Looking for unusual things to do in Lanzarote beyond the tourist hotspots? There are plenty of hidden gems waiting for you to discover them on your Lanzarote holidays. From secret volcanic rock pools and abandoned salt pans to an underwater museum filled with sculptures, there’s a side of Lanzarote few travellers ever experience.

If you’re keen to explore authentic villages, secluded landscapes, and unique cultural activities, this guide is perfect for you. Curious about what Lanzarote has to offer beyond the obvious? Here are 15 incredible experiences that most visitors miss.

Dive Museo Atlántico

Museo Atlántico is Europe’s first underwater sculpture museum, and it’s unlike anything else you’ll find in the Canary Islands. Located off the coast of Playa Blanca, this underwater installation by British artist Jason deCaires Taylor features over 300 life-sized sculptures submerged at a depth of around 12–15 metres. The artwork is designed to evolve over time, forming artificial reefs that encourage marine biodiversity.

You can visit by booking a guided scuba dive with a local PADI-certified centre, though some snorkelling tours are also available for more confident swimmers. The museum explores themes like climate change and migration, and the experience of gliding past these silent underwater figures is both eerie and unforgettable. It’s an ideal choice if you’re already qualified to dive or looking to complete your Open Water certification in Lanzarote.

Explore Abandoned Salinas del Janubio

On Lanzarote’s rugged southwest coast near El Golfo lies Salinas de Janubio, which are the island’s largest salt flats and a site of historical importance. Though the salt production has declined, the area is still partially operational and open to visitors. What makes this place special is its vivid landscape. You’ll find large pools of shallow water reflect pink, red, and white hues depending on the mineral content and time of day. You can walk along the edges and spot remnants of the old windmills and salt mounds, with the volcanic coastline forming a dramatic backdrop.

Guided tours are available if you want to learn more about the traditional methods still used in small-scale harvesting. It’s also an excellent spot for photography, especially around sunset when the colours intensify and flamingos occasionally appear in the surrounding lagoon.

Eat Volcanic-Grilled Food

At the heart of Timanfaya National Park is El Diablo, a restaurant with one of the most unique cooking methods in the world and one of the most unusual things to do in Lanzarote. Here, your food is grilled using heat from a dormant volcano. They don’t use gas or electricity, just raw geothermal energy. A specially designed grill is positioned directly over a volcanic vent where temperatures can reach over 400°C. The restaurant, designed by César Manrique, offers panoramic views of the surrounding lava fields, making it as much about the setting as the food.

While the menu is relatively simple with foods like chicken, pork chops, and Canarian potatoes, it’s the experience that makes it worth the trip. You’ll also find a small viewing area where staff conduct geothermal demonstrations, such as water being poured into vents and erupting seconds later as steam.

Explore Las Grietas

Las Grietas is one of Lanzarote’s most Instagrammed but least signposted natural wonders. Located near the base of Montaña Blanca, just outside San Bartolomé, these narrow volcanic crevices were formed by centuries of erosion and seismic activity. The name means “the cracks,” and you’ll understand why as soon as you enter the dark, twisting passageways between towering rock walls. You can drive up and park at the side of the LZ-35 road, then hike a short trail to the site.

Despite its beauty, Las Grietas isn’t marked on most tourist maps, so it remains quiet and uncrowded, so it’s perfect if you’re looking for unusual things to do in Lanzarote that are easy to access, especially if you’re planning a road trip itinerary with scenic stops across the island. Just be cautious underfoot, as loose stones and steep steps can make the terrain tricky in places.

Ghost Village of Tenesar

Tenesar, on Lanzarote’s northwest coast, is a windswept village with a haunting atmosphere and an almost surreal sense of abandonment. Part of the village was damaged by landslides and flooding in the past, leaving behind derelict homes and unfinished structures near the sea. However, a small community still lives here, and the remaining residents quietly go about their business in this otherwise forgotten corner of the island.

The surrounding coastline is harsh and volcanic, and the crashing Atlantic waves add to the sense of isolation. It’s a place that doesn’t feel set up for tourism at all, which is precisely its appeal. Visit during the late afternoon for the best light, and be respectful of the people who still call this place home.

Attend a Traditional Canarian Wrestling Match

Canarian wrestling, or Lucha Canaria, is one of the oldest and most distinctive sporting traditions in the Canary Islands. It’s far from a tourist attraction, but if you’re visiting during a local festival or match night, it’s well worth checking out. Matches are usually held in small arenas or sports halls in towns like Teguise or San Bartolomé. The rules are simple: two opponents attempt to unbalance each other using technique and leverage. You’ll find no punching or kicking. It’s all about timing, strength, and sportsmanship.

Tickets are usually cheap, and events often feature food stalls and a strong community atmosphere. It’s a chance to witness an authentic side of Lanzarote culture that most tourists overlook.

Join a Cactus Cooking Workshop in Teguise

Cactus might not be the first ingredient that comes to mind when you think of Lanzarote’s cuisine, but the prickly pear cactus (tuno indio) has long been part of the island’s agricultural tradition. In Teguise and surrounding areas, you can join workshops that teach you how to prepare jams, salsas, and even stews using the fruit and pads of the cactus.

