Lanzarote Travel Guide
Lanzarote, in many ways similar to neighboring Fuerteventura, is characterized by volcanoes and lava fields that give rise to “Martian landscapes” but also beautiful white and golden beaches.
I visited the island over the course of a two-month trip during which I explored all the major islands of the archipelago, except for El Hierro. Whether it’s a backpacking adventure, a road trip or an all-inclusive vacation, you’ll find plenty of useful tips and insights in this guide to help you plan your trip to the fullest.
Quick menu
- When to visit Lanzarote
- Documents and vaccinations for going to Lanzarote
- What to do and see in Lanzarote
- Suggested itineraries in Lanzarote
- How to get around Lanzarote
- Backpacking Lanzarote: costs
- Backpacking Lanzarote: safety
Caldera Blanca.
When to visit Lanzarote
Lanzarote, like the rest of the Canary Islands, enjoys a good climate throughout the year and can therefore be appreciated in all seasons. That said, much depends on what your expectations are during the trip.
Lanzarote in spring
In the spring months, temperatures can reach 22-23 degrees and even a few degrees higher toward the end of May, during which time the rainfall that can occasionally occur in March and April is instead virtually absent. This makes May particularly ideal for those who want to avoid the crowds and prices that characterize the peak summer season.
Lanzarote in summer
In Lanzarote and the Canary Islands in general, June, July, and August are considered high season. The weather is excellent, and there is no rainfall. Toward the end of July, the ocean water also begins to warm up. Of course, this is also the busiest and most expensive time of the year.
Caleta de Famara.
Lanzarote in autumn
September is a great month to visit the island. The beaches are less crowded (especially towards the end of the month), the weather is great and the ocean is warmer than in summer. In October and especially November the probability of rainfall increases and temperatures begin to drop but all in all it can still be a pleasant time to visit the island.
Lanzarote in winter
Even in the middle of winter—in December, January, and February—Lanzarote can be an interesting destination. However, it is important to remember that December corresponds with the peak of precipitation, which then wanes until May.
Nevertheless, rainfall is still relatively low, and during the day, with the sun shining, temperatures can easily reach 20 degrees Celsius and above. In short, don’t expect to swim pleasantly, but if all you’re looking for is some sunshine and mild temperatures, you won’t be disappointed. Moreover, Lanzarote has a lot to offer beyond the beaches.
Documents and vaccinations for going to Lanzarote
The Canary Islands are, for all intents and purposes, part of Spain, and therefore, like any other country within the European Union, Schengen Area visa policy applies.
Saline de Janubio.
What to do and see in Lanzarote
For convenience, I have decided to list the places of interest from the south going up north. This order should be particularly useful to those who decide to visit Lanzarote coming from Fuerteventura.
N.b. Several times throughout the guide you will find links to https://www.alltrails.com/. If you want to use offline navigation directly from the Alltrails app you need to upgrade to the pro version. However, you can get around this by downloading the coordinates from the desktop version of the site in “Google Earth KML” format and then uploading them to Organic Maps, which is by far one of my favorite travel apps.
Playa Blanca
The town that for years was a simple fishing village is now one of the island’s top tourist destinations. Located in the extreme southwest of Lanzarote, the port offers daily connections to neighboring Fuerteventura. Playa Blanca is considered an “up market” destination with plenty of luxury hotels and five-star resorts.
What to do and see in Playa Blanca
There is a pedestrian promenade that connects the port area (Marina Rubicon) to the lighthouse de Punta Pechiguera via the oldest and most traditional part of town where the Playa Blanca beach is located. The town’s other two beaches are: Playa Flamingo, further west in the direction of the lighthouse, and Playa Dorada, halfway between the Marina. Otherwise, there is not much else to do except visit the town’s many bars, restaurants, and stores.
Costa De Papagayo
Probably the most popular beaches around Playa Blanca or even the entire island are those found along the de Papagayo coast. These are a series of really nice coves separated by high cliffs.
The entire area is within a protected area. Along the dirt road leading to the beaches there is a sort of toll booth where you pay 3€ per car for entry. Apparently it is possible to get there on foot starting from Playa Blanca; the path starts near Sandos Papagayo and reaches Playa Mujeres, the first in the series of coves just described. The others are Playa Caleton del Cobre, Playa Caleton San Marcial, Playa del Pozo, Playa de la Cera, Playa del Papagayo, and Playa Caleta de Congrio. Playa del Papagayo is probably the prettiest but it is also quite small and consequently crowded. There are no stores to buy food or water, only a couple of restaurants just above Playa del Papagayo.
