Sites & Bites: Salt flats and Malvasia wine in Lanzarote

Nat Geo Day Tour: La Geria, Vineyards that Sprouted from Fire

When Timanfaya's six long years of eruptions ceased in 1736, the farmers of La Geria believed their fertile lands were lost forever under a thick layer of ash. But the local families needed to make the land productive again, and through sheer hard work and determination, they succeeded in creating the vineyards of La Geria. You'll start off with a scenic walk, following trails through private vineyards belonging to the family-owned bodega of Nacho Romero, opened exclusively for National Geographic travellers. As you soak up the unique character of these landscapes where vineyards are surrounded by volcanoes, the owner will explain how the layer of volcanic ash, known locally as ‘picón,' has shaped their cultivation methods, which are unique in the world. If you are lucky enough to find them ripe, you might even get to pick grapes straight from the vine as you hear Nacho or his wife Luisa, both winemakers, talk about the characteristics of volcanic wine. Back at the bodega after the walk, you'll be able to sample one of the artisanal wines that Nacho and Luisa make in their home winery. Next, you'll head to Bodega La Geria – another important component of the ecological wine making movement. The winemaker himself will show you around the bodega. Find out the secrets of the hollows, called ‘zocos' which shelter the vines from the wind, and discover the different varieties of grapes that thrive in Lanzarote's volcanic terroir. To finish, savour a tasting of one of the estate's renowned wines with local cheese and crackers.

Nat Geo Day Tour: Volcanic Beauty of Lanzarote, Photography Tour

Become a visual storyteller under the guidance of your National Geographic-trained photography guide. You'll pick up invaluable insights on capturing the perfect shot, be it in terms of composition, lighting, or narrative. After introducing the competitive element of the day, your guide will accompany you on the drive through Timanfaya National Park. During the tour, you'll get great views of Timanfaya's lunar landscapes, formed hundreds of years ago when a series of volcanic eruptions covered a quarter of the island in lava. Think rugged lava fields, brooding volcanic cones, and swathes of charcoal-grey ash. Stop at Islote de Hilario viewpoint to see the power of geothermal energy and enjoy the panorama. Travelling on to the fishing village of El Golfo, you will find a jumble of traditional buildings and bright boats which contrast with the black sand beach and the unusual green lake. It's a perfect location for capturing contrasting colour. Then, it's time to discover the ancient salt flats of Salinas de Janubio, another landscape saturated with drama and stark appeal. This area is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and an important bird sanctuary – cameras at the ready. With a specialist photographer at your side, you'll gain new skills and fresh inspiration, plus a collection of striking images. As the day concludes on the terrace at Salinas de Janubio, unwind over a glass of wine or beer and a snack, while your photography guide reviews the day's photos and picks the winning shot.

Timanfaya Volcanic Tour

This half-day tour is Lanzarote in a nutshell. You'll call in at El Golfo lagoon, journey through Timanfaya National Park and visit the Salinas de Janubio. We'll even throw in a wine tasting session to round off the tour.First up, you'll visit the waters of El Golfo - it's emerald waters have starred in many a Hollywood film over the years. But that's just an appetiser for the main event – the visit to Timanfaya National Park. Famed for its moonlike landscape is dotted with lava fields and black rocks, you'll see the ‘Fire Mountain', to name but a few.We'll continue the tour with a stop in La Geria for a sip of some local wine before we reach Salinas de Janubio, the largest salt flats in the Canaries. Snap a few selfies with the miles of cotton-white salt mounds as your guide fills you in on the history of this all-important island resource. You'll even get a chance to try some, too.

Tour of Teguise and LagOmar with a local guide

Two very different Lanzarote experiences share equal billing in this half-day excursion. You'll get to spend time mixing with locals in Teguise's Sunday market – the biggest outdoor bazaar in the Canaries – and lapping up the Hollywood stardust of the mythical LagOmar.

Lanzarote volcano tour with BBQ

Lanzarote's volcanic scenery comes into its own at Timanfaya National Park. This corner of the island is all peaks and craters straight from a sci-fi movie set. And it's all even more dramatic at sunset. So on this evening trip, you're in for a treat.

Lanzarote tour with Timanfaya National Park and El Golfo

This grand tour of Lanzarote leaves no stone unturned. ‘You'll unearth the secrets of this volcanic island through the eyes of someone who has made it their home,' says Daria, one of our expert guides. Discover the island's spectacular green north and the volcanic south, visiting Timanfaya National Park, Jameos del Agua caves and a winery.

