5 things to see in Lanzarote, the volcanic beauty of the Canarias

Caves, rocks and national parks. If that is your thing, then you would love to visit this volcanic beauty of Spain. Despite the fact that it is a very small island, it’s totally worth your. I’d recommend coming for a weekend and explore a landscape unseen anywhere else in Europe. The best thing is that it’s just 3-4 hours away (if you reside in Europe).

Often we get bored of visiting mainstream destinations or doing all the traditional touristic things while there. In some places like this island is totally worth it. You would experience and see a landscape that is quite unique to the Canary Islands.

The last volcanic activity in Lanzarote took place in 1824 and has left behind all of these natural places that now are turned into proud landmarks of the island.

1. El Mirador del Rio

Situated at the north edge of the island, this viewpoint reveals the scenery of rocks and mountains meeting the blue waters of the ocean. There is an entrance fee to go inside, but if you own a drone (like we did), you can simply fly over it and see what’s behind the cliff.

2. Los Jameos del Agua

Also located on the same side of the island, Los Jameos del Agua is an underground cave opening with a natural pool formed inside it that the locals have converted into a restaurant/venue. There is an entrance fee of about 10 euros to get in and is totally worth it.

The moment you enter, the path takes you down towards the caves. At the bottom of the stairs is the cave opening where the natural pool is located. What was completely unique is that the water inside the small lake is completely transparent.

In that water, the little white dots are actually something that looked like a mini crab, but I couldn’t tell for sure. It was also extremely difficult to capture on photo due to their size. That probably would remain as one of the mysteries of the volcanic beauty.

3. Timanfaya National Park

This place is where the biggest volcanic formations are found on the island.

You can do a bus tour around the volcanos for about 20 euros and you also get to learn the history of the volcanic beauty from the locals.

4. La Cueva de Los Verdes

This volcanic landmark is another one of the cave’s formations where hot burning lava reaching over 800°C has created underground tunnels.

The scenery inside the caves is breathtaking and full of optical illusions. The water ponds inside do not have any ripples so they recreate a perfect reflection of what’s above it. It makes it look like there is another opening in the caves beneath you.

5. Black “sand” beaches

The island is full of black “sand” beaches – well technically it’s not really sand, but small oval stones. Since they are not sharp, they are quite comfortable to walk on or sit on for a rest.

Although the island is mostly formed of volcanic rocks, the island almost makes you feel like you are walking on Mars but you are on Earth.

Apart from that, the coastline is composed mostly of volcanic rocks where the waves crash with the shore.