Planning to enjoy 5 days in Lanzarote? Here’s my ultimate itinerary to experience the coolest things to do on the island!
- This post contains affiliate links from which I earn a commission (at no extra cost to you). For more info, please read my disclosure. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Top Things to do in Lanzarote
Visiting The Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are some of the most iconic Spanish archipelagos. The destination is a great choice for both summer and winter holidays: the weather is amazing all year round and the landscapes are otherworldly beautiful. Technically, the archipelago is located closer to Africa than to Spain, so the Canary Islands offer travelers the unique experience of an exotic travel destination with the perks of European infrastructure and safety.
Which Canary Island is the Most Beautiful?
Currently, I have visited Lanzarote, Tenerife, and Fuerteventura. In my opinion, Tenerife is the best one when it comes to magical forests and adventurous activities. Fuerteventura is epic for endless sand dunes and surfing. Lanzarote has a bit of everything (except for greenery) – so, it felt the coziest one of all. The island has areas with nightlife and fine dining, yet is full of places where you can have a quiet island getaway.
What is Lanzarote known for?
Lanzarote is particularly known for housing of of the top Spanish national parks – Timanfaya. The island was once home and the birthplace of Cesar Manrique Cabrera, a Spanish artist and sculptor who created lots of architectural marvels across the island.
The island of Lanzarote has its own wine-producing region of La Geria. The island’s rich volcanic soil and year-round sunshine provided local wine with a unique taste. The sweet white wine made from the Malvasia grape is the most famous one.
Lanzarote is known as a popular family-friendly destination in Spain, yet it also stands out for a wide range of adventurous activities.
Best Tours in Lanzarote
Here are a few amazing tours in Lanzarote you might want to pre-book (especially if traveling during the peak season):
- Dolphin-Watching Sunset Cruise with Transfers (check availability)
- Cueva de los Verdes Guided Tour with Ticket (check availability)
- La Graciosa Island Cruise with Lunch and Water Activities (check availability)
- Full-Day Island Highlights Tour (check availability)
- Wine Tasting Tour at El Grifo Bodega (check availability)
- Day Trip to Fuerteventura and Corralejo (check availability)
Where to stay in Lanzarote
During these 5 days in Lanzarote, we stayed at H10 Lanzarote Princess in the area of Playa Blanca. For the next trip, I would book Oasis Lanz Beach Mate, Casa Salinas del Mar, Canaryislandshost The Sky Suites, or Hipotels Natura Palace Adults Only (if traveling without kids).
Top Things to do in Lanzarote in 5 days
Day 1 – Timanfaya National Park and other natural wonders
Timanfaya National Park
Timanfaya National Park is one of the top landmarks in Spain. Its volcanic landscape was formed during a series of massive volcanic eruptions between 1730 and 1736, the park covers over 50 square kilometers. The otherworldly beautiful landscape is characterized by craters, lava fields, and colorful colored volcanic cones.
The park is home to a variety of unique flora and fauna, adapted to the extreme conditions. The park’s visitor center offers insights into the volcanic activity that shaped the landscape, and guided tours provide an opportunity to explore the surreal terrain up close, including demonstrations of the intense geothermal activity still present beneath the surface. Timanfaya is not only a geological wonder but also a testament to the raw, untamed power of nature.
To visit Timanfaya park, you should book your tour online in advance, since it is considered one of the most unique places in the Canary Islands and gets busy with visitors:
- Timanfaya Express (check availability)
- Timanfaya National Park Bus Tour with Entry Ticket (check availability)
- Timanfaya National Park Trekking Tour (check availability)
- Timanfaya National Park Volcanic Craters Tour (check availability)
Los Hervideros
After an unforgettable tour of Timanfaya, we enjoyed a delicious lunch at Casa Rafa Restaurante De Mar before heading to the stunning Spanish cliffs of Los Hervideros. This natural wonder, located on the rugged western coast of Lanzarote, was formed by solidified lava flows from volcanic eruptions. As powerful ocean waves crash against these formations, they send water surging and foaming, creating a boiling effect that gives the site its name, Los Hervideros, meaning “The Boilers.” It’s a beautiful area to walk along the cliffs and take in the breathtaking views of the Atlantic.
