Shaped by volcanic activity in the 18th and 19th centuries, Lanzarote’s dramatic lunar-like landscape presents the perfect backdrop to combine exploring with winter sun. With an average daily temperature of 21°C in January, the most easterly and northerly Canary Island (closest to the UK with a flight time of 4 hours and 15 minutes) offers the expected winter holiday staples of sun, sea, and sandy beaches, but escape your resort to discover walking trails in atmospherically barren geography, experience the quintessential charm of whitewashed villages, the creative influence of local artist Ceaser Manrique, and marvel at the ingenuity of man to adapt to the harsh environment along the way.
Lace up
Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve on account of the island’s focus on sustainable and responsible tourism, a short drive from any of the three main resorts: Costa Teguise, Puerto del Carmen, or Playa Blanca-you’re transported to a prehistoric-like world with easily accessible walks.
For dramatic views, head to Caldera Blanca, located off the LZ67. The 10km route takes you from Mancha Blanca across the volcanic bed to the top of the mountain, where you can circle the 1-kilometre-wide cauldron-like hollow–the biggest and most spectacular on the island. The summit is the perfect spot to eat lunch and take in the 360-degree panoramic views. Superfast geckos scuttling between the rocks, eagle-eyed for falling crumbs, provide entertainment. Interpretation boards along the route and a free visitor’s centre at Mancha Blanca (www.spain.info/en/info/mancha-blanca-visitor-centre/) provide an insight into the island’s volcanic activity, flora, and fauna.
Volcanoes
For a less strenuous delve into the volcanic landscape, pay a visit to the Montanas del Fuego (Mountains of Fire) in Timanfaya National Park. Included in the entrance fee (20 Euros per adult, 10 Euros per child), you can experience the lunar landscape from the comfort of a coach as it carves its way through the rocky Ruta de los Volcanos (Volcano Route) and watch as the tour guide pours water into the ground for a geyser to dramatically spurt before your eyes, demonstrating the extreme temperatures below the surface. Refuel dining at the El Diablo restaurant to sample meat cooked in the heat of the volcano.
Coastal Villages
Peppered amongst the black rocks on hillsides and by the coast, you’ll discover quaint, quiet hamlets with authentic bars and restaurants frequented by locals and tourists alike. Drive out to the tiny fishing village of El Golfo on the south-west coast to stretch your legs some more and admire the emerald, green lagoon (by the car park) taking its colour from algae in the water.
From here, head to the far side of the village to hike out 2 miles along the coast through the national park to Playa del Paso, a black sandy beach battered by crashing Atlantic waves. It’s too dangerous to swim here, but the atmosphere is breathtaking. Hiking shoes or trainers are a must to navigate the sharp, craggy volcanic rock. Time your walk right and stop on the way back at one of the sea-view restaurants serving fresh sea food and local speciality Canary potatoes to watch the sun set.
Architecture
The influence of Arrecife born artist and sculptor, Ceaser Manrique, is evident throughout the island. Returning to the island in the 1960s after a 20-year absence, Manrique began working on projects to turn natural features into sustainable tourist attractions.
At Jameous del Agua in the north of Lanzarote, a series of lava caves inside a volcanic tunnel, you can walk beside an underwater lagoon populated with miniature albino crabs leading to an exquisite artificial lake, set in whitewashed volcanic rock and shaded by magnificent palms.
While you’re exploring along the LZ1, stop by the Jardin de Cactus (Cactus Garden), set in an abandoned quarry, to stroll around Manrique’s final architectural intervention. Housing over 4,500 cacti specimens, the artistically curated greenery provides a stark contrast to the island’s deserted landscape, woven with paths for a peaceful meander.
Wine
On a journey to La Geria, Lanzarote’s wine-making region, in the centre of the island, you’ll find fields of hand-planted green vines thriving in moisture-rich volcanic sand, protected by iconic rock walls, unveiling the resourcefulness of farmers to adapt to the unforgiving landscape and produce award-winning volcanic wines.
Wine Tours Lanzarote (winetourslanzarote.com) offer trips taking in several wineries with pick-ups available from the three main resorts or visit any under your own steam. El Griffo, the oldest of over 20 bodegas on the island, dates to 1775 and offers tours and tastings (elgrifo.com). For the more adventurous, time your visit to coincide with the Lanzarote Wine Run in June and choose to run 12km or 24km through the vineyards, sampling enroute (lanzarotewinerun.com).
Relax
Whether you are seeking a beach holiday with a day of exploring or a resort-based break to get out, get active, and experience the local culture, Lanzarote offers it all. At 16 miles wide and 37 miles from tip to toe, hiring a car is the best way to get about and roughly an hour’s travel will get you from one end of the island to the other. At the end of the day wandering, return to your seaside resort, with golden sandy beaches, to unwind with a glass of local wine and watch the sun go down.