10 Free Things to Do in Lanzarote

Los Hervideros consists of a pair of caves carved in lava that were created during volcanic eruptions in the 18^th century. The name means ‘boiling pots’ because of how the sea waves spectacularly crash, froth and swirl into the caves. Plan your visit during a full moon or high tide to experience a real show of the power and roaring sounds of Mother Nature.

Visitors can follow the impressive labyrinth of solidified lava footpaths that wind through the rugged cliffs to reach different viewpoints. This unique site is located some 5 km south of El Golfo along the LZ703. Arrive early if you want to beat the tour buses.

The Salinas del Janubio, or ‘Janubio saltworks’ is the only operating commercial saltworks on Lanzarote. It’s located in the southwest of the island, near the village of Yaiza. For a bird's-eye view of the stunning landscape, head to the Mirador de Las Salinas. From the viewpoint, the multicoloured, rectangular-shaped salt pans look like an enormous piece of art.

Grab a bite to eat at the restaurant near the mirador. There's a fantastic terrace that's protected from the wind and sun for taking in the Salinas, especially at sunset. Nature lovers and birdwatchers can enjoy a leisurely walk along a short circular route tucked between the ocean and emerald-green Laguna de Janubio.

On the west coast of Lanzarote, near Yaiza, Charco de los Clicos is a small vivid-green pond inside an extinct volcanic crater. Set against a black-sand beach, surrounded by volcanic rock and striking red cliffs, it’s a marvellous sight.

There's a path that leads down from the car park to the beach. However, the best views are from a lookout point accessed from the southern end of El Golfo beach. Late afternoon is the ideal time to visit because you can watch the colours gradually change as the sun sets on this one-of-a-kind setting.

Casa Museo del Campesino is located in the heart of the island of Lanzarote and is a life-size reconstruction of a traditional farmhouse of yesteryear. The open-air complex of adjoining buildings was restored and enlarged by local artist César Manrique and replicates how farmers would have lived. The house-museum is a fantastic spot to discover Lanzarote’s agricultural history, gastronomy and traditional architecture.

Complementing the house-museum is the Monumento a la Fecundidad or Monument to Fecundity, an avant-garde piece of art created by Manrique. The striking 15 metre-sculpture blends into the natural landscape and represents a farmer riding a pack animal.

Haría is a picturesque village in the northern tip of Lanzarote. Thanks to its microclimate, it’s the greenest area on the island. It's nestled among colourful wildflower meadows, green fields and the ‘Valley of the Thousand Palms’ – a name derived from an old tradition of planting palm trees every time a child is born.

Arrive early to make the most of the village’s sights. You can explore its pretty streets lined with charming buildings with traditional architecture, wooden balconies and flowers in bloom. Visit the César Manrique House Museum dedicated to Lanzarote’s famous architect or watch the world go by under the shade of tall, leafy trees.

Volcán El Cuervo is an exploded volcanic cone located in the centre of the island, to the east of Parque Nacional Timanfaya. Unlike other volcanoes, you can walk right into the heart of the enormous crater. The views across the lunar-like landscape – with black, brown, red and yellow rocks and sparse vegetation – are tremendous, but nothing beats the extraordinary feeling of standing in a place where boiling lava once flowed.

The trailhead is very close to the crater, on LZ-57 between La Geria and Tinguatón. The path is easily accessible and straightforward, and it takes about 30 minutes to go all around the ridge. Closed shoes are recommended.

A visit to Lanzaloe Aloe Vera Plantation is an excellent opportunity to discover the origins and health benefits of the island’s native Aloe vera. The plantation is spread out across 6 hectares in Órzola, in the north of the island, and is one of the biggest organic Aloe vera plantations in the Canary Islands.

Visitors can enjoy a free tour by multilingual guides. The tour starts with a tasting session of sponge cake and an Aloe vera-based liquor. Afterwards, you’ll learn about the farm’s production process: from cultivation through to the extraction of its juice and the making of different products, such as creams, oils and even dog shampoo. You can buy many of the farm’s Aloe vera-based products from the shop. There’s no need to book; you can turn up any time within the opening hours.

Situated within the Los Ajaches Natural Park in the south of the island, sheltered by cliffs and striking volcanic landscapes, Papagayo Beach is one of Lanzarote's most beautiful beaches. With pristine golden sands and clear aquamarine water, the beach is a blissful spot to soak up some sun, swim or snorkel. Arrive early, especially during high season, to enjoy the beach without large crowds.

Pack a beach umbrella, picnic and plenty of water so you can relax all day long. You can find a bar and a small chiringuito on the hillside where you can buy lunch and refreshments. Non-residents need to pay a small fee to access the beach by car, but there’s no charge for visitors who enter on foot.

The Castillo San Gabriel is one of Lanzarote’s oldest fortresses and stands on a small islet above the calm waters of the bay of Arrecife. The centuries-old stone castle was built to fend off pirate attacks, and you can access it via 2 drawbridges: the 18^th-century Puente de las Bolas or the more recent Franco-era bridge.

The castle now houses the History Museum of Arrecife, with Spanish-language exhibits on the ancient culture of Los Majos, the original inhabitants of Lanzarote, as well as the island’s flora and fauna and geology. The views of the island’s white capital city and the sparkling Atlantic Ocean from the castle’s rooftop are mesmerising.

Every Sunday morning, the town of Teguise transforms into the island's most famous market. Its central plaza, called Plaza Clavijo y Fajardo, and the surrounding narrow streets fill up with stalls selling everything from handmade arts and crafts, leather goods, jewellery and pottery to Aloe vera products and local delicacies such as cheese, tapas and wine.

It's a fantastic place to stroll around and soak up the carnival-like vibe, mingle with the locals and enjoy live music, traditional Canarian folk dances and other street performances. The town is Lanzarote's original capital and is located 12 km north of Arrecife. There are plenty of parking spaces available for a nominal fee.