24 hours in Lanzarote

Lanzarote is part of the Canary Islands and as it’s the easternmost, it gets some protection from the Atlantic weather. This means a warm climate year round, minimal rain and less wind than some of the other islands. It’s a perfect for a spot of sunshine any time of the year but especially so during September and October when the crowds have gone.

With that in mind, we’ve decided to focus on the beautiful island of Lanzarote for this month’s ‘24 Hours in…’ feature.

Morning

After a traditional breakfast we always recommend a morning swim, either in your hotel swimming pool or, even better, in the sea. In fact, Playa de Papagayo at the very south-western tip is a collection of the finest beaches in Lanzarote. A series of hidden coves with white sand beaches, large cliffs and turquoise water; it really is the perfect spot for a swim.

If you’re there in the off-season it won’t be a problem but it’s worth getting to Playa de Papagayo in the morning, before the crowds arrive. The beaches are easily accessible from all over the island by road and there is ample parking.

Lunch

Lanzarote is a foodie’s paradise, especially if you’re partial to seafood. As you’d expect for an island, there are copious amounts of incredible and fresh seafood available at almost every restaurant. Common (and delicious) fish include dorada (sea bream), cherne (sea bass) and vieja (parrot fish). These are usually served grilled with papas arrugadas, the signature of Lanzarote.

Literally translated as ‘wrinkled potatoes’, they are served with a rich sauce of olive oil, vinegar, garlic, herbs and spices.

Afternoon

In the afternoon we recommend traveling north to the Chinijo Archipelago. This collection of small islands is easily accessible by boat and is part of a natural park. It’s perfect for walking, sailing and bird watching.

While you’re in the north, head to La Corona and the Cueve de los Verdes. This cave was created by lava flows from Monte Corona. Nowadays, the several kilometres of caves are lit up and can be explored. Its most famous feature is a 5000-seat concert hall located near the entrance, which is home to various performances throughout the year.

Evening

In the evening it’s time to head back to town and enjoy an evening meal and watch the sun go down. The best sunsets are along the west of the island where you can watch out over the Atlantic Ocean. However, we recommend making your way to the old town of Puerto del Carmen.

Here you’ll find lots of bars and restaurants to spend the night and relax with a traditional Spanish feel. For those of you that like late nights and something a bit livelier, Puerto del Carmen is the ideal place. The strip is where you’ll find all the big clubs and lively bars that stay open well into the early hours. Matagorda is somewhere in the middle and certainly offers a lively night out.

So that’s 24 hours to spend in Lanzarote. We’d love to hear your thoughts and what to do in Lanzarote in the comments below.