Visit Teguise and Get Lost in Lanzarote’s Coolest Time Capsule

Imagine strolling past whitewashed villas, volcanic ridges in the distance, and the soft sound of Spanish guitar floating out of a 17th-century convent. That’s the daily vibe in Villa de Teguise, the island’s ex-capital and current capital of cool. Here, Sundays mean market madness (in the best way), where you’ll lose track of time haggling over handmade crafts and sipping local wine. Speaking of wine, this is the perfect jump-off point for a Canary Island wine tour. Think volcanic soils, bold flavors, and cellars hidden behind cactus-lined walls. Add in a castle on a hill, ancient legends, and a quick hop to the breezy beaches of Costa Teguise, and you’ve got a destination that blends history, sunshine, and wine-soaked magic like nowhere else.

What are the best things to do in Teguise?

Discover the historic center

You’ll find cobbled streets lined with whitewashed houses, cute little shops, and local spots serving up traditional Canarian food. It’s one of the oldest towns in the Canary Islands, but it doesn’t feel stuck in the past. Instead, it’s full of charm, with just the right mix of history, art, and that relaxed island vibe that makes wandering around a total pleasure.

Visit the Castillo de Santa Bárbara

Want to feel like a pirate without the seasickness? Head up to the Castillo de Santa Bárbara, perched on Montaña Guanapay. This 16th-century fortress once kept Lanzarote safe from real-life corsairs, and now it tells all the juicy tales inside its Museum of Piracy. The history is cool, but the views? Even better. On a clear day, you can spot La Graciosa in the distance and take in sweeping scenes of La Villa and Famara. It’s a quick climb for a serious payoff.

Immerse yourself in the sunday market

On Sundays, sleepy little Teguise wakes up with a bang, and by bang, we mean the island’s most famous market. The Teguise Market turns the village into a swirl of colors, music, and mouthwatering aromas. From local cheeses to handcrafted pottery, organic veggies to artisan wine, this is where Lanzarote’s soul shows up to party. Grab a snack, sip some local vino, and dance your way through centuries-old streets. It’s part shopping spree, part cultural deep dive, and 100% worth the Sunday detour.

Admire the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Right in the heart of La Villa, the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe stands like a quiet storyteller, and trust us, she’s seen some things. Built in the 15th century and rebuilt after pirate raids and fires (yes, really), this whitewashed beauty still holds onto its carved wooden ceilings and historic artwork. Pop inside for a moment of calm, and to feel the centuries of faith, fire, and resilience packed into these old stones. It’s not just a church, it’s the soul of Teguise.

Feel the breeze at Caleta de Famara

A short drive from Teguise, Caleta de Famara is your golden ticket to unplug and play. Backed by dramatic cliffs and kissed by Atlantic waves, this wild beach is a paradise for surfers, dreamers, and anyone ready to trade plans for ocean breeze. It’s not polished or posh, and that’s exactly the point. Come for the surf, stay for the sunsets, and leave with salty hair and a full heart.

Marvel at the traditional windmill of Teguise

Just outside La Villa, a beautifully preserved windmill spins you right back to Lanzarote’s farming roots. Surrounded by moon-like hills and sunbaked plains, it’s more than just a pretty photo op, it’s a quiet reminder of island life before the tourists arrived. Stop by, snap a few pics, and soak in the old-school Canarian charm that still hums in the breeze.

Relax in the seaside charm of Costa Teguise

Just 15 km from the old capital, Costa Teguise is where beach life meets island soul. This laid-back resort town has it all , golden sand, crystal-clear waters, and enough sunshine to make your shoulders drop in relief. Stroll through Pueblo Marinero (thank you, César Manrique!), grab some grilled fish with your toes in the sand, or just do nothing at all. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, in the best way possible.

What are the best things to do around Teguise?

Visit the wine region of La Geria

Just a 30-minute cruise from Teguise lands you in La Geria, Lanzarote’s most surreal wine country. Picture vineyards growing out of black volcanic ash, each vine cradled in its own lava-stone nest. It’s wild, it’s beautiful, and yes, it’s delicious. This is where the island’s iconic Malvasía wine is born. Pop into a few boutique bodegas for tastings, chats with local winemakers, and epic views that pair perfectly with every sip. If you’re into scenic drives and sipping under the sun, La Geria is your kind of detour.

