Lanzarote in 7 days
Who wouldn’t experience the so-called ‘Lanzarote effect’ if they had 7 days in which to be caressed by the sun, swim in the temperate ocean and stroll around the island of a thousand volcanoes? A week in Lanzarote offers so many varied possibilities that it gladdens the heart merely to think of it. Imagine yourself strolling around dark, parched landscapes, the result of the wild fury of Nature; walking across almost deserted, golden beaches; or visiting the arts and culture centres so generously bequeathed to us by César Manrique. You’ll even have time to go on a trip to the nearby island of La Graciosa, or to Fuerteventura, which is also close by.
If you’re inclined to get the most from your 7-day holiday, have a good look through our recommended itinerary. And if you don’t find time for everything we suggest, you can always come back. Now, let’s enjoy Lanzarote!
Itinerary day 1
10:30 AM –12:00 noon
Cueva de los Verdes
This amazing cave was formed by the eruption of the Corona Volcano. Its lighting was designed by the Fuerteventuran artist Luis Soto. The local inhabitants used it in years gone by as a hiding place when the island was under attack from Berber pirates.
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
Jameos del Agua
The collapse of the ceiling of a volcanic tunnel caused the natural formation of the jameos [openings], and the genius of César Manrique transformed them into a work of art. This is an essential visit, and one full of surprises.
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Los Jameos Restaurant
Make the most of your time in this remarkable setting by having lunch in its restaurant. Among the most highly recommended dishes is the slow-cooked rabbit in salmorejo [tomato and bread purée].
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Mirador del Río Viewing Point
Located at the highest point of the Risco de Famara, at a height of 500 metres, is this viewing point, which commands excellent views of the island and of the Chinijo archipelago, which is located about 2 kilometres from the coast. It is also a work by César Manrique, and therefore in perfect tune with its setting.
17.30-20.00
Caletón Blanco
After a hectic day, we suggest you spend the early evening in the Órzola area, where you will find several unspoilt coves. The outstanding beach here is the lovely Caletón Blanco with its white sand (from which it takes its name) and turquoise waters.
9:00 PM – 11:30 PM
Restaurant Balagué
Located in the Lagomar complex (Nazaret), overlooking a central lake, the restaurant has a terrace with beautiful views. If you stay for dinner, you will see for yourself the restaurant’s incredibly romantic lighting.
Itinerary day 2
10:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Timanfaya National Park
This park, also known as Montañas del Fuego [Mountains of Fire], is one place on Lanzarote that no visitor should miss. If you manage your time well, you’ll get the chance to appreciate its beautiful volcanic landscapes, visit the Interpretation Centre, tour the park by bus, and—for a really unusual and fun experience—ride on a dromedary.
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
El Diablo Restaurant
After a morning spent visiting the Timanfaya National Park, give yourself a treat with lunch at this restaurant designed by César Manrique—where many of the dishes are cooked using magmatic heat. Having lunch while gazing at the view from its enormous windows is a real pleasure.
3:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Surfing in Famara
You can grant yourself the enormous pleasure of spending the rest of the afternoon on the Playa de Famara. The stunning inlet of Famara, clothed in golden sand, provides the perfect opportunity for surfing enthusiasts to practise their skills. Hire your equipment in the town, and ride the waves. If you cannot surf, you can sign up for lessons in one of Famara’s surfing schools.
8:30 PM – 12:00 midnight
An evening in Puerto del Carmen
It is perfect for rounding off a lazy beach day with a cold beer and some tasty Tex-Mex food while watching your favourite sport on the bar’s enormous screen. The list of beers is impressive, but you may prefer an expertly prepared cocktail to add a bit of pzazz to your evening. A friendly game of pool or some live music will make for the perfect end to a blissful day.
Itinerary day 3
10.00-12.00
Salinas de Janubio
These nineteenth-century salt flats have been declared a Site of Cultural Interest. They constitute one of the best-known scenes in Lanzarote. The contrast between the whiteness of the salt pans and the grids of volcanic rock that enclose them is a magnet for photographers.
12.30-13.30
Los Hervideros
Los Hervideros[boilers, in English] provides the spectacle of the ocean pounding furiously against the volcanic rock until the water surges through cavities in the rock and leaps to the surface. It is not advisable to stray from the signposted path.
14.00-16.00
Lunch in El Golfo
The little village of El Golfo is a good place to stop off, go for a stroll, have a drink on one of its terraces, and then lunch, at Casa Torano, a little restaurant serving excellent fresh fish and a delicious Canarian mojo[sauce]. Why not take the opportunity to go for a swim on the beach?
16.30-18.30
Charco de Clicos
This lagoon lies in a volcanic crater. With its green water surrounded by black volcanic sand, it is one of Lanzarote’s most striking sights. Go for a stroll along its beach, or practise meditation, because this is a place with a very special energy.
21.00-23.00
Restaurante Lilium
Treat yourself to a meal at this restaurant in Arrecife, owned by the chef Orlando Ortega. Ortega, who represents the new style of Canary Island cuisine, focuses on traditional island recipes, but uses local Lanzarote produce. Try the black pig or the tuna.
Itinerary day 4
21.00-23.00
Dinner at Naia
This restaurant in the heart of Arrecife is owned by the Basque chef Mikel Otaegui. It offers a very thoughtfully designed menu with appetising dishes including foie mi-cuit cooked in the style of crema catalanaand Saharan squid on a bed of mashed potato.
10.00-18.30
Trip to La Graciosa
To visit the eighth Canary Island, you have to make your way to the port of Órzola, in the north of the island, to catch a ferry. Another option is to book a private excursion to visit the islets, which belong to the Chinijo Archipelago Marine Reserve. These excursions normally include lunch and stop off so that you can have a swim and go snorkelling.
Itinerary day 5
10.00-12.00
Museo del Atlántico
This underwater museum was created by the artist Jason deCairesTaylor. To visit it, and see the groups of sculptures submerged beneath the water, you need to be able to dive. The sculptures on display werecarved in pH-neutral concrete so that, as time passes, the marine biomass will increase, encouraging fish to reproduce.
12.30-14.00
Vineyards of La Geria
This is the island’s main winegrowing area. It is well worth a visit thanks to its remarkable scenery, and you can call into one of the local wineries to taste the wine made from the malvasia grape.
14.30-15.30
Lunch at the Casa-Museo del Campesino
You could have some tapas during your tour of the wineries, or you might prefer to have lunch at the Casa-Museo del Campesino [House-Museum of the Agricultural Worker], which serves traditional Canary Island fare. If you haven’t yet tasted goat meat, now is a good time to try it
15.30-17.45
Casa-Museo del Campesino
The Casa-Museo del Campesinois in the municipality of San Bartolomé, and is another work by César Manrique. It was created as a tribute to the hardships endured by Lanzarote’s farmers. Don’t miss the intriguing Monumento a la Fecundidad [Monument to Fertility].
18.30-21.00
An evening in Teguise
Continue on to the nearby town of Teguise, with its attractive colonial architecture and the Convento de Santo Domingo art gallery. On Sunday mornings, there is a street
market, so if you’re in the area, call in and buy aloe vera and Canary Island cheeses and wines.
21.00-00.00
B-Lounge Barceló Teguise Beach
For a more sophisticated twist to your evening, raise a glass in B-Lounge. Like Champs Sports Bar, B-Lounge is located in the Barceló Teguise Beach, an adults-only hotel with excellent facilities.
Itinerary day 6
10.00-11.30
Fundación César Manrique
The César Manrique Foundation is located in a fantastic house known as the Casa del Volcán, in the town of Tahíche. Manrique spent longer living here thanin any other house. From an architectural point of view, the house is fascinating, as it is built in the middle of a lava flow.
12.00-13.30
Jardín de Cactus [Cactus Garden]
This garden, which was César Manrique’s last artistic installation, boasts a collection of 4,500 specimens of cactus. The Lanzarote-born artist had the vision to imagine how this former quarry could house a great display of cactus plants from all over the world
14.00-15.30
Lunch in Caleta de Famara
After such an action-packed morning, take time to relax in this picturesque fishing village which still retains some sandy streets. The village has a few restaurants and terraces where you can have lunch, but the best thing is that after lunch you can go for a dip at Famara, one of the island’s finest beaches.
16.00-17.30
Museo de la Piratería-Castillo de Santa Bárbara
On the highest point of the Guanapay Volcano, in Teguise, stands the castle of Santa Bárbara, which nowadays houses the Pirate Museum. The choice of this site was a logical one, as the castle was built in the fifteenth century as a defence against pirates.
18.00-20.00
Conocer el aloe vera
By this stage of your holiday, you’re bound to have heard people talk about aloe vera. We suggest that you visit one of the plantations, such as the Lanzaloe estate, in Órzola,
or one of the Aloe Plus Lanzarote museums. There are several of these museums, which can be found in Arrieta, Punta Mujeres, Yaiza, Teguise and La Graciosa.
22.00-00.00
Dinner at Restaurante QuéMUAC
This restaurant is in the castle of San José, which houses the Museo Internacional de Arte Contemporáneo(MIAC) [International Museum of Contemporary Art], and affords views of the sea. Ask for a table by the restaurant’s glazed terrace, and enjoy the avant-garde cuisine. The perfect choice for a romantic dinner.
Itinerary day 7
10.00-11.30
Papagayo beaches
A series of lovely beaches (Mujeres, El Pozo, Caleta del Congrio, Puerto Muelas and El Papagayo) with turquoise waters to tempt you in for a dip. Papagayo is well-known as an ideal beach for families. Don’t forget your sunglasses and your snorkelling gear.
12.00-13.30
Diving and snorkelling
The Puerto del Carmen area is ideal for diving, both for experts (at Blue Hole), and for amateurs. At Playa del Carmen, non-divers can go snorkelling or enjoy a dip in one of the attractive natural swimming pools called Los Charcones.
14.00-15.30
Lunch at Playa Blanca
From this little fishing village, you can see the island of Fuerteventura and the islet of Lobos. Here you will find a large number of restaurants, one of which, Casa Brígida, serves excellent fish.
16.30-18.00
The César Manrique House-Museum
The last home of the brilliant artist César Manrique is located in the centre of an extensive palm grove in Haría. To enjoy a pleasant panoramic view of the municipality, make your way up to the viewing point of the Valle de las Mil Palmeras[Valley of the Thousand Palm Trees].
18.30-20.00
Barceló Teguise Beach Wellness Centre
The hotel’s wellness centre has a dynamic relaxation pool maintained at a temperature of 35oC, a sauna, steam bath, Scottish shower, aromatic shower, and a bucket shower. In addition, there
are 3 treatment rooms: one for beauty, a double room for joint treatments for couples and another single room.
21.00-23.30
Dinner in Puerto del Carmen
In this area with its buzzing nightlife, you can either opt for tapas or have dinner at the El Toro restaurant owned by the chef Luis León, which offers a renowned signature cuisine in an impressive mansion with views of the ocean.