Hidden Gems for Lanzarote

1. Hidden Gem Lanzarote: Jardin de Cactus

The Cactus Garden is a wonderful example of an architectural intervention integrated into the landscape. César Manriquem, an artist from Lanzarote, created a very special home for cacti from all over the world. Jardin de Cactus is the largest cactus plantation on the island and is located in the village of Guatiza, in the municipality of Teguise. Here you will find about 4500 specimens and about 450 different species from 13 different families of cactus. There is also a coffee shop where you can treat yourself with some snacks while enjoying a panoramic view of the garden.

2. Hidden Gem Lanzarote: Bonbon Café

If you are looking for a lovely breakfast spot in Costa Teguise, this is the place to be. At Café BonBon you can enjoy healthy dishes like cereal bowls with lots of fruit (like an acai bowl) and classics like yummy banana pancakes with chocolate sauce on top. If you want to stop by for lunch, try the burgers! At Bonbon Café they also have a patio with a lovely outdoor seating area.

3. Hidden Gem Lanzarote: Mirador el Risco de Famara

This spot offers the most marvelous views of the ocean and the surrounding mountains. Mirador el Risco de Famara is a wonderful observation point in the city of Las Palmas, on the island of Gran Canaria. It is located at the top of the Risco de Famara, more than 400 metres above sea level. At sunset, the view is of course particularly spectacular. If you visit here, be prepared to drive a bumpy, unpaved path. A signpost shows you the way to the viewpoint.

4. Hidden Gem Lanzarote: Restaurant El Risco

If you are looking for a restaurant with a view check out El Risco. El Risco Restaurant, is located in the town of Famara, known for its fabulous white sand beach. The menu at Restaurante el Risco is not large but they emphasize fresh, local seafood with an interesting gourmet twist. If you want to get the full experience we would recommend booking a table in advance to get the prime seats at the window with a view over the ocean. Make sure to try the fresh Tuna Tataki! They also have special dishes every day but they change all the time depending on availability at the market.

5. Hidden Gem Lanzarote: National Park Timanfaya

No real insider tip, but a MUST for everyone who travels to Lanzarote to take a vacation. The Timanfaya National Park – el Parque Nacional de Timanfaya – was declared the eighth national park in Spain in 1974. Here you can expect breathtaking “fire mountains”, volcanic cones and huge lava fields and valleys. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, this park in Lanzarote has a unique landscape and is known for its resemblance to the planet Mars. Timanfaya National Park is located in the southwestern part of the island of Lanzarote, in the municipality of Yaiza. The best starting point for visiting the National Park is the village of Mancha Blanca. Please note that visitors are only allowed to drive their own car to the entrance of the park, as the landscape may not be explored on their own. Visits can be booked as a guided hike, camel tour or bus tour.

6. Hidden Gem Lanzarote: Playa de Famara

In the northwest of the island of Lanzarote lies the five-kilometer-long light sandy beach of Famara. Because of its enormous length of over two kilometers and a width of up to one hundred meters, this stretch of beach represents the longest of the island. It is located in the Parque Natural del Archipiélago Chinijo, and stretches between the fishing village of La Caleta de Famara and the cliff of Famara. We recommend you go to Playa de Famara at low tide, because that’s when the water forms a thin layer on the sand, causing the water and the sky to reflect the cliffs like a giant mirror. Playa de Famara is not only perfect for a relaxed beach day but also for numerous sports activities. Because of its wind and wave conditions, it is wonderful for surfing, bodyboarding, windsurfing and kitesurfing most of the time.

7. Hidden Gem Lanzarote: La Playa De Atrás

Located at the north of Lanzarote, Playa de Atrás constitutes the perfect beach for anyone looking for an amazing surfing spot. At 300 meters long, it is characterized by strong currents and winds creating an ideal place for wind and water sports. Although it is not recommended to bathe there, just the walk along the beach is worth the visit. Here you will find beautiful contrasts of color like blacks from the rocks, gold from the sand and a deep blue from the ocean. The beach is also not frequented by tourists, making it a great spot for relaxing or being with yourself while admiring the view.

8. Hidden Gem Lanzarote: Salinas De Janubio

Salinas de Janubio is a place like no other in Lanzarote. Dating back almost 100 years, these salt flats are a wonder to look at. They are filled with vibrant colors which change depending on the sunlight. You can admire them from up a hill, where it is also possible to see the beach and the incredible horizon. Or you could go down and see them from up close! There is also the possibility to buy some salt to take home with you as a great souvenir. As the cherry on top, if you want to eat delicious food and have a great view of them, you cannot miss the restaurant Mirador de Las Salinas.

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