Synonymous with lava fields, rocky hills, and black sand beaches, Lanzarote is a truly unique Spanish travel destination perfect for families and couples. The Canary Islands benefit from year-round warm temperatures with their location just off the coast of West Africa, making an excellent choice for Europeans on the hunt for winter sun. But how should you spend one week in Lanzarote?
Majestically emerging from the Atlantic, Lanzarote is an art project of Mother Nature’s. From the vineyards and villages to the Lanzarote volcano, the scenery is as diverse as the endless tourist attractions this island has to offer. With seven days in the Canaries, you can expect sun, sea, and black sands as far as the eye can see. Our guide explores all the best things to do in Lanzarote for the perfect one-week itinerary.
If you’re undecided on which Canary Island is right for you, one look at the picturesque volcanic sights, minimalist architecture, and culinary delights will get Lanzarote your vote. Let’s get started.
Day 1: Arrecife
You could happily spend seven days in one neighborhood in Lanzarote. The island isn’t huge, and getting around by hire car, bicycle, and even public bus is easy no matter where you go. But if you’re a true explorer, basing yourself on two areas will give you the best taste of the island and the most authentic experience. Ditch the all-inclusive deal and set your sights on seeing more than the beaches.
Arrecife is a great place to start your Lanzarote adventure. The island’s international airport is located here, so Arrecife is convenient and accessible. The center is just 10-minutes by taxi from the airport, and there’s no shortage of affordable hotels and charming vacation rentals in the Old Quarter.
Spend your first day exploring the historic center. Here you’ll find the 17th-century San Ginés Church with its Mudéjar-style ceiling and restored bell tower. La Casa Amarilla, showcasing Lanzarote’s history, the International Museum of Contemporary Art, located in the 18th-century San José fortress, and the cultural center housed in the Agustín De La Hoz mountain are all also worth a visit.
Meander the promenade, check out the parks and dip your toes in the calm seas of the Atlantic at Playa del Reductobeach before settling in for an early dinner at Malecón Restaurant. Enjoy the waterfront views, and Canary favorites like mojo and papas arrugadas as the sun goes down.
Day 2: La Graciosa Island
Arrecife is a great vantage point to the rest of Lanzarote, and one spot that you shouldn’t miss is Isla Graciosa. Technically a separate island, La Graciosa is 2 kilometers off Lanzarote’s shores and easily reachable by ferry in half an hour from Orzola. This port town is less than 40-minutes by car from Arrecife and a peaceful spot for a light breakfast before boarding the ferry that leaves every 30-minutes to La Graciosa.
Once you’ve made it to the island, consider renting a bicycle for €10 per day and exploring at your own pace. Isla Graciosa is one of the only remaining places in Europe with no asphalted roads, and its serene beauty is a far cry from Lanzarote’s touristy towns. Part of the Chinijo Archipelago National Park, the breathtaking and undisturbed volcanic landscape.
The clear and calm waters are ideal for scuba diving, kayaking, windsurfing, and fishing. Head to Santa Cruz, Folga, and Praia Bay for watersports and small beachfront eateries. The last ferry leaves Graciosa around 8 pm. Enjoy a day of cycling, sunbathing, and ocean adventure before heading back to Arrecife for dinner at any of its late-night haunts. Before hitting the hay, check out El Nido Restuarant, Ocean Bar, or Pizzeria Dagigi.
Day 3: Timanfaya National Park
Start your last morning in Arrecife at the Castillo de San Gabriel before heading to Centro Comercial Deiland, Biosfera Plaza, and Calle Real, the best pedestrian shopping streets in the city.
Once you’ve picked up some souvenirs and checked out of your accommodation, it’s time to head to Timanfaya National Park. Located 30-minutes from Arrecife and strategically on the way to your next location, it is a must for every visitor to the island. The park covers over 50 square kilometers of desolate volcanic soil, and you can tour the sunken park by coach, circling the “Ruta de Los Volcanoes” if you dare.
Entry is €12 for adults and half-price for children. Timanfaya takes up a quarter of the island and is a testament to Mother Nature’s power in its unique bleak expanse. If you visit after 3 pm, you can get 20 percent off the tour prices. From Timanfaya, the famous resort town of Playa Blanca is just a 16-minute drive.
Playa Blanca is a great place to base yourself for the rest of your trip. With a sea of quintessential white buildings, holiday resorts, and entertainment options, there’s plenty to keep you busy and beautiful beaches all around.
Grab dinner at Restaurant Camel for ocean views and live music. Consider booking accommodation for the next few days around Calle Janubio to escape the ubiquitous beachfront resorts.
Day 4: Playa Blanca
Playa Blanca is the southernmost town in Lanzarote, stretching along for coast five and a half miles. Playa Blanca is quieter than the resort town of Puerto del Carmen, with a less riotous nightlife and more quaint charm.