Discover Lanzarote’s legendary volcanic winery

If you’re looking for a wine experience with serious wow-factor, El Grifo is the place. Set in the lunar-like vineyards of La Geria, this is the oldest winery in the Canary Islands, and trust us, it knows how to impress. Picture sipping crisp Malvasía wine surrounded by black volcanic soil and ancient vines, some planted over 200 years ago. You can tour the vineyard, explore a charming wine museum, and relax on a sunny terrace with local cheese and award-winning rosé. It’s got heritage, it’s got flavor, and it’s the perfect break from the beach scene. A must-stop for any wine lover in Lanzarote.

A sunset toast in the heart of Lanzarote’s wine country

Just a 30‑minute spin from Teguise, Finca Testeina by Vega de Yuco blends volcanic flair with laid-back island charm. Nestled at the foot of the Testeina volcano, this historic (16th‑century!) finca invites you to wander through black‑ash vineyards, sip two crisp organic wines, and savor handmade island chocolates as the sun dips behind La Geria’s lunar landscape. The vibe? Pure magic. Half modern tasting room, half rustic paradise, it’s the kind of place that makes you pause, to breathe, to taste, and maybe even to let time melt away.

Walk to the charming village of Haría

Located about 20 minutes north of the old town of Teguise, Haría feels like a quiet dream , the kind with whitewashed houses, palm trees swaying overhead, and mountain views that stop you in your tracks. This village is a lush oasis in Lanzarote’s wild north, perfect for a stroll through cobbled lanes, browsing the local art gallery, or visiting the late César Manrique’s home-turned-museum. It’s not just a detour; it’s a reset button. Grab a coffee, slow down, and let Haría work its magic.

Head to the epic caves of Jameos del Agua

Approximately 35 minutes from Teguise, Jameos del Agua is Lanzarote’s coolest underground secret, literally. Born from volcanic eruptions and reimagined by local legend César Manrique, this lava cave is now home to a dreamy lagoon, sleek restaurant, and a concert hall that’s seriously next level. Part of the same volcanic tunnel as Cueva de los Verdes, it’s where art, nature, and that classic Canarian flair collide. UNESCO gave it a cultural nod, and once you’re standing in the glow of the turquoise pool, you’ll get why.

Unwind in style in Puerto Del Carmen

Head down to Puerto Del Carmen, just 25 minutes south of Teguise, and soak up Lanzarote’s liveliest coastal energy. Once a humble fishing village, it’s now the island’s go-to spot for beach lovers, foodies, and anyone craving good vibes with an ocean view. Stroll down the palm-lined Avenida de las Playas, pick your perfect stretch of golden sand, then dive into fresh seafood or sunset cocktails at one of the many buzzing beachfront spots.

Here’s our latest guide and discover our best tips on the things to do in Puerto delete Carmen!

Dive into local life in Arrecife

Set your sights on Arrecife, the island’s capital and a vibrant mix of old charm and seaside cool. Just 20 minutes from Teguise, this coastal city is perfect for a day of wandering between whitewashed streets, waterfront cafés, and colorful fishing boats. Start with a stroll around Charco de San Ginés, a dreamy lagoon where the locals sip coffee and watch the world go by. Pop into boutiques, art galleries, and markets that keep the city buzzing, then top it off with tapas and a glass of local wine by the marina. Arrecife may be the island’s beating heart, but it still knows how to keep things slow, sunny, and wonderfully laid-back.

Craving culture, coastlines, and a splash of local charm? Let the island’s underrated capital surprise you, check out the best things to do in Arrecife.

Fall in love with the wild side of Lanzarote

Think moonlike landscapes, white villages kissed by the sun, and vineyards growing out of black volcanic soil, you got Lanzarote. This Canary Island beauty is made for the curious: hike through Timanfaya’s fiery terrain, dive into César Manrique’s dreamy creations, or sip crisp Malvasía in a lava-walled bodega. Every corner feels like a postcard, every beach invites a barefoot adventure, and every sunset makes you wish you’d booked a few more days. From wild surf towns to sleepy inland gems like Teguise, Lanzarote balances chill island life with a bold, artistic spirit you’ll want to bottle up and take home.

Ready to turn your island daydreams into a real-life adventure? Dive into our ultimate guide to things to do in Lanzarote!

Good to Know before visiting Teguise