Lanzarote holidays

The extraordinarily varied landscapes and coastline of Lanzarote are perfect for walking, be it a 30-minute stroll or a full-day trek. Go on a tailor made walking holiday in Lanzarote, stay in of our eco accommodation and be guided on a different walk every day, with local experts. If you want to explore the fascinating terrain of Timanfaya National Park, you need a licensed guide to take you as the park is very strict about who goes where. These aren’t known as the ‘malpais’ – or badlands – for nothing, and guides follow the park’s Ruta de Tremesana.

There is also superb hiking to be had in the green terraced hills of the north, hiking through the valleys of La Famara or in the foothills of Guatifay Mountain between the tiny coastal town of Orzola and hilltop village of Haría. Another inland gem is the ancient village of Teguise, with plenty of traditional architecture and panoramic ocean views en route. And don’t forget, as you walk, so much of this landscape is only a few hundred years old. This is a country where the mountains are definitely moving.

Rest assured that there is a whole other lovely Lanzarote outside the resorts that have ravaged some parts of the south of the island. Just as islanders managed to grow grapes in volcanic soil, others have created stunning places to stay, such as fincas and fishermen’s huts, yurts and eco gems, all glistening gorgeously in this rugged, black terrain.

Some people skip visiting the work of the island’s pioneering artist and architect, César Manrique, because they think that Lanzarote is all about beach bliss. Which is a big part of it, but trust us, don’t miss out. Even if ‘art’ isn’t your thing, it is hard not to be blown away by Manrique’s works and his ethos. Because nature, and the conservation of his beloved island, was fundamental to Manrique’s creations and led to his successful campaigns to stop Lanzarote being covered with concrete monstrosities.

Instead, he set about building places inside natural volcanic bubbles, with rooms and corridors tucked into the natural twists and turns created by nature’s force. Manrique’s ‘not to be missed’ sites include Fundación César Manrique, the Jameos del Agua lava tube and the Mirador viewpoint. Manrique’s own home, in the small town of Haría, is fabulous, and his grave in the village cemetery is a tranquil place to pay tribute. It sits, appropriately, in one of the prettiest, traditional villages on the island.

Islanders have a wonderful sense of independence, and given that traditions date back to the 5th century when the population was Berber, it is not surprising. Lanzarote has seen a lot of tough times, not least having vast swathes of the island covered by lava in 18th and 19th centuries. Mass emigration followed, but life here went on for many with fishing, small holding farming and religious fiestas playing an important role, as they still do today.