Two Sides of Lanzarote: Finding Soul in a Misunderstood Island

Say the word Lanzarote, and for many, a familiar picture springs to mind — crowded beaches lined with sunbeds, the gentle thud of music from a nearby bar, and a steady stream of all-inclusive cocktails flowing long into the afternoon.

For decades, this image has shaped how people think about the island. It’s been marketed as an easy escape — reliable sunshine, family-friendly resorts, and the promise of “everything included.” And while that version of Lanzarote certainly exists and has its place, it tells only half the story.

Because there is another side to Lanzarote — one that’s wild, untamed, and quietly profound. Drive inland, and the scene shifts dramatically. The coastline gives way to a lunar landscape of volcanic rock, where vines grow in black ash, winds sculpt the land, and the silence feels almost sacred. It’s a place that reminds you how young the earth still is — and how small we really are within it.

When I visited in October last year, I spent time exploring this side of the island — visiting the vineyards that thrive improbably in volcanic soil and tasting wines unlike any I’ve ever experienced. It was a reminder that even in the most dramatic, barren landscapes, there’s life, creativity, and a deep connection between the land and the people who call it home.

To really appreciate this side of Lanzarote, it’s worth hiring a car. The freedom to drive beyond the resort towns opens up an entirely different island — one of quiet villages, sweeping views, and a landscape that tells a story with every turn of the road.

This is the Lanzarote that captures your imagination. The Lanzarote of César Manrique — where art, architecture, and nature exist in perfect balance. A place that doesn’t shout for attention but instead rewards curiosity, patience, and a slower pace of travel.

And it’s here, on this more soulful side of the island, that my choice of hotel would be Buena Vista Lanzarote.

This beautiful boutique retreat embodies the authenticity and quiet confidence of the island itself. Thoughtfully designed to blend into its volcanic surroundings, it feels less like a hotel and more like an extension of the landscape — calm, grounding, and deeply connected to its environment.

There are no sprawling buffets here, no loud entertainment schedules — just gentle luxury, earthy tones, and panoramic views that remind you of what really matters. Every detail feels intentional, from the sustainable ethos to the sense of space that invites you to stop, breathe, and be.

For me, Buena Vista represents a different kind of luxury — the kind that’s measured not in star ratings, but in stillness, authenticity, and connection.

If you’ve only ever known Lanzarote for its all-inclusive resorts and bustling beaches, perhaps it’s time to see the island through a new lens — one where less really is more.

If you’d like to experience this more authentic side of Lanzarote, I’d love to help you discover it for yourself.

Email me at Donna.Richmond@mytc.com | Whatsapp or call me on 01296846690