Playa de Papagayo.
Las Salinas de Janubio
These salt flats are located about 10 km north of Playa Blanca and are a truly picturesque place. The 1730 eruption created a natural lagoon, and later in 1895 the first salt flats were built. I recommend visiting them at sunset to enjoy the best light. I recommend these two viewpoints (one, two) or this last one where there is a restaurant overlooking the salt flats.
If interested, guided tours are also offered and of course you can buy salt–and more! This is where the store is and tours are offered. While you’re there you can also check out Playa del Janubio, the volcanic beach that rises where the salt flats meet the sea; it’s not suitable for swimming but is still a lovely place.
Saline de Janubio.
How to get to Playa Blanca?
During the day there are frequent buses to Arrecife (line 60) Puerto del Carmen and the airport (line 161). You can check routes and schedules at this link. As anticipated, there are frequent connections to and from Corralejo to Fuerteventura; you can check the departures of all companies at this page (Playa Blanca – Corralejo route).
Where to sleep in Playa Blanca?
As anticipated, Playa Blanca is an “up market” destination and does not offer particularly cheap solutions especially for solo travelers. In any case you can check out Casa Salzano , Bungalows Playa Limones, Rosales and Palmeras Garden.
Costa de Papagayo.
El Golfo
This small seaside village has a cute waterfront composed of quaint white buildings and some scenes from a movie starring Penelope Cruz were filmed here. In any case, the small village in addition to being cute in itself and offering the chance to eat in one of the ocean-view restaurants (not exactly cheap) is also an ideal base for admiring the striking Charco de Los Clicos, a green lagoon formed inside what was once a volcanic cone that gets this really striking color thanks to a type of algae that proliferates in the water.
Charco de Los Clicos.
The lagoon, and technically also the adjacent beach (Playa de los Ciclos), have been closed to the public but during my visit I still noticed quite a few people walking down to it…I personally did not go down and I think the view offered by the viewpoint is more than enough. To get there just walk along the short path (it will be two hundred meters at most) that starts from this parking lot where I also recommend leaving the car to visit El Golfo.
Also starting from El Golfo is the only official trail through Timanfaya National Park. It is about 13 km long and follows the coast to Playa de la Madera.
It is a scenic trail through lava fields with the ocean just a stone’s throw away, and there are beautiful views of the rocky coastline. That said, I do not recommend walking the entire trail, first because although beautiful, it is still a fairly monotonous trail, and second because you have to go back the same way, which means walking over 25 km.
I stopped about 3 km from Playa de la Madera before turning back and that was more than enough (about 4 1/2 hours of brisk walking in total). Basically, walk all you want but remember that you have to go back the same way so don’t wait until you are exhausted to decide to go back and remember that especially in summer it can get really hot. There is no shade. There is a parking lot at this point at the end of the village right where the trail begins.
El Golfo costal trail.
Yaiza
This is a really cute little village that has apparently been voted Spain’s prettiest village twice. The small center around Plaza de Los Remedios is actually a pleasant place to spend a few hours, perhaps having something to eat in one of the bars and restaurants around the square. Otherwise there is not much to do or see but I recommend using the town as a base for exploring the south of the island.
Plaza de Los Remedios.
If you feel like walking among the characteristic vineyards of Lanzarote, climb to the top of Montana Tinasoria. This is a trail about 7 km long that can be completed in about 2 hours. You pass through vineyards shielded by rock constructions that protect them from the strong wind and create a simply unique panorama. As indicated on this page, if you follow the GPS track at one point you will reach a private road but just turn about 150 meters earlier at this point to climb along a road that has no prohibition whatsoever. The latter is probably also a private road but during our visit there were no signs inviting people not to pass, and all the winegrowers we encountered greeted us amicably without making a fuss.
Where to sleep in Yaiza?
As suggested above, I recommend using Yaiza to explore the south of the island, first because it is in a really strategic central location and second because it offers cheaper accommodations than Playa Blanca. Love Yaiza, Habitaciones tía Ela and Finca Esperanza are all good budget solutions.
Montana Tinasoria.
Playa Quemada
This small coastal village is definitely off the classic Lanzarote tourist trail and is therefore an ideal destination for anyone who wants to get a sense of what the island was like before the arrival of tourists. The pebble beach is not particularly pretty but there are a couple of waterfront restaurants where you can have a good meal with a view.
