Puerto del Carmen
The most convenient base for getting around with no hassle: plenty of hotels and restaurants, close to the airport and well placed for the centre of the island.
Itinerary · Lanzarote
Lanzarote in 3 days: day-by-day itinerary
3-day itinerary in Lanzarote with Timanfaya, Jameos del Agua, Cueva de los Verdes, Mirador del Río, La Geria, Teguise and Famara beach.
- 3days
- 10stops
- 9Areas
This 3-day itinerary is designed for anyone arriving in Lanzarote with a hire car or tours who wants to see the essentials: César Manrique’s work in the north, the volcanic landscape of Timanfaya and La Geria, and a gentler day with Teguise, the Foundation and Famara beach.
From César Manrique-Lanzarote airport, a taxi reaches Arrecife in about 10 minutes and Puerto del Carmen in about 15. You can also take the Arrecifebus guaguas (buses): the 22 or 23 to Arrecife, and the 161 to Puerto del Carmen, Puerto Calero and Playa Blanca. If you pick up a hire car, the most convenient thing is to head straight out on the routes.
Tips
- Book the hire car and the tickets for Jameos del Agua, Cueva de los Verdes and Timanfaya in advance, especially in high season.
- Wind is common: bring a thin layer even on sunny days, and always sun protection.
- The Timanfaya bus route is part of the visit, so allow time for parking and the queue.
- At the viewpoints of Los Hervideros and the cliffs, respect the fences and marked paths.
- Book a restaurant if you want to eat in Haría or La Geria, because there are few places and they fill up.
- Wear closed shoes to walk on lava terrain, which is uneven and very sharp.
Day 1
César Manrique's north: Jameos, Cueva and Mirador
Jameos del Agua
North
A volcanic tube with an inner lake that César Manrique turned into a space of gardens, a pool and an auditorium. It is one of the works that best sums up the island, so arrive early to enjoy it at your own pace.
Cueva de los Verdes
North
It is a few minutes by car from the Jameos and is part of the same lava tube from the La Corona volcano. It can only be visited with a guide, on a short walk through lava galleries.
Mirador del Río
Famara Cliff
Another Manrique viewpoint, set into the top of the cliff, with views of the Río strait and La Graciosa. On a clear day, the panorama is one of the best on the island.
Haría and the palm valley
Haría
Head down to Haría, a white village surrounded by palm trees in a green valley that contrasts with the volcanic landscape. It is a good place for a relaxed lunch before heading back south.
Day 2
Timanfaya, lava coast and La Geria
Parque Nacional de Timanfaya
Fire Mountains
The island's most impressive landscape: lava fields from the 18th-century eruptions. The park is toured on a bus route from the Fire Mountains, so you cannot drive in with your own car. Book in advance.
Los Hervideros and the Charco de los Clicos
West coast
At Los Hervideros the waves crash against lava cliffs, and in El Golfo the Charco de los Clicos is a green lagoon beside a black sand beach. Take extra care at the viewpoints and near the edge.
La Geria
Inland
Vineyards planted in pits of volcanic ash surrounded by stone walls, a unique landscape. Stop to taste volcanic malvasia at a winery along the road and take photos on the way.
Day 3
Teguise, César Manrique Foundation and Famara
Fundación César Manrique
Tahíche
The artist's former home, built over volcanic bubbles, is now a museum and arts centre. It helps you understand how Manrique saw the relationship between architecture and nature.
Teguise
Teguise
The island's former capital keeps its white streets, squares and stately houses. Stroll without hurry and, if you feel like it, climb up to Santa Bárbara castle to see the landscape from above.
Playa de Famara
Famara
A long beach beneath the great cliff, with plenty of wind and surfers. It is better for walking and watching the sunset than for a relaxed swim; watch out for the waves and currents.
Lanzarote
Where to stay in Lanzarote
Costa Teguise
A quiet area with beaches, in the east, close to Teguise and the César Manrique Foundation. It suits you if you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere.
Arrecife
The capital, with local life, restaurants and somewhat lower prices. It is well connected and a few minutes from the airport.
Itinerary · Lanzarote
More Lanzarote itineraries
5 days
Lanzarote in 5 days
- Day 1 César Manrique's north: Jameos, Cueva and Mirador
- Day 2 Timanfaya, lava coast and salt flats
- Day 3 Teguise, César Manrique Foundation and La Geria
- Day 4 Papagayo, Playa Blanca and Los Ajaches Natural Park
- + 1 day
7 days
Lanzarote in 7 days
- Day 1 Jameos, Cueva de los Verdes and Mirador del Río
- Day 2 Timanfaya, lava coast and salt flats
- Day 3 Teguise, Cactus Garden and César Manrique Foundation
- Day 4 La Geria, Monumento al Campesino and wineries
- + 3 days
Frequently asked questions
Do you need to hire a car in Lanzarote?
For this itinerary, yes or, failing that, organised tours. The island is small, but the sights are spread out and public transport does not reach all of them well.
Can you drive into Timanfaya in your own car?
No: the route through the park is done on the park's own buses, which leave from the Fire Mountains. Your car stays in the car park.
What is the best order for the days?
Group them by area: north, west and centre, and then Teguise. That way you avoid crossing the island several times.
Photo credits
- Jameos del Agua: salomon10 from Germany, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Cueva de los Verdes: Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net)., CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Mirador del Río: Edmundo Sáez, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Parque Nacional de Timanfaya: Bybbisch94, Christian Gebhardt, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- La Geria: Tamara Kulikova, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons