If you’ve ever wondered what it might be like to walk on Mars but don’t have the budget for a ticket with NASA, we’ve got good news — just book a trip to Lanzarote, the most otherworldly of the Canary Islands. This Spanish island isn’t just “different.” It’s downright interplanetary.
Nestled in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of northwestern Africa, Lanzarote looks less like a vacation destination and more like a set from a sci-fi movie — and in many ways, it is. From lava fields that stretch to the horizon, to green lagoons, to spherical vineyards carved from volcanic ash, Lanzarote will have you checking your passport to make sure you didn’t accidentally teleport.
Welcome to Planet Lanzarote
Imagine red-hued dunes, gnarled black rock formations, eerie blowholes that hiss with the sound of the sea, and towering cliffs rising dramatically above the Atlantic. Now add in weird but brilliant circular vineyards, fields of frozen lava, and volcanoes that still sizzle under the surface, and you’ve got a destination that feels like a blend of Tatooine and Tuscany.
And yes, many travelers have walked Lanzarote’s scorched earth and uttered the same phrase:
“This place doesn’t feel real.”
Because it doesn’t — and that’s exactly the point.
The Vineyards That Shouldn’t Exist (But Do)
Wine? On a volcanic island?
Absolutely.
Lanzarote’s winemakers have basically told nature, “Nice try,” and invented their own way to grow grapes — by digging crater-like pits into volcanic gravel to protect the vines from strong winds and to capture precious moisture. Each plant gets its own little mini-crater, creating a surreal landscape of thousands of circular depressions lined with lava stones.
The result? Some of Spain’s most unique wines, particularly the crisp Malvasía Volcánica white. It’s wine with a story — and a terroir forged in fire.
The Green Lagoon: Nature’s Neon Surprise
Tucked along the west coast is the Charco de los Clicos, better known as the Green Lagoon. It looks like it was Photoshopped into existence — a vibrant, chartreuse-colored pool resting in the crater of an extinct volcano, flanked by black sand and steep red cliffs.
No, it’s not radioactive. The neon hue comes from microscopic algae living happily in the mineral-rich waters. It’s wild, it’s weird, and it’s one of the most Instagrammable spots on the island — if you can believe your camera.
Drive Through an Alien World
If there’s one thing you absolutely can’t skip, it’s the surreal drive through Timanfaya National Park — a protected area where nature’s raw power is on full display. Here, lava plains stretch for miles, volcanic cones rise like frozen waves, and the ground is so hot you can cook food just by burying it in the earth.
Want proof? Head to El Diablo restaurant, where they grill your lunch using volcanic heat. That’s right — your chicken gets cooked by a volcano. Try topping that, Paris.
The park also features demonstrations of just how close the magma still is to the surface, including steam geysers and brush fires that ignite in seconds. It’s part science show, part doomsday rehearsal, and completely unforgettable.
Other Must-See Surreal Sights
- Los Hervideros (The Boiling Pots) – Jagged volcanic cliffs where waves crash into blowholes with dramatic force, creating explosions of sea spray.
- Cueva de los Verdes – A 6-kilometer-long lava tube cave that once hid locals from pirate attacks and now hosts underground concerts. Yes, concerts. In a lava tube.
- Jameos del Agua – Another volcanic cave transformed into a cultural center by visionary artist César Manrique, complete with a subterranean lake, glowing pools, and architecture that flows like lava itself.
- La Geria – The aforementioned wine region that looks like Earth tried to mimic the Moon but accidentally created delicious grapes in the process.
The Weather? Four Seasons in a Day
Lanzarote is blessed with a spring-like climate all year round, but thanks to its unpredictable microclimates, you might experience sunshine, wind, rain, fog, and double rainbows all before lunch. Pack layers, laugh off the mood swings, and enjoy the drama.
Why Lanzarote is the Ultimate Alternative Getaway
In an age where everyone’s been to Barcelona, and your dog has probably posted from Santorini, Lanzarote offers something rare — a genuinely unique travel experience.
- No overcrowded beaches.
- No fast-food monotony.
- No over-commercialized tourist traps.
Just raw, untouched nature, bizarre beauty, ancient geology, and one-of-a-kind wine. It’s perfect for travelers who want to step off the Earth for a while without leaving it.
Final Boarding Call for the Red Planet (Sort Of)
So, if a trip to Mars isn’t quite in your travel budget but your wanderlust is screaming for adventure, Lanzarote is calling. Whether you’re chasing alien landscapes, sipping wine from a volcano, or watching waves roar into lava tubes, this island in the Canaries is a reminder that you don’t have to leave the planet to feel like you’ve left the planet.
Book the flight. Pack the sunscreen. Bring your curiosity. Lanzarote is out of this world — and still just a plane ride away.
