Must-visit viewpoints in Lanzarote

No matter the destination you travel to, there’s always something there that you, as a tourist, mustn’t miss out on. In the case of Lanzarote, although there is an almost infinite list of things to see and visit, one of the major attractions on the island is the number and variety of cliffs and viewpoints (‘miradores’) there are: a veritable treasure chest only three hours away from the mainland by plane. Each of the viewpoints is so equally impressive and special in its own way that it’s difficult to decide which is the best, so we’re giving you a list of all of them so you can judge each with your own eyes and decide which you prefer.

Mirador Los Hervideros

This is one of the most impressive of all as you get a real sense of the constant struggle between the sea and land along the coastline. Its name means something like “a pot of boiling water”, which you’ll understand when you see the ocean crashing against the cliffs, looking fiery and raging. This viewpoint is the result of the eruptions that have taken place throughout history in the zone of Timanfaya. The lava made its way to the sea and gradually formed these rugged cliffs with caves that are constantly being eroded by the force of the Atlantic Ocean. There are two optimal conditions for admiring this viewpoint, depending on the experience the visitor wants. The first is in good weather with little wind, permitting you to appreciate the caves and the multiple shade of blue of the Atlantic Ocean. The second is on days with bad weather and high winds, when the water crashes against the cliffs causing a truly breathtaking sight. Entry is free so it’s a win-win situation. To visit Los Hervideros turn off the LZ-703 Las Salinas de Janubio – El Golfo, road heading west in the direction of the cliffs.

Mirador La Caldera

It takes approximately quarter of an hour to get from the centre of Haría in the north of Lanzarote to the Mirador La Caldera. Head north along the LZ-201 road and en route you’ll be able to take in some stunning views that include palm groves and volcanic mountains. On arrival, the viewpoint offers spectacular views inland (Haría) and also to the ocean (Punta del Roque and Los Lomillos).

Mirador El Bosquecillo

Situated atop the cliffs of one of the most famous beaches in Lanzarote (Famara), the views from here are stunning and permit you to contemplate, on one side, the entire Chinijo Archipelago, and, on the other, the six kilometres of Playa de Famara. These vistas offer a festival of colours of the local fauna, the volcanic terrain of the zone and the blue of the ocean. It’s easy to reach – simply head north on the LZ-10 road from Teguise to Haría. For the more adventurous amongst you there is a relatively easy yet highly enjoyable hiking route. It’s free and, if you want to have a rest or a sit down to take in the views, there is a picnic area for visitors with benches and tables.

Mirador Ermita de las Nieves

Nowadays, Lanzarote’s patron saint is the Virgen de los Dolores, considered to be Our Lady of the Volcanoes, a name given to her to reflect the island’s relationship with volcanoes. But historically, the Virgen de las Nieves was named as the first patron saint of Lanzarote in 1725. Over the years, however, she has passed from absolute worship to obscurity. A hermitage was built in her honour on flat ground on the highest points of the cliff El Risco de Famara (around 600 metres above sea level). This zone attracts many visitors. To reach it, head north on the LZ-10 road from Teguise and before reaching the astronomical observatory, turn off along a stone path. From here, you get a panoramic vista of the Playa de Famara and the luxury developments in the zone (if the weather’s good and doesn’t abruptly change, of course). It is free to visit and is guaranteed to take your breath away.

Mirador de los Helechos

Technically, on Google Maps there are various locations that are referred to as the Mirador de los Helechos. However, the viewpoint that attracts most visitors is the one on the LZ-10 road, next to the Restaurante Los Helechos. As it’s at 500 metres above sea level, it’s perfect for enjoying a clear view of the so-called “Valley of a Thousand Palms” in Haría.

Mirador El Golfo

Another highly-recommended visit if you want to take in some incredible views is the Mirador El Golfo. Here, there is also another major Lanzarote attraction, that being the Charco de los Clicos (Green Lagoon) that has appeared in many famous films, including one by Pedro Almodóvar. The explanation for this very strange colour phenomenon produced by Nature herself lies in the high concentration of green-coloured algae in this water, which is only a few metres from the shoreline of the El Golfo beach. To reach it, head to the village of El Golfo (which gives its name to the viewpoint). The quickest way (via the LZ-704) will get you there from the centre of Yaiza in only 11 minutes by car.

