Yaiza Village – Tourism in Lanzarote

Located towards the south of the island of Lanzarote, an ancient village called Yaiza, concentrates, according to many, the best of all the Canary Islands.

Beautiful beaches, stunning natural landscapes, unique traditions and a magnificent tourist offer that cannot be overlooked.

Yaiza was the first European settlement in the Canary Islands and a large part of the Timanfaya National Park is located in its municipal area.

This village is not only surprising for its natural beauty but also for the care and maintenance of its inhabitants, who take great care to maintain their beautiful and traditional houses, painted in white, which make an incomparable contrast with the volcanic landscape of the area.

Impressive quantities of flowers adorn the facades of the houses, accompanied by a multitude of palm trees and beautiful gardens.

Why visit Yaiza?

Yaiza has many attractions that make it a “must” visit when going to Lanzarote.

Its historical-artistic heritage is of great importance; it can be appreciated when walking through its streets, with its beautiful white houses well cared for and laden with beautifully coloured flowers and plants that give it a unique and traditional touch.

Churches, palaces, archaeological sites and a castle are also part of Yaiza’s heritage.

It has spectacular and marvellous natural spaces such as the Natural Monument Los Ajaches, the Charco de Los Clicos, the Salinas de Janubio, the unique and extraordinary Timanfaya National Park.

Photograph of the village of Yaiza, Lanzarote | Source: https://turismolanzarote.com

Monuments and sites of interest

• Church of San Marcial del Rubicón, patron saint of the village, built in the 17th century.
• Church of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios, believed to have been built in the 18th century.
• Casa de la Cultura Benito Pérez Armas, an example of the island’s architecture; it belonged to the Lanzarote-born politician and writer Benito Pérez Armas.
• Las Coloradas Castle or Torre del Águila, built in the 18th century, is considered the only defensive building in the southern part of the island.
• Archaeological Zone of San Marcial del Rubicón, which contains the remains of the first settlement built by Europeans in the Canary Islands.

Other places you should visit in Yaiza

• Timanfaya National Park, characterised by volcanic landscapes; you can take camel rides.
• Protected Landscape of La Geria, with its particular grape plantations and wineries producing wines with Designation of Origin.
• Los Ajaches Natural Monument, on its coast are the Papagayo Beaches and the Charco de Los Clicos, as well as the Janubio Salt Flats, catalogued as the largest in the Canary Islands.

Festivities and gastronomy in the village of Yaiza

On the 7th of every June, Yaiza celebrates its Patron Saint, San Marcial del Rubicón; likewise, the Fiesta de Nuestra Señora del Carmen is celebrated on the 16th of July, in Playa Blanca; San Isidro Labrador, in Uga and the Fiesta de Nuestra Señora del Rosario, in Femés.

Like all coastal towns, Yaiza’s gastronomy offers fish dishes such as sea bass, salmon, vieja and sancocho; also included are side dishes such as gofio, watercress or lentil stew; soft and cured cheeses, used in some cases for desserts.

Wines with the Lanzarote Designation of Origin must not be missing from the meals.

Photograph of the church of San Marcial del Rubicón, Yaiza.

How to get to Yaiza?

You can travel to Yaiza by bus, taking one of the routes that travel there.

If you are in Playa Blanca, you can take the bus route, travel by taxi, which is not a very expensive option, or travel in your car, following the directions on the map.

Where to surf in Lanzarote?

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced surfer, Lanzarote is the best place to practice this sport.

There are many surf schools along the coasts of the island, with expert instructors to teach you or your children the art of getting on a board to conquer the waves.

Caleta de Famara is home to the best surf school in Lanzarote, Calima Surf School, where you will be welcomed and taught everything you want to learn about this wonderful sport full of excitement and adrenaline.