Lanzarote islands: Lanzarote (Island). Discover the best travel plans and what to visit

The Island of Lanzarote

Lanzarote is the fourth largest island in the Canarian archipelago. An island of contrast, the landscape can stimulate the eye and reveal a number of surprises. Small in comparison there are plenty of sights including the nationaly protected park of Timanfaya. This volcanic region which dominates the south is an abundance of rich colours set into a black lava canvas. It is the most popular attraction displaying a historical moment which changed the island dramatically. At Los Hervideros the sea crashes onto the solidified lava streams creating a spectacular shows which are never repetitive.

The history is mysterious and intriguing and traditions are celebrated throughout the year giving any tourist an insight to the quality of life islanders have enjoyed. The real Lanzarote can easily be discovered and is not hidden from visitors.

Lanzarotes myth of black sandy beaches can be challenged by yet another nationally protected area. The Papagayo beaches nestled in the south easterly tip boast fine white sand against rich magenta coastlines. This is without doubt an example of the finest beaches Europe has to offer. Playa Blanca is the closest resort to Papagayo. It started life as a small fishing village and has grown with demand offering relaxation and panoramic views out to sea stretching over the neighbouring islands of Los Lobos and Fuerteventura. These islands are connected by a regular ferry service and a number of excursion boats.

Moving inland through the sleepy white washed villages La Geria demonstrates how islanders have not been beaten by the volcanic eruptions. Fertile soil has been cultivated to produce some of the Canary islands finest wines. Vines are protected inside semi circular volcanic stone walls which cover the numerous dormant volcanoes. Bodegas are scattered throughout the region, tempting you to sample their best.

Leaving the shadows of Timanfaya behind you and moving further north, the historic village of Teguise transforms itself every Sunday morning. The quite cobbled streets come alive with an abundance of market stalls. The atmosphere is helped with music and folk dancing overshadowed by the old town clock chiming on the hour. Return to this village another day and the peaceful streets echo the historic roots of the island.

Famara on the North-west coast, has a seamlessly never ending beach shadowed by a back drop of dramatic mountains. Popular with surfers the village has a small selection of fish restaurants.

Winding mountain roads fording spectacular views over the island and sea, occasionally dip down into quaint villages. Haria, also known as the Valley of the thousand palms due to a tradition of planting palm trees for births in the village is tucked away, waiting to be discovered. The Mirador at the northern tip, looks down over the island of Graciosa, Alegranza and Montaclara. Tiny Graciosa which is inhabited, can be reached by a ferry service from the small village of Orzola.

The pride of the volcanic eruptions is mirrored in the north with a volcanic tube which stretches into the sea. The natural Green Caves, a family hideaway from pirates years ago, are a fine example of an underground lava stream. Part of the canal has been developed into an oasis. Separated from the Green Caves, Jameos del Agua has an auditorium, museum, restaurant and natural tidal lake which is home to white albino crabs.

Walking in Lanzarote | Canary Islands walking tour

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice.

Please refer to our COVID-19 entry requirements page for any country-specific conditions of entry. Whilst we strive to update this on a regular basis we recommend you also check the FCDO website for the latest advice on entry requirements in this fast-evolving situation. Information can change at any time.

 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions

Visa and Passport Information

Spain/Canary Islands: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.

If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore’s recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.

 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.

 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 – please check the ‘Family information’ section of the trip page for more information.  

Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at [email protected] as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred.  

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.

Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Self-Guided, Polar, Tailormade or Tours for Churches customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore offers a wide range of flexible flying options to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.

Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a ‘land only’ basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines.