Lanzarote is so much more than a typical sun-and-sea destination. Of course, you can spend your days relaxing on beautiful beaches, but this is an island that really invites you to get out and explore. If you are looking for adventurous things to do in Lanzarote, or simply wondering what to do beyond the usual beach days, you will find plenty to choose from. The island is full of unusual landscapes, exciting activities, and memorable experiences that make every day feel different. It is the kind of place where even a short drive can lead you somewhere completely unexpected.
Across Lanzarote, you can travel through moon-like volcanic landscapes, hike to the edge of a huge crater, and sail past dramatic cliffs along the coast. You can go whale watching, dive among underwater artworks, or even explore beneath the surface in a submarine. If you prefer to see the island from above, paragliding offers incredible views over the coastline and volcanic scenery. There are adventures for every kind of traveler, whether you prefer exploring on foot, getting out on the water, or trying something completely new. That variety is one of the things that makes Lanzarote such an exciting island to discover.
In this guide, I have brought together the best activities in Lanzarote for an active and original holiday. It gives you an easy overview of what to do in Lanzarote, from spectacular natural sights to unique experiences you will remember long after your trip. Whether you want to hike, sail, dive, explore volcanic landscapes, or try an adventure you have never done before, there is plenty here to inspire your plans. These activities are perfect if you want to see more of the island than just its beaches. With so much variety, Lanzarote makes it easy to combine relaxation with unforgettable experiences.
Discover the 12 most beautiful beaches in Fuerteventura →
#1 Volcano Tour Through Timanfaya National Park
A visit to Timanfaya National Park is without doubt one of the biggest highlights of any trip to Lanzarote. This is one of the island’s most famous and impressive landscapes, shaped by powerful volcanic eruptions in the eighteenth century. As you travel through the park, you pass solidified lava fields, dramatic craters, and huge black plains that seem to stretch endlessly into the distance. The scenery feels almost like another planet and shows just how strongly volcanic activity has shaped Lanzarote. For many visitors, Timanfaya is the place that leaves the strongest impression.
The park is strictly protected, so you cannot simply explore the main area on your own. Visitors are not allowed to drive or hike freely through the protected zone, which means you need to join an organized tour or use the official bus route through the park. During the visit, you also get to see just how much heat is still trapped beneath the ground. One of the demonstrations shows water turning into steam almost instantly because of the high temperatures below the surface. It is a simple but very impressive way to see that this volcanic landscape is still active beneath your feet.
Another memorable stop is often El Diablo restaurant, where food is cooked using natural volcanic heat from the ground. It is a small detail, but it makes the whole experience feel even more unique and gives you a different sense of how unusual this part of Lanzarote really is. Between the dramatic scenery, volcanic demonstrations, and the chance to learn more about the island’s geological history, Timanfaya offers much more than just a scenic drive. It is one of those places where every part of the visit feels connected to the landscape. If you are coming to Lanzarote for the first time, this is simply not an experience you should miss.
Book a volcano tour through Timanfaya National Park →
#2 Visit Cueva de los Verdes and Jameos del Agua
If you want to experience something truly unique in Lanzarote, Cueva de los Verdes and Jameos del Agua should be high on your list. Both places are part of a huge lava tunnel formed thousands of years ago after an eruption of Monte Corona, and exploring them gives you a completely different view of the island. During the guided tour of Cueva de los Verdes, you descend into a dark network of underground passages and learn how local people once used the caves as a place of shelter. The narrow tunnels, rough volcanic walls, and changing light create an atmosphere that feels mysterious without being difficult to explore. One of the highlights is a surprising optical illusion that is much more fun to experience for yourself than to read about beforehand.
Afterwards, continue to Jameos del Agua, where famous local artist and architect César Manrique transformed part of the volcanic tunnel into one of Lanzarote’s most beautiful attractions. Here, dark lava rock is combined with white architecture, tropical plants, and calm water in a way that feels both natural and carefully designed. In the underground lake, you can spot tiny white crabs that are found only in this special environment. The contrast between the volcanic cave, clear water, and elegant design makes the whole place incredibly photogenic. If you are looking for something unusual to do in Lanzarote, this combination of nature, architecture, and local culture is one of the best choices on the island.
Visit Cueva de los Verdes and Jameos del Agua →
#3 Take a Day Trip to La Graciosa
If you want to escape the busier parts of Lanzarote for a day, take a trip to La Graciosa, the smallest inhabited island in the Canary Islands. This little island just north of Lanzarote feels peaceful, open, and wonderfully untouched, with sandy tracks, volcanic scenery, and quiet beaches instead of busy roads and large resorts. Ferries leave from Órzola, and in around 30 minutes you arrive in a place that feels completely different from the main island. There are hardly any paved roads, which immediately gives La Graciosa a slower and more relaxed atmosphere. It is one of the easiest ways to experience a wilder and quieter side of the Canary Islands.