Boats bob up and down at the Marina Rubicon, worth a visit just for the superyacht spotting. At the same time, the seafront promenade is lined with souvenir stores, craft shophouses, and family-friendly restaurants. Playa Blanca is a hotspot for swimming and sunbathing, and LPaya Dorada and Playa Blanca offer great watersports and seas of sun loungers.
Check out the market at the marina open from 9 am to 2 pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays for nick nacks, street food, and a taste of bustling Lanzarote vendors at work. The waterpark, Aqualava, is also worth a visit, especially if traveling with kids.
You can find the best food spots between the marina and the Centro Comercial Papagayo. You’ll find authentic seafood and even some tremendous Asian Fusion grills along the seafront.
Day 5: Papagayo Beach and Eating at a Teleclub
Day five is time to give into Lanzarote’s seaside charm and stunning beaches. Located just 20-minutes from Playa Blanca is Papagayo, one of the island’s most famous white-sand coves inside a peaceful natural park.
There’s a very long approach road to Papagayo, but this is all part of the adventure. There’s a three euros fee to access the beach and just one restaurant within a few kilometers. Enjoy the calm azure waters and tidal lagoon-like bay and spend the day relaxing on the sands or enjoying the Papagayo Cafe terrace with other sun-seeking holidaymakers.
On your way back to Playa Blanca, stop by a traditional Teleclub or Sociedades for authentic Spanish food and ambiance. Each village in Lanzarote has one of these social centers offering cheap local cuisine like grilled octopus tapas, fried sardines, and Canarian potatoes in Mojo sauce. Tao, Nazaret ad Mozaga have great renowned Teleclubs. They’re slightly out of the way of Papayago, but the experience will be worth it.
Day 6: Los Charcones and the Lanzarote Vineyards (La Geria)
Start the day soaking up some Playa Blanca culture and visit the underwater Atlantico museum, the first of its kind in Europe, the Castillo de las Coloradas fortifications, and the amusing self-explanatory monument “the Spoon in Concrete.”
Depending on how much time you want to spend exploring Playa Blanca, Los Charcones are another haven of relaxation by the sea. This group of natural pools is a hidden gem, and the crystal clear waters are perfect for swimming and bathing. Los Charcones is less than ten minutes from Playa Blanca, and just 2-kilometers away is the Pechigura Lighthouse and an abandoned beachfront hotel, both of which are worth exploring.
After a slower day of learning about the landscape and southern tip of Lanzarote, head inland for a sunset vineyard tour and wine tasting at Bodega La Geria. Lanzarote is home to a number of wineries around La Geria where you can enjoy the local grapes and unique volcanic vineyards where green mounds contrast against the black gravel.
If traveling with kids, head back to Playa Blanca for a seafront meal, otherwise enjoy light tapas plates paired with the finest wines as you watch the sun go down over the bodega vines.
Day 7: Costa Teguise
Your one week in Lanzarote is coming to a close, but depending on your departure plans, there should be just enough time to spend the morning or a half-day in Costa Teguise, the former capital of the island, and a neighbor to the airport city of Arrecife.
If it’s the end of the week, you’re in luck. Teguise comes alive on a Sunday with a large market selling local products, craft souvenirs, and fresh glasses of wine. Pick up some cactus jam for your family and friends before heading to the Aloe Vera museum.
The Lanzarote Aquarium is also in Teguise, and there are some fabulous beaches if you have some more time to kill. Wander the streets and enjoy the sights and smells before making the 15-minute drive to the airport.
Is one week enough in Lanzarote?
Lanzarote is a diverse island with a distinct landscape, blended Spanish culture, and a thriving ex-pat community. Lanzarote draws thousands of tourists, and one week is enough to get a taste of the island’s vibe, with most attractions being in easy reach of the populous resort towns. If you have more than one week to spare, consider splitting your time between Lanzarote and another Canary Island or two, such as Tenerife or Gran Canaria.
When is the best time to visit Lanzarote?
Because of its location off the west coast of Africa, Lanzarote is warm year-round. The temperature near-never drops below 20 degrees Celcius, and warm breezes blow across the island in the scorching summer. The summer months see vast influxes of tourists and families, and prices soar. Make the most of Lanzarote’s winter sun and visit between February and April and October to December for pleasant conditions and fewer crowds.
How much should I budget for one week in Lanzarote?
Lanzarote prices will fluctuate depending on the time of year you visit and what you want to do. It remains one of the cheapest places in Spain to see, but it’s easy to fall into tourist traps in the high season. On average, a trip for two to Lanzarote costs €1,805 or $2,000, with meals averaging €30 for one day and accommodation starting at €50. Still, on a tight budget, you could get by on around €600, or $675 for one week.
