Hire Car Routes in Lanzarote
Northern route
Middle of island route
Southern route
Explore Lanzarote
Tourist driving routes in Lanzarote
Best routes for your hire car in Lanzarote
Lanzarote is a fantastic island to explore using a hire car. There is so much to see and do.
Everyday you can find a new beach, walk, town, place to eat and many other amazing things to do.
The island was formed from a fault in the ocean floor allowing lava to flow up and out. Almost every small mountain was a volcano. This type of landscape is not found in many other place in the world so exploring using your hire car is well worth the effort.
Lanzarote does not have traffic jams and travel times are often less than twenty minutes. The roads are in great condition making driving around the island a pleasure. Parking in most parts of the island is easily found and free.
For this hire car guide to Lanzarote we have divided into three sections.
North of Lanzarote Car touristic driving route
The Northern part of Lanzarote and the LZ1 is most easily accessed from Costa Teguise. Heading to the North from Puerto del Carmen means going past the airport, onto the Arrecife ring road then taking the LZ1 turn off signposted for Arrieta.
The main North and South road in Lanzarote is called the LZ1. Look for signposts mentioning the LZ1 or towns in the North of Lanzarote like Arrieta, Punta Mujeres or Orzola.
If you want to explore the island of La Graciosa head to the LZ1 and keep going to Orzola. From Orzola there is a ferry service to Graciosa. Go early to catch the ferry. Ferry times start around 10am and go aprox. every 2 hours. Journey time 15 minutes. The ferry journey alone is a nice experience past the high cliffs of Lanzarote and over the the sheltered port of La Graciosa.
On the North East coast there are some amazing white sand beaches. Just see the beach you like from the road and park nearby. There are no facilities so bring your own food and drink.
Further South along the main road are Jameos del Agua and La Cueva de los Verdes. Both not to be missed and can be seen one after the other.
Then head up to the truly amazing cliff edge house of Mirador del Rio. A César Manrique creation to astound.
For lunch pack up your own picnic and head to the cliff top Picnic area. Amazing views, swings, benches and bbq area. On the way back at Tahiche go and see the actual house and art gallery of César Manrique.
Central hire car route
Many feel that the most stunning feature of Lanzarote are the fire mountains in the Timanfaya National Park. A few kilometres south along the road from the Timanfaya Nation Park are the Lanzarote Camel rides.
Before visiting the Timanfaya park start the day with a Camel ride then drive a few kilometers north to the fire mountains. Pay at the entrance and enter a different moon scaped world.
Head north again to the edge if Tinajo to the volcano visitors centre and learn much more about volcanoes. Then take a stroll around this cultured town of Mancha Blanca home to the Sunday famers market. Further North along the road again head to the old Lanzarote capital of Teguise. See some art galleries, historic churches and shops. In Teguise every Sunday is the islands biggest market.
Browse and enjoy a wide variety of artisan good and bargains. Overlooking the Teguise is the old pirate shelter of Castillo Santa Barbara, now a museum. Head to the geographical centre of the island ‘Monumento al Campesino’, a César Manrique creation celebrating the farming roots of Lanzarote.
Drive South into the famous wine region with its thousands of ‘zocos’ or ‘grape vine shelters’. Have a lunch in one of the many Bodegas in the La Geria wine region. Along this road are all the main wine bodegas.
Head a little further south for some well earned tapas in the lovely historic towns of Uga or Yaiza
South driving route
From Costa Teguise and Puerto del Carmen get on the main LZ1 heading South.
Make your first stop in the beautiful marina of Puerto Calero for some breakfast and beautiful scenery. Check out the luxury yachts or go on one of the excursions.
Then take in the traditional Canarian beauty of the towns of Yaiza and Uga. These little effected towns give a good insight into typical Canarian life. Head over to the Green lake in El Golfo then further south down the coast to the crashing waves at Los Hervidores. Check out the salt flats at Las Salinas and the black beach of Playa Janubio. Head back to the main road and on to Playa Blanca on the southern tip.
Maybe lunch on the promenade in town or in Marina Rubicon. Choose between the safe town beach of Playa Flamingo for the unspoilt beauty of Papagayo.
Then drive north through Femes and its amazing views to Playa Blanca. Carry on North to the relaxed and quiet fishing village of Playa Quemada for a walk along the cliffs or sunbathing.
