Sites & Bites: Saltsletter og Malvasia-vin på Lanzarote

Nat Geo Day Tour: La Geria, Vineyards that Sprouted from Fire

When Timanfaya's six long years of eruptions ceased in 1736, the farmers of La Geria believed their fertile lands were lost forever under a thick layer of ash. But the local families needed to make the land productive again, and through sheer hard work and determination, they succeeded in creating the vineyards of La Geria. You'll start off with a scenic walk, following trails through private vineyards belonging to the family-owned bodega of Nacho Romero, opened exclusively for National Geographic travellers. As you soak up the unique character of these landscapes where vineyards are surrounded by volcanoes, the owner will explain how the layer of volcanic ash, known locally as ‘picón,' has shaped their cultivation methods, which are unique in the world. If you are lucky enough to find them ripe, you might even get to pick grapes straight from the vine as you hear Nacho or his wife Luisa, both winemakers, talk about the characteristics of volcanic wine. Back at the bodega after the walk, you'll be able to sample one of the artisanal wines that Nacho and Luisa make in their home winery. Next, you'll head to Bodega La Geria – another important component of the ecological wine making movement. The winemaker himself will show you around the bodega. Find out the secrets of the hollows, called ‘zocos' which shelter the vines from the wind, and discover the different varieties of grapes that thrive in Lanzarote's volcanic terroir. To finish, savour a tasting of one of the estate's renowned wines with local cheese and crackers.

Timanfaya Volcanic Tour

This half-day tour is Lanzarote in a nutshell. You'll call in at El Golfo lagoon, journey through Timanfaya National Park and visit the Salinas de Janubio. We'll even throw in a wine tasting session to round off the tour.First up, you'll visit the waters of El Golfo - it's emerald waters have starred in many a Hollywood film over the years. But that's just an appetiser for the main event – the visit to Timanfaya National Park. Famed for its moonlike landscape is dotted with lava fields and black rocks, you'll see the ‘Fire Mountain', to name but a few.We'll continue the tour with a stop in La Geria for a sip of some local wine before we reach Salinas de Janubio, the largest salt flats in the Canaries. Snap a few selfies with the miles of cotton-white salt mounds as your guide fills you in on the history of this all-important island resource. You'll even get a chance to try some, too.

Lanzarote volcano tour with BBQ

Lanzarote's volcanic scenery comes into its own at Timanfaya National Park. This corner of the island is all peaks and craters straight from a sci-fi movie set. And it's all even more dramatic at sunset. So on this evening trip, you're in for a treat.

Cesar Manrique’s Lanzarote tour with Cactus Garden and LagOmar

With its vine-laden lava fields, exuberant architecture and otherworldly landscapes, Lanzarote looks and feels like something from a sci-fi movie set. This exclusive half-day tour takes in the Cesar Manrique Foundation and his Cactus Garden, followed by a visit to LagOmar. Rosa, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Manrique convinced his fellow islanders to invest in tourism without overdevelopment, making sure any human impact is in harmony with our volcanic landscapes.'Manrique was admired by many in his lifetime, and his influence on Lanzarote's culture lives on. He was a versatile artist producing paintings, sculptures and architectural works, bringing sustainability to the forefront of his creations, long before it became a buzzword. You'll first tour his Jardín de Cactus, where 1,100 species of sculptural succulents are grown. You can see instantly how Manrique's skill and vision enhanced the barren landscape. Similarly, the Fundacion Cesar Manrique demonstrates that harmony between the built environment and nature can succeed. A visit to the artist's home-studio, built into a lava field, is ample proof. Your final stop of the tour will be at LagOmar, a stunning spot that seamlessly combines nature and art. This unique place is set in a volcanic quarry and includes features like a cave-bar, restaurant, and a museum. Local legend has it that Hollywood icon Omar Sharif briefly owned it, only to lose it in a game of cards.

