Puerto del Carmen
A convenient base near the airport, with plenty of hotels and restaurants and good road links to the centre and the north.
Itinerary · Lanzarote
Lanzarote in 5 days: day-by-day itinerary
5-day itinerary in Lanzarote with Timanfaya, La Geria, Teguise, César Manrique's works, Papagayo, Playa Blanca and an excursion to La Graciosa.
- 5days
- 15stops
- 12Areas
This 5-day itinerary is designed for anyone arriving in Lanzarote with a hire car or tours. The first four days tour the island by area: César Manrique’s north, Timanfaya and the west coast, Teguise with La Geria, and the beaches of the south. The fifth is a boat excursion to La Graciosa.
From César Manrique-Lanzarote airport, a taxi reaches Arrecife in about 10 minutes and Puerto del Carmen in about 15. The Arrecifebus guaguas (buses) 22 and 23 go to Arrecife, and the 161 reaches Puerto del Carmen, Puerto Calero and Playa Blanca. If you hire a car, pick it up at the airport and start with your accommodation.
Tips
- Book the car and the tickets for Jameos del Agua, Cueva de los Verdes, Timanfaya and the boat to La Graciosa in advance.
- Wind is usual: bring a thin layer and sun protection, even on cloudy days.
- For Papagayo, bring water and food if you do not want to depend on the few services in the area.
- On La Graciosa, wear comfortable shoes for walking on sand and check the time of the last ferry.
- At the coastal viewpoints, keep away from the edge: the swell can be strong.
- Change the order of the days according to the weather: beaches are best with clear skies.
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. Arrive early to see it at your own pace and without crowds.
Cueva de los Verdes
North
Very close to the Jameos, it is part of the same lava tube from the La Corona volcano. It is visited with a guide on a short walk through lava galleries.
Mirador del Río
Famara Cliff
Another work by Manrique, set into the top of the cliff, with views of the Río strait and La Graciosa. With clear skies, the panorama is one of the best on the island.
Haría and the palm valley
Haría
A white village surrounded by palm trees in a green valley that contrasts with the volcanic landscape. It is a good place for lunch before heading back south.
Day 2
Timanfaya, lava coast and salt flats
Parque Nacional de Timanfaya
Fire Mountains
The lava fields from the 18th-century eruptions are toured on the park's bus route, which leaves from the Fire Mountains. Book in advance and do not count on driving in with your own car.
Los Hervideros
West coast
Lava cliffs where the sea slips into caves and crashes with force. It is best to walk the paths slowly and always respect the fenced-off areas.
El Golfo and the Charco de los Clicos
El Golfo
An intensely green lagoon beside a black sand beach, inside a crater half sunk into the sea. It is viewed from a lookout: direct access to the lagoon is restricted.
Salinas de Janubio
Janubio
Salt flats still in use, with an almost mosaic-like look from the contrast with the sea and the volcanoes. It is a good stop at sunset, on the way back.
Day 3
Teguise, César Manrique Foundation and La Geria
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, on a volcano, to see the interior of the island.
Fundación César Manrique
Tahíche
The house Manrique built over volcanic bubbles has become a museum and arts centre. It is the best way to understand his vision of integrating architecture and landscape.
La Geria
Inland
Vineyards planted in pits of volcanic ash surrounded by stone walls. Stop in at a winery to try volcanic malvasia, and drive slowly along the road.
Day 4
Papagayo, Playa Blanca and Los Ajaches Natural Park
Playas de Papagayo
Los Ajaches
A group of coves with pale sand and calm water, in the south, within a natural area. You get there by a dirt track, so go slowly, bring water and arrive early.
Playa Blanca
Playa Blanca
A coastal town with a seafront promenade, restaurants and shops. It is a good place for lunch and for a long walk by the sea in the afternoon.
Mirador de Las Coloradas
Playa Blanca
A stretch of coast with reddish rock, very photogenic in the afternoon light. It is a simple way to end the day, close to the Playa Blanca promenade.
Day 5 · Day trip
La Graciosa
La Graciosa
It leaves from Órzola, at the northern tip of Lanzarote, with a ferry to Caleta de Sebo in about 25 minutes. The island has sandy streets and almost pristine beaches, such as Playa de las Conchas and Playa Francesa. You get around on foot, by bicycle or in a 4x4 with a driver. Book the boat in advance and leave yourself a margin for the last ferry back.
Lanzarote
Where to stay in Lanzarote
Playa Blanca
In the south, quiet and with a pleasant seafront promenade. Ideal if you want to spend time at Papagayo and on the coast, and do not mind driving further north.
Costa Teguise
A residential area with beaches in the east, close to Teguise and the César Manrique Foundation. It suits a relaxed atmosphere.
Itinerary · Lanzarote
More Lanzarote itineraries
3 days
Lanzarote in 3 days
- Day 1 César Manrique's north: Jameos, Cueva and Mirador
- Day 2 Timanfaya, lava coast and La Geria
- Day 3 Teguise, César Manrique Foundation and Famara
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
Is it easy to visit La Graciosa in a day?
Yes. The ferry leaves from Órzola and takes about 25 minutes. In one day you can see beaches and the village, but you need to leave early and book the boat.
Do you need a car in Lanzarote?
For this itinerary, yes, or else organised tours. The sights are spread out and public transport does not reach many of them well.
Which day is best to keep for the beach?
Keep Papagayo for a day of good weather and not too much wind, and be flexible with the order of the other days.
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