*this post is in partnership with Jet2
Lanzarote is an island which has always intrigued me – as one of the bigger Canary islands that Jet 2 Holidays fly to, it’s well known for it’s gorgeous beaches, it’s oddly beautiful landscape and, of course, it’s volcanoes. So when Jet2 got in touch to discuss a press trip to the island to catch some winter sun and explore the stunning island, well I just jumped at the chance, didn’t I.
We flew out from London Stanstead with Jet2Holidays and it was so easy! You get a 23k bag with Jet2 – so plenty of room for lots of outfit changes. When we arrived in Lanzarote, Jet2 had a jam packed itinerary planned to make sure that we saw every inch of the island in the short few days we were there.
One of the biggest learning curves of the trip is how many things there were to do there that I had no clue about – beautiful locations, stunning views and breath taking landmarks. And the flights to Lanzarote with Jet2 are so great! So, of course, I’ve put together my Instagrammer’s guide to the island so that when you come to planning a trip, you know the spots to hit!
Where to stay
THE place to stay in Lanzarote is Puerto del Carmen – the most gorgeous town situated right on the coast. It’s only 15 minutes from the airport and is so picturesque with the lines of palm trees and stunning sandy beach. The hotel we stayed at, Seaside Los Jameos Playa with Jet2Holidays was the most perfect holiday resort from Jet2Holidays – the gorgeous poolside lounges, the view of the beach and the perfect location. I am already looking to book my next trip back!
Drink Up
One of the biggest attractions in the island is the wine tour and tasting sessions that they have to offer – we had the most amazing trip organised by Wine Tours Lanzarote who were so knowledgeable on both the island and its wines. Be prepared to see vineyards like you’ve never seen before! You’ll learn on the tour the unique methods the farmers of Lanzarote use to grow their grapes, as well as how they use the ash from volcanic eruptions to their advantage…. Also, 6 glasses of wine before midday? I’m not complaining.
Dinner with a view…?
One of the most beautiful and most bizarre places I’ve ever seen – Jameos Del Agua is a restaurant situated inside a cave. Apparently translated it literally means ‘hole’ or ‘tunnel’ and that literally is what it is. The restaurant is situated inside a collapsed volcano, and comes out the other side to the most stunning pool and view. It’s a serious must for pictures and such a breath-taking place to visit. The food at the restaurant was amazing and the fact that you’re situated so far below ground level makes for a really cool atmosphere.
Playing Indiana Jones
Just a little way away from Jameos Del Agua is the largest lava tunnel still in-tact. I can honestly say that Cueve De Los Verdes was both the coolest and most insane thing I have ever experienced. Being able to walk through the caves which were formed by the lava from an eruption is such a once in a lifetime experience. You can see how the heat from the lava just carved its way through the rock and magma – the force it must have been using is just unimaginable.
Oh and the cave as a surprise waiting for you, so if you can, go with a guide and they’ll get to show you!
Ride your way around the Volcanoes
Cycling tours are huge on the island and an amazing way to get up close and personal to the volcanoes. The one we explored had only erupted 300 years ago – which in volcano terms makes it only a baby!
Papagayo Bikes gave us the most insane tour around the volcano and let us walk around inside to see exactly where the eruption came from – also they did in fact bring out a kids bike especially for me. So thanks guys for accommodating this short arse so well!
The closest you’ll ever get to Mars
If you’ve ever spoken to someone about Lanzarote, they’ve probably told you that that’s where all the space movies are shot and I can totally see why. The Timanfaya national park is a massive protected site of erupted volcanoes and is probably simultaneously both the most strange and most beautiful thing you’ll ever witness.
The national park is made up of dozens of volcanoes which erupted many, many moons ago – but some are still hot. One of the volcanoes is even hot enough to cook a meal on! Which is exactly what the El Diablo restaurant does. It literally cooks the food you’re going to eat from the heat of the volcano. Insane.
Around the national park you can see literally the exact point where the volcano erupted, and the devastating side effects of all the molten lava. If you’re a geography geek like me, this place is like a candy store to you!
It’s Salty
The Janubio Salt Pans are such a stunning stopping point with a gorgeous views. They’re where the island collects the salt from the sea and the view from the top of the pans is just stunning – definitely a photo moment.
The Black Bay
The black sand beach, Charco De San Gines, is a one of a kind place you’ll never experience anywhere else – the black sand looks oddly beautiful in how it juxtaposes the blue of the sea and is a view you cannot miss. The blackness of the sand comes from the ash from the volcanoes and formed itself into a little bay = so picturesque and so unique.
Views for Days
Our last stop on the trip was definitely the best – the El Rio viewpoint is the most gorgeous viewpoint on Lanzarote and lets you see for miles. You can look out onto some of the other Canary Islands and how they compare in size. It’s such a breathtaking viewpoint and one you really can’t miss.
My trip really was amazing and has turned me into a bit of a winter sun convert – I mean, it has beaches, it has volcano, it has year round sun…. Lanzarote sounds like it has it all, doesn’t it?