You can explore La Graciosa on foot, by bicycle, or as part of an organized catamaran trip along the coastline and remote beaches. Playa de las Conchas is one of the island’s most beautiful spots, with pale sand, clear blue water, and dramatic volcanic scenery all around. Boat excursions often include lunch and drinks, which makes the day easy and comfortable, but if you travel independently by ferry, it is a good idea to arrange food and drinks before you start exploring. Bringing enough water is especially important if you plan to cycle or walk for several hours in the sun. If you are looking for adventurous things to do in Lanzarote with nature at the heart of the experience, La Graciosa is a perfect choice.
Take a day trip to La Graciosa →
Rent an electric bike on La Graciosa →
#4 Hike to Caldera Blanca
If you want to experience Lanzarote’s volcanic landscape up close, the hike to Caldera Blanca is one of the best ways to do it. The trail takes you straight through a rugged lava field on the edge of Timanfaya National Park, with black rock and wide-open scenery in every direction. The route is around 10 kilometers long and usually takes about 3 to 4 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop for photos. The first part is fairly flat and easy, but the climb toward the crater rim takes a little more effort. Once you reach the top, though, the views make the walk more than worth it.
From the rim, you look out over a huge volcanic crater surrounded by endless black lava fields. The scenery feels almost unreal, especially when you realize you are standing right on the edge of an old volcano. Part of the trail even follows the crater rim, which makes the hike feel even more adventurous and gives you incredible views in several directions. You do not need a permit or a guide, so this is an easy activity to do independently. The walk starts from the parking area at the beginning of the trail, allowing you to explore the landscape at your own pace.
#5 Take a Catamaran Cruise Along Papagayo
A catamaran cruise along the beaches of Papagayo is one of the most relaxing and enjoyable ways to explore Lanzarote’s beautiful southern coast. Most trips leave from Puerto del Carmen and sail toward the clear blue bays around Papagayo, where the coastline feels much quieter and more natural. Along the way, you get beautiful views of rugged cliffs, hidden beaches, and stretches of coast that are harder to appreciate from land. The slow pace of the boat makes it easy to sit back, enjoy the sunshine, and watch the scenery pass by. It is a great choice if you want to see more of the island without spending the day hiking or driving.
Most catamaran tours last around 4 to 5 hours and usually include lunch and drinks, making them an easy half-day activity. There are often stops along the way where you can swim, snorkel, or try kayaking in the clear water. That gives you a nice mix of activity and relaxation without making the trip feel too busy. You can spend one part of the cruise in the water and the next simply relaxing on deck and enjoying the views. If you are looking for a laid-back experience that still lets you discover plenty of Lanzarote’s coastline, this is definitely one of the best options.
Join a catamaran cruise along Papagayo →
#6 Go Whale and Dolphin Watching
Whale and dolphin watching off the coast of Lanzarote is one of those experiences that can stay with you long after the trip is over. Most tours leave from Puerto del Carmen or Puerto Calero and head out into the open Atlantic, where everyone soon starts scanning the water for movement. Dolphins are often seen here and sometimes swim alongside the boat for a while, which makes the experience feel even more special. That first moment when a fin suddenly appears next to you is hard to forget. Most trips last around 2 to 3 hours and are led by an experienced crew who can tell you more about the marine life around the island.
The atmosphere on board is usually calm and relaxed, but there is always a little sense of excitement because you never know exactly what you might see. Part of the experience is simply being out on the ocean and looking back at Lanzarote from a completely different angle. The coastline feels more dramatic from the water, and the changing light makes the views even more beautiful. Some tours also focus on responsible wildlife watching, which makes the experience feel more respectful and meaningful. If you are looking for an activity that combines nature, adventure, and a memorable few hours at sea, this is definitely one to consider.
Join a whale and dolphin watching tour →
#7 Explore the Underwater World in a Submarine
If you want to see Lanzarote’s underwater world without having to learn how to dive, a submarine trip is a wonderfully unusual option. From Puerto Calero, you board a real tourist submarine that descends to around 30 meters below the surface. Through the large windows, you can watch fish swim past, spot shipwrecks, and see the volcanic landscape continuing beneath the sea. Everyone has their own seat next to a window, so you always have a clear view during the journey. It feels completely different from snorkeling or a boat trip because you are fully surrounded by the underwater world.
The experience lasts around an hour and is suitable for almost all ages, including children from 2 years old. There is something slightly surreal about watching the daylight slowly fade as the submarine sinks deeper below the surface. Once you are down there, the calm atmosphere and the view outside make the whole experience feel surprisingly peaceful. It is a fun choice for families, non-divers, or anyone who wants to see the ocean from a completely different perspective. If you are looking for something unique to do in Lanzarote, this is the kind of experience you are unlikely to forget quickly.
