Lanzarote is one of the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago off the coast of northwestern Africa. It’s a popular tourist destination known for its clear waters, volcanic landscapes, sandy beaches and year-round sunshine.
But what about a rainy day? Don’t worry, there’s still plenty to do! Keep on reading to find my 12 suggestions for what to do in Lanzarote in the rain.
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Top 12 things to do on a rainy day in Lanzarote
1. Discover Jardín de Cactus
The Jardin de Cactus is a cactus garden designed by local artist Cesar Manrique and located in the south of the island, in the town of Guatiza. Even if it’s raining, the Jardín de Cactus is still worth a visit – just make sure you take an umbrella!
The garden is home to over 12,000 cacti from all over the world. The rain doesn’t deter visitors from checking out this Lanzarote attraction – in fact, many say that the rain makes the cacti look even more beautiful.
If you’re looking for a place to escape the rain, the Jardín de Cactus is the perfect place to spend an afternoon. The cacti are arranged in a variety of shapes and patterns, and the garden also has a number of sculptures and other artworks. The Jardín de Cactus is open from 9am to 5pm daily.
2. Try going underwater with some scuba diving
It may be raining, but that doesn’t mean you must stay indoors! In fact, there are plenty of things you can do even when the weather is less than ideal. One great option is to go diving. Lanzarote is a great place for diving, with crystal clear waters and an abundance of marine life.
Not a fan of scuba but still want to get underwater? Check out this Submarine Safari!
The island is also home to the world’s second-largest volcanic crater, which is a must-see for any diver. There are many dive schools on the island of Lanzarote, so you can easily find one that suits your needs and level of experience.
There are over 50 dive sites to choose from, so there’s something for everyone. And since you’re underwater, the rain won’t matter at all! So why not take the opportunity to explore the beautiful underwater world, even if the weather isn’t perfect? If you’re looking for an adventurous dive, you can try your hand at cave diving.
Lanzarote is home to over 300 caves, many of which are open to divers. Just be sure to take a guide with you, as the caves can be tricky to navigate. Lanzarote has something to offer whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver.
3. Visit the Fundación César Manrique
Volcano House, also known as the Fundacion Cesar Manrique, is a great place to visit on a rainy day in Lanzarote, as it offers interesting exhibits that showcase Cesar Manrique’s work and other contemporary art from artists he adored.
Manrique was a world-renowned artist and architect who was born on Lanzarote and is celebrated for his unique contributions to the island’s culture and landscape (such as the aforementioned Cactus Garden). The museum is housed in Manrique’s former home, which he converted into a work of art following a series of eruptions on the island that left it covered in lava flow.
While I enjoyed the art on the walls during my visit, the house is my stand-out memory. So many interesting rooms and alcoves to explore, and one of the coolest little pools I have seen. The building is beautifully designed and features traditional island architecture, making it a must-see for visitors to Lanzarote and a great way to spend a few hours.
4. Hire a car for an island road trip
Undoubtedly, the best way to get around the island is in your own rental car. Not only is it more convenient, but you can find the places that otherwise you would have to get a tour to or take a boring bus ride.
One such example is The Mirador del Río, a viewing point located in the north of the island of Lanzarote. It offers stunning views over the sea and across the neighboring island of La Graciosa, all from the comfort of an indoor café. The mirador is only a short walk from the village of Orzola, making it an easily accessible activity even if it’s raining.
Aside from El Mirador del Rio, you could explore some of the nearby black beaches, check out some of the small villages scattered around the island, and enjoy a day shopping for souvenirs. Hiring a car in Lanzarote is a great way to easily spend an entire day.
- Before you do this, I’d recommend getting familiar with some of the Spanish driving laws.
5. Check out some epic caves in Cueva de los Verdes or Jameos del Agua
The Cueva de los Verdes and Jameos del Agua are volcanic caves located in the north of the island and perfect for rainy days. The Cueva de los Verdes is a network of volcanic lava tubes on the island of Lanzarote in Spain.
The caves were formed by lava flowing from a nearby volcano, the cave is huge, and its walls are covered in stunning stalactites and stalagmites, and they are now one of the island’s most popular tourist attractions.
The Cueva de los Verdes is a beautiful example of how nature can create something truly unique and breathtaking. Visitors can explore the caves on foot or by boat, and there are also several concerts and shows held inside the caves each year, so even if it’s raining, the cave is still worth a visit – just make sure you take a jacket, as it can be quite cold inside!
6. Take in some art at Castillo de San José
One great option is to visit the Castillo de San José, now known as the MIAC (Museo Internacional de Arte Contemporáneo). The Castillo de San Jose is a fort located in the town of Arrecife on the island of Lanzarote.
The 18th-century fortress is a great backdrop for the museum, which is small but has plenty of indoor appeal. The museum features exhibitions on Lanzarote’s history and a collection of weapons and armor used by the Spanish military. Visitors can also climb to the top of the fort for spectacular views of the town and coastline.
