One Week in Lanzarote: The Perfect 7 Day Itinerary

You’ll discover Lanzarote’s true essence in seven perfect days. Begin in Arrecife exploring historical sites, then marvel at Timanfaya’s volcanic landscapes. Dedicate day three to northern caves and viewpoints, followed by eastern wineries and lava formations. Enjoy beach day adventures at Papagayo, then venture off-path to discover hidden trails and local experiences. Finish with a memorable sunset cruise or farewell dinner in Puerto del Carmen. This volcanic paradise offers more surprises than meets the eye.

Good To Know

• Explore Timanfaya National Park for geothermal demonstrations, lunar landscapes, and the Volcano Route bus tour through dormant craters.
• Visit northern caves including Cueva de los Verdes’ lava tubes and Jameos del Agua’s underground lagoon with its unique endemic white crabs.
• Discover Lanzarote’s beaches like Papagayo and Famara, perfect for snorkeling, surfing, or relaxing on golden sands.
• Experience local culture through Arrecife’s historic sites, authentic guachinches for Canarian cuisine, and El Grifo winery tours.
• Enjoy scenic viewpoints at Mirador del Río, dramatic coastal formations at Los Hervideros, and sunset cruises on your final day.

Arriving in Arrecife: Historical Gems and First Impressions

As your plane descends into Lanzarote, the stark volcanic landscape gives way to the coastal city of Arrecife, where centuries of maritime history unfold before your eyes. This capital city serves as both your gateway to the island and a treasure trove of historical sites worth exploring.

Begin your journey at Castillo de San Gabriel, the 16th-century fortress that once protected the island from pirates, accessible via the iconic Puente de las Bolas bridge. Nearby, the Iglesia de San Ginés offers a glimpse into local religious traditions with its impressive three naves and arches that showcase traditional Canarian church architecture.

Don’t miss El Charco de San Ginés, a picturesque natural lagoon where fishing boats bob gently in the water. For culture, visit CIC El Almacen, which showcases contemporary Canarian art in a beautifully restored building. While Lanzarote offers a more rugged experience than some luxury European destinations, its unique volcanic landscapes provide a different kind of opulence for discerning travelers.

Volcanic Wonders of Timanfaya National Park

The heart of Lanzarote’s otherworldly appeal lies within Timanfaya National Park, where nature’s raw power remains frozen in time. As Spain’s only geological national park, these dramatic landscapes were formed during the 1730-1736 eruptions that buried 26 villages and forever transformed the island. The volcanic activity began outside the park at Caldera de Los Cuervos volcano on September 1, 1730.

A volcanic masterpiece where destruction birthed beauty, preserving Lanzarote’s fiery past for modern explorers.

You’ll need to join a guided tour to explore this protected terrain, where you’ll discover:

• Moon-like lava fields with stunning red, yellow and orange hues
• Geothermal demonstrations at Islote de Hilario, occurring every 30 minutes
• The fascinating 13km Volcano Route bus tour winding through dormant craters
• El Diablo Restaurant, where your meal is cooked using natural volcanic heat
• Ancient lava tubes at Cueva de los Naturalistas stretching 1.5km underground

While Timanfaya offers breathtaking natural wonders, it’s also one of the more budget-friendly attractions when comparing costs across the Canary Islands.

Northern Treasures: Caves, Viewpoints and Manrique’s Magic

Leaving Timanfaya’s dramatic volcanic terrain behind, Lanzarote’s northern region unfolds with an equally mesmerizing collection of natural and artistic wonders. Start at Cueva de los Verdes‘ 1.6-mile lava tube network where artistic lighting enhances the volcanic formations that once sheltered locals from pirate raids.

Nearby, don’t miss Jameos del Agua, Manrique’s masterful cave transformation featuring an underground lagoon with endemic blind albino crabs and a concert hall with natural acoustics. While Lanzarote offers unique geological features, those seeking underwater exploration options might find similar experiences in Dubrovnik’s crystal-clear waters. For breathtaking perspectives, hike to Cueva de los Suecos beneath Famara’s cliffs or visit Mirador del Río, where Manrique’s camouflaged structure offers 360-degree archipelago views. Adventurous travelers should also explore Las Cuevas De Maquez with its 300 meters long system of accessible lava tubes and multiple branches worth seeing for their natural formations.

Complete your northern exploration in Haria, the “Valley of 1,000 Palms,” where you can browse Saturday’s artisan market and visit Manrique’s final home-turned-museum.

