Fascinating Lanzarote: its most beautiful villages

Lanzarote is one of the most visited islands of all the Canary Islands and not only for its rich heritage in beaches and paradisiacal coves. This incredible volcanic island has also conquered lovers of rural tourism as it has a long list of charming villages lost in the middle of the desert that dominates this island. Despite being one of the smallest, Lanzarote has much offer apart from its capital, Arrecife. For example, a tour through its most beautiful villages.

Caleta de Famara, home to one of the longest beaches of Lanzarote

We start this list with one of the villages that best describe the landscapes of Lanzarote. Caleta de Famara is a small fishing village located in the north of the island, in the middle of the Chinijo Natural Park, surrounded by dunes and desert as a result of volcanic activity. Its tiny white houses contrast with the crystal blue sea and the rocks that create the shape of one of the longest beaches of the island. Going to Caleta de Famara to take a swim and enjoy the delicious seafood in one of its bars is a luxury.

Tinajo, with a past of strong volcanic activity

If you want to visit a village that defines in an exceptional way the geological activity of Lanzarote and the Canary Islands, you should definitely visit Tinajo. This small town is located northwest of the island. It stands out for having been one of the inhabited villages of the island where there was more volcanic activity in the past. It is not exactly a coastal town but it has beautiful places to see such as the hermitage of the Virgen de los Dolores and the church of San Roque, as well as the Parque Natural de los Volcanes.

Arrieta, guarding two beautiful beaches of Lanzarote

Arrieta is one of the villages in the north of Lanzarote with one of the most beautiful beaches of the whole island. Located in the municipality of Haría, it is a perfect combination of a unique natural environment, clear waters that call for a swim and architecture that looks like something out of a postcard. Arrieta is ideal to have a great time and disconnect. It also hides two important beaches: Charcón and Garita.

San Bartolomé, the best vineyards of Lanzarote

Lanzarote and the whole Canary archipelago are not only paradisiacal beaches. There is also room for a more inland and rural tourism. In this list we cannot forget to mention the village of San Bartolomé which, in the very center of the island, is a very important point of interest. Not only for its beautiful environment full of contrasts between the white and light of the buildings with the black volcanic soil, but also for having a great agricultural activity and having the best vineyards on the island.

Costa Teguise, the perfect beach destination

The Costa Teguise is known throughout Lanzarote for being a town with one of the most attractive beach resorts. Apart from having one of the few coasts of Lanzarote that has white sands instead of black, it is also a beautiful village that welcomes you upon arrival. The perfect mix between the peace of a village with places like the castle of Santa Barbara or the Spinola palace, and the comforts of a holiday resort with all kinds of activities. Costa Teguise is your place if you want to disconnect in your holidays.

Yaiza, with the horizon of the Timanfaya

Considered one of the most beautiful villages of all Lanzarote by many. Yaiza is a town located in the south of the island, at one end of the Timanfaya National Park. If you want to get a closer look at the geography and charm of the Canary Islands, Yaiza has everything you need. In the middle of an incredible natural environment, there are beautiful white houses which contrast with it. This is what has made Yaiza so famous throughout the archipelago. If you visit it, don’t forget the church of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios, one of the musts.

El Golfo, watching the beauty of the Atlantic

This tiny fishing village deserves a special recognition as one of the most important villages of Lanzarote. And not only for its charming little houses by the ocean and its sailing boats floating in the port, but also for being one of the access points to one of the most curious beaches that Spain has: Charco Verde. A lagoon that has formed from sea water and that, in contact with the volcanic minerals of the island, has acquired a strong green color. Bathing is not allowed as it is a protected area, but a visit to watch its beauty will do.

Femés, with amazing views to Lanzarote

If you look for the contrast between beach and mountain and want to know a picturesque village, you should definitely visit Femés. This small village is located at the top of the Ajaches mountain. It has privileged views of the whole island. In addition to the natural charm of the agricultural villages of the interior of Lanzarote, you can visit emblematic places such as the hermitage of San Marcial del Rubicon and, of course, its impressive viewpoint, called Balcón de Femés.

Haría, the valley of a thousand palms

This is the village that gives its name to one of the most popular and visited municipalities of Lanzarote: Haría. This small town is in a privileged location and is full of beaches and nature. For a reason it is known as Valle de las Mil Palmeras (valley of a thousand palms). But, in addition, this picturesque fishing village stands out for its beautiful squares, its craft markets and the Museum-House of César Manrique.

Tías, a desolated environment

Located on one of the slopes of the volcanic cone of Montaña Blanca, in the south-central area of Lanzarote, we find the village of Tías. This beautiful town has managed to adapt to the volcanic soil, staggering in a very picturesque way its white houses all over the hillside. In the upper part of the village you can find the beautiful church of Nuestra Señora de La Candelaria. In addition, it is just a few steps from Puerto del Carmen, one of the most important centers of the island.

Nazaret, designed by César Manrique

We couldn’t finish this list without mentioning a small inland town that has attracted thousands of visitors year after year. It has unique architectural forms thanks to the artist César Manrique, who knew how to adapt emblematic places such as its bar-restaurant embedded in the volcanic rock and with shining white walls that simulate the natural environment. A tour through the island must include many other fantastic spots such as the Cueva de los Verdes, Jameos del Agua, or Arrecife. Although these towns represent very well the volcanic and beautiful environment of Lanzarote.