Experience Lanzarote from a submarine →
#8 Taste the Local Wine of La Geria
La Geria looks completely different from the wine regions you may be used to seeing. Instead of neat green rows of vines, the grapes here grow in small hollows dug into black volcanic gravel, with each plant protected from the wind by a low semicircular stone wall. The landscape is unusual, beautiful, and unlike anything else on the island. During a wine tasting, you learn how farmers manage to grow grapes in such a dry and volcanic environment. It is a fascinating example of how people have adapted to Lanzarote’s rough landscape over generations.
You will usually taste local wines such as the fresh Malvasía while learning more about the traditional methods used here. Many tours last around 2 to 4 hours and combine visits to several bodegas with transport, which makes the experience easy and relaxed. It is not just about tasting wine, but also about understanding why La Geria looks the way it does and how much work goes into producing grapes in these conditions. The combination of volcanic scenery, local stories, and distinctive wines makes this one of the most enjoyable cultural experiences on the island. If you want a slower activity that still feels closely connected to Lanzarote, a visit to La Geria is a great choice.
Join a wine and chocolate tasting in La Geria →
Walk through the vineyards on a wine tour →
Combine Timanfaya with a visit to La Geria →
#9 Go on an Adventurous Buggy or 4×4 Volcano Safari
If you want to discover Lanzarote’s rugged interior beyond the usual tourist routes, a buggy or 4×4 safari is one of the most exciting ways to do it. You will drive along dusty tracks, past wide lava fields, and through small villages you might otherwise never come across during your trip. Along the way, a guide explains more about the island’s volcanic history and stops at scenic viewpoints overlooking craters, mountains, and the coastline. Most tours last around half a day and depart from several of the main resort areas. Some focus mainly on nature, while others combine the drive with local culture or even a wine tasting.
Compared with a standard bus tour, the experience feels much more active and adventurous. You spend less time simply looking out of a window and more time moving through the landscape itself, including sections that take you properly off-road. The rough tracks, open views, and constantly changing volcanic scenery make the journey just as enjoyable as the stops along the way. It is a great option if you want to see a different side of Lanzarote and add a little more excitement to your sightseeing. For us, this is the kind of activity that makes the island feel even more wild and memorable.
Join a buggy safari through Lanzarote’s volcanic landscape →
Explore southern Lanzarote on a 4×4 tour →
#10 Learn to Dive at the Underwater Museum Museo Atlántico
For a truly unusual diving experience, head to Museo Atlántico, Lanzarote’s famous underwater museum. The site lies around 12 meters below the surface off the coast of Playa Blanca and features dozens of sculptures slowly becoming part of the marine environment. During a guided dive, you swim between the artworks while fish and other sea life move around them. The combination of human-made sculptures and the volcanic underwater landscape makes this feel completely different from a normal reef dive. It is easily one of the most original ways to discover Lanzarote beneath the surface.
You do not need years of diving experience to enjoy it either, because introductory dives are available with an instructor. The complete experience usually takes around 2 to 3 hours, including the safety briefing, equipment, preparation, and time in the water. Your instructor stays with you throughout the dive, so even beginners can enjoy the experience with plenty of guidance. What makes Museo Atlántico so special is the way art, nature, and marine life come together in one unexpected setting. If you want to do something genuinely different during your holiday, this is an experience you are unlikely to forget.
Dive at the underwater museum Museo Atlántico →
#11 Go Paragliding Above Cliffs and Volcanoes
Lanzarote looks even more impressive when you see it from high above the ground. During a tandem paragliding flight with an experienced instructor, you take just a few running steps before suddenly finding yourself floating quietly through the air. Below you are volcanic craters, rugged cliffs, dry landscapes, and the deep blue Atlantic Ocean stretching into the distance. You do not need any previous experience, because the pilot controls the paraglider and guides you throughout the flight. Once you are airborne, the experience often feels much calmer and more peaceful than you might expect.
Most flights last around 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the wind and weather conditions that day. The exact take-off point is usually chosen according to where the conditions are best, so the location can vary. We did our own tandem flight near Tenezar on the western side of Lanzarote, where the views over the volcanic landscape and coastline were incredible. There is something very special about gliding silently above such a dramatic island while everything below suddenly looks small and distant. It is definitely an activity that pushes you a little outside your comfort zone, but the feeling of freedom and the views make it completely worth it.
See Lanzarote from above on a paragliding flight →
#12 Go Kayaking Along the Coast of Lanzarote
One of the best ways to discover Lanzarote’s coastline is from the water. In a kayak, you can paddle past rugged rock formations, small sea caves, hidden corners, and peaceful bays that are much harder to reach from land. The water is often beautifully clear, giving you a completely different view of the volcanic coastline as you move along it. Many tours also include a snorkeling stop, which is especially enjoyable when the sea is calm and visibility is good. It is a lovely way to combine sightseeing, time on the water, and a little adventure in one trip.
Most kayaking tours last around 2 to 3 hours and leave from places such as Puerto del Carmen or Playa Blanca. Before heading out, you receive instructions and guidance, so you can usually join even if you have never been in a kayak before. The pace is generally relaxed, but you are still active enough to feel like you are really exploring the coast rather than simply watching it from a boat. Along the way, you get close to cliffs, caves, and rocky sections of shoreline that look completely different from the road or beach. If you want an active but easygoing way to experience another side of Lanzarote, kayaking is a great choice.
Explore the coast of Lanzarote by kayak →
#13 Hike to Montaña Roja
Montaña Roja is one of the most recognizable landmarks around Playa Blanca in southern Lanzarote. Its reddish-brown crater stands out clearly against the blue sky and gives the area a dramatic volcanic backdrop. The hike to the top takes around 1.5 to 2 hours there and back, depending on your pace. The first part is fairly easy, but the climb becomes steeper and the ground more rocky and loose as you get closer to the top. Once you reach the crater rim, the views make the effort completely worthwhile.
From the top, you can look out over the Atlantic Ocean, the Janubio salt flats, and even across to Fuerteventura on a clear day. You do not need a guide for this hike, as the trail is easy to follow and freely accessible. It is a simple route to add to your day if you want a short but rewarding walk with a great view at the end. Make sure to bring enough water and wear sturdy shoes, especially for the steeper sections. The combination of volcanic scenery and wide coastal views makes Montaña Roja one of the best short hikes near Playa Blanca.
#14 Visit the Markets of Teguise and Haría
If you want to get a better feel for local life in Lanzarote, visiting one of the island’s traditional markets is a great way to do it. In Teguise, you will find the largest market on the island every Sunday, when the main square and surrounding streets fill with stalls. You can browse local products, jewelry, art, crafts, and souvenirs while enjoying the lively atmosphere. It is one of the busiest mornings of the week in the village, but that energy is also part of the experience. The historic setting makes the market feel even more enjoyable to explore.
The market in Haría is smaller, quieter, and held on Saturdays, with a much more relaxed atmosphere. Here, you can browse local produce, handmade goods, and regional specialties without the same crowds you find in Teguise. It is a lovely place to spend a slow morning and experience a more local side of the island. We also recommend combining your market visit with a coffee or breakfast on a terrace in the village. That makes for an easy and relaxed start to the day while still giving you a little taste of Lanzarote’s culture.
#15 Walk on the Seabed (Even With Kids!)
Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to walk across the seabed? During a sea trek, you wear a special helmet that lets you breathe normally underwater, so there is no need for scuba gear or complicated training. You slowly make your way down a set of steps and then walk along the ocean floor while fish swim around you. No previous diving experience is needed, and in many cases you do not even need to be a strong swimmer. The underwater part usually lasts around 30 minutes and takes place near Puerto del Carmen, making it an easy activity to add to your day.
What makes this experience so much fun is how simple and accessible it feels. You can look around, move slowly, and enjoy the underwater world without having to think about breathing through a regulator or learning diving techniques. The activity is guided from start to finish, which helps everything feel calm and well organized. Children can often join too, so this is a great option if you are looking for something different to do as a family. Seeing the seabed and marine life this close is surprisingly special, especially if you have never tried scuba diving before.
Walk on the seabed during a sea trek →
#16 Visit the LagOmar Museum
The LagOmar Museum is one of the most unusual and memorable places to visit in Lanzarote. The complex is built directly into a volcanic rock face and is filled with caves, tunnels, stairways, terraces, and hidden corners spread across several levels. As you wander through the site, new views keep appearing through small openings in the rock, with terraces overlooking Nazaret and the surrounding landscape. The mix of natural stone, white walls, plants, and creative design gives the whole place a wonderfully unique atmosphere. It feels less like visiting a traditional museum and more like exploring a piece of living architecture.
There is also a famous story connected to the house that adds even more character to the visit. According to local legend, actor Omar Sharif once bought the property and then lost it shortly afterwards in a card game. Whether every detail of that story is completely true or not, it certainly makes the place even more intriguing. You can easily spend around 1 to 2 hours wandering through the different rooms, passageways, and terraces without feeling rushed. Every corner seems to reveal another interesting detail or viewpoint. If you enjoy unusual architecture, creative spaces, and places with a strong sense of character, LagOmar is definitely a must-visit during your trip to Lanzarote.
Visit the unique LagOmar Museum →