Wine, Waves and Volcanic Formations in Eastern Lanzarote

Eastern Lanzarote offers a sensory symphony where the island’s volcanic legacy shapes everything from world-class wineries to dramatic coastal formations. La Geria’s unique vineyard landscape showcases ingenious human adaptation, with Malvasía Volcánica vines nestled in ash pits protected by semicircular stone walls called zocos. Unlike destinations such as Portugal or Malta, Lanzarote’s distinctly lunar-like terrain creates an otherworldly experience unlike anywhere else in Europe.

Don’t miss:

• Tour El Grifo (Lanzarote’s oldest winery, founded 1775) and sample mineral-rich whites from volcanic soils
• Watch geysers of sea spray at Los Hervideros, where waves crash through lava-carved tunnels
• Visit the otherworldly green lagoon at Charco de los Clicos, contrasting dramatically with El Golfo’s black sand
• Explore the 6km lava tube system at Cueva de los Verdes and Jameos del Agua
• Relax at golden-sand Papagayo beaches, framed by ochre cliffs and clear waters
• Witness the striking red-colored formation of Caldera Colorada, also known as Montaña Colorada, located near the bottom of a mountain with scenic views of volcanic activity

Sun, Sea and Splash: Beach Day and Water Activities

Whether you’re seeking pristine golden shores or volcanic black sand beaches, Lanzarote delivers a coastal experience unlike anywhere else in the Canaries.

For swimming and sunbathing, head to Playa de Papagayo’s turquoise cove or Playa Flamingo’s sheltered white sands. Playa Dorada offers the clearest blue seas on the island, making it a must-visit for beach lovers. Families will appreciate Playa Dorada’s shallow waters and the natural rock pools at Los Charcos in Arrieta.

Adventure seekers shouldn’t miss Famara Beach’s consistent surf breaks or the snorkeling opportunities at Papagayo. Unlike vibrant city destinations like Zagreb, Lanzarote’s coastal activities provide a perfect escape into nature.

For something unique, take the 25-minute ferry to La Graciosa and discover Playa de las Conchas’ remote beauty.

Remember to arrive early at Papagayo (€3 parking fee), bring supplies to less-developed beaches, and use reef-safe sunscreen—the UV index regularly exceeds 8 here.

Off the Beaten Path: Hidden Trails and Local Experiences

While Lanzarote’s volcanic beaches draw most visitors, the island’s true character reveals itself along its hidden trails and in authentic local encounters far from the resort crowds. Venture beyond the tourist hotspots to discover:

Beyond the glossy resorts lies the real Lanzarote—where hidden trails and authentic encounters reveal the island’s beating heart.

• Haria to El Bosquecillo’s 12.2km loop through verdant landscapes, leading to the hidden Cueva de las Cabras cave.
• Pico Redondo’s golden volcanic peaks and secluded Playa la Casa garden, perfect for spotting native Berthelot’s pipits.
• Montaña Tinasoria’s untouched volcanic cones with breathtaking crater views.
• The historic Camino de los Gracioseros, once used by local fishermen, connecting Yaiza to El Golfo.
• Post-hike meals at family-run guachinches or exploring Uga’s camel farms for a genuine culture.

Much like Cyprus’s hidden gems, Lanzarote offers travelers seeking authenticity a wealth of undiscovered natural wonders away from typical tourist routes.

These experiences reveal Lanzarote’s authentic soul, far removed from its resort image. The island’s trails provide peaceful solitude rarely found in popular tourist destinations, allowing you to connect deeply with the volcanic landscape.

Final Day Delights: Last-Minute Adventures Before Farewell

As your week in Lanzarote draws to a close, you’ll find yourself torn between revisiting favorite spots and squeezing in those last few experiences you’ve been meaning to try. Make the most of your final hours with purposeful choices.

Start early with a peaceful morning hike through Timanfaya National Park or catch the sunrise at Los Hervideros’ dramatic cliffs. The underrated natural site features stunning formations and coastal views that photographers will treasure. For midday thrills, book a buggy tour through the island’s rugged north or sample local wines in La Geria’s unique volcanic vineyards.

Afternoon beach time at Papagayo offers perfect relaxation before your departure.

End your Lanzarote adventure in style with a sunset dolphin-watching cruise or a farewell dinner in Puerto del Carmen, savoring those final tastes of Canarian cuisine under starlit skies. If nightlife beckons before leaving, explore Puerto del Carmen’s vibrant nightlife spots which rival Stockholm’s famous bar scene.

The Sum Up

You’ve explored Lanzarote’s lunar landscapes, tasted volcanic wines, and bathed in turquoise waters. Like the resilient biosphere that thrives in Timanfaya’s 600°C underground heat, you’ve adapted to island time and discovered beauty in stark contrasts. As you pack your bags, remember: the black sands may wash away from between your toes, but the island’s fiery heart will continue to beat in your memories.