Starting from Playa Quemada it is also possible to reach Playa la Casa along a beautiful path that follows the coast. The beach can be reached only on foot or by sea and boasts a very special garden (take a look at the photos on Google Maps). A girl living on the island recommended the visit to me. Unfortunately, I arrived that day in the afternoon and didn’t feel like walking much, so I just went to the nearby Playa de la Arena.
Playa de Papagayo.
Parque Nacional Timanfaya
Timanfaya National Park is undoubtedly one of the must-see stops during your trip to Lanzarote. Unfortunately, only tourist buses, not private cars, are allowed to drive around the park. Visitors must leave their cars in the parking lot and buy a ticket for one of the buses that can drive inside the park. Tickets must be purchased at the park entrance, where the ticket office opens daily at 9:30 am and closes at 4:00 pm. Once you have purchased your ticket (12€ per adult), you drive to the parking lot. From there, with your newly purchased ticket, you can board the bus (I recommend taking a seat on the side opposite the driver). The bus tour of the park lasts about 40 minutes and makes several stops.
On the bus tour.
While one has the feeling of doing something extremely touristy, all in all I think it is a good experience. Where the parking lot is located there is the classic gift store and a restaurant that uses an oven fueled by the heat still emanating from the volcano, as evidenced by the brief skit put on by the park rangers before boarding the bus.
An alternative to the bus tour for admiring the park and its Martian panorama is to take a ride on the back of a camel. The cost is 12€ per animal, so if shared between two people, it’s 6€ each for about twenty minutes. You have to leave your car at this point. Personally, I am not a big fan of animals used for tourist purposes, so I decided to pass, but my friend did it and enjoyed it. Obviously, you can do both the bus and camel tours, but if you want to do just one and are looking for the best views, my friend recommends the bus tour.
To complete your visit to Timanfaya National Park, I recommend stopping at the Centro de Visitantes. There is a fascinating permanent exhibit here that explains the origins of the island, its recent volcanic eruptions, and the flora and fauna that have colonized this seemingly inhospitable landscape. At the entrance of the visitor center, it is also possible to register to watch two twenty-minute documentaries shown in the small cinema room. Depending on the time, they are offered in several languages. Also, at the entrance, you can register for a simulation of a volcanic eruption: a wall emits smoke and “lava” and lights up, combined with some background noise. Personally, I found it unimpressive, but children might find it interesting. Admission, documentaries, and the simulation are completely free.
Timanfaya National Park.
Parque Natural de los Volcanes
This natural park literally wraps around Timanfaya National Park. Given its proximity, the landscape is very similar to that offered by the national park, with the advantage, however, that there are plenty of trails that can be walked without breaking any laws.
Montana de las Lapas.
Caldera Blanca
This is probably one of the most popular trails on the island. It is about 9 km and 500 meters total elevation gain, 2:30 to 3:30 hours. As the name suggests, you walk through lava fields until you reach the base of the Caldera Blanca where you climb up to the ridge and walk almost the entire length of it before descending and heading back toward the parking lot, following the same trail from where you came. Anyway, you can see the GPS trail on this page.
It is good to remember that as with all other hikes on the island, there is not a thread of shade and the middle hours of the day, especially during the summer, can be really hot. Also, at the top of the caldera there are sections where the trail is slightly exposed, no big deal in normal weather conditions but on the day of my visit there was such a strong wind that we preferred to turn back at one point.
Caldera Blanca.
Montana Colorada
Short trail with no elevation gain that just goes around Montana Colorada. It is about 3 km and takes 45 minutes more or less. Park your car at this point. The views from the top of Caldera Blanca are significantly better but it is still a pleasant hike. There is a trail to the top of the volcano and some GPS tracks follow it, but according to the signs on site it no longer seems to be allowed. You can find the trail description here, as you will see from the map at the link just given, if you wish you can lengthen the route and include a visit to nearby Montana Cardona and Montana Negra.
Montana Colorada.
Montana de las Lapas o del Cuervo
If walking is not your thing and you want to do a single hike, this is probably the best choice. Leave your car at this spot (about a 1 km south of the Montana Colorada parking lot). Again this is a short hike, it is about 4 km with no elevation gain, about an hour. You can find the GPS track here. In any case, this time, in addition to walking around the volcano, you can also go inside the caldera, where the colors of the rocks, vegetation, and rock formations create a particularly picturesque scene.
Montana del Cuervo.
