Some places invite you to take your time to wander, to stop, to look twice. The north of Lanzarote is full of these corners: historic villages, cliffs that drop into the sea, natural rock pools, art, volcanoes… and one of the best sunsets on the island.

Here’s a gentle itinerary to discover it all or at least just enough.

If you’re heading out early and you feel like treating yourself to a proper coffee (or a second one), make a small detour to Teguise. At the heart of the village you’ll find Matula, a lovely little café with good coffee, pastries and a quiet morning atmosphere.

While you’re there, walk around the old town. On Sundays, it comes alive with a traditional market. You may want to save the visit for then if you’re after a bit more buzz.

From Teguise, take the inland road to Haría, the one that passes by Las Nieves. The drive takes about 25 minutes if you go straight, but it’s worth pausing along the way.
Stop at Mirador del Risco de Famara and Mirador de los Helechos, two breathtaking lookouts where the landscape stretches out between sky and ocean.

Haría welcomes you slowly. Take a walk through its squares, lined with palm trees and whitewashed houses. There’s something peaceful about this town that’s hard to describe, you’ll feel it once you’re there.

Don’t miss:

• The pottery studio of Joaquín Reyes Betancort
• The César Manrique House-Museum
  (If you’ve already visited the Manrique Foundation, you can leave this for another trip. But if you want to go deeper into his world, it’s a must.)

Continue heading north until you reach Mirador del Río, perched on the cliff edge. Even from the outside, the views are stunning but stepping inside reveals one of Manrique’s most poetic works, seamlessly built into the rock.

At this point in the day, you’ll probably be thinking about lunch.
Where to eat? That depends on where you are and what you’re in the mood for. Ask Gabby fro her list of food favourites nearby.

The afternoon is yours to shape. If the days are long, as they are in summer, you can even do a bit of both:

On one hand, you have two of the island’s most iconic volcanic experiences nearby:

• Jameos del Agua: design, water, light.
• Cueva de los Verdes: darkness, echoes, underground beauty.

They’re very close together, so it’s easy to choose based on your mood; design or raw nature?

On the other hand, if a swim sounds like a better idea, head to the coast.

• In Punta Mujeres, you’ll find natural rock pools carved into lava stone.
• In Arrieta, there’s a small sandy beach with a more family-friendly vibe.

While you’re in the area, don’t miss the Cactus Garden — another of Manrique’s creations, and a surprisingly peaceful spot. It closes at 16:30, so plan accordingly if you want to include it in your route.

To end the day, make your way west for a sunset in Famara. The wild beach, framed by dramatic cliffs, is a place that always feels cinematic, especially at golden hour.

Once the sun sets, stay for dinner. Here are a few suggestions:

• Sea views: Las Dunas or El Sol
• Local favourites: Teleclub de Famara or El Chiringuito
• Surfers choice: La Mar Café, great for poke bowls, burgers or curry.

A few final tips

• If you’re doing the route on a Sunday, consider starting in Teguise to enjoy the local market.
• Bring swimwear, comfy shoes and something warm for later. Temperatures drop with the sun.

Lanzarote invites rest.
It’s an island that gently pushes you to slow down, take a swim, let the day stretch out a little longer. The north, in particular, deserves unhurried attention, maybe even two days if your travel plans allow.

Of course, it all depends on how long you’re staying and how much you feel like seeing versus soaking it in. There’s no wrong way to explore, only what feels right for you.