Off the Beaten Path in Lanzarote: The Canary Island You Shouldn’t Overlook for Wine, Culture & Relaxation
- Globe-Trotting Addicts
- Apr 16
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 17
The Canary Islands are a popular destination for Europeans seeking warm sun and beautiful beaches. Meeting my best friend in Barcelona for a girls’ trip, we were quick to venture off and explore parts unknown — at least to us.
When you mention to people that you’re heading to the Canary Islands, most assume you’re going to Tenerife or Gran Canaria, the grand dames of the Canaries. That gave us all the motivation we needed to go more off the beaten path — and Lanzarote was the perfect choice.
Flying to Lanzarote from Barcelona is not only a direct flight but also very affordable since Lanzarote is part of Spain. Read: domestic flight prices! Looking around the airport, passengers were disembarking from Ireland, France, Germany, and the UK. You might think, “This is hardly off the beaten path.” The trick lies in seeking out the lesser-known parts of the island.
We immediately headed to Teguise, an adorable colonial town with artisan shops and cobblestone streets. The town is known for its Sunday market, and the entire island seems to venture here that day. But the rest of the week? It’s exceptionally quiet, with a bohemian art scene and creative independent galleries. Teguise has a charming blend of colonial elegance and artistic energy. An absolute must is El Patio — every dish was an aesthetic
masterpiece, and the sangria deserved its own photoshoot. The atmosphere was so good that we held onto our table for hours. We stayed the night in an adorable Airbnb steps from the Sunday market. It was wild to see this quiet town with such an undiscovered feel transform overnight into a bustling marketplace.
When I travel, I love finding a good market — they’re the heartbeat of a community. I’d read online that this particular market only sold kitschy souvenirs, but that wasn’t my experience. Sure, there were a few of those stalls, but I also came across true artisans selling handmade jewelry and beautiful works of art. I’m happy to dispel the rumor: it’s absolutely worth your time.
After enjoying Teguise’s quiet charm (absent on Sundays, of course), head to Playa Blanca as your home base. Its proximity to the marina makes day trips to Fuerteventura effortless, and the coastal promenade is an incredible way to get your steps in. I photographed the sunrise each morning and would pass runners, walkers, and cyclists getting their day started. While Playa Blanca isn’t exactly crowd-free, its location makes it ideal for exploring the island.
From there, make time to explore La Geria — arguably one of the most unique wine regions in the world. The vines here grow in round pits dug into black volcanic soil, each surrounded by a small stone wall to shield them from the wind. It’s a striking landscape and a clever solution to challenging growing conditions. Because of those challenges, the grape yield is small, which means most of the wine stays on the island. What little does get exported mainly goes to the UK. If you’re into wine, La Geria is a must. The setting, the process, the taste — it’s an unforgettable experience for any oenophile. If you want to make the experience perfect, book a wine tour with Lanzarote Wine Tours.
Our visit to the Canary Islands was just what we needed. From glowing sunrises to volcanic vineyards and long, laughter-filled dinners, Lanzarote delivered the perfect girls’ trip. This was an ideal getaway for midlife travelers looking for more than just a beach vacation. If you’re craving something different, with culture, scenery, and local flavor, consider going off the beaten path in the Canary Islands. Skip the usual suspects and uncover a quieter, richer side of the Canaries. You’ll be glad you did.
As her travel companion…… this trip was top notch!!!! Joelle planned everything to the tee. What amazing experiences with my best friend ❤️