Lanzarote’s stark, volcanic landscape holds a powerful and undeniable beauty. To appreciate it fully, you need a little perspective. The island’s viewpoints offer just that, with panoramas affording breathtaking views from a new angle
Lanzarote is dotted with magnificent viewpoints. Some are iconic, like the Mirador del Río, designed by César Manrique and now one of the seven Art and Culture Centres run by the Cabildo. Perched 470m above sea level, it offers stunning panoramic views of the Chinijo Archipelago, the Bajo el Risco beach, and the Canary Islands’ most ancient salt flats. Another of Manrique’s creations is the Mirador del Malpaso, on the LZ-10 in Haría. Its sweeping views of the valley reveal Haría’s most photogenic and beautiful side. The Mirador de Los Helechos is also a must-see as you descend to Haría from Los Valles.
Another well-known viewpoint is the Mirador de El Golfo, where you can gaze down at the dramatic black sand beach and emerald-green lake, Charco de los Clicos, framed by the spectacular crater. Nearby, Los Hervideros offers the chance to feel the raw power of the Atlantic Ocean as its waves crash into the volcanic blowholes, giving the impression of boiling water.
There are plenty more to discover. For a less-touristy experience, head to the Mirador del Risco de Famara/ El Bosquecillo. At 480m, this viewpoint sits on the cliff’s edge, providing breathtaking vistas of Famara beach, the valley, and the vast Atlantic. High above, the spectacular Gallo trail winds its way along the ridge. For drivers, the viewpoints at Guinate, La Caldera, the Mirador de la Ermita de las Nieves, and Peñas del Chache offer a variety of perspectives from Lanzarote’s highest points, at 650 metres. (N.B: a section of Peñas del Chache is a military zone and off-limits).
The south and west coasts also hold their own hidden gems. You’ll find great views from Las Breñas, a village perched high above the lava fields of Timanfaya; the Salinas de Janubio salt works; or Femés, located right opposite the San Marcial del Rubicón church. From here, you can see Playa Blanca, the Strait of La Bocaina, Isla de Lobos, and the northern coast of Fuerteventura.
For an alternative kind of viewpoint, look up into the night sky. Lanzarote is a stargazer’s paradise, with fantastic spots for astrophotography. Ideal locations include El Bosquecillo, Guinate, la Ermita de las Nieves, and Peñas del Chache, as well as other areas with minimal light pollution like the El Cuervo volcano, Papagayo, or Tenésar.
