Lanzarote: Northern Delights Tour

Exploring Lanzarote’s North: An Authentic Look at the Northern Delights Tour

This 6-hour tour of Lanzarote’s northern coast promises a mix of spectacular scenery, cultural highlights, and unspoiled island charm. From visiting the famously unique house of Omar Sharif to cruising across the waters to the pristine island of La Graciosa, it’s a well-rounded day for those wanting to see Lanzarote beyond its volcanic landscapes. With a good balance of sightseeing, leisure, and local flavor, this tour particularly shines in providing a relaxed yet engaging experience.

One of the things we love about this tour is the way it combines iconic viewpoints like Mirador del Rio with more intimate moments, such as wandering La Graciosa’s quaint streets or enjoying a freshly prepared onboard lunch. It’s a trip that captures Lanzarote’s diverse appeal without feeling rushed or overly commercial.

However, there is a consideration: the tour involves boat trips, which might be a bit intimidating if you’re prone to seasickness or afraid of heights. Also, the itinerary and timing can be subject to weather conditions, so flexibility and patience are essential.

This experience suits travelers who appreciate scenic vistas, cultural sights, and relaxed exploration. Perfect for those who want to see key sights without the stress of self-planning or driving, it’s ideal for visitors with a moderate activity level and an interest in authentic island life.

Key Points

• Authentic Highlights: Visit Omar Sharif’s iconic house, explore La Graciosa, and enjoy panoramic views from Mirador del Rio.
• Comfortable Transport: Includes pick-up from several key locations and smooth ferry crossings.
• Local Flavors: Delicious onboard lunch with Spanish dishes and drinks, including sangria and beer.
• Expert Guidance: Knowledgeable guides provide insights, making each stop more meaningful.
• Flexible Experience: Free time on La Graciosa allows personalized exploration.
• Value for Money: For $90, the combination of sights, food, transport, and guided commentary offers good value.

An In-Depth Look at Lanzarote: Northern Delights Tour

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour kicks off with convenient pick-up options from several key locations: Puerto Calero, Puerto del Carmen, Arrecife, and Costa Teguise. This means you won’t need to worry about how to get to the starting point — a relief for those staying outside the main resort areas. The exact pickup time is confirmed via email, giving you a chance to plan your morning accordingly.

The entire trip lasts about six hours, a sweet spot that offers enough time to see the highlights without feeling overly exhausting. It’s worth checking available start times as they vary, but typically, you can expect to start mid-morning, allowing for a relaxed morning.

Visiting Omar Sharif’s House

The journey begins with a visit to the famous actor Omar Sharif’s house, which is built on natural rocks with caves and labyrinths. This site is a real hit with visitors, especially those interested in architecture or film legends. The house’s location on the north coast provides stunning views and a sense of secluded elegance. Visitors note that the guide offers interesting tidbits about the house, adding depth to the experience.

Museo Lagomar and Other Stops

Next, the tour includes a 40-minute visit to Museo Lagomar, a unique place carved into volcanic rock. This site is often praised for its artistic and architectural charm, adding a touch of local creativity to the day. It’s a brief stop but worth the visit for its picturesque setting and quirky design.

The itinerary also includes a 30-minute ferry ride to La Graciosa, which is a highlight for many. The ferry, equipped with WiFi, makes the crossing comfortable, and the scenery en route offers a taste of Lanzarote’s marine environment. Some reviewers mention that the ferry trip can be a bit “scary” due to ocean waves — so if you’re prone to seasickness or height-sensitive, this is something to consider.

Discovering La Graciosa

Once on La Graciosa, you’ll have about 30 minutes for a delicious onboard lunch, featuring Spanish staples like paella, Spanish omelette, fresh fruit, and bread, along with sangria, beer, or soft drinks. The food is generally praised for its quality and generous portions, making this a true highlight for food lovers.

