Lanzarote's rich, volcanic landscape has inspired poets, artists and philosophers for thousands of years, and it was written about by the likes of Plato and Herodotus. The terrain shifts from the beaches of the south to the forests of the north. At the center of it all is a looming volcanic peak with a moonlike landscape. Hotels in Lanzarote range from rustic retreats to four- and five-star resorts.
César Manrique was an artist and architect who worked to model sustainable tourism during the 20th century and designed many of Lanzarote's structures. His style consistently works with the natural landscape in surprising ways, blending architecture and landscape to great effect. He also lobbied against high-rise architecture and encouraged other architects and builders to work with natural colors. Manrique's contributions to Lanzarote are astonishing.
Accommodation in Lanzarote is based on the southern beaches. Puerto del Carmen is the most popular resort, and it sits conveniently close to
Lanzarote Airport. The polished hotels in this area deliver high-caliber service and amenities. For a fine sandy beach with smaller crowds, visit Playa Blanca on the south-central coast.
While the entire southern region has the best restaurants and nightlife, there's a great deal to see in the north. La Caleta de Famara is particularly quaint. It's a village on a cliff with a pair of eclectic restaurants and sparsely populated beaches. Surfers come for the excellent breaks, and interested visitors can rent boards and enroll in classes.
For more information on hotels and landmarks in the different areas of Lanzarote, click on the interactive
Lanzarote map on the left-hand side of the page.
