In this guide, we’ll unveil the secrets to planning an unforgettable holiday to Lanzarote from Shannon or Dublin. From choosing the ideal travel time to curating an exciting itinerary, we’ve got you covered!
So get ready to visit the beautiful Canary Islands because we’re off to enjoy Lanzarote’s unique volcanic landscapes and beautiful beaches!
Choosing the best travel time
The first step to planning your trip is choosing the best time of year to visit Lanzarote. The best time for you will depend on personal preferences, weather, budget, and the type of activities you’re interested in.
Weather Preferences
- If you’re looking to soak up some sun and spend time at the beach, you’ll probably want to travel during the summer (June to August). Summer is the hottest time of year, with average temperatures of 20°C to 29°C.
- If you like warm weather but still want to plan outdoor activities, spring (March to May) or fall (September to November) might be a better time for your vacation. In the spring, temperatures range from 17°C to 24°C. Similarly, fall temperatures range from 20°C to 27°C.
- If you’re looking to escape cold Irish winters, December to February is the best time to travel. Winter in Lanzarote is mild compared to winter in Ireland, with temperatures of 14°C to 21°C.
Crowd Levels
- Summer is the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds at beaches and tourist attractions.
- Spring and fall are less crowded compared to summer.
- Winter is generally quiet, but there is a surge in visitors around Christmas and New Year.
Budget
- Prices for accommodation and flights are usually highest during the summer and around Christmas and New Year.
- You will find more accommodation deals in the spring and fall than in the summer.
- Winter (excluding the holiday period) is the most affordable time to travel, though it will be colder.
Activities
- If you are interested in water sports like surfing or diving, summer is the best time due to the warm water temperatures.
- If you’re more interested in exploring the island, hiking, and cultural activities, spring and fall offer more comfortable weather for these activities.
- Winter is great for a relaxed vacation focused on enjoying the mild weather and local cuisine.
Booking your flight
Next, you’ll need to choose your departure airport. Both Shannon Airport (SNN) and Dublin Airport (DUB) offer direct flights to Lanzarote Airport (ACE).
If flying from Shannon, Ryanair offers direct flights that will get you to Spain in about 4 hours. If flying from Dublin, both Ryanair and Aer Lingus offer direct flights with a flight time of 4 hours and 20 minutes.
Consider your location, budget, and offered flight times when choosing which airport to depart from. Once you’ve chosen a departure location, use a reputable travel search engine like Trazler to book smart and compare all of your flight options in one place.
Trazler Smart Tip: Book your flights at least 2 months in advance to avoid last-minute price increases on your flights.
Finding Accommodation
When researching accommodation options in Lanzarote, use a booking platform to compare different hotels. Consider the location, amenities, and customer reviews before making a final decision.
If you’re looking to enjoy the nightlife and beach scene, you may want to look for accommodations in Puerto del Carmen. Popular hotels here include Lani’s Suites de Luxe (adults only) and Aqua Suites.
For those looking for a quiet and relaxed atmosphere, Playa Blanca is a popular choice. Popular hotels in this area include Iberostar Selection Lanzarote Park and Hotel The Volcán Lanzarote.
And if you’re travelling with children or looking for a wide range of activities and attractions, Costa Teguise is a great destination. Popular accommodations in this part of the island include Hotel Beatriz Costa & Spa and HD Beach Resort.
Trazler Smart Tip: Book your flights and accommodation at the same time to avoid the hassle of having to switch between tabs to find flights and hotels.
Create an Itinerary
Before you leave, create a rough itinerary of what you want to do each day. Leave some room for spontaneity, but having a plan can reduce stress during your holiday.
To help you get started with planning your activities, we’ve included some of Lanzarote’s most popular activities below.
Take a 4WD tour
4WD tours are tours that take place on a four-wheel drive vehicle. These tours are designed to take you off the beaten path and are a great way to see the natural beauty of Lanzarote.
Take a day cruise
Day cruises are boat trips that last the entire day. Day cruises can be a great way to visit some of the island’s beautiful beaches and coves. Many day cruises also offer activities such as snorkelling, swimming, and sunbathing.
Visit Timanfaya National Park
This national park is famous for its dramatic volcanic landscapes. You can take a guided bus tour through the park and learn about the volcanic history of the island.
Relax on the Beaches
Lanzarote boasts some beautiful beaches. Playa Blanca, Playa de Papagayo, and Famara Beach are among the popular choices. Famara Beach is especially popular for surfing.
Taste Wine in La Geria
The unique volcanic soil of Lanzarote is ideal for growing grapes, and the island produces some excellent wines. Take a tour of the vineyards in La Geria and enjoy a wine tasting.
Visit the Mirador del Río
Mirador del Río is a viewpoint located on a 475-meter-high escarpment called Batería del Río. The viewpoint consists of a cafe, souvenir shop, and viewing platform that are integrated into the lava rock.
Explore Cueva de los Verdes
The green caves are a natural cave system formed by volcanic activity. You can take a guided tour to explore the caves and learn about their geology.
