Southern Lanzarote: Day Trips and Tours from Lanzarote

The southern stretch of Lanzarote is littered with picturesque bays, steaming geysers and volcanic vineyards, making it a must-see for any visitors to the Canarian island.

A day trip to southern Lanzarote from Lanzarote enables you to explore the isle's fascinating wilderness, swim in its endless turquoise seas and discover your sense of adventure.

Easy to arrange and suitable for the whole family, these excursions are sure to create everlasting memories of your Lanzarote vacation.

Here's all you need to know about southern Lanzarote, one of the most exciting day trips from Lanzarote.

How to get to southern Lanzarote from Lanzarote?

Lanzarote covers an expanse of almost 850 square kilometers and its southern stretch includes the popular tourist resort of Playa Blanca, located on the southernmost tip of the isle.

From Lanzarote to southern Lanzarote by car

The length of the journey to southern Lanzarote by car depends on where you’re traveling to and from. If you’re making your way south from the island’s capital of Arrecife, you’ll join the LZ-2 and follow it until you reach your destination. This road can be followed all the way to Playa Blanca.

Alternatively, if you’re staying in the northern part of the island, you’ll need to travel down the LZ-1 through Lanzarote’s enchanting scenery before joining the LZ-2.

You can drive from the very top of the isle to its southernmost point in approximately an hour, making Lanzarote an accessible destination.

From Lanzarote to southern Lanzarote by bus

You can also make the jaunt to southern Lanzarote via public transport by utilizing the island’s reliable network of buses. Several buses connect the southern part of the island with other towns, such as Line 60, which travels between Arrecife and Playa Blanca. Buses run regularly throughout the day and are easy to navigate.

Guided tour to southern Lanzarote from Lanzarote

Alternatively, you can leave the travel arrangements to someone else by booking a guided excursion to southern Lanzarote. These typically last between 3 and 8 hours, and you can request a convenient hotel pickup service. The majority of these tours begin between 9 AM and 10 AM, returning in the afternoon.

What is the typical itinerary?

All southern Lanzarote day trips feature different itineraries. However, most begin with a complimentary pickup from your accommodation at a predetermined time. From there, you’ll travel south toward your first destination.

Many excursions travel into Timanfaya National Park to experience the natural wonders of this volcanic site, including El Golfo, which has been featured in Hollywood movies.

After exploring this unique landscape, a number of southern Lanzarote day tours continue to the La Geria region to participate in a wine tasting and relax for a spell. Or, you may instead hop between beaches along the coast or visit traditional villages.

You can expect to enjoy free time at some of the destinations you visit and many include a designated time slot for you to enjoy a local meal.

Once you’ve spent several hours discovering this part of the island, you’ll return to your hotel to spend the rest of your day however you choose.

What kinds of tours are available to go to southern Lanzarote?

There are several different types of southern Lanzarote day tours available, depending on your personal travel style.

Half-day guided tour to southern Lanzarote plus Timanfaya from Lanzarote

On this concise southern Lanzarote day trip, you’ll head to Timanfaya National Park where you’ll witness numerous volcanic craters, as well as striking lava fields and gushing geysers. Discover the history of the geothermal area, which experienced its last eruption in the 19th century, and have the opportunity to look inside a crater yourself to see any signs of activity.

Opt to engage in a camel ride surrounded by lofty mountains or simply admire the scenery before heading on to La Geria for a local wine tasting in Lanzarote. Here, you can witness the unusual landscape, filled with cone-shaped hollows, and learn about how volcanic soil enables the grapes to flourish.

4x4 Day tour to southern Lanzarote from Lanzarote

Hopping in your 4x4, you’ll set off on a bumpy journey across the island, making your way through Volcan de Picacho to one of the most iconic spots in Lanzarote – El Golfo. Stroll around this natural phenomenon at your own pace before continuing on to Salinas de Janubio.

The site of the lagoon was carved out by an 18th-century volcano, however, it wasn’t until the end of the 19th century that locals started using this area as salt flats. Stretch out on Papagayo Beach before ending your tour with a wine tasting in La Geria.

Private day tour to southern Lanzarote from Lanzarote

By booking a private southern Lanzarote day tour, you’ll be able to customize your itinerary to suit your needs. Alongside your own personal guide, you’ll carve out a route that interests you, journeying to destinations such as Puerto Calero and Playa Blanca.

Throughout the day, you’ll stop at many fascinating attractions, including the mesmerizing green lake of El Golfo and the La Geria wine region. You’ll also wander the traditional white-washed village of Uga and see the daily routine of Lanzaroteños. Dip your toes in the mild seas at Puerto del Carmen and tell your driver if there is anywhere else you’re itching to see!

How much does a day trip to southern Lanzarote cost?

The cost of a day trip to southern Lanzarote varies depending on what kind of tour you choose.

The most budget-friendly day trip to southern Lanzarote lasts just half a day and costs around €30 per person for a group of about 15 people.

If you opt to join a thrilling 4x4 tour, you can expect to pay €60 each, while a private day trip costs approximately €550 per person. However, the cost per head reduces with each additional group member.

What will you see and do?

Timanfaya National Park

Southern Lanzarote covers a gigantic stretch of land, however, its main attraction is Timanfaya National Park. This geothermal area is home to 25 volcanoes, almost all of which are now dormant. However, during the 18th century, this part of the island experienced a number of significant eruptions that caused the relocation of almost half the population. More explosions took place during the 19th century, and since then, the site has been still.

Only one volcano remains active in the national park — Timanfaya Volcano — and is responsible for the astounding geysers that appear in the surrounding lands. The green lake of El Golfo is also located within Timanfaya and is located directly next to the strikingly blue North Atlantic Sea, creating an unusual contrasting landscape.

La Geria

La Geria is another area that is popular with visitors on a southern Lanzarote day tour. This wine region has been formed on volcanic ash, which, surprisingly, enables grape vines to thrive.

Typically, white wines are produced in this area, the majority of which use Malvasia grapes, which originate from this corner of the world.

Winemakers plant singular vines in cone-shaped hollows in the volcanic ash in order to cultivate suitable grapes, which creates a landscape that is often described as otherworldly.

When is the best time to visit southern Lanzarote?

The Canary Islands experience a subtropical climate, meaning that you can plan your day trip to southern Lanzarote at any point during the year. While the isle reaches highs of 28 degrees Celsius during the summertime, it rarely drops below 14 degrees Celsius even in the depths of winter.

If you’re seeking long, hot and sunny days, travel to Lanzarote between June and September. Alternatively, if you’d prefer a balmier climate, plan your visit during the spring or fall months when temperatures are more comfortable.

What other day trips can you do from Lanzarote?

• Day trips to La Graciosa from Lanzarote
• Day trips to Fuerteventura from Lanzarote
• Day trips to Northern Lanzarote from Lanzarote
• Day trips to Lobos Island from Lanzarote
• Day trips to La Corona Volcano from Lanzarote

Travel tips

• If your day trip to southern Lanzarote includes a wine-tasting session, bring a form of identification with you as the legal drinking age on the island is 18.
• Many excursions visit one or more of Lanzarote's captivating beaches. Bring a towel and a swimsuit so you can enjoy a splash in the mild waters.
• Check whether your southern Lanzarote day tour covers the entrance fee for Timanfaya if it includes the national park in its itinerary.
• Prepare for the heat on a summertime day trip in Lanzarote with sunscreen, a sunhat and plenty of water.