Visiting Lanzarote, one of the Canary Islands off the coast of Africa, is quite the experience. A place where nature thrives in harmony with the island’s unique volcanic landscape. Every winter for as long as I can remember I’ve experienced severe seasonal affective disorder (SAD) that left me depressed, exhausted, and generally wretched for two or three months, sometimes longer. Every year, except one.
2022 saw me jetting off on a spontaneous and unfortunately very short trip to Lanzarote. I was craving sun, and the world had just opened back up following COVID. Before my trip, I did my best to prepare, but I wasn’t really in a holiday planning headspace at the time. What I needed was a rest, and some sunshine, which is impossible to find in England in winter. So, the main goal of the holiday was to soak up some sun, and Lanzarote was certainly a great place to do it.
We had balmy weather while we were there, 21-22 degrees every day. Glorious sunshine, warm enough to comfortably swim in the hotel’s heated pool, sunbathe, and (in typical me fashion) burn (just a little!).
Despite the great time we had there were a few things I wish I’d known before setting foot on this otherworldly isle. Not knowing either meant we missed out, or didn’t get the most out of an experience. So, here are seven things I wish I knew before visiting Lanzarote.
Embrace The Volcanic Landscape Before Arrival!
I knew the island was volcanic before we arrived, but I wasn’t quite prepared for the arid, almost desert like appearance the greeted me when we landed. Ironically, there had been some volcanic activity not long before we arrived, and on the first day there was lingering ash in the air that cast the island in a slightly dreary aspect. This, coupled with Lanzarote’s dramatic, moon-like terrain gave me an initial reaction of disappointment.
I’d come away for sunshine and ended up in a burnt orange wasteland.
But, once you get over the initial shock of how barren a lot of the island is, you can truly appreciate it for the unique spectacle it provides. It’s oddly beautiful, and Lanzarote is unlike any other place on Earth. Timanfaya National Park is a must-visit, where you can explore the vast lava fields and see geothermal demonstrations. The Martian-like scenery will make you feel as if you’ve left Earth.
I just wish I’d been better braced for how shocking it is before we landed!
Plan Ahead For The Weather
We had glorious weather while we were there, once the ash cloud had dissipated. Still, despite its location off the coast of Africa, the Atlantic breeze can make the island feel cooler than expected, especially in the evenings. Pack a light jacket, even in summer, to stay comfortable. And if you’re visiting in winter, while swimsuits are a must for time by the pool (or in the sea, if you’re really brave!), you’d do well to take a kaftan or lightweight cover-up to wear over them. Personally, I prefer to do this wherever I’m going, but I found it handy while we were there to have something I could throw on as the afternoon wore on and it started to cool a little.
Rent A Car
The big mistake we made when visiting Lanzarote was not renting a car. Public transportation is available, but we found it unpredictable, and didn’t actually end up going anywhere that wasn’t within walking distance of the hotel. Renting a car provides the freedom to fully explore the island’s gems, from hidden coves to picturesque vineyards. We will have to return to the island for a longer stint so we can actually explore everything properly, and you can bet, we’ll be renting a car!
Experience the Vineyards
The lack of a car and the fact we were only there a couple of days, which were mostly spent chilling by the pool, led to us missing out on quite bit. Lanzarote’s vineyards are unique due to the volcanic ash used to trap moisture. A visit to La Geria is definitely in order on our next visit, we heard quite a bit about them while we were there so expect a captivating landscape of small, crater-like vineyards where you can sip on local Malvasia wine while learning about their traditional cultivation methods.
Explore The Natural Pools
Since we visited Lanzarote in January, it was too cold to fully experience some of the natural swimming spots. However, the natural pools at Los Charcones and Punta Mujeres are known for being beautiful places to take a refreshing dip. The rugged terrain around Lanzarote makes sturdy shoes essential for navigating the rocky paths to the pools, so be sure to pack a pair. If you’re visiting in warmer months, bring along a snorkelling mask to explore the vibrant marine life that inhabits these pools. Although we didn’t venture into the water this time, it’s definitely on our list for the next trip!
Prepare For Outdoor Adventures
Since we weren’t planning on any grand adventures while we were there, I packed light in terms of outdoor wear. Wow was that a mistake. Firstly, if we had managed to get to the volcanos and hike up them, we’d have been screwed. Secondly, even walking from the hotel to the nearest beach involved scaling a rocky cliff that I really struggled with in thin trainers. Whether you’re hiking up volcanoes, surfing on Famara beach, or cycling through the hills, there’s no shortage of activities for adventurers on Lanzarote but you have to remember you’re basically on a volcano.
This isn’t like doing those same things on a regular island, with regular mountains, hills, beaches, etc. You’re moonwalking the whole time! Pack comfortable sportswear and sturdy shoes, and bring plenty of sunscreen–even in January and relatively mild weather I was starting to burn with factor 30 on by the time we got to the beach!
Enjoy the Night Sky
I dearly wish someone had told us before we went that Lanzarote’s skies are a stargazer’s paradise. I’d have brought along a small telescope! The lack of light pollution makes it ideal for watching the Milky Way. We got a phenomenal view of the stars even from our hotel balcony at night. Heading out into rural areas or joining a stargazing tour would undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience.
Visiting Lanzarote With An Open Mind
Overall I feel Lanzarote is a highly underrated destination. I certainly underestimated it before visiting; I was looking forward to a few days of relaxation in a nice hotel somewhere warm. It actually disappointed me a little that we were going to Lanzarote, as I didn’t know enough about the island to appreciate its unique quirks. Lanzarote offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural depth, and adventure that is very well hidden by the slightly bizarre terrain, but amazing nevertheless.
I will certainly be returning, and when I do I’ll ensure we have enough time and preparation (not to mention transportation!) to make the most of the island’s unique offerings and enjoy every moment in this volcanic paradise!