Lanzarote: The Island of Volcanic Beaches and Turquoise Waters
Lanzarote is one of the seven Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean. This island is known for its volcanic reddish landscape and for its beaches, where you will be able to enjoy a variety of water sports.
Explore the Timanfaya Natural Park.
This natural park is known for its volcanic formations and unearthly appearance. The lower part of the park can be explored on camel back. At the top of one of the ancient volcanoes you will find a restaurant where food is grilled directly above a geothermal hole. The restaurant was designed by Cesar Manrique, a famous architect who created many of the island’s landmarks, including the cultural center located in the Jameos del Agua caves. During a guided tour around this natural park you will see how geysers are formed and hear about the geological history of the island.
Spend a morning by the beach.
Lanzarote is known for its variety of beaches. From sandy beaches to beaches with reddish sands and black volcanic sands, the diversity of beaches will make you want to stay on this island. Some of the most famous beaches are those located on the Teguise coast. This area is known for its many holiday resorts, filled with bars, cafés and restaurants. Most beach resorts in Lanzarote are located steps away from the sea and have swimming pools, restaurants and play areas.
The Papagayo beach is one of the most famous beaches, known for its turquoise waters. Another popular beaches is Las Cucharas, a natural beach located near a bay.
Practice water sports.
Lanzarote is the ideal destination for those who enjoy water sports. Visitors will be able to practice windsurf and surf on the east and south coasts. Some of the most popular spots for windsurfers are Costa Teguise, La Santa and Playa Blanca, areas where trade winds are present. Surfers will be able to enjoy waves in the southeastern tip of the island, near Punta Mujeres and Papagayo. Professional surfers can practice their sport near the Jameos del Agua caves, on a beach known for its choppy waters.
If you are into parascending, then visit Playa Blanca and Playa del Carmen. Parascending over the ocean in a parachute led by a boat will make an unforgettable experience. Jetskis and banana boats are present on most major beaches. Scuba diving can be enjoyed near Puerto del Carmen, an area filled with shipwrecks teeming with manta rays and colourful fish.
Visit the caves.
This volcanic island has many other natural landscaped other than beaches and mountains. Do not miss the Jameos del Agua caves, which were formed after the eruption of the La Corona volcano. The caves have been transformed into a cultural center with a bar area, several white buildings and a swimming pool. What makes these caves a place worthy of a visit is its underground lake, a rare geological formation. The lake is located inside of one of the caves and is home to albino crabs, crabs that are around one centimeter long. Another set of famous caves is Cueva de los Verdes, which were formed after another eruption of the same volcano. These caves have a tunnel that is more than six kilometers long, and tours are organized around the first kilometer.