When picturing volcanic landscape, you’re likely to conjure up images of ashen scenery, grey rubble and rocky terrain.
Lanzarote, known for its black lava fields, red craters and Mars-like atmosphere, is no exception – at least, not most of the time.
Following an especially rainy January on the island, the landscape has turned a vibrant green colour.
David Gainford, better known online as Mr TravelON, and based in the Canary Islands, shared a video clip of the terrain on YouTube, highlighting the altered ground.
After an unusually wet start to 2026, Lanzarote’s volcanic landscape has also sprouted purple and yellow wildflowers.
Tourists and residents are heading to the fields between Yaiza and Puerto Calero for photos, picnics and family days out – many bringing their dogs to walk in the fields.
He explains: ‘It’s not something you see here often.’
In the video, David adds: ‘Millions of people flock to Lanzarote to see the volcanos, the volcanic landscape. But at the moment, hundreds of tourists and residents alike have come down to see the landscape.
David Gainford, known as Mr TravelON, shared scenes from Lanzarote
Gone are the volcanic images the island is known for, instead being replaced with greenery
Pictured: What the volcanic landscape near Yaiza, Lanzarote, usually look like
‘Nobody wants to come on holiday and have it rain, do they? But the Canary Islands have seen their fare share of rain this 2026, and we’re in a competition of which island is the greenest.
‘Here in Lanzarote not only have we got the grass but we’ve got these beautiful wildflowers as well. Let me show you Lanzarote with a difference.’
David says images of the newfound green grass and flowers on the terrain have gone viral on social media, luring in more people to visit.
He says: ‘The views are absolutely spectacular, stretching for miles and miles, up mountains that are usually volcanic.
‘Landscapes that are usually dusty and sandy have now turned a beautiful green with purple and yellow flowers.’
He says: ‘This is a photo that only comes around now and again.’
He explains the best views are further north in the country, with even more colours on display.
David warns he usually avoids sharing too much footage of such special scenery, in fear it will become overrun with tourists. But now, he says, it’s a one-off unique scenario, so is happy to share.
Travellers and locals – and, of course, their pooches – have enjoyed the landscape
Since the terrain is usually volcanic, any visitors should be careful when walking around in the area.
It comes after rainfall this January exceeded the total registered in the previous three years.
Heavy rains across the island made it the coldest, wettest winter in years.
While rainy weather could ruin many travellers’ holidays, it also has positive effects on the environment, especially for farmers and gardeners.