These classes are often run by local cooperatives or family-owned farms, and many include a tour of the land where the cactus is grown. You’ll learn about its nutritional benefits, harvesting process, and how it’s used in both food and cosmetics. If you’re into slow travel and local gastronomy, this is an unexpected highlight that feels genuinely rooted in place.

Swim in Natural Rock Pools of Los Charcones

Los Charcones is one of the best-kept secrets in terms of unusual things to do in Lanzarote. It’s a collection of wild rock pools located just past the abandoned Hotel Atlante del Sol near Playa Blanca. Formed by volcanic activity and filled with sea water by the tides, these natural pools range in depth and size, making them ideal for swimming, snorkelling, or simply sunbathing on the surrounding rocks. They’re completely untouched, meaning no lifeguards, signs, or facilities, just raw nature.

Access can be a bit tricky, requiring a drive down a dirt track followed by a short walk across rocky ground. But once you get there, it feels like you’ve found your own private spa. For safety, check tide times before visiting and avoid swimming during rough seas.

Stargazing at Mirador Astronómico de Peñas del Chache

Lanzarote’s high altitude, low humidity, and minimal light pollution make it an ideal spot for stargazing. The best place on the island for this is Peñas del Chache, Lanzarote’s highest point at 671 metres above sea level. Located near Haría in the north, this viewpoint offers sweeping views by day and a clear window to the cosmos by night. There are no built-up facilities here, so bring warm clothing, a torch, and your own stargazing gear or book a guided night tour with an astronomy expert.

You can often see the Milky Way, meteor showers, and constellations with the naked eye. It’s a rewarding experience, especially on a clear night with no moon.

Hike to Montaña Colorada’s Volcanic Bomb

While most visitors flock to Timanfaya, Montaña Colorada offers an equally dramatic volcanic experience with far fewer crowds. Located near the village of Mancha Blanca, the hike is an easy loop trail around a striking red-hued cinder cone. One of the highlights is the enormous volcanic “bomb” where you will find a massive rock which was ejected during the eruption that formed the mountain. It’s believed to be one of the largest of its kind in the Canary Islands.

The surrounding terrain is covered in black lava fields and delicate lichens, making the landscape feel almost alien. It’s a peaceful, educational walk that offers a close-up look at Lanzarote’s explosive geological past.

Visit Valle de Malpaso Vineyards

La Geria is well known for its wine, but few visitors make the detour to Valle de Malpaso. It’s a secluded vineyard area tucked into a volcanic ravine near the village of Masdache. The landscape here is striking: individual vines are planted in circular pits called zocos, each protected by a half-moon stone wall. The isolation means the vineyards are particularly peaceful, and you’ll often have the tasting rooms to yourself.

Local wineries like Bodega Malpaís de Máguez offer informal tours and tastings of Malvasía Volcánica wines, many of which are not exported. This is slow, small-scale wine tourism at its best.

Attend an Open-Air Cinema in Puerto del Carmen

If you’re looking for a laid-back evening activity, head to Starlight Open Air Cinema in Puerto del Carmen. Located on the rooftop of the Biosfera Shopping Centre, it offers a unique setting with comfy seating, wireless headphones, and a menu of snacks, cocktails, and wine. Films are usually shown in English with Spanish subtitles and often include family-friendly classics, making it a relaxed option for those travelling with kids.

Blankets are often provided for cooler nights, and the view of the stars above only adds to the experience. It’s a relaxing way to end the day after exploring Lanzarote’s wilder side.

Explore Charco del Palo Naturist Village

Charco del Palo is a coastal village like no other in Lanzarote. Known as a naturist-friendly destination since the 1970s, it attracts a mix of locals and open-minded visitors who enjoy clothing-optional beaches, tidal pools, and a low-key atmosphere. It’s not a party place or resort-style village. Instead, it offers quiet accommodation, scenic coastlines, and a strong sense of community.

You don’t need to be a naturist to visit, but respectful curiosity is essential. There are a few local restaurants, and the nearby coastal paths are great for walking and photography.

Tour Aloe Vera Plantations

Aloe vera is one of Lanzarote’s most valuable natural products, thanks to the ideal growing conditions provided by its volcanic soil and dry climate. Several aloe farms across the island, particularly in Yaiza, Teguise, and Arrieta, offer free visitor experiences where you can learn about cultivation, harvesting, and natural skincare production.

Many of the plantations also produce their own skincare and wellness products, which you can sample and buy on-site. If you’re interested in local agriculture or natural remedies, this is a gentle and informative stop to add to your itinerary.

Discover Playa Quemada Village

Just south of Puerto Calero, Playa Quemada is a tiny fishing village that has resisted the pull of mass tourism. Its name means “burnt beach,” referencing the dark volcanic sand and pebbles that line the shore. It’s a great place to enjoy a slow afternoon, with a handful of seafood restaurants right on the waterfront with La Casita del Pescador and Restaurante Salmar being two local favourites.

You won’t find sun loungers or beach bars here, just a raw stretch of coastline and views across the water to the mountains of Femés. It’s a peaceful retreat if you’re craving simplicity and local flavour.