The Castillo de San Jose is a must-see for any history buff or anyone interested in learning more about the island of Lanzarote. It’s open from 11 AM – 6 PM daily, so you can easily spend a couple of hours here when the weather isn’t cooperating.
7. Go under the sea while staying dry at Lanzarote Aquarium
If you’re looking for a fun indoor activity, why not visit the Lanzarote Aquarium? With the largest collection of majestic marine life in the Canary Islands, it’s perfect for a family day out.
The Aquarium has plenty of native Canarian species on display and exotic creatures from all over the world. You can also learn about the importance of protecting the environment through exhibitions such as ́The Aquarium Garbage ́. And don’t forget to check out the shark tunnel – it’s sure to be a hit with the kids!
8. Try some local wine tasing
Lanzarote is home to some of the most unique wines in the world. The volcanic soil and environment create wines that are unlike any other.
Growing vines here is a challenge. Tiny valleys and volcanic rock walls have been created in an enclosed semicircle to protect young vines from wind. Then, harvesting wine requires considerable effort and has to be done by hand. As such, it is uncommon to find Lanzarote wine outside of the island so be sure to visit them and sample some. There are many vineyards that offer wine tasting and a guided tour.
El Grifo is the oldest vineyard on the island and one of Spain’s top ten oldest vineyards. But if you want to discover more than a mere scratch of the surface, be sure to read my post on the top Lanzarote vineyards and how to visit them.
9. Get your shop on
Lanzarote is a great place to shop, with a mix of small, independent stores and larger, international brands. The island’s main shopping areas are in Playa Honda, Playa Blanca and Puerto Del Carmen. You can find a range of shops selling souvenirs, clothes, shoes, and more.
If it is heavy rain and you want to stay indoors, the Deiland shopping centre in Playa Honda is a great option with a range of shops as well as a cinema and food court.
If you’re looking for something smaller, there are also several shopping centres in Playa Blanca and Puerto Del Carmen. Marina Rubicon in Playa Blanca has a range of shops, as does The The Marina in Puerto Calero.
10. An escape room experience at Island Quest HQ
An escape room is a great way to spend a rainy day in Lanzarote. Island Quest HQ offers three unique escape room experiences, each with its own theme and set of challenges. This makes for a great family activity, as there is something for everyone to enjoy.
The puzzles are challenging but not impossible, and the 60 minute time limit keeps the excitement level high with game options that include a Wizard themed game, hunting down a missing professor or foiling a dinosaur heist!
Whether you’re looking for an exciting new way to spend an afternoon or you’re looking for something fun to do on a rainy day, an escape room experience at Island Quest HQ is sure to be enjoyed.
11. Visiting traditional island churches
Lanzarote is home to many beautiful churches, each with its own distinct style and architecture. While most churches on the island are Catholic. No matter what your religion, a visit to one of Lanzarote’s churches is sure to be an enriching experience.
One of the most popular churches in Lanzarote is the Church of Santa María de Gracia, located in the town of Teguise. The church was built in the 15th century and is known for its stunning Gothic facade.
Another popular church is the Church of San Gabriel, located in the town of Arrecife. The church was built in the 18th century and features an ornate Baroque interior. For something truly unique, be sure to visit the Cave Church, located in the village of Guatiza. This church was carved out of a lava cave and is home to a small community of monks.
No matter which church you choose to visit, you’re sure to be impressed by the beauty and history on display.
12. See the moonscape of Timanfaya National Park
Timanfaya National Park is one of Lanzarote’s most popular tourist attractions. The park covers over 50 square kilometers of land, and is home to over 25 volcanoes. The park’s most notable feature is the Montañas del Fuego, or ‘Fire Mountains’. These mountains were formed by a series of eruptions in the 18th century and are now one of Lanzarote’s most iconic landmarks.
The park also has a number of other attractions, such as the Los Hervideros – a series of lava tubes that lead down to the sea and the well-known El Diablo restaurant, where food is cooked by the volcano itself.
Timanfaya National Park is a must-visit for any trip to Lanzarote, even if it’s a rainy day.
How often does it rain in Lanzarote?
The island has a low annual rainfall of 125 – 150 mm per year, which means that it does not rain often. The winter months of November through to March tend to be wettest, but the rain typically falls suddenly and is followed by the sun coming out.
Average annual rainfall in Lanzarote
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average rain in mm | 16 | 18 | 12 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 10 | 15 | 29 |
| Number of wet days | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
What to do in Lanzarote in the rain – final thoughts
Lanzarote is a great place to visit any time of year, but it’s especially enjoyable during the rainy season. There are plenty of indoor and still outdoor activities you can do on a rainy day on the island, so don’t let a little precipitation keep you from enjoying all that Lanzarote has to offer. If you haven’t had a chance to check out this beautiful Canary Island yet, now is a perfect time! Book your trip today and enjoy everything Lanzarote has to offer – even on a wet day.