Go Scuba Diving or Snorkeling
Lanzarote is well known for the many whales and dolphins you can see while scuba diving and snorkelling. May through November is the best time of year for scuba diving and snorkelling as the water temperature can be quite cold the rest of the year.
Enjoy Water Sports
Famara Beach is known as one of the best spots for surfing in Europe. You can also try windsurfing, kitesurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding at various locations on the island.
Take a Boat Trip
There are various boat trips available, including cruises along the coastline, fishing trips, and excursions to nearby islands like La Graciosa.
Explore the Markets
Visit local markets such as the Teguise Market to shop for souvenirs, local products, and handcrafted items. Markets often take place every Sunday.
Visit Jameos del Agua
This is another natural wonder created by volcanic activity, consisting of a collapsed lava tube and an underground cave system. It has been turned into a cultural centre with a concert hall, restaurant, and pool.
Go on a Camel Ride
Near Timanfaya National Park, you will find camel ride tours that take you through the volcanic landscapes. You can also take a camel tour through Uga, one of the oldest towns on the island.
Enjoy Local Cuisine
Popular local dishes include papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes) with mojo sauce, calamari, pescado a la sal (salted fish). You should also try sancocho canario (salted fish, potatoes, and mojo sauce) and a variety of local cheeses.
Take a Submarine Tour
In Puerto Calero, you can take a submarine tour with Submarine Safaris. This tour will take you 30 meters underwater where you’ll be able to see marine life and shipwrecks.
Go Stargazing
The clear skies of Lanzarote make it an ideal place for stargazing. Join a guided stargazing tour to learn about the constellations and stars.
Trazler Smart Tip: Consider planning activities that are close together on the same day to avoid unnecessary travel across the island. We also suggest booking tours or activities in advance, especially in the summer months.
Consider renting a car
Lanzarote is relatively small, but renting a car can give you the freedom to explore the island at your own pace. Many of the island’s attractions are spread out, so having your own transportation allows you to visit many different parts of the island.
For easy trip planning, book your car rental at the same time you book your flights and hotel. With Trazler, you can book your flights, accommodation, and car rentals in one slick booking. The best part? If you change your flights, the hotel and car rental dates will automatically adapt.
Trazler Smart Tip: Pack a portable charger for your trip. Some of the island’s attractions may be too far apart for you to stop by the hotel to charge your phone during the day.
Learn Basic Spanish Phrases
While many people in Lanzarote speak English, it’s always helpful to know a few basic phrases in Spanish. Below we’ve included a few phrases that might come in handy on your trip.
- Excuse me / I’m sorry – Perdón (pehr-DOHN)
- Do you speak English? – ¿Hablas inglés? (AH-blahs een-GLEHS?) / ¿Habla inglés? (formal)
- I don’t understand – No entiendo (noh ehn-TYEHN-doh)
- Where is…? – ¿Dónde está…? (DOHN-deh eh-STAH…?)
- How much does it cost? – ¿Cuánto cuesta? (KWAHN-toh KWEHS-tah?)
- Can I have the bill, please? – ¿Me puede traer la cuenta, por favor? (meh PWEH-deh TRAYR lah KWEHN-tah, pohr fah-VOHR?)
- Where is the bathroom? – ¿Dónde está el baño? (DOHN-deh eh-STAH ehl BAH-nyoh?)
- Help! – ¡Ayuda! (ah-YOO-dah!)
- I need a doctor – Necesito un médico (neh-seh-SEE-toh oon MEH-dee-koh)
- I’m lost – Estoy perdido (ehs-TOY pehr-DEE-doh) [for males] / Estoy perdida (ehs-TOY pehr-DEE-dah) [for females]
- My name is… – Me llamo… (meh YA-moh…)
- What’s your name? – ¿Cómo te llamas? (KOH-moh teh YA-mahs?) / ¿Cómo se llama? (formal)
- Nice to meet you – Mucho gusto (MOO-choh GOOS-toh)
- Can you help me? – ¿Puedes ayudarme? (PWEH-dehs ah-yoo-DAHR-meh?) / ¿Puede ayudarme? (formal)
- Water, please – Agua, por favor (AH-gwah, pohr fah-VOHR)
Enjoy Your Holiday
Finally, remember to relax and enjoy your holiday! Take lots of photos, try new foods, and make wonderful memories.
Planning an unforgettable holiday to Lanzarote from Shannon or Dublin involves everything from choosing the best travel time to securing accommodation on the island’s prime locations.
For a hassle-free planning process, consider booking with Trazler. You’ll be able to build a seamless trip in a few clicks by booking flights, accommodations, and car rentals simultaneously.
With all these elements in place, all that’s left is to immerse yourself in the vibrant beauty and charm of Lanzarote. May your journey be filled with discovery, relaxation, and treasured memories. ¡Buen viaje!
Looking for other Spanish vacation destinations? Consider a vacation to Malaga or Alicante.
