10 Reasons to Jet2 Lanzarote on Your Next Holiday
Lanzarote, as far as I was concerned, was a very mysterious place. I’d heard of it, and knew it was one of the Canary Islands, but didn’t know much about it at all. So when the UK-based airline Jet2 and Turismo Lanzarote extended the offer to travel with them to visit a new warm and sunny destination mid-winter, I was obviously on board. Jet2 offers direct flights to Lanzarote, and it takes only four hours before you’re surrounded by palm trees and basking in the island sunshine. If you’re into packaged holidays, Jet2Holidays can help you book this out of London Stansted as well. The first week of February, there was not a single drop of rain and daytime temperatures were a pleasant 65-70 degrees (18°C - 21°C).
Located 78 miles off the northwestern coast of Africa, Lanzarote is one of the 7 main Canary Islands- Spanish owned islands famed for their fantastic weather year round. Lanzarote in particular is quite unique compared to the other islands, and is known for its otherworldly volcanic landscape (there are 110 volcanoes on the island!). It also has gorgeous beaches, great food, delicious wine, duty-free shopping, and incredible natural wonders to explore. Jet2Holidays services the other Canary Islands as well, in the event you’re looking to hop around!
On a 4 day/3 night trip we had a jam-packed schedule…leaving me with all of the best recommendations for what to see and where to eat. Once you experience the island, you’ll wonder why you didn’t get out there sooner. Read on for the 10 most noteworthy attractions, plus some great restaurants, and a highly recommended place to stay.
What to Do
1. Jardín de Cactus
If you’re looking for an Instagrammable scene and love to try new things, head over to the Jardín de Cactus. Located in the village of Guatiza, it is one of César Manrique’s many amazing contributions to the island, and sadly, was also his last. You’ll hear this man’s name a lot while you’re on the island- he was a Spanish artist, sculptor, architect and activist that essentially shaped Lanzarote as we know it today. Formerly an old quarry, he revamped this space into an amazing garden, where you’ll find 4,500 specimens of cacti, terraces with great views, and a very photogenic windmill. Swing by their restaurant and be sure to try out the cactus juice and cactus burger. I won’t tell you it’s the most delicious thing I’ve ever tasted- but c’mon, how often do you get to eat a CACTUS burger?
2. Wine Tours Lanzarote
Looking at the volcanic landscape of Lanzarote, you might be shocked to learn that anything at all can grow there, let alone entire vineyards that produce wine. Ollie of Wine Tours Lanzarote picked us up from our hotel and took us around to three different vineyards, explaining the unique methods of cultivation and challenges faced by the island. Though rain is few and far between in Lanzarote, the soil is able to retain and lock the moisture that it does get, allowing the vines to thrive. The Canarians also create small holes surrounded by dry stone walling to fight the strong winds and protect the vines. If you’re a white wine lover, this is the island for you- 80% of the wine produced is white. Make sure you get a taste of the Malvasia Volcanica! If you enjoy it as much as I did, you might end up going home with a bottle, too.
3. Cueva de los Verdes
Cueva de los Verdes, or Cave of the Greens, is hands down one of the most incredible caves I’ve ever explored. It’s essentially a tube carved out by lava. The tunnel was formed after the eruption of the La Corona Volcano and is more than 6 km long- running from the volcano’s crater all the way into the sea. There are some surprises to be found in there, so don’t research this one too much! It’s best that I don’t spoil them and let you find out for yourself.
4. Valley of the Thousand Palm Trees
This picture-perfect area can be found on the Northern tip of Lanzarote. The village of Haria, with its beautiful white architecture, lies within the valley, where you’ll find one of the best displays of native palm trees on the island. The stories of how the palms came to be vary, but I’m choosing to go with the one our lovely guide Ana told us. In the 17th and 18th centuries, when a boy was born in the village, a single palm tree would be planted. When a girl was born in the village, they planted two. (I suspect this may have been the other way around, but hey, girl power.)
5. Volcano Cycling Tour
I hadn’t been on a mountain bike in years- but this amazing tour of La Caldera de los Cuervos with Papagayo Bike Lanzarote was an absolute blast. We rode through epic landscapes to reach the volcano itself which we were actually able to fully explore. Not only did we ride around the base of the volcano from front to back, we also were able to go into the crater itself and have a walk around. The volcanic ash was often so deep that I had to stop and walk my bike through parts of the trail- but this actually led to the authenticity of the experience. It wasn’t a perfectly manicured trail but instead felt rugged and adventurous.
6. Timanfaya National Park
One of the major highlights of the trip was our visit to Timanfaya National Park. Located in the Southwestern part of the island, it is entirely comprised of volcanic soil and takes up a quarter of the island! Between 1730 and 1824, there were several volcanic eruptions that devastated dozens of villages and changed the landscape, which today, looks much like it did back then. One of the most amazing things about Timanfaya is that it is completely untouched- visitors are not permitted to get out of their vehicle when touring the park. You will not see a single footprint or piece of trash. The landscapes are simply amazing and completely flawless. Do note that there are no public buses that reach the park- so hiring a car or joining an organized tour are your options for exploring this must-see Lanzarote attraction.
