7 Travel Mistakes to Avoid in Lanzarote, Canary Islands

At Travelista, we think good travel planning is just as much about knowing what not to do, as much as it is about nailing that perfect itinerary. Here are 7 mistakes to avoid when visiting Lanzarote for the first time, to maximise your island experience.

The Canary island of Lanzarote is a stedfast favourite with holidaymakers for winter sun, but the island has so much more to offer beyond ‘fly and flop’ resorts. Although Lanzarote may be compact, it is an island that rewards a little planning

Look beyond the familiar beach resorts and you will find volcanic landscapes, whitewashed villages, dramatic coastlines and a distinctly different character in the north. There is also La Graciosa, a small island just off Lanzarote’s northern tip that can easily be overlooked when planning a first visit. The trick is knowing how to make the most of your time without turning your holiday into a checklist of sights. From choosing where to base yourself to understanding the island’s famously breezy weather, these are the Lanzarote travel tips worth knowing before you go.

1. Don’t stay in the resort bubble for your entire holiday

Lanzarote has plenty of excellent resorts, and there is nothing wrong with spending a week beside the pool or on the beach. But if you never venture beyond your immediate surroundings, you will miss much of what makes the island distinctive.

Away from the main tourist centres, the landscape changes dramatically. Volcanic peaks and lava fields give way to small villages, vineyards, rugged stretches of coastline and viewpoints across the Atlantic. The influence of artist and architect César Manrique can also be seen throughout the island, from buildings and gardens to some of its most recognisable attractions.

What to do instead: Keep at least a few days free for exploring beyond your resort. A hire car makes it much easier to reach different parts of the island at your own pace, particularly if you want to combine beaches with villages, natural landscapes and cultural attractions.

Browse hotels in Lanzarote

2. Don’t plan things at opposite ends of the island

Lanzarote is not a huge island, but that does not mean every attraction is conveniently close to your hotel. Trying to fit places at opposite ends of the island into the same day can mean spending more time on the road than you anticipated.

This is particularly worth considering if you are planning several days of sightseeing during a longer holiday in Lanzarote. The geography is part of the experience, and the journey between destinations can take longer than a quick glance at the map might suggest.

What to do instead: Plan your days by area. If you are heading north, combine several nearby sights rather than driving back and forth across the island. The same applies to the south and central parts of Lanzarote. It makes the itinerary more efficient and leaves more time to actually enjoy each place.

3. Don’t arrive at the main attractions at peak times

Some of Lanzarote’s most famous and popular sights can become crowded, but for good reason. Places such as Timanfaya National Park draw visitors throughout the year, and the island’s major attractions can become considerably busier during the middle of the day. For anyone visiting Lanzarote for the first time, it can be tempting to build headline attractions into the middle of your day, but choosing a quieter time slot can make a noticeable difference to the experience.

The island’s most popular sights include Timanfaya National Park, where you can explore the otherworldly volcanic landscape of the Montañas del Fuego, Jameos del Agua, César Manrique’s striking creation built into a volcanic lava tube, and Cueva de los Verdes, an atmospheric underground lava tunnel. Some attractions are ticketed and some (including Timanfaya and Cueva de los Verdes) operate with timed entry, so it is worth checking the latest arrangements and booking ahead rather than leaving your itinerary entirely until you arrive.

What to do instead: Where possible, visit the most popular sights earlier in the day or towards the later part of the afternoon. Check opening information and any visitor requirements before setting out, particularly during peak travel periods. Leaving some flexibility in your schedule also means you are not rushing from one attraction to the next.

4. Don’t forget about the north of Lanzarote

The north deserves more than a quick drive-through on the way to the ferry. It has a very different atmosphere from the island’s better-known resort areas, with volcanic scenery, winding roads, traditional villages and spectacular views towards the Atlantic.

Haría, often described as one of Lanzarote’s prettiest villages, sits in a valley surrounded by palms and volcanic peaks. Further north, the landscape becomes increasingly dramatic around Órzola and the coast, while viewpoints such as Mirador del Río offer expansive views across the water towards La Graciosa.

