It's definitely one of our favourite places on earth. At first glance it's just rock, petrified lava, ash and sand. An arid volcanic paradise, sculpted by telluric currents as much as by the harsh sun, the force of the sea and the Atlantic winds. Yet this seemingly hostile island is rich and fertile, a primitive display of beauty at its rawest. Here’s our guide to explore the island and its many treasures.
TO HIKE
The first eruption of El Cuervo volcano, in September 1730, gave the island an out-of-space feel, with solid, wave-like lava that appears to be gliding, melting the matter of earth down its hill. A one-hour hike leads you all around the base to the center of the crater, back to where it all began. Do not miss the Caldera Blanca route, a three-hour hike that crosses volcanic badlands abundant in lava forms. Green, grey, red and gold take over this apocalyptic horizon.
TO SUNBATHE
There are many beautiful beaches all over the island. In the northern part of the island, Playa de los Caletones is idyllic: white sand, black lava rocks and natural pools with crystal-clear turquoise water.
TO GET LOST
Visit La Graciosa. Close to Lanzarote there’s this small, inhabited island made to daydream on virgin beaches. Head to the town of Órzola, then take the boat that will take you to the island.
TO CREATE
Say hi to Eguzkine Zerain, a local artist and long-time friend with whom we collaborated with to create our unique collection of ceramics, Green Variations, a series created as a tribute to Lanzarote’s otherworldly shapes, colours and textures.
TO GET INSPIRED
Discover the legacy of free-spirited local artist César Manrique, who captured the essence of the island and produced a unique dialogue between nature and art. You can visit the Foundation, the house museum, Jameos del Agua, the Cactus Garden and the Mirador del Río; and read everything you can about his work.
TO EAT
Traditional Canarian food is simple, fresh and tasty. You can’t miss Bodega de Uga, its naturally smoked salmon has earned its reputation on the island, and their wines are amazing too. In Teguise, Hespérides is a great vegan-friendly option.
TO DREAM
It’s one of Lanzarote’s best-kept secrets. Lying at the foot of the Timanfaya volcano, tucked away in the La Geria wine region, a magnificent example of humans working hand-in-hand with nature, Buenavista Lanzarote sits amidst an otherworldly, hypnotic volcanic landscape made of black ash and green sprouts.
Founded nearly ten ago by Gonzalo and Mayka Bethencourt, this former farm is now a tranquility haven immersed in a charred garden designed to grow vines, vegetables, and fruit trees, a sustainable rural retreat where one can enjoy nature at its fullest, an open window to raw beauty.
We recently spoke with Gonzalo about this awe-inspiring landscape and how he created Buenavista by working with nature. Stay tuned next week to read the conversation.
Located in the Timanfaya National Park, Caldera Blanca is the widest volcanic cone on the island. If you're planning to hike to the crater, we recommend wearing ROWSE's SPF30 Mineral Sunscreen and walking shoes.
The black volcanic soil in Lanzarote is covered by lapilli or “picón”, which is lava material that falls out of the air during a volcanic eruption.
The Mirador del Río is one of César Manrique's most representative creations. From this viewpoint sculpted into the rock you can get a glimpse of the island of La Graciosa.
Eguzkine Zerain's workshop in Teseguite. Her ceramics are inspired by the colours and textures of the island.
Gonzalo Bethencourt, who runs Buenavista Lanzarote, grows vines and vegetables in the traditional way.
Founded by Gonzalo Bethencourt and his family as an ecolodge, Buenavista Lanzarote Country Suites is the perfect place to stay.
The Timanfaya National Park offers breathtaking views of the dormant volcanoes in Lanzarote.
Monument to the Peasant, by César Manrique, is a tribute to local islanders who worked to bring to life the Lanzarote landscape. Jameos del Agua was the first Art, Cultural and Tourist centre created by Manrique.
The Green Lagoon, also known as El Golfo. Algae growth is responsible for its distinct color which contrasts beautifully with the black sand of the beach and the blues of the sea and sky.
The Cactus Garden holds more than 1,400 species of cacti from all over the world.