Sites & Bites: Salt flats and Malvasia wine in Lanzarote

Journey through Lanzarote's volcanic landscapes and culinary traditions on this tasty tour. Your adventure begins at Las Salinas de Janubio, the largest salt flats in the Canary Islands. Learn about how it's traditionally harvested, with techniques dating back to the 19th century. The white salt contrasting with the island's dark volcanic terrain makes this place perfect for practising your photography skills.Continue to El Golfo, a fishing village on the island's west coast. You'll stop by Lago Verde, a green lagoon in an old volcano crater that's coloured by the algae in the water. The lagoon is separated from the sea by a black sand beach, contrasting with the green water of the lagoon and the deep blue of the sea. During your free time in El Golfo, you can explore the town's plentiful oceanfront restaurants at your own pace. While food isn't included in this part of the trip, local favourites such as grilled fish and papas arrugadas, AKA wrinkled potatoes, are well worth trying. This Canarian specialty is boiled in heavily salted water until the skin wrinkles and forms a salty crust, typically served with a red or green mojo sauce.Finally, you'll visit La Geria, Lanzarote's wine region, known for its unique production methods. Vines are grown in pits dug into the volcanic soil and protected by stone walls called zocos. This helps the vines thrive despite the dry conditions and strong winds on the island, which then produces the island's renowned Malvasia wine. You'll wrap up your tour with a wine-tasting session, sampling the flavours Lanzarote is known for while taking in its volcanic views.

Full-day Northern Lanzarote art and sightseeing tour

A day full of art, nature, and mouth-watering flavours awaits you on this full-day tour of northern Lanzarote. Lazlo, one of our local expert guides, says, “This tour gives you a snapshot of Lanzarote through the eyes of the island's legendary artist, sculptor, and eco-warrior, César Manrique. He worked with local authorities to protect the island's natural beauty by introducing laws to keep buildings low—no taller than palm trees and always in the classic Canarian style.”Your first stop is the César Manrique Foundation, which was also his former home, built right into lava bubbles – impressive, right? This spot is all about blending art and nature, with funky sculptures, wow-factor walkways, and plenty of cacti to marvel at. Next, we'll head to the Cueva de los Verdes, a natural wonder created by ancient lava flows, where you'll stroll through the stalactites and stalagmites of this underground world. From there, we'll continue to the Mirador del Rio, a viewpoint designed by Manrique himself. After snapping up some epic photos of Lanzarote and the Chinijo Archipelago from up high, you'll stroll through the Valley of a Thousand Palm Trees – where a tradition of planting a palm for each newborn has made this village the greenest spot on the island. You'll love the charming white Canarian houses, vibrant Bougainvillea, and learning that Manrique lived and worked in Haria until his passing in 1992. After a fresh, locally sourced lunch in a cosy Canarian house, you'll wrap up this adventure at the quirky Red House in Arrieta, perched right by the sea.

Lanzarote Tour with Timanfaya National Park and Winery Visit

This exclusive excursion leaves no stone unturned. You'll discover the spectacular volcanic south, visiting Timanfaya National Park and Jameos del Agua caves. There are also visits to a winery and an aloe vera plantation as well as lunch in the Valley of One Thousand Palms.

Sunset & Dolphins

As combinations go, it's hard to beat a sunset cruise with a dolphin-watching expedition. But that's what this evening excursion is all about. You'll sail on a superfast boat off the coast of Puerto del Carmen and search for dolphins, and then watch the sun sink into the horizon. What's more, sparkling wine and pastries are included.

Rancho Texas Park Evening BBQ and Transfer

Step this way for an evening of whip-cracking Wild West entertainment at Lanzarote's Rancho Texas Park. There'll be an all-you-can-eat barbecue buffet, free-flowing drinks and, of course, some themed entertainment to get you into the spirit.The night begins when you're met by a posse of horseback cowboys and Indians and welcomed to the ranch by saloon gals and girls. Then help yourself to an eat-as-much-as-you-like barbecue buffet served with complimentary beer, sangria and soft drinks. The drinks keep flowing from then on - just ask for refills when your glass is empty.And once you're seated, it's time for the main event. Think awesome horse riding displays, a whip and lasso show, comedy skits and thigh-slapping dance demos. You can also try out line dancing, ride a bucking bull and dance the night away to the Country and Western band. And once you're all yee-hawed out, we'll even steer you back home.

Music Hall Tavern with Transfer

They say that laughter is the best medicine and this hilarious evening of comedy drag performance, with an inclusive three-course meal, is just what the doctor ordered. This is a night that certainly does not take itself too seriously.