Lanzarote Guide by Bayside

What to see, eat and do: our local recommendations

• Playa del Reducto (Arrecife): Arrecife's gorgeous city beach — completely free and far less crowded than the resort beaches. Golden sand, calm water and a palm-lined promenade with cafés and bars. Great for a relaxed local afternoon; free parking nearby. Grab an ice cream and watch the locals go by — this is the real Lanzarote.
• Trucos de local para ahorrar (HiperDino) (Arrecife): Lunchtime menú del día, the CACT Pass, HiperDino supermarket and CICAR car hire: the tricks locals use. See “Money-saving tips”.
• Submarine Safaris Lanzarote (Puerto Calero): Board a real submarine that dives to 28 m to see reefs, shipwrecks and hundreds of tropical fish. Departs from Puerto Calero marina, about 45 min. Book online in advance — it sells out fast in summer. Not for claustrophobics; otherwise fine for all ages.
• Líneas Romero – Ferry a La Graciosa (Órzola): Book ferry tickets in advance in summer and on public holidays: daily departures are limited.
• Centro de Visitantes de Timanfaya (Yaiza): Essential, but be strategic: arrive before 10:00 to avoid long queues, especially in peak season or school holidays. It's a park to observe rather than walk freely; the landscape feels unreal.
• Lanzasurf Surf & Yoga Camp (Famara): One of Lanzarote's top-rated surf schools, on wild Famara beach. Lessons for all levels, plus yoga, with the dramatic Risco de Famara cliffs as a backdrop. Book ahead in peak season.
• Parque Nacional de Timanfaya (Yaiza / Tinajo): Lanzarote has Starlight certification — one of Europe's best night skies: book a stargazing night tour with a local guide. The guided hike through the lava fields (Ruta de los Volcanes) requires a guide and has Martian views. Book in advance!
• Famara (Famara): Wild coastline and surf culture; dramatic landscape and a relaxed atmosphere. Wind is common — part of its character. Perfect for surfing or long walks; if the wind is strong, enjoy the scenery rather than swimming.
• La Graciosa (La Graciosa): A different kind of day. Take the ferry from Órzola, rent a bike or explore on foot. No paved roads — part of its charm.
• Caldera Blanca (Tinajo): More demanding, but the views from the top are worth it. Bring water and proper footwear — there's no shade.
• Caldera de los Cuervos (Tinajo): An easy, highly recommended walk: you can hike right into the crater. Go early if it's hot. Great with kids too.
• Aquapark Costa Teguise (Costa Teguise): A waterpark for a hot day: slides for all ages, wave pool and a toddler area. Close to the beach. Cheaper entry after 4 pm. Bring sunscreen and water shoes.
• Rancho Texas Lanzarote Park (Puerto del Carmen): A great family day out: dolphin and sea lion shows, a waterpark section and exotic animals. Arrive early (opens 9:30) for the best spots. Book online for a discount. Shaded, with good food inside.
• Playa Quemada (Yaiza): A tiny fishing village that feels like Lanzarote 40 years ago, with almost no tourists. Come at sunset when the boats return and the light turns the volcanic cliffs golden, then have a quiet drink at a local bar.
• Playa del Pozo (Playa Blanca): One of the true secret beaches: no bars, no sunbeds, just black volcanic sand and silence. Dirt-track access — use Google Maps to get there. Perfect at sunrise.
• Caletón Blanco (Órzola): Arrive before 10 am or after 6 pm to have these white-sand volcanic rock pools almost to yourself. Crystal-clear water, great for snorkelling — bring a mask. 10 min from Órzola.
• Museo Lagomar (Nazaret): Part museum, part architectural curiosity. Worth visiting for its cave spaces and design. You can also have a drink or a meal in a very unique setting.
• Los Hervideros (Yaiza): Most spectacular when the sea is rough. Wear comfortable shoes and walk carefully. A short stop, but a powerful one.
• Charco de los Clicos (Charco Verde) (El Golfo, Yaiza): Small but striking. Best in the afternoon light. You can't go down to the lagoon — it's viewed from above. Combine it with Los Hervideros.
• Fundación César Manrique (Tahíche): This is where you understand Lanzarote: architecture, lava and vision combined. Quick to visit, but it changes how you see the island.
• Mirador del Río (Haría): Go early or late in the day. On a clear day, take a silent minute looking out to La Graciosa: it's not just a view, it's perspective. Avoid midday if you want fewer people.
• Cueva de los Verdes (Haría): The visit is guided and well worth it. Bring a light layer — it's cool inside. One of the best ways to understand the island's volcanic origins.
• Jameos del Agua (Haría): Not just a cave — it's art woven into nature. Take your time and notice the details, not just the lake. Mornings are usually quieter.