Mirador de Guinate

The Mirador de Guinate is situated in a tiny village called Guinate (in the municipality of Haría) which is renowned for growing potatoes, or, as they say in the Canaries, papas. It’s a fairly high point on the island (bearing in mind Lanzarote is quite flat) that rises around 500 metres above sea level. Some have classified this viewpoint as an open window to the Atlantic Ocean, as it is the perfect spot to enjoy views to the Chinijo Archipelago.

Mirador de Nahum

If you search for “Mirador de Nahum” on Google Maps, you get this address: LZ-202, 35541 Haría, Las Palmas. This viewpoint is free and great if you want to enjoy views of the same zone where the Mirador del Río is located, perhaps the most famous in Lanzarote. The Mirador del Río is César Manrique’s architectural creation, the most famous and renowned Lanzarote-born figure of recent times, but the Mirador de Nahum offers the same views without having to pay any entrance fee. However, if you do also pay and visit the Mirador del Río, you’ll be in for a much more complete experience.

Mirador Rincón de Haría

Recently, the fantastic news was published stating that, after almost twenty years, the Mirador de Haría had finally been restored. As the architect in charge of the renovation said, “the building has been designed as a fusion of works of art where landscape and architecture merge, where art and architecture merge”.  This is the essence of what the Lanzarote artist César Manrique wanted to create in 1966, who designed these facilities with a focus on the incalculable value of the natural surroundings in which they are set and the unique characteristics they offer in terms of geology and landscape. To reach the viewpoint, head south from the centre of Haría on the LZ-10 road. Given it’s one of the most famous viewpoints on the island, it is well-signposted along the entire route, ensuring you’ll have no problem finding it.

Mirador Risco de Famara

The cliff known as the Risco de Famara can be described as Lanzarote’s natural sea wall and standing there, you can be certain that the views will take the breath away from even the most difficult-to-impress person. It is in the northwest of the island and it’s best to go there on a clear, not very windy day (to ensure a pleasant experience). And here’s a tip for those who want to get the most out of their visit: if you go there at sunset, the views will remain etched in your memory forever. To reach the viewpoint, you need to go north along the LZ-10 road that connects Teguise with Haría. At the end of the climb, you’ll see a wooden sign that points you to El Bosquecillo where you’ll find the viewpoint.

Mirador Barranco de Chafarís

The word chafariz is a native word for a “water spring”. So, as the reader can imagine, this viewpoint is in the zone of springs, one of the most important freshwater zones on the island. How do you get there? Head north along the LZ 10 road, from Teguise towards Haría.

Mirador de Acercamiento

Although the name of this viewpoint that means something like “Viewpoint of the Approach” may seem slightly strange, it is in fact highly fitting and perfectly describes what visitors will see from here: the arrival of all the planes that land on the island of Lanzarote. If you’ve never seen a plane landing close up, we highly recommend this viewpoint. You can watch them descend and land from the Avenida de las Playas, 35519 in Tías.

Mirador de Femés

This viewpoint is in Femés in Yaiza, and is around 450 metres above sea level in the middle of the big volcanic formation, Los Ajaches. The views from here are inland and are just as impressive as all the others. It takes around 11 minutes to get here from Yaiza by car heading inland on the LZ-702 road. It is actually located in the Plaza San Marcial, by the side of the San Marcial del Rubicón Church.

Mirador Papagayo

As some local Google guides refer to this viewpoint, it is “a panoramic viewpoint from which you can see a large part of the Papagayo coast, from the Punta de Papagayo to Playa Blanca. We recommend you spend a good while here and drink in the picturesque beauty, set against the backdrop of the Natural Monument of Los Ajaches”. From Playa Blanca (Yaiza), the closest tourist resort to this viewpoint, head south on the LZ-2 road. Google Maps gives the following address to easily find your way there: Mirador Papagayo, 35580 Yaiza, Las Palmas.

Mirador Salinas de Janubio

The Salinas de Janubio salt flats are another major attraction in Lanzarote, as they are the only ones on all the islands to still be in operation. Although they can be seen from different points, the best view is the one near the Restaurante Mirador de Las Salinas (surprisingly!). This is on the Carretera los Molinos, 5, 35570, Lanzarote.

Related publications