Lanzarote, just like Tenerife or Fuerteventura, is an island of the Canaries which attracts many visitors every year.

With a unique volcanic landscape and beautiful beaches, tourists often choose to rent a car to explore the island.

But it is still entirely possible to fully enjoy Lanzarote without having to drive!

In this article I will tell you the best places for a beach holiday that are most convenient for exploring Lanzarote without a car.

You will discover the most beautiful beaches accessible on foot, the main attractions to visit, the must-see hiking routes, as well as public transport and alternatives to car rental.

How to visit Lanzarote without a car?

Although the car offers more flexibility, it is entirely possible to discover Lanzarote using public transport, especially if you stay in the main tourist areas.

Visit Lanzarote by bus

Lanzarote has an excellent bus network (Guagua) serving the main towns and attractions. It is a budget option with 35 lines covering the island. The tourist areas are very well connected: Arrecife, Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise.

Bus stops to the most beautiful beaches

Here are the main bus stops near the popular beaches in Lanzarote:

• Puerto del Carmen : The beaches of Puerto del Carmen are served by line 161. The main stops are:
  • Playa Grande: Stop in the center of Puerto del Carmen
  • Los Pocillos: Stop at the eastern end of Puerto del Carmen
  • Playa Chica: Stop in the western part
• Playa Blanca: Line 161 also serves Playa Blanca, with stops near:
  • Playa Flamingo: West of Playa Blanca
  • Playa Dorada
• Costa Teguise : Costa Teguise beaches such as Las Cucharas and Playa Bastián can be reached via local bus routes from Arrecife. First take bus 22 or 23 from the airport to Arrecife (15 minutes), then a connection to Costa Teguise.

Lanzarote tourist sites accessible by bus

• Timanfaya National Park : The Volcanoes Park is accessible via tourist buses. The tour lasts about 45 minutes and allows you to discover breathtaking volcanic landscapes. The buses take visitors on a 14 km circuit with commentary in several languages.
• Jameos del Agua : This exceptional site designed by César Manrique is a tourist and cultural complex built around a lava tube. It includes:
  • A natural auditorium
  • A tropical garden
  • An underground lake with albino crabs
  • A geological museum
• Mirador del Río : Located in the north of the island, this viewpoint offers a spectacular panorama of the Atlantic Ocean and the island of La Graciosa. There is an entrance fee, but a free view is possible nearby.
• The Hervideros : Impressive geological site where waves crash violently against lava flows, creating small caves and striking natural spectacles.

Exploring the island on foot: must-see attractions

Although Lanzarote is relatively large, many of the top attractions are within walking distance of the main towns and villages. Here are some of the must-see destinations to visit without a car:

1. Timanfaya National Park : This volcanic park with lunar landscapes is one of the main attractions of the island. You can visit it on foot following the marked trails.
2. Jameos del Agua  : These volcanic caves are home to an underground lake and a unique restaurant. You can reach them on foot from the town of Órzola.
3. Mirador del Río : This viewpoint offers stunning views of the island of La Graciosa. You can reach it on foot from the village of Haría.
4. Cesar Manrique Foundation : This impressive house-museum, designed by the artist César Manrique, is located in the town of Tahíche. You can reach it on foot from Teguise.
5. Fire Mountains : These volcanic mountains are an integral part of the Timanfaya National Park. You can explore them on foot following the marked trails.

Hiking routes in Lanzarote

Here are some of the most popular hiking routes on the island:

1. Volcano Trail : This 14 km trail takes you through the Timanfaya National Park, in the heart of volcanic landscapes.
2. Famara Trail : 12 km long, this hike will take you to discover the spectacular cliffs of the north coast of Lanzarote.
3. Teguise Trail : This 8 km circuit will allow you to cross the picturesque villages of the center of the island and admire the magnificent landscapes.
4. La Geria Trail : Explore the unique vineyards of this volcanic region on this 10 km trail.
5. Playa Blanca Trail : This 6km coastal hike will take you to the beautiful Papagayo Beach.

The 3 best places to stay without a car in Lanzarote

To enjoy Lanzarote without a car while still visiting the island and enjoying its beaches, it is recommended to stay in a resort well served by public transport.

Here are the best options for travelers without a car: Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca.

Staying in Puerto del Carmen is ideal when you don't have a car

Puerto del Carmen is the perfect place to stay without a car for several reasons:

• It is the most touristic town of Lanzarote, offering all the necessary services nearby
• Presence of shops, supermarkets, pharmacies, bars and restaurants easily accessible
• Concentration of numerous accommodations for all budgets, including hotels near beaches accessible without transport
• Several beautiful beaches nearby: Playa Chica, Playa Grande and Playa Pocillos
• Compact city with many activities and nightlife
• Close to all points of interest on the island, allowing easy travel

Excursions from Puerto del Carmen

Local agencies offer several interesting excursions from Puerto del Carmen in Lanzarote (pick-up from your hotel and return):

• Catamaran at sunset along the south coast of Lanzarote (2h-4h30).
• Visit of Lanzarote including Timanfaya, Jameos del Agua.
• PADI Discover Scuba Diving Course to learn scuba diving.
• Dolphin watching and snorkeling (1:30 p.m.).

These excursions offer a variety of activities, from discovering the island's volcanic landscapes to water sports and observing marine wildlife.

Hotel where to stay in Lanzarote without a car:

The Hotel Fariones enjoys direct access to the cove of Puerto del Carmen and is nestled in tropical gardens. Its privileged location allows you to fully enjoy the city without a car and the beach.

Playa Blanca good option for travelers without a car

Located in the south of the island, this beach with its turquoise waters and white sand is one of the most beautiful beaches in Lanzarote.

And staying in Playa Blanca without a car is another possible option thanks to the transport and the many accessible activities.

• Playa Blanca has an efficient bus network, including line 30 which runs daily from 6:30am to 22:00pm, connecting the main areas of the town, including the port and the most popular beaches.
• Beaches like Playa Dorada and Playa Flamingo are easily accessible. You can also walk to more secluded beaches like Papagayo, which are about a 30-minute walk away.
• Access from the airport: Bus 161 connects Lanzarote airport to Playa Blanca, with a journey time of approximately 50 minutes. It runs every 30 to 60 minutes, making it easy to arrive without a car.
• Buses also provide access to other parts of the island. For example, the number 13 bus goes to Teguise market, a popular place for visitors.
• Hiking trails start near the bus stops, allowing you to explore natural landscapes without the need for a car. For example, the Caldera Blanca crater is accessible via a short bus ride followed by a walk.
• Many restaurants, shops and services make daily travel convenient without a vehicle.

Excursions from Playa Blanca

Local agencies offer several excursions to visit the island from Playa Blanca in Lanzarote (pick-up from your hotel and return):

• Kayaking and snorkeling on Papagayo beach : A 4-hour activity including kayaking for 50 minutes to Papagayo Beach, followed by 45 minutes of snorkeling to observe the local marine life.
• Excursion to the north of Lanzarote : A tour of approximately 6 hours that takes you to discover the landscapes of the north of the island, including visits to the Las Nieves viewpoint, the Cueva de los Verdes and the Jameos del Agua.
• Half-day excursion to the south of Lanzarote : Volcanoes of the Timanfaya National Park, the famous “lapilli”

Hotel where to stay in Playa Blanca without a car:

For travelers without a car in Playa Blanca, the House of the Ambassador is an excellent choice. This hotel is perfectly located within walking distance of Playa Blanca and the beach, whilst offering a peaceful and private atmosphere with beautiful walks nearby.