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Have you ever wondered how big is Lanzarote island? This question is key when planning your trip around the island. It will help you decide which places to visit during your stay, the best way to get around, where it’s most convenient to stay, among other details.
Why Lanzarote’s Size Matters for Travellers
Lanzarote is a small island that concentrates several attractions within its surface. These include volcanic cones, golden sand beaches, and others with black sand, natural pools, lava tunnels, and more.
The fact that it’s a small island is a great advantage for visitors. Firstly, you can visit various places in a single day. For instance, you can go to Timanfaya in the morning and spend the afternoon at the beach or exploring viewpoints.
This means you only need a few days to see the main tourist attractions. Moreover, travelling from one end of the island to the other takes about an hour, which means you can explore its points of interest in a short time.
Thanks to this feature, you can make the most of your time in Lanzarote.
A Brief Overview of Lanzarote’s Unique Appeal
Lanzarote’s charm includes numerous attractions, suitable for all types of travellers. If you enjoy surfing or relaxing swim at a quiet beach, you’ll find the perfect place here.
The volcanic landscapes are its main attraction: craters, volcanic tubes, lava fields, the agricultural landscape of La Geria. All of this is accompanied by the black, red, and ochre colours typical of these landscapes, contrasting with the white traditional architecture.
Lanzarote has a unique ecosystem and was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1993.
The island’s climate is another of its charms – it’s no wonder it’s known as the island of eternal spring. During summer, the average temperature is 24 °C, and in winter it’s 17 °C.
The Physical Dimensions of Lanzarote
Lanzarote is the northernmost island of the Canaries. As a tourist destination, it has become a haven for visitors, especially during winter.
Although it is compact, it brings together numerous points of interest across its surface, including volcanic landscapes, dreamlike beaches, and the artistic imprint of CĂ©sar Manrique.
Surface Area and Geographical Measurements
From north to south, Lanzarote measures around 60 kilometres, and the island’s maximum width is 25 kilometres. The total surface area is approximately 845.94 square kilometres.
Despite its modest size, the island offers several experiences to enjoy.
Comparing Lanzarote to Other Canary Islands
How big is Lanzarote compared to the rest of the Canary Islands? To put it in perspective, Lanzarote is the fourth-largest island in the archipelago. Tenerife is the largest with a surface area of over 2000 square kilometres, followed by Fuerteventura, with more than 1600 square kilometres.
Gran Canaria is also larger than Lanzarote, with around 1500 square kilometres. Meanwhile, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro are smaller than Lanzarote.
The Highest Point: Peñas del Chache
The mountains in Lanzarote are low, unlike the peaks of other islands. Peñas del Chache is the highest point, standing at 671 metres above sea level. From this spot, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the entire island and the surrounding ocean.
Exploring Lanzarote’s Compact Yet Diverse Landscape
Timanfaya National Park: A Volcanic Wonderland
Timanfaya National Park stands out as one of the island’s main attractions. It was formed by volcanic eruptions in the 18th century and occupies a large part of the island’s southwest.
Explore the park by bus, accompanied by guides who explain what you are seeing. During the visit, you’ll witness fire mountains, solidified lava, and craters.
Iconic Beaches: From Papagayo to Famara
Along Lanzarote’s coastline, you’ll find several beaches to enjoy. On one hand, the Papagayo beaches in the south boast golden sand and crystal-clear, calm waters. In contrast, Famara Beach in the northwest has a wilder landscape and is popular among surfers.
The beaches of Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, and Costa Teguise also have their own charm for visitors.
The Influence of César Manrique on Lanzarote’s Landscape
CĂ©sar Manrique was a Lanzarote-born architect and artist who had a clear influence throughout the island. He intervened in various landscapes, always with the goal of preserving their natural beauty.
This can be seen in works such as the Jameos del Agua, Cueva de los Verdes, and Mirador del RĂo. He was also a promoter of traditional architecture, seeking for buildings to integrate with the landscape. Another of his creations is the Monumento al campesino.
Why Lanzarote’s Size Is Perfect for Tourists
The size of Lanzarote is perfect for exploring various locations in a short amount of time. You can tour the island without long journeys, allowing you to make the most of your trip.
Easy Accessibility Across the Island
You can get anywhere on the island quickly and easily by car. Public transport will take you to various towns, though it doesn’t reach remote places.
However, to get to the main attractions, we recommend taking organised excursions in Lanzarote.
Ideal Duration for a Lanzarote Visit
Thanks to the island’s size, it can be explored in five to seven days. This gives you enough time to visit the main attractions, relax on its beaches, and immerse yourself in its culture.
Practical Tips for Exploring Lanzarote’s Size
From Lanzarote, you can take the ferry to visit neighbouring islands. The main ports are in Arrecife and Playa Blanca. To reach La Graciosa, the ferry departs from Ă“rzola.
Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit the island, as temperatures are mild and there are fewer tourists.
Lanzarote offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets.
Now you know how big is Lanzarote island to start planning your next trip. Having this information allows you to make the most of your holiday experience, as it helps you manage your itinerary better.
This post is also available in: Español (Spanish)