of Santa Cruz harbor, the Auditorio de Tenerife (Tenerife Auditorium) is an instantly recognizable landmark of the Tenerife capital. The futuristic design by architect Santiago Calatrava has drawn comparisons to the Sydney Opera House and its signature white concrete arc looks particularly spectacular at night when the rooftop is lit up from beneath.
Although guided tours are a popular way to admire the interiors of the Auditorio de Tenerife, the best way to experience the famous venue is to book tickets for a show. There’s a varied schedule of music and dance performances throughout the year, with highlights including the Tenerife Opera, the Symphony Orchestra of Tenerife and special Christmastime musicals.
Although guided tours are a popular way to admire the interiors of the Auditorio de Tenerife, the best way to experience the famous venue is to book tickets for a show. There’s a varied schedule of music and dance performances throughout the year, with highlights including the Tenerife Opera, the Symphony Orchestra of Tenerife and special Christmastime musicals.
Address: Av de la Constitucion, 1, Santa Cruz de Tenerife 38003, Spain
From $ 25
La Laguna
La Laguna (or San Cristóbal de La Laguna) might have passed its role as capital over to Santa Cruz in 1723, but the lively student town remains one of Tenerife’s most important cities, linked by tram to Santa Cruz. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999, the Old Town of La Laguna is most famous for its colonial architecture and strolling the cobblestone streets unveils a number of historic gems, including the elegant townhouses of Las Casas Consistoriales and a number of noteworthy churches.
Don’t miss a visit to the landmark Church of the Conception, where you can take in the views from the bell tower; the early 20th-century Teatro Leal, with its exquisite interior paintings and murals; and the bustling marketplace of Plaza del Cristo. The city is also home to some of the island’s most important museums, so you can brush up on local history at the Museo de Historia, then indulge in some interactive fun at the innovative Museo de Ciencia y El Cosmos (Museum of Science and the Cosmos).
Don’t miss a visit to the landmark Church of the Conception, where you can take in the views from the bell tower; the early 20th-century Teatro Leal, with its exquisite interior paintings and murals; and the bustling marketplace of Plaza del Cristo. The city is also home to some of the island’s most important museums, so you can brush up on local history at the Museo de Historia, then indulge in some interactive fun at the innovative Museo de Ciencia y El Cosmos (Museum of Science and the Cosmos).
Address: San Cristobal de La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
From $ 72
La Geria
Lanzarote’s rugged volcanic terrain might not seem like the ideal climate for wine growing, but the Canary Islands are renowned for their traditional cultivation of Malvasia grapes, producing the famous sweet Malmsey wine, among others. The La Geria district of Lanzarote has long been celebrated for producing the islands’ best wines, and touring the wineries (bodegas) has become a popular pastime among visitors, affording the chance to taste a range of local white, red and rosé varieties.
Aside from the wine tasting, it’s the vineyards’ moonlike landscape that is La Geria’s biggest attraction. Unlike the tiered vineyards more typically associated with grape growing, here each vine is planted in a "zoco" - an individual three-foot-deep pit, protected from the elements by a semi-circular stone wall. The atypical design makes the most of the fertile volcanic soil, while drawing and maintaining moisture in the pit, but it also makes for a striking landscape – the pock-holed surface dotted with vines and stone arches appears almost extraterrestrial and learning the secrets of the protected agricultural area offers a fascinating insight into Lanzarote’s unique topography.
Practical Info
La Geria is located in the center of the island, about five minutes by car from Uga and Yaiza, and is home to a number of vineyards. The easiest and most popular way to visit is by guided tour, but it’s also possible to pre-arrange a private wine tasting or tour at some of the bodegas.
Address: La Geria District, Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
Hours: Daily
From $ 29
C esar Manrique Foundation
Art and architecture meet nature at the César Manrique Foundation. Situated in Manrique’s former home, the foundation melds into a landscape of lava rock and provides a visually stunning glimpse into the Lanzarote native’s craft.
Manrique, an artist and architect, left an indelible mark on the island, and not just through his creations—he even impacted the Lanzarote skyline. Indeed, thanks to his efforts, he helped to ensure that growing tourism didn’t result in growing skyscrapers. It’s a mission that continues to this day via the foundation, which aims to not only preserve Manrique’s work, but to also advance the environmental and artistic causes he valued.
The house itself sits on the aftermath of an 18th-century volcanic eruption that vastly changed the Lanzarote terrain. But it isn’t just built on the frozen-in-time lava, but among it, with the bottom living space occupying five volcanic bubbles. The whitewashed exterior, by contrast, is inspired by traditional island architecture. From a funky room with volcanic rock pouring through a window to a garden bordered by a rainbow-colored mural, every detail of the former home is a visual delight. While there, visitors can peruse all of the house’s unique corners, and also check out the various exhibitions and make stops at the café and shop.
Practical Info
The foundation is open daily from 10 p.m. to 6 p.m. and is located just a 10-minute drive away from the coastal city of Arrecife. To beat the crowds, plan to come early.
Address: Calle Taro de Tahiche s/n, Lanzarote, Spain
Hours: Daily from 10 p.m. to 6 p.m.
From $ 17