Lanzarote has some spectacular scenery. It's volcanic landscape has created a breathtaking canvas on which the island has been painted, and one of the best ways to see this is on a number of lookout points around the island. Some of the Lanzarote lookout points (known as Miradors) have been purposely created by man, where as others are simply the work of nature herself.
If spectacular views are your thing, then you've come to the right island. Thanks to it's volcanic nature, Lanzarote has plenty of 'high points' that offer great views across oceans, valleys, villages and on a good day can even stretch as far as Fuerteventura. Here is our pick of the best view points in Lanzarote.
Mirador del Rio
We'll start with, arguably, one of the most popular lookout spots on the island. Mirador del Rio is a man made creation and the vision of the late Cèsar Manrique, a renowned artist, architect and visionary on the island.
Built over 475m high into the Risco de Famara cliffs, it offers amazing views over the neighbouring Canary Island of La Graciosa and beyond to the Chinijo Archipelago including the islands of Alegranza, Montaña Clara, Roque del Este and Roque del Oeste. Although this is a commercial attraction, it provides some of the best views you'll see in Lanzarote, has good facilities and even has a snack bar and gift shop. Mirador del Rio is at the northern point of Lanzarote and can be visited on different excursions. It's also very accessible by car with free parking available on site.
Haria
Standing at the top of the valley, looking down to the village of Haria has always been something a little bit special, and now there is a brand new purposely constructed 'sky walk' lookout to enhance the experience. The new construction is a renovation of the previously derelict site and if you're in the area is a must visit attraction
El Bosquecillo
El Bosquecillo is one of my favourite places in Lanzarote, and I often walked the trail from Haria, in the bottom of the valley, to the top of the cliffs and El Bosquecillo. The views from here are simply stunning as you look slightly south over Famara and La Santa. On a good day you'll be able to make out the volcanos of The Timanfaya National Park.
El Bosquecillo is a natural lookout with the added value of a small playground and picnic area, which is great if you're rewarding yourself for the long hike from the bottom of the valley.
Montaña Roja, Playa Blanca
If you're staying in Playa Blanca, and don't have transport, then Montaña Roja offers an easy way to hike up a volcano and enjoy the views over the town and across the Bocaina Strait to Fuerteventura.
There are numerous ways to ascend Montaña Roja, some more challenging than others. For an easy hike we recommend heading around the back, where you'll find a well trodden path with a slighter incline than the others. The volcano is usually busy with tourists and locals walking their dogs.
Caldera Blanca
Caldera Blanca is one of the many extinct volcanos in Lanzarote and by far the widest, measuring 1.15km in diameter. It's one of the few volcanos around the Timanfaya National Park that you're able to climb, and as you can image, offers excellent views over the island at the summit. Due to it's size the hike to the top can be quite challenging and the ascent and walk around the rim can take anywhere between 3-4 hours.
The Gran Hotel, Arrecife
Perhaps not a place you would expect to see on the list, but the Gran Hotel in Arrecife provides some great views from the 17th floor, where you can also grab a coffee and some tasty cake. At sunset, the views over towards the airport, Puerto del Carmen and beyond are spectacular as the mountains change colours as the sun goes down.
The best Lanzarote lookout points
Although we are really only scratching the surface with these lookout points, some of the views and landscapes that you will experience from them are truly impressive, and in some cases extremely humbling. If you're looking for things to do in Lanzarote, and are into exploring and hiking, then we highly recommend visiting as many of these amazing viewpoints as possible.
Images in this post are licensed. Do not reproduce without prior permission.