Top things to do for free in Lanzarote

One of the most popular beaches in the Canary Islands, Papagayo Beach is located in the south of Lanzarote on the tip of the island, it’s a must-visit for both its unique scenery and gorgeous waters.

Papagayo is a small and sheltered beach boasting crystal clear, emerald green waters and pristine golden sands. With the serenity of a swimming pool, this stretch of sea is the ideal spot for snorkeling, swimming and letting the kids splash around. If you’re keen for an adventure, you can also climb the steep cliffs located on the left-hand side of the beach’s rocky backdrop.

Papagayo Beach definitely delivers the wow factor and is the ultimate setting for relaxation and soaking up the Canarian sunshine.

On the west coast of Lanzarote approximately 100 metres from El Golfo, you will come across the extraordinary Charco de los Clicos - also known as Charco Verde.

Charco de los Clicos is a bright green lagoon located inside the crater of a volcano that erupted in 1730. Its unique bright green coloration is created by the algae in the water, which makes for a striking contrast to the black sand that separates the lagoon from the sea.

This volcanic landscape is a spectacular attraction where you can take in one of the island’s most memorable scenery.

Lanzaloe’s Aloe Vera is grown on the island and is allegedly the best quality Aloe Vera in the world. Situated on the north tip of the island, Lanzaloe has 6 hectares of plantation that is harvested on a weekly basis.

You can visit the fields from 10:30-18:00, and learn about the origin, growth, and transformation of the Aloe Vera.

This unique and natural environment is bordered by stunning sea views and rare volcanic spots, and a great attraction to visit for both the scenery and the knowledge.

Fancy enjoying the incredible and unique landscape artworks of Cesar Manrique? Head to Mirador del Rio, one of the most spectacular cliffs on the islands, where you can admire the same views but without an admission fee.

Cesar Manrquie was an internationally-renowned local artist and architect who blessed Lanzarote with a mesmerising array of sculptures, signs and stunning pieces of architecture. His work is a unique and ingenious combination of art, nature and modernity and his legacy has continued through the Cesar Manrique Foundation.

One of his most popular attractions is the Monumento al Capasino; a museum dedicated to the history of traditional peasant farming in Lanzarote. Manrqiue designed this to pay tribute to the efforts made by local farmers to bring the land to life. It encompasses a series of buildings that look like traditional homes, with white walls and green wood, combining the most characteristic elements of the different areas of the island.

Entrance to this museum is free, and refreshments and food can be purchased in the museum’s restaurant.

If you’re feeling active and you’re ready to explore the island’s volcanoes, then head to Timanfaya National Park where you can venture out on a guided walking tour that’s completely free of charge.

There are different routes to choose from depending on the distance you’re willing to walk, but you must make an online reservation and select your route prior to attending. Routes can be reserved here.

During your tour, you will learn about the island’s volcanic past and present and how it has impacted those living on the island - from people, to animals and vegetation. The tour will give you a fascinating insight into how the locals had to adapt in order to survive on the island and allow you to witness how Lanzarote has blossomed into the beautiful island that it is today.

Appropriate shoes are highly recommended for your hike: either closed sports shoes or trekking shoes are ideal.

If you’re looking for a unique spot to watch the sunset, then Salinas del Janubio will tick all of your boxes. It’s Lanzarote’s only commercial saltworks, originally producing salt to preserve fish. The sunset reflects off the numerous rectangular salt pans, with water at differing levels creating shallow pools of white, grey and pink. The contrasting colours create a beautiful shimmering light, making it a romantic setting for couples to visit.

Located slightly north of Playa Blanca, Los Hervideros is a fascinating display of nature in a series of cliffs and underground caves, created by the solidification of lava and erosion. As you watch on from the trails above the cliff, it is a particularly jaw-dropping sight when the seas are rough and the waves crash into the rocks with immense force, creating huge masses of white surf. This is where Los Hervideros gets its famous nickname as the ‘Boiling Waters’.

If you enjoy discovering natural wonders, then Los Hervideros won’t disappoint.

Of all the volcanoes you can witness in Lanzarote, be sure to visit Volcan El Cuervo. Here, you can delve inside the crater and view it up close. Hiking to the volcano also enables you to discover the stunning views over the surrounding lunar landscapes.

In search of great hotel deal in Lanzarote for summer 2018? Book your stay in Occidental Lanzarote Mar or Occidental Lanzarote Playa for affordable creature comforts in the heart of the action.