Lanzarote, one of the most beautiful of the Canary Islands, attracts visitors with its unique combination of volcanic landscape, beautiful beaches and fascinating history. Whether you’re planning a holiday on a budget or simply curious to see what this pearl of an island has to offer without spending a fortune, there are many fascinating places to visit in Lanzarote for free.
Which is the best of the Canary Islands? >>
In this article, we look at places and activities in Lanzarote that will allow you to explore the beauty of the island and discover its charm without spending a single euro. From volcanic landscapes to breathtaking beaches, picturesque towns and museums, Lanzarote has a lot to offer anyone who wants an unforgettable experience but is on a budget.
Find accommodation in Lanzarote >>
Lanzarote Airport Aviation Museum (Museo Aeronáutico del Aeropuerto de Lanzarote)
The museum is located in the old Arrecife airport building and is completely free. Even if you are not an aviation enthusiast, the museum will interest you and the children will also enjoy it. The site will show you attractions from the beginnings of commercial aviation. It is definitely worth visiting the original control tower to imagine these old planes landing and taking off.
What to do in Lanzarote with kids? >>
Castillo Santa Barbara
Castillo Santa Babara is located high on Mount Guanapay overlooking the old capital of Teguise and the island of Lanzarote. King Felipe II ordered the castle to be built by Don Sanco de Herrera in the 16th century as a watchtower to help protect the island’s inhabitants from pirates and raiders such as Sir Francis Drake.
At that time, Teguise was the capital of Lanzarote and the seat of the Spanish administration of the entire Canary Islands, so it was of great strategic importance. There is also a tunnel that connects the castle to the city of Teguise, under which the islanders avoided pirates.
In recent years, Castillo Santa Barbara has been restored and now serves as a museum showing various exhibits about the history of the castle. Entry here is free.
Casa-Museo del Campesino
A museum dedicated to the history of traditional farming in Lanzarote designed by local architect Cesar Manrique. At first glance, it looks like a small white town. Manrique designed it to pay tribute to the local farmers’ efforts to bring the land to life. It consists of a series of buildings that look like traditional houses, with white walls and green wood, combining the most characteristic elements of the different areas of the island.
And be careful, you need to look around and especially under you. There is a beautifully designed restaurant hidden in the ground. By the way, in the Casa-Museo del Campesino you will not only find a museum, but also several places where you can eat and also shops with local products.
Sunday markets in Teguise
On Sundays, Teguise, the former capital of the island, has the biggest markets in Lanzarote and the streets are full of people. These colorful markets contrast fabulously with the traditional white buildings behind them. The stalls sell everything from handicrafts to food and counterfeits of well-known brands. Local artists often show their works here – leather products, lava stone jewelry, scarves, local wine or aloe cosmetics. When you’re done browsing, it’s worth taking some time to explore the town of Teguise and its historic streets and squares.
Find accommodation in Lanzarote >>
Timanfaya Visitor Center
Most of you have already heard of the Timanfaya National Park in Lanzarote. The experience of visiting it will be etched in your memory for the rest of your life. But entry here is not only regulated, but also paid. But did you know that you can also go to the nearby Timanfaya Visitor Center in Mancha Blanca for free?
This is a beautiful place full of information, facts and figures, not only about Lanzarote, but generally about volcanology all over the world. The exhibition also includes a seismograph, meteosat and meteorological station. The interactive exhibition is also multilingual. In the basement of the museum, you can experience a simulation of the eruption of a volcano and walk on the sidewalk above the lava field from the outer buildings. An incredible place and without the need to spend a single euro.
Timanfaya National Park on foot with a guide
If you are active and would like to explore the island’s volcanoes, you can go to Timanfaya National Park on a guided walking tour, which is completely free. There are even multiple routes to choose from depending on the distance you are willing to walk. But first, it is necessary to make a reservation in advance and choose a route. It is also important to meet a few conditions for safety, such as understanding the language of the guide (you choose the language when booking), age at least 16 and sturdy shoes. You can book a tour here.
Find accommodation in Lanzarote >>
Charco de los Clicos / Charco Verde
On the west coast of Lanzarote, approximately 100 meters from the town of El Golfo, you will come across the enchanting Charco de los Clicos – also known as Charco Verde. It is a bright green lagoon located inside the crater of a volcano that erupted in 1730. Its unique bright green coloration is created by algae in the water, creating a striking contrast to the black sand that separates the lagoon from the sea.
Stratified City (Antigua Rofera)
One of the most unique rock formations in Lanzarote is the Stratified City (known in Spanish as Antigua Rofera de Teseguite), a large collection of rocks that have been formed over thousands of years by wind, sun and rain. Today, a series of strange holes, tunnels and caves have been created in the massif, and walking through this area is otherworldly.
Find accommodation in Lanzarote >>
Las Grietas
Las Grietas are one of the most beautiful natural formations on the island. These are canyons or fissures that resemble a very miniature version of Antelope Canyon in Arizona. You can walk through the mini canyon and take photos or admire it from a height. Just be careful, this is a freely accessible place in nature, there are no barriers and the gravel under your feet can slide on the slope, so you need to be a little careful.
Playa de Caletón Blanco
Protected beaches and bays in the north of Lanzarote, that is Playa de Caletón Blanco. As the name of the place already suggests, the main characteristic of the coast here is whitish and clean sand interwoven with black lava formations. Smaller natural reservoirs with crystal clear water tastefully complement this unforgettable scenery.
Papagayo Beach
Papagayo Beach, one of the most popular beaches in the Canary Islands, is located in the south of Lanzarote at the tip of the island and boasts a unique scenery. It is a small and sheltered beach that boasts crystal clear, emerald green water and pristine golden sand. In addition, it is protected by reefs, so this stretch of sea is an ideal place for snorkeling, swimming and bathing children.