Montana de la pena de Santa Catalina
Also known as Montana Los Rodeos, this is yet another volcano, only this time you can climb to the top and enjoy 360-degree views of lava fields and volcanoes popping up here and there. If you decide to climb to the top it’s 9 km and 400 m of elevation gain, about 2 hours, otherwise you can simply walk around it as described here.
The linked GPS track of the route does not include the ascent to the top of the mountain, which I also recommend. Without the ascent, the route would be quite monotonous. If you prefer, instead of leaving your car at the suggested point, you can continue driving to the base of the volcano. The road is unpaved but in good condition.
Montana de la pena de Santa Catalina.
To conclude this section on Parque Natural de los Volcanes, for the more adventurous you can walk through an underground lava tunnel called Cueva de las palomas. I entered from this point and exited from this one but of course you can also do it the other way around. Inside it is pitch black so it is essential to have a flashlight. My friend did it in flip flops but I certainly don’t recommend it, the terrain is bumpy to say the least. In about 10 minutes you should come out on the other side. Undoubtedly a nice way to reawaken some sense of adventure.
My friend Andrea inside Cueva de las palomas.
Puerto del Carmen
If you are looking for bars, restaurants and especially nightlife, Puerto del Carmen is undoubtedly the ideal destination on the island. During my visit the town was a bit dull but I am sure that during the summer time, the nightlife is the best the island has to offer.
Incidentally: the beach is not bad at all and more importantly it is equipped with everything you might need, showers, sunbeds, umbrellas but also beach volleyball courts. Again, extremely touristy and crowded destination but if this is what you are looking for, you will not be disappointed.
Where to sleep in Puerto del Carmen?
It may have been the time of year but my friend and I slept at Apartamentos Panorama for less than 20€ each, spacious apartments with kitchenette, sitting-corner, terrace, great location, gym and pool. Other interesting options seem to be Apartamento Princess, Pension Magec and Habitaciones Dona Cris.
Cueva de las palomas.
Arrecife
The island’s capital is not exactly a beautiful city or even a must-see destination so much so that if your days are numbered my advice is to spend your time elsewhere. That said, if you happen to visit the city, Playa Reducto close to the center is not that bad and while you’re there you can walk to Castillo de San Gabriel. The old port area is also quite quaint.
Finally, although I have not personally been there, Playa de las Cucharas in the north has been recommended to me and seems to be nice.
Arrecife.
Caserio de Tenezar
This godforsaken village is undoubtedly one of the most isolated. More than a village, it is a hamlet of white houses that stand out between the blue of the sea and the black of the surrounding volcanic earth. Apparently, no one lives here permanently anymore; silence and desolation reign supreme, especially during the off-season.
There is absolutely nothing to do in the village except enjoy some peace. There are neither bars nor restaurants. The beach (Playa Teneza) is unsuitable for swimming. Just outside the village, you can watch the waves crash against the rocky coast.
Caserio de Tenezar.
Teguise
Founded in 1402, Teguise is the oldest town in the Canary Islands and has been the island’s capital for over 450 years. The town’s historic center, which is built around the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, reflects its history and is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and characteristic in the entire archipelago.
On Sunday mornings there is a really popular market. I have not been there but if you can combine your visit with this day of the week it could definitely be something interesting to see.
Where to sleep in Teguise?
Joyhouse is a good budget option not too far from Teguise or otherwise a good location for exploring the center of the island.
Teguise.
Caleta de Famara
Caleta de Famara is a small town in the northeast of the island that is extremely popular with surfers. The bay offers optimal conditions for surfing and kitesurfing, attracting thousands of enthusiasts every year.
The atmosphere in this small town, frequented mostly by surfers, is relaxed and pleasant. If you want to take some surfing lessons or rent equipment, there are plenty of schools and stores available. Even if you just want to browse, watch the surfers and kitesurfers in the water, or spend a relaxing day, Caleta de Famara beach is a great choice.
Caleta de Famara.
Although closer to Haría than to Caleta de Famara, I definitely recommend a trip to Mirador del risco de Famara. This viewpoint is reached at the end of a dirt road that is, however, in good condition and offers some crazy views of Famara Bay below and the impressive cliffs. For the more adventurous I recommend visiting the Cueva de Las Cabras which is located not far away.
A cave literally carved into the rock and suspended in the void with slightly exposed and unequipped access except for a few steps. Children and people who particularly suffer from fear of heights would do well to avoid it. In any case, the place is truly magical and I strongly recommend it while being careful where you put your feet!
Cueva de Las Cabras.
Mirador del risco de Famara.
