Visit Yaiza
Yaiza is a village on the island of Lanzarote in the Canary Islands. It lies inland on the south west of the island about halfway between the coast to the north and the coast to the south.
Explore Yaiza
Yaiza is a small village on the south-eastern edge of the Timanfaya National Park and its Mountains of Fire. Indeed it is so close that back in the 1700s when the volcanoes were very active Yaiza lay directly in the path of the lava.
Many neighbouring towns were consumed by the lava but as it approached Zaiza the lava flow split. One stream went towards Uga and the other towards Playa Blanca. Zaiza, in the middle escaped unharmed.
Yaiza sits amid this weird luna landscape and its white-washed buildings and pretty squares are little changed since the days it escaped the volcanoes. Its church, the Nuestro Senora de los Remedios dates back to the 17th century and contains a statue of the Madonna which is reputed to sometimes be lit by a strange blue glow.
Residents of Yaiza have planted their streets with colourful displays and set against the white buildings and volcanic scenery the effect is very attractive.So much so that Yaitza has won a "prettiest village in Spain" accolade a couple of times.
Zaiza has a number of shops and restaurants and also a number of art galleries displaying works by both local and international artists. Also to visit is the church of Nuestra Senora de los Remedios with its simple style dating back to the 17th century.
At Christmas time Yaiza sets up a large "Belen" or Nativity scene, with miniatures of different places around Lanzarote island including Playa Blanca, Timanfaya and Arrecife. Hidden amongst the miniature settings is a figure of a man defecating and finding this is considered to be good luck!
Close to Yaiza are some of Lanzarote's best beaches. Playa Quemada is a lovely sandy beach and the Papagayo coves with their white sand are very pretty.
Places to visit near Yaiza
Near to Yaiza is El Golfo which is a beautiful natural lake which has formed in the crater of a volcano. The lake is a beautiful green colour.
The eerie landscape of Timanfaya National Park is well worth spending some time exploring.
Playa Blanca sits to the south of Yaiza and is a popular resort. Once a small fishing village this is now a bustling resort.
You can find more local travel ideas in the Lanzarote guide and the Eastern Canary Islands guide.
Map of Yaiza and places to visit
Yaiza places to visit
Timanfaya National Park
The Parque Nacional de Timanfaya in the Mountanas de Fuego or Fire Mountains are eerily beautiful. At the entrance you can take a camel ride up a volcanic slope.
Timanfaya National Park guide
Puerto del Carmen
Puerto del Carmen is the most popular of Lanzarote's resorts. It has an attractive old town and harbour.
Puerto del Carmen guide
Playa Blanca
Playa Blanca is a small fishing village which has been expanded into a family based resort.
Playa Blanca guide
Lanzarote
Lanzarote with its volcanic landscape is the most unusual of the Eastern Canary Islands.
Lanzarote guide
Teguise
Teguise was the island's capital until 1852. It has some very attractive buildings. Visit the town on Suday, market day.
Teguise guide
Costa Teguise
Costa Teguise is a purpose built resort near the island's old capital, Teguise. It is one of the best resorts on Lanzarote.
Costa Teguise guide...or see all our recommended places to visit in Eastern Canary Islands