Areas & Neighborhoods in Lanzarote
Arrecife
The island's capital city and a hub of action along the southeastern coast, this collection of beaches, cliffs, and markets captures the best of island living. Vendors at La Recova Market show off artisan wares while enthusiasts race model sailboats at the Charco de san Gines, and you can find plenty of local delicacies if you want to bite into sweet churros or savory tapas.
Teguise
Surrounded by rocky hills and volcanic cones on the island's interior, the historic enclave features hip, artsy attractions alongside centuries' worth of heritage. The tiny, irregular blocks and buildings of whitewashed walls and volcanic brick reflect its days as one of Lanzarote's oldest cities, while putting most of its attractions just a brief walk away.
Playa Blanca
A quieter alternative to the tourist hub at Puerto del Carmen, this community at the southern edge of the island is home to some upscale shops, gourmet dining, and a lot of pristine sandy shores. For those who'd like to check out the sights on Fuertaventura, a ferry departs from the marina with regular service to the port of Corralejo.
What to See in Lanzarote
There's plenty of sightseeing to do while you're exploring the towns and coastline that made this island famous. You can relax between a pair of high, rocky cliffs at Papagayo Beach, or walk up to the clifftops to admire the frothy waters and jagged volcanic coastline of the Los Hervideros Caves. If you want to head inland, you can step into the volcanic tunnel of Cueva de los Verdes and admire the view from the hilltop fortress of Santa Barbara Castle, or check out the Cactus Garden to see a masterpiece of landscaping with countless varieties of cacti.
Sightseeing in Lanzarote
When you've got some time to spare on the Canary Islands and you're looking for something to do, heading for the water is usually a safe bet. You can take a swim, go snorkeling, or rent a boat from a beach, or you can try a slightly bigger vessel on a more ambitious voyage. A submarine cruise lets you have your own undersea adventure, convenient catamaran charters are perfect for a trip to the little, sandy island of La Graciosa, and day trips to Fuertaventura offer a fun-filled day excursion.
If you want to take some time away from the ocean and see the island itself, Lanzarote can reward you with plenty to keep you busy. Join a guided tour through Los Volcanes Natural Park to explore the world of volcanic craters and rocky plains, or check out the island's most famous artist with an introduction to the works of Cesar Manrique. And if you want to get some local color from the other side of the Atlantic, pay a visit to Rancho Texas for some Western-style fun at a theme park complete with prairie dogs and armadillos.