Hidden gems of Lanzarote
Lanzarote is diverse in every sense of the word. Many people travel here with their sights set on Arrecife, but after arriving you’ll immediately realise there’s far more to this beguiling island. Villa holidays in Lanzarote open you to a whole new world of adventures, here’s where you’ll find them all…
Image by Roman Pfeiffer, used under Creative Commons license (CC BY 2.0)
Papagayo Beaches
Get off the beaten track and visit the side of the island left out of most tour brochures. A short drive from Playa Blanca are the beaches located on Lanzarote’s southern coast. They’re surrounded by volcanic hills, making for a series of pristine sands looking over the Atlantic Ocean. Lanzarote’s unique biosphere means that even a simple walk to the beach exposes you to otherworldly landscapes – perfect for Instagram or Facebook!
Image by x-oph, used under Creative Commons license (CC BY SA 2.0)
Mirador del Río
The best thing about villas in Lanzarote, is they’re never far from viewpoints which are worth travelling for alone. Travel to the north to Mirador del Río, an iconic hilltop viewpoint nearly 500 metres above sea level. Walk along dusty mountain roads, bypassing quiet villages before reaching the summit. You’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the straits of El Rio and the coastline surrounding it. Once you’re back in the comforts of your villa holiday rental, put your feet up and enjoy a well-earned glass of wine.
Museo Atlántico
Lanzarote’s Underwater Museum, also known as Museo Atlántico, is an underwater sculpture museum on the island’s southern seaboard. Divers are given guided tours of the statues made by sculptor Jason deCaires, famous for his underwater models. As well as being one of Lanzarote’s most recent star attractions, the Museo Atlántico’s works focus on eye-opening, poignant issues, like the migration crisis. The museum is located in protected waters, 15 metres underwater. After a visit here, you’ll never say museums are boring ever again!
Timanfaya National Park
Lanzarote is the byproduct of years of volcanic activity – this becomes clear when visiting Timanfaya National Park. Formed hundreds of years ago as by lava and molten rock, this region is every bit as arid as it was days after the eruption. Walking through here is as close as it gets to prehistoric times, minus the dinosaurs and flaming molten rock! The park is accessible from southern Lanzarote towns such as Matagorda, yet is a far cry from their bustling bars and restaurants.
Matagorda Beach
Although Lanzarote’s climate is renowned for sun and generally fair weather, it’s gifted with Atlantic waves which are perfect for windsurfing. Matagorda attracts surfers of all levels, and has a wealth of instructors to get help you get your feet on the board. If you’re already experienced, there are rental agencies are available to kit you out. Tackling these waves works your appetite, so once you’re home be sure to cook up a storm in your self-catering villa.
Whether you’ve planned your trip months in advance, or simply fancy a last-minute holiday to Lanzarote, the island caters for all tastes. Delve a little deeper, and you’ll uncover a side to this Canary gem adored by many.
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By Ciaran Brooks. A former history graduate, Ciaran Brooks’ love for old stories has led him around the world. A self-confessed adventurer, he fell into travel writing after his blog chronicling his year in Thailand was picked up by a national paper.