Lanzarote is an island that keeps things simple and plays to its strengths. Beautiful beaches, stunning scenery and incredible food; it’s all here and it’s never been easier to explore.
Although the island is connected by bus, it’s much less hassle (and relatively cheap) to rent a car and discover Lanzarote by yourself. As you can drive from one end of the island to the other in just over an hour (north to south), this option gives you a great deal more flexibility.
If you are lucky enough to be spending the week on this intriguing island, you can really discover all he major highlights and best places to visit.
Here are some of our suggestions the best places to see in Lanzarote and how to discover them on a seven day itinerary.
Day 1 – Unwind in Playa Blanca
Being one of Lanzarote’s biggest resorts, many people choose to base themselves in Playa Blanca. There are many reasons why it’s such a popular place to stay, but mainly it’s the resort’s stylish vibe and the gorgeous beaches that surround it.
On your first day in Lanzarote, dump your bags at the hotel and head down to the beach and unwind after your flight. Playa Blanca beach is one of the most popular on the island and has been awarded a Blue Flag for its qualities. As well as the gorgeous white sands you’ll find here, there’s also a promenade bars and cafes for when you get hungry from all that relaxing! If you are after somewhere slightly quieter, head to Playa Flamingo which is a short walk west of the main beach and is popular amongst the local fishermen.
Wherever you choose, you can be assured of two things: blue, temperate water and stunning coastal views.
Day 2 – Step Foot on Another Planet
After a day on the beach, it’s time to explore the alien world of Timanfaya National Park. With the Islote de Hilario volcano as its imposing centerpiece, the desolate, black terrain of the park is a must-do for anyone visiting the island.
This part of Lanzarote is what really makes it stand out from the other Canary Islands and for many, it’s the best part of the trip. A trip to the volcano through the ancient lava fields is another must and this can be undertaken by coach or by camel (for the intrepid adventurers in your group), the best of which take in the Mountains of Fire. These natural phenomena are holes in the ground, prone to small volcanic eruptions of hot steamy air.
The César Manrique-designed restaurant within the park actually serves local cuisine that is cooked using one of these geothermal holes – a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
Day 3 – Venture Underground
The island’s north is full of remarkable geological treats, and after Timanfaya, you may want to explore this aspect of Lanzarote further.
Indeed, the volcanic nature of the island has not just created interesting things to see above land, but below it too. Jameos del Agua and the Cueva de los Verdes are fine examples of this and are both within a few hundred metres of one another.
Jameos del Agua is an example of when a lava tunnel collapses in, revealing its interior to the outside world. The tunnel that you can see into due to this bizarre formation is also connected to the Cueva de los Verdes, a network of intriguing lava caverns that you can take a guided tour through.
Day 4 – Escape to La Graciosa
Just off the coast of Lanzarote’s northern point, you will find the secluded island of La Graciosa. This tiny little gem is known for its remarkable beaches, and due to its location, it’s relatively peaceful – although this can vary during the peak season.
Due to the island’s dependence on the fishing trade, La Graciosa is home to some fantastic seafood restaurants and many line the shore around the two main settlements. You can be sure that any fish you have here will be the freshest of the fresh.
Adding to the charm of the island, there are no roads here and so very few vehicles are allowed on the island. La Graciosa has some excellent walking and cycling trails so you can combine a lazy morning on the beach with an afternoon of exercise. To get here, take the ferry from Orzola.
If you have time be sure to visit the Mirador del Río, a viewpoint on an approximately 475-metre-high escarpment called Batería del Río in the north of the island. Expect spectacular views
Day 5 – Hang Ten or Chill on the Beach
If you’ve had your fill of the typical tourist beaches that the island offers, then head over to Famara for a completely different experience. This part of Lanzarote is famous for its incredible surfing and watersports facilities.
With expert instructors on hand, you can try your luck at surfing, kitesurfing, or windsurfing – basically any kind of surfing you can think of! Lessons are easy to come by for beginners and there are plenty of places to rent equipment in the small village.
Whether you just want to laze on the sand surrounded by rugged cliffs and watch, or get involved yourself, Famara makes for a great day out on the island.
Day 6 – Delve into the Charms of Teguise
The old capital of Lanzarote on the island’s east coast is awash with colonial charm and architecture. The resort’s lovely cobbled streets and impressive mansions make it a joy to stroll through and its small size makes it easy to navigate on foot. For a calm relaxing visit, head to the village during the week; for a livelier affair, go on Sunday.
Teguise is known for its busy market that takes over the gorgeous Plaza de San Miguel every Sunday morning. You can buy everything from beer to fine artisan crafts to cheap watches here, but the vibrant atmosphere alone makes it worth the trip. The market is very openly aimed at tourists and so you’ll also see a number of street musicians and artists plying their trade around the hustle and bustle of the market.
As well as the market, Teguise boasts a number of fine churches and religious icons. Must-sees include the Ntra. Sra. de Guadalupe church, the convents of St. Domingo and San Francisco, and the castle of Santa Bárbara which stands atop the Guanapay volcano, overlooking the city.
Day 7 – A Quiet Day in Arrecife
Lanzarote’s capital is by no means a bustling metropolis, but on your last day in Lanzarote it’s the ideal place to spend a few hours shopping, eating and exploring before the flight home.
If you fancy one last day on the beach, the city has its own which you can reach by strolling along the promenade.
Unlike a number of other cities in the Canaries, Arrecife does not revolve around tourism, so there is a distinctly Spanish working-class feel to it. Highlights include the charming Charco de San Ginés boat lake, the Castillo de San Gabriel, and the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo which contains some of Manrique’s early works. Here you will be able to learn more about Manrique’s Lanzarote, and the best attractions to see.
For an authentic César Manrique-inspired gift, you will find a branch of his foundation shop on Jose Betancourt.
