Lanzarote’s south coast feels otherworldly. I love how this route pairs the natural pools at Los Charcones with real coastal lava scenery, so you get that rare mix of calm water and wild shoreline in one morning. One thing to think about: it runs only in good weather, and parts of the day involve walking on uneven volcanic ground.

I also really like the food-and-wine rhythm. You get a Canarian tapas brunch with wine, then a quick stop for more tapas at a classic Yaiza spot, before heading into La Geria for a free winery tasting. The guide, Lola, keeps the day playful and moving, with plenty of local stories that help the geology and farming make sense.

Key points to know before you go

• Hotel-door pickup keeps the day stress-free, especially when you start early in the south.
• Los Charcones is built for slow soaking: calm patches and lava-driven pools where you can just relax.
• Janubio salts combine a mirador view with a close-up look at the lagoons, plus time to browse natural Janubio salts.
• Playa del Janubio is a short walk on a black beach where olivine rocks show up in green (and sometimes red).
• A tapas-and-wine break is included, plus extra tapas time at the Yaiza Tapas Bar.
• La Geria winery stop includes a tasting, and you can add a second wine if you want to.

Los Charcones natural pools: soaking where lava meets calm sea

This tour starts with Los Charcones, and it’s a good opener because it immediately sets Lanzarote’s theme: lava first, ocean second, and the result is calm-water pockets. This part of the island is ringed by beaches that can feel almost untouched, with the kind of conditions where the sea smooths out enough to form natural pools and puddles along the shore.

You’ll spend about 2 hours 30 minutes here, which is longer than most “photo-stop” beach moments. That extra time matters. If you’re the type who wants to actually sit and soak, you get the breathing room to do it without feeling rushed. If your idea of a beach day is more about short walks and lingering views, it works too.

Practical note: even though it’s called a natural-pool experience, you’re still dealing with ocean dynamics. Bring a swimsuit if you plan to get in, and bring shoes you’re comfortable on for slick rock near water. If the seas are rough (and the operator requires good weather), you may need to shift from soaking to just enjoying the scenery.

Janubio salt lagoons from the Mirador to the waterline

Next comes Las Salinas de Janubio, and this is where the south route turns from “pretty beach” to “how the island worked.” From the Mirador de Las Salinas de Janubio, you get the big picture: the salt flats sit in a lagoon formed by volcanic activity, with a lava barrier creating a sheltered zone in front of the sea.

Then you go down to see the lagoons closer and you’ll also pass a shop where you can buy natural Janubio salts. Even if you don’t buy anything, it helps to see how the place functions beyond the postcard view. The salt flats are described as the largest in the Canary Islands and an important cultural and architectural site.

What I like here is the contrast. You’ve got a black-beach setting created by nature, and then the white of salt that was once essential to Lanzarote’s economy. That story is easier to picture once you’re actually looking at the layout, not just reading about it.

Time is short at this stop—about 40 minutes—but it’s enough to get the viewpoint, walk around the lagoon area, and understand what you’re seeing. If you prefer slow travel, do your slowing down in the mirador photo zone and keep the close-up walk brisk.

Playa del Janubio black beach and the olivine rocks

After the salt, you’ll go to Playa del Janubio, the black beach, which feels like a totally different planet. This is where the tour leans hard into Lanzarote’s geology: you can spot large lava rocks with precious green stones called olivina (olivine). Depending on how the light hits the rock and how it cooled, you might also see hints of fiery red.

There’s about 40 minutes here. That’s the right length for a beach stroll without turning the day into a long grind. The walk is meant to be relaxing, and the whole point is to hunt for those color clues in the rock while enjoying the contrast between dark sand, rock textures, and the foam line where the sea meets shore.

If you go in expecting a sandy beach with easy footing, adjust expectations. This is volcanic terrain. I’d keep it simple: comfy sandals or shoes with grip, sunglasses, and a light layer if there’s wind off the water.

Also, if you’re someone who loves “small finds,” this is one of the more fun stops on the itinerary. The olivine look is subtle until you start noticing patterns—then it’s all you see.

Yaiza Tapas Bar stop: included brunch, plus a real meal moment

The tour’s food schedule is one of the best values in the day. You’ll have an included meal at a stop described as the Stop de Yaiza Tapas Bar, where you can eat tapas and recharge.

There’s 1 hour allotted for this, and it’s not just snacks. The tapas are described as recipes from 1890, which gives the meal a sense of continuity instead of feeling like standard tourist fare. You’ll also have house wines listed as Malvasía Volcánica.