7. Los Hervideros
Los Hervideros was one of my favorite scenes in all of Lanzarote. Located between Salinas de Janubio and El Golfo, you’ll find beautiful blue water crashing into a volcanic coastline and into sea caves, with a backdrop of rust colored volcanoes. Walk along the rocky edges and snap away- the natural beauty of this spot is unbelievable.
8. El Golfo
For more unique scenery, El Golfo is another must-see location. El Golfo is the name of the small village, but the real attraction is the Lago Verde, or the green lagoon, which sits beside a gorgeous black sand beach. Talk about an otherworldly landscape! The semi-circular shape of a volcanic cone frames the lagoon, and you’ll swear you’ve landed on another planet.
9. Famara Beach
Pretty sure Famara Beach is where you want to be. This beach was absolutely stunning- and is where all the surf lessons take place! It reminded me a bit of Cape Town, South Africa with the surf culture and mountainous backdrop (blanketed in clouds, not dissimilar to Table Mountain!) The water was also surprisingly warm in February- had I planned for it, I would definitely have been able to go for a swim!
10. El Rio Viewpoint
Looking for a postcard-worthy photo of Lanzarote? Mirador del Rio will give it to you. Designed my César Manrique himself, the building is home to a café and has incredible picture windows through which to gaze at the phenomenal views. Pop up to the viewing platforms for an unobstructed view- and hang onto your hat! It can get windy up there. Lastly, don’t underestimate the staircase that winds from the gift shop to the viewpoint- it’s quite the photo op in itself!
Where to Eat
Jameos del Agua
Located near the Cueva de los Verdes, Jameos del Agua is another one of César Manrique’s masterpieces and features amazing food in an even more amazing setting! I can easily say that this was my favorite dining experience of the trip. The restaurant is actually in a lava cave- but you’ll find more than just delicious food here. You can also explore a lagoon, a concert hall, and the most IG-worthy pool you’ve ever seen!
La Cascada del Puerto
If you’re looking for tasty local Spanish food in an ambient setting, look no further than La Cascada del Puerto in Playa del Carmen. We could not believe the sheer amount of courses that appeared before us- I’ve never left a meal more satisfied or full!
Lilium Restaurant
Located in Arrecife’s newly built Marina Lanzarote, Lilium is a beautiful, contemporary restaurant that specializes in Canarian cuisine. The portions here are just right, and will make your mouth water. The restaurant is quite small, so definitely make a reservation!
El Diablo
El Diablo is far and away the most unique place you can eat on the island, and should be enjoyed as part of your trip to Timanfaya National Park. The heat of the volcano is what actually cooks the food served at the restaurant- it’s absolutely incredible. It should also be no surprise that it gets a bit toasty in there! This is a one of a kind experience and something I would highly recommend trying! Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for some entertainment outside of the restaurant…I won’t spoil the surprise!
Amura Restaurant
Head to the elegant Restaurante Amura in Puerto Calero to enjoy a meal and throw envious stares at super yachts. Of all the meals I enjoyed in Lanzarote, Amura was the most attentive and their food presentation was on point. The chocolate dessert was to die for.
Where to Stay
Hotel Seaside Los Jameos Playa
Jet2Holidays arranged our 3-night stay in the amazing Hotel Seaside Los Jameos Playa. As the name implies, it is a seaside hotel located on Los Pocillos Beach in Puerto del Carmen, and it was a fantastic base for exploring the island of Lanzarote. To say that the property is huge is an understatement- it was a beautiful maze of white and blue buildings, palm trees, and fuchsia flowers. The pool facilities were gorgeous (though sadly they went unused by me!) and the property also boasts four tennis courts, and a spa with a gym, sauna and Turkish Bath. The buffet breakfast was also notable- there is a wide variety of food to choose from, and we’d start our busy days by piling our plates full of it! And when I say a “wide variety”- what I mean is that there are more surfaces serving up food both inside and outside of the main restaurant area than you can possibly make sense of. They also had all the fixings for a traditional English breakfast. While I never thought I’d be down for baked beans for breakfast, I eventually came around. There’s literally something for everyone- you will be very spoilt for choice.
As for the rooms themselves, mine was extremely comfortable, and contained everything I needed for my three night stay. I had a large balcony overlooking the sea (hello sunrise and sunset!), tons of storage space for hanging my clothes, a desk for catching up on work, good Wifi, and a shower with remarkable water pressure (this is what makes or breaks a good hotel for me!). The most impressive space of all, in my opinion, is the hotel’s lobby (pictured here first). I challenge you to disagree!
And there you have it! All of the reasons why Lanzarote and Jet2Holidays will knock your socks off. But really. Take your socks off. You should be wearing sandals while you’re there. Does this incredible island look like somewhere you’d like to visit? Feel free to ask any questions in the comments!
*This was a press trip in collaboration with Jet2. All opinions are my own.