After lunch, you’ll enjoy around two hours of free time. Reviewers love this part — wandering the quiet streets, admiring houses built on sand, or taking a swim in the crystal-clear waters surrounding the island. The unspoiled nature of La Graciosa really shines here, offering a peaceful contrast to the busier tourist spots.

Mirador del Rio and Panoramic Views

On the way back to Lanzarote, the tour stops at Mirador del Rio, a viewpoint famous for its jaw-dropping vistas of La Graciosa and the surrounding waters. Visitors often describe it as “amazing,” with some quoting that they loved looking back over La Graciosa from this high perch. It’s a fantastic photo opportunity and a moment to appreciate Lanzarote’s volcanic beauty.

End of the Day

The tour concludes with drop-offs at your original pick-up points, making it easy to plan the rest of your day. The overall experience is praised for its relaxed pace, well-chosen stops, and friendly guidance, with many reviewers commenting on the good value for money.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Knowledgeable Guides: Multiple reviews highlight the guides’ patience and willingness to explain in clear English, even for non-Spanish speakers. One reviewer appreciated the guide’s personable approach, making the trip more engaging.

Stunning Views: From Omar Sharif’s house to Mirador del Rio, the vistas are genuinely breathtaking. The panoramic views provide excellent photo opportunities and moments of awe.

Authentic Experience: The unspoiled charm of La Graciosa, with houses on sand and quiet streets, offers a genuine taste of the island’s laid-back lifestyle, away from crowded tourist areas.

Good Food and Drinks: The onboard lunch includes Spanish classics and drinks, which many find to be good quality and plentiful. The included drinks in the free bar add to the laid-back vibe.

Value for Money: At $90 per person, the combination of sights, food, transport, and guiding makes this a reasonable choice for travelers seeking a comprehensive day out.

Practical Considerations

While the tour is quite comprehensive, keep in mind that it involves boat crossings and some walking. The ferry ride might be unsettling for those sensitive to waves or heights, as some reviews note. Also, the itinerary can be affected by weather, which might mean adjustments or cancellations. Flexible travelers should be aware of this.

Vegetarians and those with celiac diets can be accommodated if notified in advance, which is a thoughtful touch.

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, so plan accordingly.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is perfect for travelers who want a relaxed yet immersive way to explore Lanzarote’s northern attractions without self-driving. It’s especially suited for those interested in scenic viewpoints, cultural sights like Omar Sharif’s house and Museo Lagomar, and unspoiled island life. Food lovers will appreciate the onboard meal, and those looking for authentic experiences will enjoy the chance to wander La Graciosa’s quiet streets.

It’s also a good choice for visitors who prefer guided tours that provide context and commentary, making each stop more meaningful.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from major locations in Puerto Calero, Puerto del Carmen, Arrecife, and Costa Teguise, plus transfers to and from La Graciosa by ferry.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, including all stops, ferry crossings, and free time on La Graciosa.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, comfortable shoes, water, and a jacket. It’s also advisable to wear sun protection and carry a camera.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Yes, vegetarian and celiac diets can be catered for if you notify the organizer in advance.

What are the main highlights?
Highlights include Omar Sharif’s house, Museo Lagomar, La Graciosa’s beaches and streets, the onboard lunch, and Mirador del Rio’s panoramic views.

Is this suitable for children?
Most travelers find it suitable for older children and teenagers, but consider the boat ride and walking involved.

What happens in bad weather?
If weather conditions prevent safe boat crossings or visiting certain sites, the schedule may change, and an alternative will be offered.

To sum it up, the Lanzarote: Northern Delights Tour offers a balanced mix of scenery, culture, and relaxation. With knowledgeable guides, stunning vistas, and authentic island experiences, it’s a solid choice for travelers eager to see Lanzarote off the beaten path. The included lunch and flexible free time on La Graciosa add to its appeal, making it a worthwhile outing for those looking to enjoy Lanzarote’s northern treasures without the hassle of self-guided travel.