4 irresistible ways to experience Lanzarote in April
After a long, cold winter, you’re probably yearning for some sunshine, to breathe fresh Atlantic air and the salt water on your skin. And there’s no better place to find all this than Lanzarote in April.
While the Canary Islands are known as the land of eternal spring, Lanzarote is the northernmost island, and each season is slightly different. Read on to find out why springtime is particularly special here:
April weather in Lanzarote: perfect for exploring the great outdoors
Firstly, you may be wondering about the temperature in Lanzarote in April. Well, you can generally expect maximum temperatures of around 23⁰ and minimums of around 15⁰ C, with light to moderate winds from the north (locally known as the alisios).
The island is full of microclimates. On any given day, you could be basking in the sunshine on an idyllic beach or hiking to the top of a volcano in a jacket. So, it’s a good idea to pack layers for the wide range of different activities to choose from.
The Papagayo coastline offers beach lovers some well-deserved warmth. There are five small coves to choose from or alternatively head to the other golden beaches in nearby Playa Blanca. Sun worshippers looking for beaches in spring should also explore Playa Chica and Playa Grande, both in the resort of Puerto del Carmen.
Springtime: a festival of flowers and birds in Lanzarote
It rarely rains in Lanzarote, but even the most sporadic of winter showers transform the island in a matter of days. It’s truly amazing how an apparently barren landscape can burst into colour practically overnight, as dormant wildflower shoots come to life.
The “relichón Canario” (Erucastrum canariense) is an endemic yellow flower that is usually the first to blankets the island’s slopes. Then there’s the gorgeous bluey pink ”lengua vaca” (Echium lancerottense) (literally translated as “cow’s tongue”. And occasionally, depending on how much winter rain the island receives, you might see the delightful pink hues of the “Alhelí Canario” (Matthiola bolleana), last spotted at Puerto Calero in 2015.
You’ll see cacti everywhere around the island, but the best place to admire their splendour and the sheer variety is at the Jardin de Cactus (Cactus Garden). Designed by the late local artist César Manrique, this disused quarry in the village of Guatiza was transformed into an award-winning oasis of plant life in 1991. Wander among the 4,500 cacti of 13 different species of cacti from five continents, amid the tranquillity and birdsong. Explore the island’s oldest working windmill. And if you’re peckish, you can even sample the delicious cactus burger on the terrace overlooking the gardens.
Spring is a time for reproduction and the same is true for birds in Lanzarote. The island is a popular stop for migrant birds during this time, but some of the regular inhabitants are the main attraction for birdwatchers. One star of the show is the Houbara Bustard, and males can be seen dancing during mating season in the desert area called El Jable, which is included in the SPA (Special Protection Area) for bird life. The north of the island is the best place to see the Eleonora’s Falcon and the Barbary Falcon.
The Salt Flats of Janubio is another special protected area for birds in Lanzarote with intense migratory activity during the spring. You’ll see some unusual species, possibly including flamingos, and sightings are always more likely at sunrise and sunset when birds are more active.
Zero km products you can buy in Lanzarote markets in spring
Year-round sunshine and fertile volcanic soil enable the island’s farmers to grow a wide variety of food. The lack of rainfall is compensated by the covering of black volcanic gravel, called picón, which helps retain moisture in the soil.
Lanzarote has been committed to sustainability for years, and the amount of organic and ecological produceavailable has increased significantly. Support local farmers and browse their produce at the Sunday farmers’ market in Mancha Blanca, Tinajo. Taste the variety of local goat’s cheese and white wine, and locally grown springtime produce includes sweet potatoes, onions, squash, tomatoes, garlic, bananas, aubergines, courgettes, carrots, spinach, rocket, chard and kale, papaya, and lemons. The distinct taste of local Lanzarote produce is striking: the dark red tomatoes bursting with flavour, juicy papaya and sweet orange carrots.
Make the most of your trip to the Lanzarote market in Tinajo and visit the famous Dolores chapel, which attracts pilgrims from all over the island, or explore the spectacular crater of Volcán del Cuervo, part of the protected Natural Network of the Canary Islands.
Sports in Lanzarote: harness the power of nature
Lanzarote’s mild spring climate is perfect for enjoying the great outdoors. Warm sunshine, the fresh Atlantic breeze and breath-taking scenery make this the outdoor-lovers paradise.
The list of outdoor activities and sports in Lanzarote is endless, but the island is particularly popular for the following at this time of year:
Hiking in Lanzarote
The spring climate is perfect for hiking in Lanzarote, as temperatures in Lanzarote in March are neither too hot nor too cold. Take a sunset stroll along awe-inspiring Famara beach. Climb to the top of the island’s many volcanoes and witness some of the most spectacular views you’ve ever seen, or hike through the wine region of La Geria with an obligatory tasting stop with tapas.
Mountain bike (MTB) and cycling in Lanzarote
This really is a cyclists’ paradise. Whether your passion is for smooth and uncrowded asphalt roads or exploring off-road sandy, lava or earthy trails next to nature, you’ll love cycling in Lanzarote.
Go south for stark contrasts of black lava and the scent of the Atlantic Ocean or cross the Timanfaya National Park amidst the burnt volcanic moonscape. Take in the uniquely beautiful landscape in the vineyards of La Geria, or head north for more challenging climbs, quaint fishing villages and unbeatable panoramic views at Mirador del Rio.
You don’t even have to bring your own bike, there is a selection of bike shops and tours where you rent a bike or book a guided tour with local experts.
And if triathlon is your passion, Lanzarote is a paradise for open water swimming, the water temperature in Lanzarote rarely dips below 18⁰C. The east coast has the best open water swimming, especially near Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca. If you’re staying on the west of the island, the shallow calm waters of the La Santa lagoon are also ideal. In fact, some of Europe’s most popular triathlon events take place in springtime on Lanzarote, including the Club La Santa IRONMAN 70.3 (March) and the Club La Santa IRONMAN Lanzarote (in May).
Sailing, windsurfing and kitesurfing
You can practice water sports at any time of the year in Lanzarote, but the spring trade winds offer particularly good conditions for sailing. The island marks the start of many transatlantic crossings and races at this time of year, including the RORC Transatlantic Race.
Windsurfing and kitesurfing are also extremely popular sports in Lanzarote, especially in the resort of Costa Teguise, where the sport has almost become a way of life there. When the Sirocco wind blows from the northwest, kite surfers head to Famara beach on the west coast, a vibrant surf village nestled into magnificent cliffs.
Lanzarote is an ideal destination for nature-lovers, sun-seekers, and sports enthusiasts, whatever the season, but there’s something about springtime that’s simply magical.