This is where I think the tour earns its price. For many Lanzarote day trips, food is either not included or it’s minimal. Here, you’re already getting a Canarian tapas brunch with wine, and then you get another dedicated meal block at Yaiza. You’re less likely to spend the whole day hunting for places to eat, which is a big deal in a place where the best coastal spots don’t always make lunch easy.

One more practical point: the vehicle includes a water cooler for the day. You’ll still want to hydrate, especially on the south coast, but that small detail helps.

La Geria wine country: how volcanic ash shapes the vines

The final stretch is La Geria, and it’s arguably the most visual “Lanzarote only” area on the route. This is the wine zone where farmers built an ingenious system: they plant vines and cover them with volcanic ash, which helps protect the plants while shaping the look of the fields.

You’ll spend about 1 hour at La Geria. The tour includes access to visit the wineries, and the tasting is free as part of what’s included. One line to watch: you can choose additional tasting if you want a second wine, and that can cost between 2 and 5€ per person. The first tasting is covered in the tour price.

Why this stop is worth it is simple. La Geria isn’t just about tasting wine. It’s also about seeing how a harsh setting can be turned into a working agricultural system. Once you’ve seen those ash-covered zones and the way the ground is shaped, the wine makes more sense in context.

If wine isn’t your top priority, it still pays to go. The setting is visually memorable, and the free tasting gives you an easy way to participate without turning the day into a long alcohol session.

Price and logistics for a 6-hour south Lanzarote loop

The price is $155.68 per person for about 6 hours. That’s not “cheap,” but it can feel fair because a lot of the day’s friction is handled for you: hotel-door pickup, a structured route across several of the island’s most iconic south points, and multiple food moments.

Here’s what helps the value math:

• Food and drink are included: a Canarian tapas brunch with wine, plus the tapas stop at Yaiza with included items.
• The main sights you’re visiting are listed as free admission for the stops included in the itinerary.
• La Geria tasting is included (and any extra second wine has a small add-on cost).

You’re also traveling with a guide in English, and this is set up as a private tour/activity, meaning it’s only your group. That can make a big difference if you want questions answered without waiting your turn.

Timing is also reasonable for a south-coast day. The stops are long enough to feel real—especially Los Charcones—without becoming a full-on all-day marathon. This is the kind of itinerary I’d pick when I want variety in one shot: pools, salts, black beach geology, tapas, and wine fields.

One possible downside to keep in mind: because the tour is structured, you’re still on a schedule. If you fall in love with one specific stop and want more time there, you won’t have that much flexibility.

What to pack for Los Charcones, black sand, and La Geria

Even with a well-paced plan, Lanzarote’s south route rewards smart packing. I’d plan for volcanic footing and sea-side weather shifts.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes you trust on uneven rock near the water.
• Swimwear and a small towel if you want to enjoy the natural pools at Los Charcones.
• Sunscreen and sunglasses, since you’ll be outdoors at multiple points.
• A light layer if wind picks up around the black beach.

If you’re picky about keeping your day smooth, also consider a small bag you can keep with you during short walks at the salinas and beach.

Should you book this south Lanzarote tour?

I’d book it if you want a one-day hit of Lanzarote’s south without building a route yourself. The mix is strong: Los Charcones natural pools, Las Salinas de Janubio, the black beach olivine look, a serious tapas moment in Yaiza, and a La Geria tasting that’s included.

This tour also fits well if you like a guide who keeps things fun and grounded in what you’re actually standing in. Lola runs the day with energy, and that matters when the scenery is so unusual that it’s easy to just look without understanding.

Skip it if you want a slow, freeform beach day or if you dislike walking on volcanic surfaces. Also, because it depends on good weather, keep an eye on the conditions and plan for flexibility in your schedule.

If you’re aiming for value, this one has it: multiple inclusions (food, wine, tastings, water in the car) paired with stops that are the real deal. For a compact south loop, it’s hard to beat.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the tour?

It runs for about 6 hours.

Is pickup included?

Yes. Pickup is offered from the door of your hotel. If you prefer another nearby pickup point, you can arrange it by WhatsApp when booking.

What language is the tour in?

The tour is offered in English.

What’s included with the food and drinks?

You get a Canarian tapas brunch with wine included, plus tapas at the Yaiza Tapas Bar stop. A water cooler is also available in the car for the day.

Is wine tasting in La Geria included?

The La Geria winery tasting is included (free). If you choose a second wine, it costs between 2 and 5€ per person.

Are the entrance tickets included?

Admission tickets are listed as free for the Los Charcones, Janubio salt flats viewing, and the Janubio beach portions. The winery tasting at La Geria is also included as part of the visit.

Is the tour private?

Yes. It’s set up as a private tour/activity, so only your group participates.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Do I need a physical ticket?

No. You’ll use a mobile ticket. Confirmation is provided at the time of booking.