Dreamy beaches, volcanic landscapes, and hidden spots are all waiting to be explored. With Rebecca’s guide, you can discover Lanzarote like a local.

Lanzarote is a one-of-a-kind island where dramatic volcanic scenery meets peaceful beaches and a vibrant local culture.

To help you uncover the island’s authentic side, we spoke with Rebecca Van Beeren, a TUI Team Leader originally from Amsterdam, who has lived and worked in Lanzarote for seven years.

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Rebecca first came to the island for family reasons, but what truly won her over were the lunar landscapes, laid-back lifestyle and warm atmosphere.

“Everything’s close by, and on my days off I can enjoy nature and the sea,” she told us, mentioning that it’s this immersion in nature that led her to choose Lanzarote as the destination for her wedding.

 

From her favourite beaches to lesser-known spots, here’s Rebecca’s guide to making the most of Lanzarote.

The best things to do in Lanzarote

 

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What to visit in Lanzarote

 

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  • Cueva de los Verdes: Also part of the same tunnel system, this cave is so spacious it even houses an auditorium inside!
    A great way to explore these two spectacular caves is with a guided tour of northern Lanzarote, which includes Cueva de los Verdes, Jameos del Agua, and Mirador del Río.
  • Teguise Sunday Market: One of the largest markets in the Canary Islands, Teguise’s market is the ideal spot to discover local crafts, clothing and street food. Look for the food truck serving oven-baked sweet potatoes stuffed with meat, fish, or vegetables—it’s a true local institution!
  • César Manrique Foundation: No visit to Lanzarote is complete without discovering the work of César Manrique, the island’s most beloved artist and architect. His home, built into a lava flow, is now a museum that perfectly blends art and nature. To fully appreciate the genius of Lanzarote’s iconic architect, join a TUI Collection tour that includes the César Manrique Foundation and LagOmar.

 

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The most beautiful beaches in Lanzarote

  • Papagayo Beach: Located in a protected nature reserve, Papagayo Beach is famous for its turquoise waters and golden sand. It’s one of the island’s most scenic beaches, perfect for swimming, snorkelling, or simply relaxing.
  • Flamingo Beach in Playa Blanca: Ideal for families, Flamingo Beach boasts calm, shallow waters perfect for little ones.
  • Caletón Blanco: This beach in the north of the island has warm, shallow waters that resemble a natural pool. It’s perfect for a relaxing day with the whole family.
  • Puerto del Carmen Beach: Next to La Ola restaurant, this beach is Rebecca’s favourite and is a well-kept secret among locals. The water is calm and clear, ideal for a peaceful swim away from the crowds.
  • Playa Chica in Puerto del Carmen: A small paradise for snorkelling lovers, thanks to its crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life.
  • Playa del Jablillo in Costa Teguise: Another great beach for snorkelling, it has plenty of colourful fish and good amenities.
  • Famara Beach: A surfer’s paradise, with consistent waves and spectacular views of the cliffs.

The best views and sunsets in Lanzarote

In Lanzarote every sunrise and sunset is an experience, and there’s no shortage of spectacular viewpoints. Here are some of Rebecca’s favourite spots:

  • Puerto del Carmen Port: Perfect for a romantic sunset, especially while dining at a seafood restaurant overlooking the boats.
  • El Golfo Village: Pick any restaurant along the waterfront and you’ll be treated to a stunning sunset.
  • Casa Emiliano in Playa Blanca: A restaurant with a view and an authentic atmosphere.
  • Restaurante El Diablo in Timanfaya: Spectacular volcanic views in a refined setting.

 

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Hidden gems: Lanzarote off the tourist trail

Want to truly experience Lanzarote like a local? Rebecca recommends not missing the following:

  • Las Charcones: Natural pools along the coast. It takes about 30 minutes by foot walk to reach them, but it’s absolutely worth it.
  • Las Grietas: Fascinating lava formations just 7 minutes by car from the airport. It’s perfect for photography and adventure lovers.

 

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  • Volcán El Cuervo: An exciting walk inside the crater of a volcano.
  • Arrieta: A small coastal village with natural pools, popular among locals.
  • Charco del Palo: A peaceful and welcoming village set in a spectacular natural environment.

What to eat in Lanzarote

Lanzarote’s cuisine, like that of the other Canary Islands, is simple and authentic. It’s based on fresh, quality ingredients and paired with bold-flavoured sauces. Here are some of the top specialties to try according to Rebecca:

  • Papas arrugadas: The signature dish of the Canaries is none other than boiled potatoes with skin, served with mojo rojo (spicy sauce) and mojo verde (made with coriander and garlic). It’s a flavour explosion!
  • Fresh fish: Lanzarote is home to many fishermen, and fresh fish is the star of the local cuisine. Head to El Golfo, where every restaurant serves freshly grilled catch of the day.
  • Gofio: An ancient flour made from toasted cereals (like corn or wheat), it’s often served with soups, fish, or in a sweet version. Nutritious and flavourful, it’s deeply rooted in Canarian food culture.
  • Wine from La Geria: The island’s main wine region. Here, vines grow in volcanic ash, protected by crescent-shaped stone walls. The result? Unique, dry, and aromatic Malvasía wines that are definitely worth tasting! And if you want to combine Timanfaya’s volcanic landscapes with a taste of these fine wines, take a guided tour of the national park with a wine tasting.

 

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The best time to visit Lanzarote

Thanks to its mild climate, Lanzarote is perfect all year round. But there are some particularly lively periods when the island becomes even more special:

  • Carnival (February/March): A whole month of parades, costumes and parties.
  • Canary Islands Day (May 30), Halloween, Christmas, and New Year’s: A time full of local traditions and celebrations.
  • Summer months: The island will be packed with concerts, outdoor events and beach parties.

Quick tip: April is the most unpredictable month weather-wise. It’s still worth visiting during this time, but just remember to bring a waterproof jacket.

 

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Practical tips for your vacation in Lanzarote:

  • What to pack? Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen and also a light jacket; mornings and evenings can be cool and very windy.
  • How to get around Lanzarote? Taxis on the island are affordable for short trips, but renting a car is definitely the best and safest way to explore the island.
  • Is tipping mandatory? No, tipping is not mandatory, but it’s always appreciated. The amount is flexible and there are no strict rules.

 

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A day with Rebecca in Lanzarote

Rebecca’s perfect day starts with a morning visit to Timanfaya National Park, one of Lanzarote’s most iconic attractions.

From there, Rebecca recommends heading south to visit the cliffs of Los Hervideros, where lava meets the ocean, creating a wild and spectacular landscape.

Lunch is a short stop in El Golfo, a quiet nearby fishing village, to enjoy fresh seafood with a sea view.

The afternoon is dedicated to two of Lanzarote’s most evocative places: Jameos del Agua and Cueva de los Verdes, extraordinary volcanic caves and important cultural spaces.

To end the day, Rebecca suggests going to Mirador del Río, one of César Manrique’s most famous works, with a breathtaking view of La Graciosa and the surrounding islands.

Lanzarote isn’t just for families or older people,” says Rebecca, “and every year I discover new corners and wonders. The island always has something to offer.

And we couldn’t agree more.

 

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The best experiences to have in Lanzarote

If you want to discover Lanzarote in a way that’s fun and gives you an authentic glimpse of local life, here are some of our top experiences:

And if you’re still looking for inspiration about the Canary Islands…

…take a look at these articles: