A geometric patchwork of peach, tan, blue, and white saltpans sit beside a half moon lagoon, each a different color depending on the stage of production in salt making. Salinas de Janubio is one of the last salt flats on the island, since the invention of the refrigerator shifted the way to preserve your fish on Lanzarote.
Once upon a time, 10,000 tons of salt were produced a year here and the facility worked using wind power. Today electric pumps haul just 2,000 tons of salt per year. You can catch a view from the highway in multiple locations, or head down to Janubio Beach for a closer look – and some sunbathing.
Nearby:
Entering town you are greeted by Playa de El Golfo, a perilous ocean on the northern face of 
This beach is not famous for its sandy shores or a dip in the sea, but for its extraterrestrial emerald pool El Lago Verde. Just a short walk, less than a quarter mile, you will reach the green lagoon – but along the way the scenery is stunning.
El Golfo’s fiery past created this landscape, a half submerged volcanic cone which has been eroded over time by the fierce coastline, revealing deep maroon and olivine colors.
At the end of the path there is a platform overlooking the intense image of contrast.
The lagoon is so deeply green due to the Ruppia-Maritima algae phytoplankton which blossom in the filtered salt water, connected to the sea through an underground passageway. Also referred to as Charco de Los Clicos, a kind of shellfish that once thrived in the lagoon – which were lost when tortoises were released in the lagoon. You can view the water from the beach as well, but note that it is roped off for protection of this unique natural site. Following the path from the other side of the parking lot, passing by the restaurant, leads to an overlook of town.
Make sure to pop in to one of the many restaurants for a lunch or dinner, there is nothing like eating fresh seafood beside the sea. Restaurante El Caleton is at the edge of town, you can easily walk there from the parking lot or find a free spot closer by.
Seating is available inside, outside under a canopy, or across the street a couple of tables sit right next to the crashing waves. There is nothing more atmospheric than watching the sun go down, unobstructed, over your meal.
We started with gofio, excited to see that the authentic Canarian item was on the menu.
It had a hearty stuffing like texture lightened with fresh herbs, served warm with raw onion to scoop.
Our waiter brought over a whole plate full of gorgeous fresh catches and suggested that we split one as our main course.
Prepared simply to let the flavor shine, this fish flakes off the bone and melts in your mouth. 
Paired with a light salad, some papas arrugadas, and the most mouthwatering mojo sauce. The verde was enhanced with garlic, and the rojo a hint of pimento. It was a meal to remember.
Fun fact: El Lago Verde was featured in many movies: The Broken Embraces with Penelope Cruz, A Million Years Ago, by Don Chaffey, and Enemy featuring Dennis Quaid.
There it cooled in an instant, coupled with erosion from the battering of fierce powerful Atlantic Ocean waves over almost 300 years, a most spectacular scene was born.
Los Hervideros translates to the boiling pots, and visiting during high tide or when the moon is full the rugged coastline will put on a show.
Take the short walk no more than a half-mile to explore the labyrinth path delightfully designed by artist César Manrique.
Watch as the waves pile in to the underwater sea caves, carving them deeper and deeper with each day.
Discover balconies with the best vistas overlooking blowholes, whose choppy churning water smashes against rock walls, giving the site its name.
In the distance colorful mountains dot the horizon, beckoning a closer look.
The most vibrant of them all is the red volcano Montaña Bermeja standing 367 feet tall, not to be confused with a mountain that shares the same name on neighboring islet La Graciosa.
A parking lot just one minute down the road sits at the base of this mountain and across the street is scenic black sand cove, Playa Montaña Bermeja . Being so close to the road, the beach is very accessible and a great spot for sunbathing, but not so much for swimming due to its strong current. It is a small stretch of sand and at its northern most reaches there are craggy volcanic pillars reaching out of the sea.
With the conglomeration of red mountains, black lava, and blue sea – this area is a carousel for the senses.
Rain is a rarity, perfect for vacation goers to enjoy their time outside in the warm year round temperatures. Volcanic in origin, Lanzarote has 300 cones dotting its surface – many of which have hiking trails around them. The rough lava landscape and lack of rain makes growing crops an arduous process, a look around a vineyard on this island is very unique.
Lanzarote is the perfect island to choose for a laid back vacation to the archipelago.
+Eat seafood beside the sea at Restaurante El Caleton
Hikes
+Join the crowds for a view at the top of the crater Montana Roja de Playa Blanca
+Timanfaya National Park is a main attraction, but you can’t walk in it! Visiting is done from within a sightseeing bus with paid admission. Luckily, there is Los Volcanes Natural Park perfectly adjacent to it with similar views, and excellent hiking trails.
Try the rainbow colored Montana Colorada or the foreboding Montaña del Cuervo trail.
Restaurants
+La Cabaña Macher Restaurante in Macher for fresh seafood
Sights
+Monumento al Campesino is in the center of the island, sculpted by César Manrique
Closest Island: Fuerteventura
Though the territory belongs to Spain, the islands are closest to Morocco and have a subtropical climate, meaning you can have a European vacation wearing shorts and a t-shirt all year long!
There are seven main islands in the archipelago: Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro, along with a few smaller islets.
Truly a hikers paradise, perfect for the beach bum, a find for foodies, rife with archeological sites, and boasts a nightlife scene. Anyone and everyone would fall in love with the islands…but in the two weeks spent there this November into December, I didn’t run into one other American!
So over the next few weeks I will be introducing the Canaries revealing highlights to those who aren’t familiar with them, and hidden gems for those looking to visit again.
+Fuerteventura is the oldest of the islands and very much a desert, there are many windmills which once harnessed the strong Sahara trade winds.
+Gran Canaria is known as a continent in miniature due to its diverse climates, this island holds the most populated city of the archipelago .
+Tenerife is the largest and most populated island where Mount Teide is located, the tallest point in Spain at 12,198 feet.
Getting to & around the Canaries:
Islands such as Gran Canaria and Tenerife have thrilling mountain roads that are very narrow at times, those daring enough will be rewarded with the most breathtaking views.
There are some destinations that require driving on dirt roads (Example: Papayago Beach on Lanzarote & Cofete Beach on Fuerteventura) – be sure your rental insurance is covered for this before venturing off. Note that wearing flip-flops to drive might get you a ticket, so always don proper footwear. If you are island hopping, companies will not insure you from island to island.
Also, you must return your car to the original island where you rented it (but not necessarily the same office) – so since it is so easy to rent a car on the Canaries, I rented in four different locations and it really didn’t consume much time at all.
From Lanzarote to Fuerteventura the voyage was just a few minutes in calm sea. From Fuerteventura to Gran Canaria the journey was rockier, sitting in the back of the boat and laying down can help to avoid seasickness. Do book directly from their website, as second party websites may not be legitimate. You will need a valid passport to board the ferry.
Language and currency:
That being said, just like anywhere else you do not want to leave valuables in your car – and always be aware of your surroundings. The currency of the islands is Euro and most places take all major credit cards.
+As the country is Spanish, tapas are another sure fire hit.
+Guachinches found on Tenerife are known for their homemade wine and traditional food, many take cash only.
+GoogleTranslates is a lifesaver for conversing with a language barrier
If a day of opulent relaxation is what you are looking for, this is your place. Current 2019 prices range from $57-$98 for your basic package, depending on the time of day. There are plenty of additional spa treatements, you can dine at one of the restaurants on site, or stay overnight at the hotel.
Availability fills up sometimes days or weeks in advance, so a bit of planning is recommended. The mineral rich water stays 102°F all year round and is said to do wonders for your skin.
You may be bathing with celebrities such as Björk and Beyoncé, everyone is enchanted by this place.
I chose to skip a day at the spa, because I had many days to explore the country and enjoyed an array of wonderful hot springs. However, I couldn’t leave Iceland without taking a peek at one of its most treasured icons.
There is a walking path that showcases the milky blue water against the lava landscape formed in the year 1226, free for the public to explore.
The trail is no more than a half mile, but ever so lovely, especially at sunrise before all of the visitors have arrived.
Good to know:
Throughout the ages repeated eruptions have occurred in this area located on the 
From 1722-1728, and then again in the 19th century, sulfur deposits were mined here for the production of gunpowder.
In 1845 scientist Robert Bunsen (known for the Bunsen burner) visited the site and hypothesized the formation of sulphuric acid in nature.
A wooden walkway no more than half a mile circles the hot springs providing a safe vantage point for visitors to admire the deep hues of the mineral rich soil.
The loop gains a mild amount of elevation, but those looking for a more difficult hike can continue off the path and make use of the chains that climb the mountainside.
Krýsuvík consists of many geothermal sites, so it may also be referred to as Seltún.
Good to know:
+Near the geothermal area the Krýsuvíkurberg Cliffs are a beautiful place to hike, during the right season filled with nesting sea birds
+While driving to or from the site, you will pass Iceland’s largest lake Kleifarvatn
The lighthouse is one of thirteen in the Southern Peninsula due to its treacherous ocean conditions, erected in 1956.
First it was painted white, but in 1964 it received a makeover with its current sunny shade. Located in an industrial area near the Icelandic Silicon Corporation, while the GoogleMaps coordinates are correct it took a few drive-bys with certain areas closed off to traffic to find this spot!
Persistence paid off and seemed to keep others at bay, no one else was around to share the delightful coastline. You cannot enter the lighthouse, but the grounds are free to roam.
Egilsdóttir has been writing books about a friendly four hundred years old giant, 16 feet tall with eyes the size of footballs since 1959. The story goes that the giant hadn’t spoken to a soul in so long, she forgot her name. One day upon the discovery of shoe belonging to a six year old named Sigga, a friendship blossomed and then the acceptance into the community at large, along with the adoration of Icelandic readers hearts. You can find her not far from Keflavík International Airport, beside a beautiful harbor.
This is a wonderful spot to look for waterfowl, including puffins and razorbills…and even whales such as orca and minke.
Just follow the gigantic footsteps if you have any doubt of where to go, only a few feet away from the road.
You must stop for a photo op, a face in hole cut out makes for a silly memory.
In 2008 a group of artists called Norðanbál created a 150 sq.m cave with an enormous folksy giant inside!
She sits on a chair in the kitchen with her big buck teeth sticking out as a most prominent feature!
Popular with local families, the giant’s gentle heart persuades children to give up their pacifiers and hang them on a tree.
Good to know:
+This is a free activity
A major fissure caused by diverging plates drops 30 feet into a wide sandy crack, seemingly stable for now. The drift isn’t happening at an alarming rate, just 2 cm a year – though in 100 years the country will be 6½ feet larger. What will the Bridge Between Continents look like then?
Leif Erikson was the Icelandic explorer credited as the first European to set foot upon North America soil – he made his voyage in a longboat 1,000 years ago. Due to this connection, the site is also referred to as Leif the Lucky’s Bridge. If you’re looking for an inexpensive and quirky souvenir to bring home head to the Reykjanes information center and pick up a certificate commemorating your epic journey.