Salinas de Janubio
Explore the largest salt pans in the Canary Islands, a unique landscape of vibrant colors and traditional salt production.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour light
Salinas de Janubio
Best Time
Golden hour light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the largest salt pans in the Canary Islands, a unique landscape of vibrant colors and traditional salt production.
"An interesting visit with a knowledgeable guide, offering a fascinating glimpse into Lanzarote's heritage. "
🚗 Car is a must!
You'll need a car to get here. It's free to visit the salt flats themselves.
🚶♀️ Guided Tours Recommended
Take a guided tour to truly understand the salt production process and history.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Evaporation Ponds
Main salt pans
Witness the mesmerizing geometric patterns of salt pans in various stages of evaporation, creating a surreal landscape of pinks, whites, and blues.
Salt Production Process
Visitor center and guided tours
Learn about the traditional, natural methods of sea salt extraction and processing, a fascinating glimpse into Lanzarote's heritage.
Playa del Janubio
Adjacent to the salt flats
Experience the dramatic beauty of this black sand beach, formed by volcanic activity and framed by the unique salt works.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Salinas de Janubio
Getting to the Salt Flats
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Car is a must!
You'll need a car to get here. It's free to visit the salt flats themselves.
🚶♀️ Guided Tours Recommended
Take a guided tour to truly understand the salt production process and history.
🧂 Taste the Local Salt
Enjoy a tasting of local salts, often paired with tomatoes and cheese. Delicious!
📸 Perfect for Photos
The unique colors and patterns make it a photographer's dream. Bring your camera!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Car is a must!
You'll need a car to get here. It's free to visit the salt flats themselves.
🚶♀️ Guided Tours Recommended
Take a guided tour to truly understand the salt production process and history.
🧂 Taste the Local Salt
Enjoy a tasting of local salts, often paired with tomatoes and cheese. Delicious!
📸 Perfect for Photos
The unique colors and patterns make it a photographer's dream. Bring your camera!
🛍️ Salt Souvenirs
Buy fresh, additive-free sea salt directly from the gift shop.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Salinas de Janubio for its unique natural beauty and the fascinating insight it provides into traditional salt production. Guides are frequently highlighted for their knowledge and passion, making the tours highly informative and enjoyable. The salt tasting experience is also a popular highlight. Some visitors note that while the salt flats themselves are the main attraction, the surrounding black sand beach and nearby dining options add to the overall experience.
"One of only two remaining salt producing areas on the Island this was an interesting visit. We had a guide from the coach tour we were on and he was very knowledgeable. Most of the lagoons are no longer in use as the fishing industry on the island has all but faded away but there is still some salt production taking place here. The process was explained and we were walked though all the different stages of production.
There is a Gift Shop where you can buy salt and there are limited toilet facilities there as well. All in all an interesting visit!"
Michael James
"Excellent tour around the salt flats today. So interesting to hear how everything is done and see the natural salt formation. Our tour guide was really great, very knowledgeable about the whole process. We even got to sample the salt, wine and cheese that is produced locally!"
Amy Hogarth
"Viki, you absolutely made our tour today unforgettable! Your knowledge and passion for the area shone through, making every moment truly special. The salt tasting with the fresh tomatoes and local cheeses was a culinary highlight. We can't thank you enough for making this tour such a success. If we ever return to Lanzarote, we'll definitely be booking another tour with you... at 10 o'clock 😁!"
Antanas Virsutis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The best way to reach Salinas de Janubio is by car, as it's located in the Yaiza area of Lanzarote and public transport options are limited. Parking is available nearby.
Yes, there is parking available near the salt flats, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
While technically possible with pre-arranged transport or a taxi, it's highly recommended to have a car for flexibility and ease of access to Salinas de Janubio and other attractions in Lanzarote.
If you're coming from the south of Lanzarote, take the LZ-2 road and then the LZ-702 towards El Golfo. Salinas de Janubio will be on your right. If coming from the north, use the LZ-2 and then follow signs for El Golfo.
Public bus services to Salinas de Janubio are infrequent and may require transfers, making a car the most practical option for most visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Salinas de Janubio salt flats themselves are free to visit and explore from the outside. However, guided tours with salt tasting may have a fee.
Salinas de Janubio is generally accessible during daylight hours for viewing the salt pans. Specific tour times may vary, so it's best to check in advance if you plan on taking a guided tour.
No, there is no entrance fee to simply view the Salinas de Janubio from the designated viewpoints.
It's advisable to inquire about booking guided tours in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure availability and to learn about specific tour schedules.
Visitors are asked to respect the salt pans and not enter restricted areas. Stick to designated paths and viewpoints to preserve the site.
📸 📸 Photography
Late afternoon, during the golden hour, offers the most dramatic lighting for photography, highlighting the vibrant colors of the salt pans.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive salt pans, while a telephoto lens can be useful for details. A polarizing filter can enhance the colors.
Drone regulations can vary. It's essential to check local drone laws and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone over the salt flats.
The geometric patterns of the evaporation ponds, the contrast with the black sand beach, and the reflections in the water are all highly photogenic.
During guided tours, you'll have opportunities to photograph the salt harvesting and processing. Always be mindful of active work areas.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there isn't a full-service restaurant directly at the salt flats, there is a gift shop that sometimes offers local products like salt, cheese, and wine for tasting. Nearby El Golfo offers several seafood restaurants.
Yes, guided tours often include a tasting of locally produced salt, paired with fresh tomatoes and local cheeses, and sometimes local wine.
The surrounding area, particularly El Golfo, is known for its fresh seafood. You can also find traditional Canarian dishes.
There are no designated picnic areas within the salt flats, but you can find spots nearby or enjoy a picnic at Playa del Janubio.
Absolutely! The gift shop at Salinas de Janubio sells various types of locally produced sea salt, making for a unique souvenir.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Opting for a guided tour can make the visit more engaging for younger visitors, as guides often explain the process in an accessible way. Bringing snacks and water is recommended, as facilities are limited. The drive to the salt flats also offers scenic views of Lanzarote's volcanic landscapes.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim for late afternoon for the best light, and consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive views. The contrast between the salt, water, and volcanic terrain is visually stunning. Don't miss the chance to capture the unique textures and hues of the salt crystals.
🧘♀️ Wellness & Mindfulness Seekers
Some visitors find the location particularly conducive to mindfulness practices. The natural beauty and the ancient process of salt making can inspire a sense of calm and connection to the earth.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Salt Making at Salinas de Janubio
Visitors can learn about the different stages of salt production, from the initial collection of seawater into large ponds to the gradual concentration and crystallization. The vibrant colors seen in the pans, ranging from deep blues and greens to pinks and whites, are a result of various microorganisms and mineral concentrations at different stages of evaporation.
Guided tours offer an in-depth look at this ancient practice. You'll walk through the ponds, see how the salt is raked and collected, and understand the historical significance of salt production for the island's economy and culture. It's a fascinating insight into a sustainable, time-honored tradition.
A Photographer's Paradise: Capturing Salinas de Janubio
Consider visiting during the 'golden hour' – the period shortly after sunrise or before sunset – for the most magical light. This is when the sun casts a warm glow over the landscape, enhancing the natural colors and creating beautiful reflections. The contrast between the white salt, the colorful water, and the surrounding volcanic landscape provides endless photographic opportunities.
Don't forget to explore the adjacent Playa del Janubio, a dramatic black sand beach formed by volcanic activity. The rugged coastline and powerful waves offer a different, yet equally captivating, photographic subject that complements the serene beauty of the salt flats.
Beyond the Salt: Exploring the Janubio Area
For dining, the nearby village of El Golfo is a must-visit. This charming fishing village is renowned for its excellent seafood restaurants, many offering tables with stunning ocean views. Enjoy fresh catches of the day while soaking in the coastal atmosphere.
Salinas de Janubio is also often included in popular Lanzarote itineraries, alongside other key attractions like Timanfaya National Park, Cuevas de los Verdes, and Jameos del Agua. This makes it easy to combine a visit to the salt flats with other must-see sights on the island.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit