Visiting a Beehive: A Day in the Life of Lanzarote’s Little Pollinators
Meet the Canarian Black Bee
Lanzarote is known for its otherworldly volcanic landscapes, dramatic coastlines, and year-round sunshine. But hidden among its rugged terrain, there’s another, much smaller local wonder at work—the Canarian black bee. If you're looking for a unique, nature-filled experience on the island, visiting a beehive to learn about these fascinating pollinators is an unforgettable adventure.
Unlike the more commonly known honeybees, the Canarian black bee (Apis mellifera canariensis) has adapted to the harsh conditions of the Canary Islands. With their dark colouring and remarkable resilience to Lanzarote’s dry climate, these bees play a crucial role in local biodiversity. They help pollinate native plants, ensuring the survival of Lanzarote’s unique flora despite the island’s arid conditions.
A visit to a beehive offers the chance to see these hardworking bees in action, understand their importance in maintaining the ecosystem, and even taste the golden honey they produce.
What to Expect During the Experience
This exclusive experience is designed for small groups of up to 8 people, including any chaperones or carers, and takes place at a charming finca in the north of Lanzarote. Here, a local trilingual beekeeper will welcome you and introduce you to the fascinating world of the Canarian black bee.
Over the course of 2 to 2.5 hours, you’ll learn about the intricate social structure of a beehive, how bees communicate, and the vital role they play in pollination. Of course, there will be plenty of time to ask all your burning questions!
For example, did you know…
🐝 How many bees live in a hive?
🐝 Why the phrases
“He’s just a drone” or
“A drone in the hive” are spot on?
🐝 That, despite having a “best before” label, honey never actually goes off?
Time to slip into
your protective beekeeper suit and get up close to the hive, where you can safely watch the bees at work. Listen to their gentle hum, feel the intricate texture of a honeycomb, and see if you can spot the queen bee. If you'd rather not get too close, that’s absolutely fine—you can observe from a distance and simply soak up the tranquil atmosphere of the finca.
🍯 Taste Lanzarote’s Liquid Gold
One of the highlights of the experience is sampling fresh, locally produced honey. The honey from the Canarian black bee is known for its rich, floral flavour, influenced by the unique plants and wildflowers growing in Lanzarote’s volcanic soil.
You’ll also have the chance to try a variety of other Canarian honeys, each with its own distinct texture and taste—so you can decide for yourself which one is your favourite.
Who Is This Experience For?
This beekeeping experience is ideal for:
🌿 Nature lovers who want to discover a different side of Lanzarote
🌿 Families looking for an educational and interactive activity
🌿 Eco-conscious travellers interested in sustainability and biodiversity
🌿 Foodies who want to taste authentic local honey straight from the source.
Important Accessibility Information
While this experience is open to all, please note that the finca is located on uneven, gravelled terrain, making it not yet wheelchair accessible. There is a toilet on-site, but it is not an accessible toilet. If you have any specific requirements, we recommend reaching out in advance to see how we can best accommodate your needs.
Why This Experience Is So Unique
Lanzarote offers no shortage of incredible activities, from exploring volcanic caves to relaxing on stunning beaches. But if you're looking for something truly special—an experience that is immersive, educational, and deeply connected to nature—visiting a beehive is a rare opportunity to engage with the island’s traditions and delicate ecosystem.
This is the only beekeeping project on Lanzarote that follows a century-old tradition, kept alive in the most conscious and ecological way. Unlike conventional practices, the queen bee is not removed from the hive when her honey production declines, and the bees are never fed artificial supplements like refined sugar to manipulate their output.
The primary focus of this beekeeping finca is neither tourism nor large-scale honey production, but rather
the vital pollination of Lanzarote’s plant life. Given the care and effort this requires—and to minimise disruption to the bees—availability for this experience is extremely limited. In collaboration with the finca, we have agreed to let them determine whether a visit is feasible at any given time.
Simply Un-bee-lievable: What People Say
"I had no idea how different Canarian black bees are from the bumblebees I’m used to! Watching them up close and learning about their role in Lanzarote’s ecosystem was absolutely fascinating. I’ll never look at honey the same way again!" – Selena, UK
"One of the bees landed right on my finger, and I was amazed at how calm they all were! They didn’t seem to mind us watching them go about their day—it felt like we were peeking into their little world. Such a special experience!" – Laura, Germany
"The beekeeper explained everything so well—I could’ve listened to her all day! Her passion for sustainable beekeeping and the way she respects the natural cycle of the bees was truly inspiring." – Sara, Scotland
"I have to admit, I was a bit nervous at first—I didn’t want to get stung! But the beekeeper explained everything so well and made sure we felt completely safe. The bees were so calm and focused on their work, they hardly noticed us. By the end, I was totally fascinated and just enjoying the moment. An incredible experience I’d recommend to anyone!" – Paul, UK
