Lanzarote is the northeasternmost island in the Canary Islands and the closest to the coast of the Iberian Peninsula. Geologically, it is the oldest island and was formed by volcanic eruptions about 180 million years ago.
Looking at its landscape, its origins are no mystery: Lanzarote is dotted from north to south with volcanic cones, and its black rocks bear witness to the continuous eruptions (the last one between 1730 and 1736, from the Timanfaya volcano) that shaped the island's appearance over the millennia.
You won't just find desolate expanses of red and black earth here! The Saharan winds that blow over Lanzarote have created coves and beaches of golden sand, a treasure trove for those who decided to invest in the construction and hotel industry in the second half of the 20th century.
When you visit Lanzarote for a few days, you cannot help but notice that what makes it truly unique is its people and the way they have adapted their lifestyle to the island to make the most of its value. It is impossible not to notice the bright green experimental crops of vines, legumes and cereals, which make the most of the richness of the volcanic soils as opposed to the aridity of the land. And you cannot help but be carried away by its culture, gastronomic traditions and unmistakable lifestyle.
All this will make your stay in Lanzarote much more than just a vacation: the variety of landscapes, the extraordinarily sunny and mild climate, the range of activities for all ages and tastes, the efficiency of services and the simple genuineness of its inhabitants will make you never want to leave.
🚢 Getting to Lanzarote by ferry
One of the ways to get to Lanzarote is by ferry. Weekly ferries depart from the Spanish mainland throughout the year. You can choose from:
• Ferries from Cadiz to Arrecife
• ferries from Huelva to Arrecife
There are currently no ferry routes from other countries.
However, if you are in another of the Canary Islands, there are many indirect connections that take you to Lanzarote:
from Fuerteventura : Playa Blanca-Corralejo and Puerto del Rosario-Arrecife routes.
from Gran Canaria : Las Palmas-Arrecife route.
from Tenerife : Santa Cruz de Tenerife-Arrecife route.
The last port to mention is Órzola, which has daily connections to the islet of La Graciosa.
Where to stay in Lanzarote
Lanzarote is not very large, but it has several areas worth considering when choosing where to stay:
Playa Blanca: on the southern coast, has the highest temperatures on the island and is sheltered from the winds. It also offers beautiful beaches such as Playa de Papagayo, Playa Dorada and Playa Blanca itself. It is an area with many amenities and quiet, so it is ideal if you are traveling with family or looking for an area to stay that is convenient and close to everything. Thanks to the nearby port, it is also perfect if you decide to include Fuerteventura in your itinerary.
Puerto del Carmen: On the southeastern coast, this is the most popular resort. It is perfect if you are looking for fun and nightlife, but you can also use it as a base for venturing into Timanfaya National Park. There is no shortage of beaches here either, such as Playa Chica and Playa Grande.
Arrecife: north of Puerto del Carmen, it is the island's capital and most important port. Here you can savor local life in the many restaurants and immerse yourself in culture in the narrow streets of the old town. The main beach is Playa del Reducto, one of the most beautiful in Lanzarote, highly regarded for its facilities and calm, crystal-clear waters.
Caleta de Famara: located to the west, it lies in a small gulf wedged between the Atlantic and Risco de Famara. It is a paradise for windsurfers and kitesurfers, thanks to the winds that blow constantly along the coast. The village is small and the area is much less bustling, making it ideal for retreating from the hustle and bustle and enjoying the relaxed pace of life for which the Canary Islands are world famous.
You haven't packed your bags yet, read on for all the details on ferry connections to/from Lanzarote!