Charco de los Clicos
After visiting Los Hervideros, we headed to Charco de los Clicos, also known as the Green Lake or Lagoon, a striking natural gem located in the village of El Golfo. This unique green-colored lagoon sits inside the crater of an extinct volcano, just meters from the Atlantic Ocean. The vivid green color of the water is caused by the presence of algae and a high concentration of minerals, creating a stunning contrast with the surrounding black landscape.
Dinner in Marina Rubicon
After exploring the natural wonders of the island, we stopped by our hotel in Playa Blanca to change for dinner and then headed to Marina Rubicón, a lovely seafront promenade with a variety of shops and restaurants. We enjoyed a delicious seafood dinner at Restaurante Casa Carlos.
Day 2 – Cesar Manrique Landmarks in Lanzarote
Jameos del Agua
We dedicated our second day in Lanzarote to exploring top local landmarks connected to César Manrique, starting with Jameos del Agua. This site is a remarkable fusion of natural beauty and artistic vision, located on the northern coast of Lanzarote. The unique subterranean space was transformed by the island’s renowned artist and architect, César Manrique, one of the most influential Spaniards from Lanzarote.
The area is part of a larger lava tube, and its main features include a natural lake, home to a rare species of blind albino crabs (typically found in deep-sea environments). This place reminds underground auditorium due to its incredible acoustics.
- Jameos del Agua Entry Ticket (check availability)
The Cactus Garden
After exploring Jameos del Agua, we headed to El Jardín de Cactus, known as one of the coolest gardens in Spain (which, as a plant lover, I enjoyed immensely).
The Cactus Garden is home to over 4,500 cactus species from around the world, arranged in a way that highlights their unique forms and textures against the volcanic landscape. The contrasting colors of the green cacti and the black volcanic soil create a striking visual experience, invented by Cesar Manrique. You can check out more stunning photos from my visit in this post.
Fundacion Cesar Manrique
After exploring the Cactus Garden, we enjoyed a great lunch at La Tasca de Lita restaurant and then headed to the Fundación César Manrique, a cultural institution dedicated to preserving and promoting the legacy of the artist César Manrique. Established in 1992 in Manrique’s former home, the foundation is a remarkable example of architecture integrated with the natural environment. It serves as a museum of Manrique’s artwork, as well as a center for cultural and environmental activities. Note that it typically closes at 17:30, so we had 1.5 hours to explore, but honestly, that was enough for me.
- Cesar Manrique Foundation and Teguise Market (check availability)
- Following the Footsteps of Cesar Manrique: Four Art Centers (check availability)
Arrecife
After visiting Fundación César Manrique, we headed to the nearest town, Arrecife, the capital of the island. It is known for the picturesque harbor with colorful fishing boats, the lagoon Charco de San Ginés, and the International Museum of Contemporary Art. Since the museum didn’t have particularly high reviews, we decided not to visit and instead spent the evening walking around, shopping for souvenirs, and ending the day with a lovely dinner at the beautiful Restaurante Cala by Luis León.
Day 3 – Cueva de Los Verdes and Mirador del Rio
Cueva de Los Verdes
On our third day in Lanzarote, we planned a visit to Cueva de Los Verdes, known as one of the most unique caves in Spain. This natural wonder was formed by the eruption of the La Corona volcano around 3,000 years ago. The lava tube stretches for nearly 7 kilometers, making it one of the longest volcanic tunnels in the world.
Historically, Cueva de Los Verdes served as a refuge for locals during pirate attacks. A guided tour through Cueva de Los Verdes is a must-do during any 5 days in Lanzarote. You will learn about the cave’s fascinating geology, including a famous optical illusion that surprises visitors.
