12 reasons to visit Lanzarote in 2022
12 reasons to visit Lanzarote in 2022
We may be biased but we love that Lanzarote is truly a year-round holiday destination. After a couple of quieter years on the island, we’re excited that many of our favourite fiestas and events are set to return in 2022. The Lanzarote Retreats team have curated the highlights of each month to give you plenty of reasons to plan a visit.
January for winter sun and festivities
Where better in the world for some winter sunshine than Lanzarote? A short flight from the UK and all of mainland Europe, it really couldn’t be easier to escape the winter blues. Aside from sunshine, there’s usually plenty going on.
This year sees the return of the Three Kings Parade on 5 January in Arrecife. The event depicts the arrival of the three wise men or ‘los Reyes Magos’ via camel to bring gifts to the baby Jesus, or in this case the children of Lanzarote. The kings throw sweets to the children as they pass along the streets lit up with festive decorations. The following day, 6 January, is a public holiday for Día de Reyes when presents are traditionally opened.
February for scuba diving
While the conditions are good year-round for diving in Lanzarote, the waters are at their calmest and the visibility at its best between September and February. The winter months are also the best time to spot the critically endangered (and harmless) Angel Shark, one of the only places in the world where they can be seen.
March for Carnival
The biggest party of the year, Carnival is a fantastic time to be on the island, with everyone welcome. The dates vary from year to year as the celebrations take place just before Lent, but festivities usually fall sometime between mid to late February and March. The dates for the 2022 Arrecife Carnival are set for 18th February to 2nd March, but each area has its own parade, timings and theme.
April for spring flowers and snorkelling
You’d be forgiven for thinking of Lanzarote as having an arid landscape. But spring brings a magnificent display of native wildflowers including the bright yellow daisy, heavily scented Canarian stock and red and pink poppies. The seas start to warm up at this time of year too, so it’s a great time to grab a snorkel and fins to encounter the many colourful fish and even stingrays just off the beach.
May for Ironman
May is a great month for seeing athletes training around the island in readiness for the legendary Ironman Lanzarote (21st May 2022). The event is one of the world’s toughest triathlons consisting of a 3.8km swim against the Atlantic swell, 180km bike ride climbing over 2,500 metres and 42.2km marathon, usually in searing temperatures.
This year, we’re also going to be dedicating May to a celebration of the island’s most famous son, César Manrique. Watch this space for more information on the LR alternative guide to Manrique.
June for the Wine Run
For a challenge with a difference, limber up for the Lanzarote Wine Run, a gallop through the island’s wine region. Participants are invited to explore the wine region on foot – there’s a 12km for walkers and 23km option for hardier athletes– stopping for wine and tapas along the way. From serious runners who enjoy tackling the gruelling course to wine lovers who wish to visit every bodega and simply stagger home after, this is one of the most popular events on the island. With a children’s race and food festival at the start/ finish line, there’s something for the whole family.
July for kite surfing
The trade winds that help moderate Lanzarote’s temperatures throughout the year predominate in July and August, making them the preferred months for windsurfing and kite surfing. It’s also when the Spanish flee from the stifling mainland in favour of the pleasant heat in Lanzarote. Head to Playa Famara with its near-perfect conditions to participate or simply watch the kite surfing antics.
August for rock pools and harvest
The hottest month in Lanzarote, August is best for just chillaxing on a sunbed, enjoying the sea breeze with a glass of something cold to hand. Then cool down in one of the inviting rock pools dotted around such as Los Charcones at Playa Blanca, the wonderful natural pool at Punta Mujeres or Charco del Palo.
It’s also the time for harvesting wine: Lanzarote boasts the first wine harvest in Europe, running from mid-July through to September. This is when you see the workers picking the grapes by hand to ensure premium quality.
September for sunbathing
September is one of our favourite months when the summer holiday crowds thin out and the weather is just glorious. The heat drops off just as the trade winds die down a little, perfect for relaxing on the beach.
The first week of September also sees the colourful fiesta of Nuestra Señora de Los Remedios. This features a traditional pilgrimage to Los Remedios church in Yaiza.
October for surfing
The Atlantic swell starts up in earnest in October, creating perfect conditions for getting out with your surfboard. Surfers of all levels can catch a wave at Famara. While pros should tackle El Quemao, the best wave on the island, producing heavy barrels during the winter season.
November for hiking
We’ll be gearing up for the return of Walk the Rock at the end of November. This eco-adventure offers the chance to explore the island’s most beautiful sights from coast to coast in a small group. Created exclusively for Lanzarote Retreats by Blackstone Treks & Tours, this tour combines the best of two worlds: luxury eco accommodation at Finca de Arrieta and a unique walking adventure.
December for photography
One of the quietest months in Lanzarote (excluding the Christmas holidays), December dishes up lovely weather with fewer people, cheaper prices and the softest light of the entire year, great for photography.
