Lanzarote is the fourth-largest of the Canary Islands. While the Canary Islands have earned abundant acclaim for their spectacular natural landscapes and unique cultural heritage, tourists tend to flock to two islands in particular. Tenerife attracts young revelers in droves thanks to its legendary party scene, while Gran Canaria is a particularly relaxing destination thanks to its high-end resorts—but in the easternmost reaches of the archipelago, Lanzarote offers its own dazzling array of both natural and historic attractions. From towering volcanic cliff faces to natural lava tubes rife with endemic wildlife, this underrated island showcases the true splendor of Macaronesia, one of the earth’s most picturesque regions. Lanzarote’s Glimmering Southern Shores The Spanish word "arrecife" translates to "reef" in English. The vast majority of trips to Lanzarote begin with a descent into Arrecife, a historic settlement that serves as the island’s capital and largest city. While the region is equipped with a wealth of centuries-old fortresses and landmarks, one of the most popular destinations is its seaside marina, an idyllic strip that’s loaded with drinking and dining destinations. For a particularly memorable start to the trip, visitors can head to Restaurante Lilium to explore the rich culinary culture of the Canary Islands, with beloved local dishes up for grabs including papas arrugadas, Canarian sancocho, and quesillo. While Arrecife is home to its fair share of tourist sites, most visitors use the city as a jumping-off point to explore some of Lanzarote’s interior attractions. Roughly ten minutes north of the downtown district, guests can gain insight into the life of one of the island’s most notable residents during a trip to the César Manrique Foundation. Operating out of the artist’s former home, the venue serves as one of the most fascinating abodes in all of Lanzarote, built within a natural volcanic bubble and decorated with colorful furniture and art. For those in need of a deep dive into classic Canarian culture, few destinations are as valuable as the Casa Museo del Campesino. Serving as a monument to the rigorous lives of the Canary Islands’ many farmers, the venue provides guests with an opportunity to try their hand at all manner of traditional crafts found across the archipelago. For budding artists, local artisan Yolanda Benedicta Torres Moreno hosts palm heart braiding sessions, while Estefanía González provides dual lessons into the preparation process of mojo and gofio, two iconic dishes that are found all across the Canary Islands. MORE FOR YOU NSA Warning—Change Your iPhone And Android Message Settings A Disappointing Update About ‘Solo Leveling’ Season 3 ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3, Episode 7 Recap And Review: I’m Starting To Worry About This Show When it comes to accommodations, most visitors forgo Arrecife in favor of Lanzarote’s dazzling southern coastal towns, with Puerto del Carmen hosting some of the island’s most opulent properties. For a taste of true luxury, Hotel Fariones comes equipped with a rooftop infinity pool, high-end Canarian cuisine, and quick access to some of the island’s finest golf courses, while further west, those in search of a classic all-inclusive can find the perfect match with Secrets Lanzarote Resort & Spa, a sprawling estate that’s home to a massive outdoor pool complex and more than ten drinking and dining concepts. Finally, visitors who don’t mind a lengthy drive will be richly rewarded upon arrival to Playa Blanca, an ultra-idyllic coastal community that’s equipped with high-end hotels and dining venues like Restaurante Liken, a top spot for grilled seafood and picturesque waterfront views. The Stunning Landscapes of the West Timanfaya National Park was established in 1974. No matter where you choose to rest your head at night, one of the most stunning natural wonders in all of the Canary Islands can be found just a short drive away. Measuring in at more than fifty square kilometers, the sprawling Timanfaya National Park showcases the volcanic landscapes of Lanzarote at their most splendid, with craggy cliffs and arid valleys found all across the region. Upon arrival, guests are welcome to stroll through the visitor center, catch a demonstration of the power of Timanfaya’s geothermal vents, and even explore the region via camel—and while Timanfaya may be the crown jewel of Lanzarote’s ecotourism attractions, it’s far from the only site worth visiting in the west. For a little added outdoor adventure, neighboring Los Volcanes Natural Park offers a wealth of scenic destinations of its own, equipped with roughly one hundred square kilometers of land to explore. For a particularly idyllic experience, visitors can stroll to the picturesque Charco Verde (a sweeping lake that’s packed full of green algae), while seasoned outdoor adventurers can hit the Caldera de Los Cuervos hiking trail, a top destination for spotting native Canarian birds of prey scanning the arid landscape from the comfort of a rocky cliff face. After exploring the abundant natural beauty found across the west, visitors can get a taste of Lanzarote in liquid form with a visit to Bodega Stratvs. Founded in 2008, this polished operation offers wine imbued with a distinct terroir thanks to the surrounding volcanic soil, with options ranging from the mineral-forward Viña Centenaria to the Malvasía Seco, a dry white wine that’s crafted from Lanzarote’s signature Malvasía grapes—and while Lanzarote is home to an impressive wine scene, that’s far from the only culinary heritage that can be discovered across the island. To gain some insight into one of Lanzarote’s most time-honored traditions, visitors can continue west to discover Salinas de Janubio, a collection of coastal flats that have been used for more than a century to harvest sea salt—and to see all of that sodium in action, there’s no better destination than La Bodega de Santiago. Located in a rustic centuries-old home shaded by a massive tree, this scenic venue has mastered the art of hearty Canarian cuisine, with Ibérico ham croquettes, crispy parrotfish, and savory chickpea stew all gracing the menu. Lanzarote’s Rustic Northeast Lanzarote is home to roughly 163,000 people. While the bulk of attractions tend to be found west of Arrecife, those in search of a particularly idyllic escape should be sure to head northeast. For a glimpse into the natural splendor of this remote corner of the island, Jameos del Agua is a must-visit, providing guests with an opportunity to spot one of Lanzarote’s most curious residents. While its natural lava tubes are certainly a sight to behold, guests should be sure to head to the water’s edge to marvel at Munidopsis polymorpha, a tiny blind cave crab that can be found nowhere else on earth—and to sweeten the deal, visitors can discover a massive array of classic dishes at the on-property restaurant once they’re done wildlife-watching. As an added bonus for ambitious travelers, Lanzarote also provides access to La Graciosa, a tiny island with fewer than one thousand inhabitants. After a short ferry ride from Órzola, visitors are welcome to stroll the tranquil streets and beaches found across the island—and while there’s not a whole lot of attractions to explore across La Graciosa, it’s not totally devoid of tourist sites, with incredible seafood restaurants like Restaurante El Veril gracing its shores. Post-visit, those heading back towards Arrecife should be sure to make a quick pitstop in Famara, a coastal community on Lanzarote’s north shore. In addition to picturesque views, the town is also home to Restaurante Dunas de Famara, a dazzling dining destination that’s equipped with high-end wine and a wealth of savory dishes to sample. Though far less frequented than neighboring Tenerife and Gran Canaria, the island of Lanzarote provides visitors with a glimpse into the pristine splendor of the Canary Islands at its finest. While it’s rife with spectacular volcanic landscapes, the true beauty of the island lies within its rich cultural heritage, with no shortage of time-honored traditions and dishes for visitors to witness firsthand. As you plan your next voyage into the island-laden depths of Macaronesia, don’t miss out on this rugged gem of the North Atlantic. Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn. Editorial StandardsForbes Accolades