Private Lanzarote Tour Review: Is It Worth It?

So, you’re thinking about doing a private customized tour of Lanzarote? It’s almost certainly something a lot of folks consider when planning a trip there. Yet, with lots of different ways to see this volcanic island, figuring out if a personal tour is a great choice can feel just a bit overwhelming. Basically, I want to share a closer look at my time on one of these trips, so too you can figure out if it is a good fit for you. Is that cool?

Why Go Private in Lanzarote Anyway?

When it comes to seeing places, there are always lots of options, right? Big bus tours are there. Renting a car is also an option. Yet, sometimes you want a tour experience that’s just…different. One of the biggest perks is that you call the shots, in a way. Want to spend an extra hour checking out a local market or skip a certain tourist trap? That’s possible. Plus, your guide’s attention is fully on you. The guide gets to know what you like and makes changes as needed.

It’s also about seeing more than just what’s in the guidebook, I feel. That secret spot that only the locals know? Maybe they’ll take you there. That amazing restaurant off the beaten path? Also very likely. The idea of a personal tour really brings this to reality. Instead of seeing the sights through a bus window, you get to become fully involved. This makes memories that you’ll hold for quite some time.

Picking the Right Tour

Ok, not all tours are the same, of course. One company may highlight visiting vineyards (which, by the way, I can’t really help you with!), while another might stick to seeing just the volcanoes and geological features. You will need to be just a bit careful with what to expect. Look closely at what is included, is that OK?

So too, do some looking into your guides. Local guides are often the better option because they have an understanding of the island. Look for reviews that speak about how kind and helpful they seem. Is that guide just taking you from Point A to Point B, or does that guide truly offer insight into the local stories and culture?

My Personal Tour: A Story

As a matter of fact, I ended up choosing a tour that promised a mix of nature and culture. Basically, it was awesome. Our guide, whose name was Elena, seemed just awesome from the start. Elena greeted us right at our hotel with an air-conditioned van. The plan was Timanfaya National Park first, and then some surprise stops around the island.

Now, Timanfaya is a must, alright? It’s so similar to being on another planet with the volcanic soil and views that look endless. Of course, the park’s bus tour is great, yet being with Elena meant we got explanations along the way, is that great or what? She told us some stories about the volcanoes and how they shaped pretty much the whole island. The big highlight? We got to see a demonstration of the earth’s heat as the staff poured water into the ground, causing an instant geyser. Pretty awesome, really!

Anyway, after Timanfaya, she took us to a local restaurant. So too, the restaurant wasn’t in any of the tourist guides, just a spot where locals were eating, in fact. I remember having the freshest seafood and trying “papas arrugadas,” the wrinkled potatoes, which I never really would have tried on my own. Seriously, I had a culinary moment!

Another memorable moment came when Elena pulled over at this lookout spot. This spot wasn’t on any map, you see, it seemed! We got some amazing views of the coastline and this little village nestled in the hills. We even walked down there and visited with a local artist who invited us into her studio. Stuff like this? That’s something you just don’t experience with the standard tours, you see.

Cost Vs. Reward

Now, let’s talk about cost, right? No hiding the fact here: a personal tour is probably going to cost you more than joining a bus. Anyway, it is all about balancing what you get with what you’re ready to pay, is that not right?

Is that OK for me to say it all depends on how much you care about making changes, really getting into the culture, and avoiding the big crowds? To me, the added expense was pretty justifiable. I feel like I really got to know Lanzarote. Just seeing things at my own pace? Talking personally with a local? Pretty valuable. If you have a smaller budget, maybe this really isn’t the option for you. Still, if you’re willing to invest just a bit more for something more special, you just may find it worthwhile.

Making the Most of Your Tour

First thing, is that alright if I suggest doing a bit of homework. Have an idea of what you want to see and what you really care about. Provide the tour provider with a list before time, is that right?

Second thing, try and chat, will you? Ask questions. Actually be present with the person that’s guiding you. The more involved you become, is that so, the better the overall tour.

Last thing, and just a little thing to note here: don’t schedule too much, you see. Allow a bit of free time to change as you go. Some of the best tour parts were random stuff that we didn’t expect, like stopping at a roadside market because we showed interest in something, alright?

Is a Private Lanzarote Tour Right for You?

Alright, is a personal customized tour the move to make? In a way, it really all boils down to the type of travel style you favor. To me, a private tour of Lanzarote is that option. It’s that experience that allows you to make memories and also lets you have insights that you just don’t find in any tourist guide.

Key considerations: