Black beach © Marlon / stock.adobe.com
Black beach © Marlon / stock.adobe.com

Lanzarote

The Black Island

Published: 24 August 2023, 16:00

Spectacular lava formations, fabulous sandy beaches and at least eight hours of sunshine a day: there are plenty of good arguments for a trip to the Canary Island of Lanzarote! The Spanish island is located around 140 kilometres west of the African coast and, therefore, attracts visitors all year round with delightfully pleasant temperatures averaging around 17-25 degrees. The island is a great destination in any season, be it summer or winter. It’s a great place for both sun worshippers and fans of the outdoors. Those seeking the perfect wave should check out the popular surf spots in the north of the island. In contrast, the south coast is particularly good for diving, snorkelling, swimming and jet skiing.

The volcanic landscape of Timanfaya National Park is not to be missed. The Fire Mountains with their 32 craters are considered the absolute highlight of the island. The island is very easy to explore by hire car.

numbers, data, facts

  • Time difference: - one hour
  • Population: 155,812
  • official language: Spanish
  • Currency: Euro (EUR)

The most beautiful places on Lanzarote

On the trail of César Manrique

Architecture, design, environmental activism and landscape design go hand in hand with artist César Manrique (1919-1992). The exceptional artist fuses art and nature and in doing so has left his mark on the Canary Island like no one else. His art is still omnipresent today and ranges from the typical white and green houses to decorated traffic islands and the famous cactus garden. Manrique’s goal was to enhance the barren island, while at the same time save it from mass tourism. His works merge with the landscape without destroying it.

Lanzarote from BER

5 travel tips for …

1. The typical Lanzarote dish papas arrugadas (wrinkly potatoes) with mojo should definitely be on your culinary to-do list.

2. In Lanzarote there are all kinds of culinary specialties to try, such as dishes with cactus fruit.

3. Tuna, hake and many others come fresh from the sea here. Mussels are also a local seafood delicacy.

4. Fancy a special dessert? Then you have to try bienmesabe made from almonds, and gofio made from roasted maize flour.

5. On a wine tour or at a restaurant: the (mostly sweet) white wine from the volcanic Malvasía grape is not to be missed.  

1. Don’t forget your swimsuit and sun cream! The island is a real bathing paradise.

2. Take a taxi, bus or hire car to Órzola in the north-east of Lanzarote. Líneas Marítimas Romero and Biosfera Express sail from there to the neighbouring island. The crossing takes about 30 minutes.

3. You can hire a bicycle to explore the island at the port of La Graciosa.

4. Alternatively, Jeep safaris or sailboat tours are also offered.

5. A jump into the water will cool you down. Those who have snorkelling equipment with them can also explore the underwater world.

1. The beaches Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca are good for swimming as there are no high waves.

2. Simply submerge: a submarine safari allows young and old to explore the underwater world of the Atlantic Ocean.

3. Rancho Texas Lanzarote Park is an adventure park, zoo and water park rolled in to one.

4. A camel ride in Timanfaya National Park is a wonderful way to observe the unique landscape.

5. With a little luck, you might spot dolphins on a boat trip to the island of Lobos. 

Picture source title: © Marlon / stock.adobe.com

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