• Arrieta (Haría): A quiet coastal village with a real local atmosphere. Walk the seafront and look for the natural rock pools at La Garita for snorkelling. Combine it with the Sunday market in Teguise and have fresh fish at the waterfront restaurants.
• Yaiza (Yaiza): The most beautiful village on the island: white houses covered in bougainvillea, silence and a stunning main square. Have a coffee or a glass of local malvasía on the plaza and browse the artisan workshops in the narrow streets. 10 min from Timanfaya.
• Teguise (Teguise): Historic former capital with white streets and traditional architecture. Visit on Sunday for the market, but go early to avoid the crowds.
• Haría (Haría): Known as the “Valley of a Thousand Palms”. Greener and quieter than the south — ideal for a slower pace and mountain scenery.
• Puerto del Carmen (Tías): Lively and popular. Great beaches and plenty of places to eat. Busier than other areas, but convenient and well connected.
• Costa Teguise (Teguise): A resort area with beaches, restaurants and water sports. A good choice for families and for anyone who wants everything close at hand.
• Playa Honda (San Bartolomé): A flat seafront promenade, local atmosphere and quick access to the airport and Arrecife. Practical and peaceful. Perfect for a morning walk.
• Arrecife (Arrecife): The capital and the real everyday life of Lanzarote. Stroll around the Charco de San Ginés at sunset and discover its local cafés. Less touristy, more authentic.
• Mercadillo de Teguise (Teguise): Every Sunday 9 am–2 pm, the biggest artisan market in the Canaries takes over historic Teguise. Arrive before 10 am to beat the tour buses. Local honey, aloe vera, handmade ceramics and Canarian cheeses among cobbled streets and colonial architecture.
• Open Mall Lanzarote (Arrecife): A modern shopping centre in Arrecife, handy for everyday shopping or anything practical you need during your stay.
• Medina Menswear Arrecife (Arrecife): Multi-brand premium menswear store in central Arrecife since 1962 (C. Antonio Porlier y Sopranis 11).
• La Geria (La Geria): Buy wine directly from the wineries: better quality and often better value than at the airport or tourist shops.
• Restaurante El Risco (Famara): Book a terrace table: the view of La Graciosa and the Famara cliffs is breathtaking. Locals come here for special occasions. Ask for the caldo de pescado (not always on the menu) and go at sunset. Come for the views, stay for the fish of the day.
• Munsoo (Soo): Restaurant in the village of Soo, near Famara.
• La Casa de Corea (Playa Honda): Authentic Korean flavours in an unexpected location. Friendly, and different from typical island dining.
• Nakai (Playa Honda): Modern Asian cuisine in Playa Honda. A good option if you want something lighter and different from traditional Canarian food.
• Pastelería Lolita (San Bartolomé): A classic pastry shop with traditional sweets. Simple and authentic.
• Matula's Bakery (Teguise): Perfect for artisan bread and pastries. Ideal for breakfast or to take something back to your apartment.
• La Bodega de Santiago (Yaiza): Restaurant in the village of Yaiza.
• Charco Vivo (Arrecife): A historic spot in Arrecife. Traditional dishes and a local atmosphere; central and authentic.
• Restaurante Brisa Marina (Playa Blanca): Excellent fresh fish in the heart of Playa Blanca. Ask for the catch of the day. Reliable and well known locally.
• Bodega Vulcano Lanzarote (Tías): Smaller and more intimate — a very good choice for a quieter wine tasting.
• Bodega Stratvs (La Geria): Modern architecture surrounded by vineyards. Perfect for a tasting or a long lunch overlooking La Geria. Best to book.
• Bodegas El Grifo (San Bartolomé): One of the oldest wineries on the island. Visit, taste and get to know volcanic wine. Buying directly at the winery is usually the better option.
• Monumento al Campesino (César Manrique) (Mozaga): A tribute to Lanzarote's farming tradition. Its restaurant serves traditional Canarian food in a very authentic setting. Ideal for a relaxed lunch.
• Restaurante El Diablo (Timanfaya) (Timanfaya): Here the experience matters as much as the food: meat is cooked over the volcano's geothermal heat. Go for the setting and the views, and avoid peak hours.
• Restaurante Amanecer (Arrieta): Order the fresh fish or arroz caldoso (soupy rice). Best to book at weekends. Simple, authentic and right by the sea.
• Aeropuerto César Manrique-Lanzarote (ACE) (Arrecife): International airport near Arrecife, 15–30 min from most resorts. Taxis outside arrivals, with fixed fares to the main resorts posted at the rank. Car hire desks inside and a Spar supermarket in arrivals to stock up.
• Hospital Doctor José Molina Orosa (Arrecife): Main public hospital with 24/7 A&E, about 10 min from the airport. For non-urgent issues there are health centres (Centros de Salud) in most towns; English-speaking staff in A&E. Emergency number in Spain: 112.