- Cueva de los Verdes & Jameos del Agua Tour (check availability)
Mirador del Rio
After visiting Cueva de los Verdes, we drove to Mirador del Río, one of the island’s most breathtaking viewpoints, offering stunning views of the nearby island of La Graciosa. This place was also designed by César Manrique to blend art and nature in perfect harmony. My only regret from this 5-day Lanzarote itinerary is that we didn’t get to visit this small paradise island, so it is definitely on my Lanzarote bucket list for the next trip to the Canary islands.
- Mirador del Rio Entry ticket (check availability)
Museo de la Pirateria
On the way back to our hotel, we also made a stop at the small local museum, Museo de la Piratería (Piracy Museum) in Teguise. This place is especially great for those traveling in Spain with kids, as it is dedicated to the island’s history of piracy and maritime battles. Housed in a historic building, the museum highlights the island’s role as a key target for pirates during the 16th and 17th centuries, particularly by infamous corsairs like the English pirate Sir Francis Drake. We enjoyed the visit, as the museum features interactive exhibits, displays of old weaponry, and detailed informational panels. However, this Piracy Museum is not open year-round, so be sure to double-check its opening hours on Google before visiting.
Day 4 – A day trip to Fuerteventura from Lanzarote
On the 4th day of our holiday in Lanzarote, I booked a guided tour to the nearby island of Fuerteventura. Besides Isla Graciosa, it’s another popular day trip from Lanzarote. A ferry departs from the small port of Playa Blanca. You can either join an organized tour or go on your own.
- Day Trip to Fuerteventura and Corralejo (check availability)
- Round-Trip Ferry Transfer to Fuerteventura (check availability)
Tip: If you decide to take this trip on your own, rent a car, scooter, or quad in advance. You’ll need to get around Fuerteventura to see the most interesting places, and there might not be any vehicles available at the last minute (as happened to my friends).
Fuerteventura is the second largest of the Canary Islands, with over 150 beaches, making it a popular destination to beach lovers in Spain. With such a wide variety of coastal spots, there’s something for every taste, including places like Corralejo, Caleta de Fuste, Sotavento, Cofete, Aljibe de la Cueva, and La Concha. The beaches of Fuerteventura still linger in my mind on cold winter days.
Overall, I’m glad we booked a tour, as it made for a carefree day trip where the itinerary was taken care of, allowing us to visit some of the island’s most beautiful places. It was a great way to get a first impression, especially since I had never been to Fuerteventura before. From what I observed, the island offers fewer attractions than Lanzarote, but it is incredibly popular with surfers and beach lovers. It had a more relaxed vibe compared to Lanzarote.
Day 5 – Sup Class and Beaches
On the last day of our 5-day Lanzarote itinerary, I planned to enjoy some time at the beach and explore Playa Blanca. While our hotel was actually located in Playa Blanca, I left the beaches to the end because I wanted to see how efficient my sightseeing plan would turn out and whether I would need this last day to visit something I hadn’t crossed off my bucket list during the previous days. This was especially after visiting Tenerife, where the island was larger, and parking in some places, like Anaga Rural Park, was a bit challenging. I wasn’t sure if Lanzarote would present any setbacks either, especially since we were visiting during the summer season. But to my surprise, Lanzarote felt much more relaxed, and since all the landmarks were so close, we were able to see everything we planned at a comfortable pace. Also, since we were visiting as a couple, I came to the conclusion that Lanzarote would be a great honeymoon destination.
For the fifth day, I had booked a SUP class. Also, Lanzarote is a great destination for adventurous activities and kayaking in Spain. Here are a few experiences not to miss:
- Guided Off-Road Volcano Buggy Tour (check availability)
- Hike Across Timanfaya’s Volcanic Landscapes (check availability)
- Kayak and Snorkelling at Papagayo Beach (check availability)
- Lobos Island Half-Day Dolphin Watching Trip (check availability)
- Costa Teguise Underwater Sea Trek Experience (check availability)
- Puerto del Carmen Catamaran Trip with Water Sports (check availability)
- Tandem Paragliding In Lanzarote (check availability)
- La Geria Vineyards Hiking Tour (check availability)
- Guided SUP and Snorkeling experience (check availability)
- E-Bike Tour among the Volcanoes in Lanzarote (check availability)
- Beginner Scuba Diving from the Beach (check availability)
After the class, we made a quick stop at Playa de Papagayo, the island’s most famous beach with crystal-clear blue waters. Unfortunately, it was packed with visitors, so we headed back to spend the rest of the day in Playa Blanca to enjoy its coastline and restaurants.
What food is Lanzarote known for?
Here are a few top local dishes you can not miss in Lanzarote:
- papas arrugadas (the small Canarian potatoes with a wrinkly, black skin served with a side of red or green mojo sauce)
- local goat cheese
- local cherry tomatoes
- the prickly pear or cactus fig (some restaurants offer pear croquettes)
- fresh fish and seafood
Is Lanzarote nicer than Tenerife?
Lanzarote often gets compared to Tenerife. Both islands are known for the iconic volcanic landscapes and their national parks of Timanfaya and Teide. However, I would like to highlight that both are very different. Lanzarote is more quiet and cozy, while Tenerife bursts with activities and houses a few amusement parks.
So, while my holidays in Tenerife felt more active and intense, I have actually enjoyed these 5 days in Lanzarote slightly more.
There are enough things to do in Lanzarote to keep one busy for a week, yet everything is close and driving was really relaxed. So, it was just a perfect combination of things. Plus, the beaches in Lanzarote were better than the ones I visited in Tenerife (the last ones were so windy that I was constantly covered with sand).
How many days is enough in Lanzarote?
I felt like 5 days was a perfect time frame. We got to visit almost everything we planned without any hassle. A week in Lanzarote would be a great pick as well ( since we had no time for the La Graciosa Island Cruise and it was left for the future trips).
When is the best time to visit Lanzarote?
I visited Lanzarote in July and enjoyed it. However, winter is actually the favorite moment to visit the Canary Islands among the Europeans. The average temperatures for Lanzarote in summer roll around 22-31C, and 14 – 22C.
I would say that this is a huge perk of the Canary Islands. Even in the summer peak season, it does not get hot in an exhausting way (like it does in the South of Spain, for instance). So, the weather in Lanzarote is what attracts visitors all year round.
What to buy in Lanzarote?
- Spanish Food Souvenirs: wine, cheese, Mojo sauces (also in dry version), smoked fish, olive oil, saffron
- Natural cosmetics & aloe products
- Olivine Jewelry (Olivine is the typical volcanic mineral you can find only in the Canary Islands: it´s quite budget-friendly and looks really nice)
- Lava jewelry & handmade decor
- Spanish Ceramics & Local Art
Read more about the Canary Islands:
- Tenerife Family Holidays: What to see and do? (Read it)
- 10 Best Spanish Islands to Visit (Read it)
- Top Beautiful Places in The Canary Islands (Read it)
- An Ultimate One Week in Tenerife Itinerary (Read it)
- A Visual Guide To The Cactus Garden in Lanzarote (read it)
- Ultimate 5-Day Gran Canaria Itinerary: Top Places to Visit on the Island (read it)
- Best Hikes in Fuerteventura (read it)
Map of places to see in Lanzarote:
Pin it:
For more Spain travel tips check out my Pinterest board Spain Travel Collection and Flipboard Travel to Spain.