What to do instead: Give the north its own day rather than trying to squeeze it into an already packed itinerary. It is also the part of the island that makes most sense to combine with a visit to La Graciosa.

5. Don’t underestimate the wind

Lanzarote’s warm climate is one of its biggest attractions, but sunshine does not necessarily mean still air. The island can be surprisingly windy, particularly around exposed beaches and coastal viewpoints, and the conditions can make a significant difference to how warm it feels.

That matters when planning beach days, boat trips or walks. It is also worth remembering if you are travelling with children, spending time on the water or planning outdoor activities.

What to do instead: Check the BBC Lanzarote forecast before heading out and think about the day’s conditions when deciding where to go. Pack a light layer even in warmer months, particularly if you plan to spend time on exposed parts of the coast. If one beach is particularly windy, having the flexibility to change plans can make all the difference.

6. Don’t miss a trip to La Graciosa

One of the easiest things to overlook when planning a Lanzarote holiday is the possibility of adding another island to the itinerary.

La Graciosa lies just off the northern tip of Lanzarote and makes a straightforward day trip from Órzola. Ferries cross to Caleta de Sebo, the island’s main settlement, where the pace of the day feels markedly different from the busier resorts on Lanzarote.

The island is known for its volcanic landscapes, sandy beaches and network of trails, making it particularly appealing if you want to spend a day outdoors rather than sightseeing from a car. There are no conventional roads for visitors to drive around, so walking, cycling or using an authorised local 4×4 service are the main ways to explore.

Ferries between Órzola and Caleta de Sebo are operated by several providers, including Biosfera Express. Check the latest sailing information before travelling and consider booking in advance, particularly if your visit falls during a busy period.

What to do instead: Treat La Graciosa as part of your Lanzarote itinerary rather than an afterthought. Allow enough time to explore beyond Caleta de Sebo, and check the weather before setting out so you can make the most of a day on the island.

7. Don’t leave everything until the last minute

One of the advantages of a Lanzarote holiday is the freedom to explore at your own pace. But there is a difference between leaving room for spontaneity and arriving without a plan at all.

Popular attractions, car hire and excursions can be in demand at busy times, while some experiences require a little advance organisation. If La Graciosa is on your list, for example, it makes sense to check the ferry arrangements before you travel rather than assuming you can simply turn up on the day.

What to do instead: Book the things that genuinely need organising before you arrive, including car hire, accommodation and any excursions you particularly want to do. Then leave a few unplanned gaps in your itinerary. Some of the best parts of a trip come from having enough time to stop for lunch, explore a village or linger at a viewpoint rather than immediately moving on to the next attraction.

We recommend visiting Get Your Guide to book authentic Lanzarote tours and experiences before your holiday. You can always book more on the ground when you arrive!

8. Don’t pay for expensive data roaming whilst on your holiday

If you don’t have European roaming included as part of your monthly data package, you may end up paying for expensive data roaming in Lanzarote. Instead, think about getting a Canary Islands eSIM in advance. You can guarantee unlimited data at one set price for the duration of your holiday, or just buy a little data at a time. Either way, you’ll remain in complete control of your budget and connectivity, without relying on sketchy hotel Wi-Fi. 

Key Takeaways

A little preparation can transform the experience of exploring Lanzarote. Rather than treating the island as a straightforward beach destination, look at the map before you go, think about how you want to spend your days and allow yourself time to explore beyond the familiar tourist areas.

For a first time in Lanzarote, that might mean combining a few of the island’s best-known attractions with a day exploring the north, making time for its volcanic landscapes and keeping an eye on the weather before heading outdoors. It could also mean taking the ferry from Órzola to La Graciosa and discovering another side of the Canaries altogether.

The best Lanzarote travel tips are ultimately the simplest ones: don’t try to see everything at once, don’t underestimate the geography and don’t be afraid to stray from the obvious route. With a little forward planning, the island becomes much more than a place for sunshine and beaches, offering a varied holiday that can be shaped around your own pace and interests.