Northern Lanzarote tour with Green Caves and Jameos del Agua

Captivating scenery and natural works of art can be found in the northern corner of Lanzarote thanks to its extraordinary geology. During this tour, you'll visit the Green Caves, Jameos del Agua, Mirador del Rio, Haria, Mala and more. A hard-to-beat selection of must-sees.

Northern Lanzarote Tour with Jameos del Agua and Teguise

Mother Nature's imprint isn't the only one that looms large in Lanzarote. This half-day tour takes a close look at one of the island's most famous sons. You'll visit his Jameos del Agua and Mirador del Rio viewpoint. And you'll also discover the oldest town in the Canaries, Teguise. Cristina, one of our expert guides, says, ‘Local artist Cesar Manrique was to Lanzarote what Gaudi was to Barcelona. His architectural vision and activism left us a unique style in harmony with our volcanic landscapes and also helped preserve the island – he was opposed to high-rise hotels, so very few were built.'The discovery begins at the Manrique-designed complex built around the Jameos del Agua volcanic caves. He converted them into a nightclub in the 60s. The stage is still in use, but the stars nowadays are the rare white crabs in a saltwater pond. Next, we'll cut through dramatic volcanic landscapes to the Mirador del Rio – another Manrique masterpiece. At almost 500 metres above sea level, it offers unbeatable views over the island of La Graciosa and its volcanoes.After calling in at an Aloe Vera producer to learn the secrets of this versatile plant, you'll pass through a string of pretty villages en route to Teguise. As the former capital of the island, this history-steeped village boasts a number of eye-catching palaces, convents, chapels and churches – all within walking distance of each other. Enjoy free time to wander around and take snaps in the town's atmospheric centre.

Cesar Manrique’s Lanzarote tour with Cactus Garden and LagOmar

With its vine-laden lava fields, exuberant architecture and otherworldly landscapes, Lanzarote looks and feels like something from a sci-fi movie set. This exclusive half-day tour takes in the Cesar Manrique Foundation and his Cactus Garden, followed by a visit to LagOmar. Rosa, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Manrique convinced his fellow islanders to invest in tourism without overdevelopment, making sure any human impact is in harmony with our volcanic landscapes.'Manrique was admired by many in his lifetime, and his influence on Lanzarote's culture lives on. He was a versatile artist producing paintings, sculptures and architectural works, bringing sustainability to the forefront of his creations, long before it became a buzzword. You'll first tour his Jardín de Cactus, where 1,100 species of sculptural succulents are grown. You can see instantly how Manrique's skill and vision enhanced the barren landscape. Similarly, the Fundacion Cesar Manrique demonstrates that harmony between the built environment and nature can succeed. A visit to the artist's home-studio, built into a lava field, is ample proof. Your final stop of the tour will be at LagOmar, a stunning spot that seamlessly combines nature and art. This unique place is set in a volcanic quarry and includes features like a cave-bar, restaurant, and a museum. Local legend has it that Hollywood icon Omar Sharif briefly owned it, only to lose it in a game of cards.

Camel Ride and Minivan Tour at Timanfaya National Park

Sci-fi scenery and camels – this morning in Timanfaya National Park is no ordinary tour. On this fun-filled adventure, you'll explore Lanzarote's top attraction by both traditional and modern means. Star turns include the historic ‘Raven's Volcano', a visitors' centre, the hamlet of La Degollada and, of course, a camel ride. Marian, one of our local guides, says, ‘You get to enter a volcano crater – it's a truly spine-tingling experience – while the camel ride gives you time to absorb the lunar landscape.'First up is the Volcan del Cuervo, or ‘Raven's Volcano'. Located on the edge of Timanfaya National Park, it breaches from a landscape of jet-black soot. It was here that the volcanic eruptions that created Timanfaya began in 1730. Towering walls surround the crater but for a gap seared open by a river of lava, which allows you into the base. Next, we'll zip over to the Mancha Blanca Visitors' and Interpretative Centre. Have a poke around its multimedia displays and get the lowdown on the geology of the Canaries.Then it's time for the more light-hearted part of the tour – the camel ride. You'll be helped on to wooden seats harnessed to the single-humped camel as a handler guides you around. It's a laugh a minute as you scale the wild and wonderful volcanic lands. There's also a small museum dedicated to the Canarian camel, affectionately known as ‘tochas'. The tour ends at the hamlet of La Degollada, where you can take in panoramic views over the Femes valley.