- Accommodation: For short stays, I usually book via Agoda and Booking
- Tours&excursions: My favorites for guided tours are GetYourGuide and Viator
- Museums&attractions: Get mobile tickets for attractions via Tiqets (use ATC5 code for a 5% discount via this link)
- Semi-private & private tours: LivTours is my favorite place for unique & crafted experiences in Europe
- For Foodies: Eatwith is a unique platform for finding culinary experiences with locals around the world
- Audio guides: Book audio excursions & tours in 35+ countries via WeGoTrip
- Flights: Find the best deals with Skyscanner and Kiwi
- Driving in a new country? – Check out Tripiamo guides (do not miss Tripiamo Driving in Spain Guide)
- Train&bus tickets: Currently, I book via Omio (10% off with code ATC10 for first-time customers)
- Car rental: To find the best deals, I use Discover Cars
- Top E-Sim: To avoid roaming fees, I like Holafly (use ATLIFESTYLECROSSROADS for for a 5% discount)
- Shop My Level8 Suitcase: get 15% off with the code ATC15 here
- Internet Security on the road: Connect safely to public Wi-Fi and bypass censorship with NordVPN
- Transfers: For individual transfer services, I like GetTransfer and Kiwitaxi
- Suitcases&Luggage: Discover where to store your luggage on the go with Radical Storage
- Travel Insurance: Find the best trip insurance plans via VisitorsCoverage and EKTA
- Compensation for delayed/canceled flights: Check out AirHelp and Compensair
- Renting Bikes: To find motorcycles, scooters, quads, and bicycles, I use BikesBooking
- Package Tours: Head to CheapOair and Expedia
- For Bloggers: To monetize my blog, I work with Travelpayouts and Stay22
- Website Owners: For hosting services, I work with and recommend Lyrical Host (get 10% off with my code ATC10)
This post is linked up with Feet Do Travel
Your pictures are out of this world! The Canary Islands look truly magical. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thank you, Scarlett!
Wow – this looks and sounds amazing! We have been to Tenerife, La Gomera and La Palma and Lanzarote is next on our list. You have definitely inspired us to hurry up and book that trip!
Thank you! My story is the opposite – still have Tenerife on my bucket list 😉
I didn’t realise just how varied the Canary Islands are and Lanzarote looks beautiful. I would love to explore the national park and marvel at the natural beauty of the island. You’ve certainly covered a lot and look like you’ve had an amazing time! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Lexx!
Lanzarote of the Canary Islands looks amazing. I have never been there but it looks so relaxing. You photos are Stunning! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for stopping by, Stephanie!
I’ve visited Lanzarote a couple of times – in recent years. I agree -it’s a great place to go in the summer or winter, especially for us Scots – not too far away and very reasonable for accommodation and food. We went, once in June, and once in November – the weather was great both times. There’s been a few movies made in Lanzarote over the years: ‘One Million Years B.C’ (1966), Enemy Mine’ (1985), and ‘Krull'(1983). Good post. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks a lot for the list of movies, Raymond! Haven´t heard of them, love seeing familiar landscapes on screen – a great way to refresh the travel memories!
We visited Tenerife in October and loved it. We went to Lanzarote many years ago, great post and photos. #feetdotravel
Thanks Paul and Carole!
Thanks, Paul and Carole!
Your pictures are amazing, I didn’t knew Lanzarote is so nice. We went for one week to Tenerife in November and it was a really relaxing holiday, the water was clear and not too cold. Would love to visit this place one day.
Thanks for stopping by, Oana!
What dramatic and diverse landscapes! The house and gallery in the rocks and cave are amazing. Great shots!
Thanks, Rob and Ann!
Lanzarote looks wonderful. I love that you managed to get to everything on your list. I’m particularly intrigued by the artist’s house. Lanzarote is on the list.
I´m such an art lover myself- so loved this unique place!
I visited Lanzarote a while back and really loved it. It’s been a while, but I do remember the white sand and the sun beating down. I had to put lots of sunscreen on, but my friend wanted a tan and didn’t. He had the worse sunburn I’ve ever seen in my life!
Yes, the sun is pretty intense there! 😉
Such beautiful pictures. Canary Islands are on our bucket list. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for stopping by, Siddharth and Shruti!
How cool is this place and what stunning landscapes. I would love to visit and go explore in the National Park. It really looks beautiful and very unique. You took great pictures too! Will pin this for later.
Thank you, Lisa! 😉
Thanks, it’s very informative
Great post! I’d love to visit the Canary Islands someday! Thanks for all the info 🙂
Ah Spain! It has been a few year since I’ve visited, this makes me want to plan a trip today!
I would love to visit The Canary Islands. And Lanzarote offers a many beautiful beaches and views.
Beautiful! What a fun trip!
That looks like a really lovely place! I hope I’ll get to see it some day.