Is Lanzarote Actually Europe's Most Underrated Island? (I Think It Might Be)

Everyone talks about Santorini. Or the Amalfi Coast. Or the Scottish Highlands if they're feeling adventurous. But Lanzarote? It barely gets a mention. And that's odd, because after spending a couple of weeks there, I'm convinced it's one of the most interesting places in Europe that nobody seems to properly appreciate.

Maybe it's the name. Maybe people think it's just another beach resort with all-inclusive hotels and chips with everything. Or maybe it's because Lanzarote doesn't fit the usual European island mould. It's not green and rolling. It's not packed with ancient ruins or cobbled streets. It's volcanic, stark, and a bit strange. And that's exactly why it's brilliant.

It Looks Like Another Planet

Let's start with the obvious. Lanzarote looks nothing like anywhere else in Europe. The landscape is black, red, and ochre. There are volcanic cones everywhere, fields of solidified lava, and beaches with sand so dark it's almost charcoal. It feels more like Iceland or Mars than the Mediterranean.

Timanfaya National Park is the big draw, and it's easy to see why. The ground's still warm from eruptions that happened 300 years ago. You can watch park rangers pour water into a hole and see it shoot back out as steam. There are coach tours through the lava fields, which some people love and others find a bit touristy. Either way, the landscape's worth seeing.

But the whole island has this otherworldly vibe. Even the towns feel different. White buildings with green or blue shutters, low and flat to protect against the wind. Cactus gardens, salt flats, and vineyards growing in black volcanic soil. It's not pretty in a traditional sense, but it's striking. You won't forget it.

The Architecture Is Actually Interesting

Here's something most people don't know about Lanzarote: it's one of the few places where tourism was designed with taste. And that's thanks to César Manrique, a local artist and architect who basically shaped how the island looks today.

Manrique hated the idea of Lanzarote turning into another concrete resort strip. So he pushed for laws that kept buildings low, banned billboards, and made sure new developments blended with the landscape. His own house, built into a lava bubble, is now a museum and it's one of the coolest spaces I've ever been in.

Because of him, Lanzarote doesn't look like Benidorm or Magaluf. There are no high rise hotels blocking the view. No neon signs or tacky tourist tat lining the streets. It feels considered, almost elegant. And for a holiday island, that's rare.

The Beaches Are Better Than You'd Think

When people picture Lanzarote, they don't usually think of beaches. But there are loads, and they're good. Some are golden sand, some are white, and a few are black volcanic stretches that get seriously hot underfoot.

Papagayo beaches in the south are the famous ones. They're tucked into coves with turquoise water and hardly any development. You'll need to drive down a dirt track and pay a small fee to park, but it's worth it. The water's calm and clear, and even in peak season, you can find a quiet spot if you walk a bit.

Famara, on the northwest coast, is completely different. It's a long, wild beach with big waves and dramatic cliffs. Surfers love it. Families with small kids, not so much. The current's strong and the water's cold, but the vibe's relaxed and the sunsets are some of the best on the island.

And then there's Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise, which are more resort style. Clean, safe, and easy. Not exciting, but reliable if you just want to swim and read a book.

The Food's Underrated Too

Lanzarote isn't a foodie destination in the way San Sebastián or Bologna is. But the local food's simple and good, and there are some dishes you won't find anywhere else.

Papas arrugadas, wrinkly potatoes boiled in seawater and served with mojo sauce, are everywhere. The green mojo's herby and sharp, the red one's got a bit of heat. Both are addictive. You'll also find fresh fish, grilled octopus, and gofio, a toasted grain flour that locals use in soups, desserts, and even ice cream.

Wine's a big deal here too. The vineyards in La Geria look like nothing else, rows of vines planted in black volcanic pits with stone walls protecting them from the wind. The wine's mostly white, dry, and mineral. Some of it's excellent. Some of it's just okay. But visiting a bodega and tasting a few glasses while looking out over the lava fields is a good way to spend an afternoon.

It's Quiet (If You Know Where to Go)

Yes, parts of Lanzarote are touristy. Puerto del Carmen has its share of Irish pubs and all you can eat buffets. But it's a small island, and it's easy to escape the crowds.

Head inland and you'll find villages that feel untouched. Haría, in the north, is green and peaceful, with palm trees and whitewashed houses. Teguise, the old capital, has a Sunday market that's busy but worth it for the local crafts and food stalls.

The north coast's quieter too. Fewer hotels, fewer people, and more space to think. If you're the type who gets claustrophobic in busy resorts, Lanzarote gives you options.

If you're planning to spend more time on the island or want to know what's happening locally, it's worth checking Lanzarote news for updates on events, road closures, or any changes that might affect your visit.

The Weather's Reliable

Lanzarote sits off the coast of Africa, which means it's warm and dry most of the year. Even in winter, you're looking at 20°C and plenty of sun. It does get windy, especially in summer when the trade winds pick up, but that keeps things from getting too hot.

Rain's rare. When it does come, it's usually brief and in winter. The rest of the time, it's sunny, breezy, and dry. If you're escaping a British winter, it's hard to beat.

Before you book, it's worth having a look at thetenerifeforum.com for weather discussions and traveller tips. While it's focused on Tenerife, the forum covers all the Canary Islands and gives honest, real-world advice from people who've actually been.

It's Not for Everyone (And That's Fine)

Here's the thing. If you want lush greenery, historic cities, or a buzzing nightlife scene, Lanzarote's not your place. It's quiet, stark, and a bit odd. Some people find it boring. Others find it peaceful.

I liked it because it felt different. It didn't try to be Ibiza or Mallorca. It just did its own thing. And in a world where so many places are starting to look the same, that's worth something.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lanzarote worth visiting?
If you like unusual landscapes, good weather, and a relaxed pace, yes. If you want nightlife and lots of activities, maybe not.

What's the best time to visit Lanzarote?
Spring and autumn are ideal. It's warm but not too windy, and there are fewer tourists. Winter's good too if you don't mind cooler evenings.

How many days do you need in Lanzarote?
A week's enough to see the main sights and relax. Two weeks if you want to slow down and really enjoy it.

Is Lanzarote good for families?
Yes, especially the southern beaches. The water's calm, and there are plenty of family-friendly resorts.

What should I not miss in Lanzarote?
Timanfaya National Park, the Papagayo beaches, and a visit to one of the César Manrique sites. The Jameos del Agua cave is particularly good.

Lanzarote's not going to be everyone's favourite island. But if you're tired of the same old European beach destinations and want something a bit different, it's worth a look. Just bring a jacket for the wind.