Haría
Haria and its surroundings are probably the most authentic and least touristy area of the island. A hilly landscape in the north of the island that offers an escape from the more polar south. The city center can be visited in no more than ten minutes but is still fascinating. It may have been the low season, but it felt like going back in time
As if that were not enough, here is César Manrique’s house museum which is apparently in the same condition it was in when the artist died, complete with unfinished works in the studio. During my visit the museum was closed so I did not go inside but I think it can be an interesting visit.
Finally, if you feel like taking a walk, I recommend walking to the Mirador Rincon de Haria from where you have excellent views of both the valley and the sea with Caleta de Famara in the distance.
Haria.
Cueva de los Verdes e Jameos del Agua
Cueva de los Verdes and Jameos del Agua are within a few kilometers of each other and are basically part of the same underground lava tunnel. The visit to Cuevas de los Verdes is exclusively guided, the tour offered in Spanish and English costs 10 euros and lasts about 45 minutes, departures are frequent, simply show up at the entrance. The origin of the cave and lava tunnels in general is explained and a lot of other information is given.
I found it quite interesting and especially if you have never seen something like this I think it is absolutely worth the price of admission. A path has been created inside the cave complete with stairs and handrails, which should provide easy access for anyone without serious mobility problems. There is even a small auditorium inside!
Auditorium, Cuevas de los Verdes.
I haven’t been to the Jameos del Agua. Once you pay the 10€ entrance fee, you are free to wander around. Reviews are mixed: some say that as beautiful as it is, it’s not worth the price of admission, while others claim that this creation of César Manrique, blending natural and man-made structures, is something not to be missed. The choice is yours.
Finally, not far from Cueva de los Verdes is Cueva de los Siete Lagos. I had been recommended to visit it, with the advice to be prepared to swim. According to the reviews on Google Maps, access is prohibited and it seems to be closed off. I haven’t checked personally, but based on the reviews, I think it’s trustworthy advice and I would avoid attempting to visit.
Cuevas de Los Verdes.
Mirador del Rio
This viewpoint is undoubtedly the best known and most popular on the island. The structure built in 1974 behind which again has the hand of César Manrique, offers beautiful views of La Graciosa Island and the Chinijo Archipelago. The facility houses a bar for which you have to pay an entrance fee of 5€. It is not that much, but I decided not to enter, you can simply enjoy the same view along the road at this spot and still leave your car in the parking lot of the bar.
La Graciosa, Mirador del Rio.
Orzola
This small town in the north of the island serves as a gateway for anyone wanting to visit the neighboring island of La Graciosa. Ferries depart several times a day from here, connecting the two islands. While the small port town itself may not offer much, there are plenty of beautiful beaches nearby. I especially recommend visiting Playa Caleton Blanco.
Caleta de Sebo.
La Graciosa
What can I say, the island is really pretty! Joking aside, visiting the island from Lanzarote is definitely a great way to spend a day. As anticipated, departures are frequent and the route is offered by two companies: Biosfera Express and Lineas Romero. For adults, the cost is €26 for a round-trip ticket and the crossing takes about half an hour.
Once on the island, if you want to put in some effort, you can complete a bike circuit that starting from Caleta del Sebo leads first to Playa de las Conchas and then to the small settlement Casas de Pedro Barba to finally return to Caleta del Sebo.The route is approximately 18 km in total and can be completed in about 2-3 hours depending on your pace. If you’re not a big fan of biking, I would probably avoid it. In my opinion, the only part of the circuit that is truly worth it is Playa de las Conchas. If you prefer, you could simply ride to the beach and back, saving about 8 km. I’ve also seen people walk this stretch.
Renting a bike at the port is very easy. There are several shops offering bikes at the same prices: 10€ for a regular mountain bike for the entire day, and 25€ if you prefer an electric bike.
Playa de Las Conchas.
Once you have completed the bike ride or as an alternative to the ride itself, I strongly recommend walking to Playa Francesca: a beautiful bay where you can swim (as opposed to Playa de las Conchas) and spend the rest of the day before returning to Lanzarote. I recommend doing it on foot and not by bike because this side of the island is extremely sandy and getting there by bike is no fun at all. For the indefatigable, you can climb to the summit of nearby Montana Amarilla or continue along the coast to Playa La Cocina.
To reach either Playa de las Conchas or Playa Francesca, if you have absolutely no desire to walk or ride, once you arrive at the port you can arrange to be transferred aboard jeeps that act as cabs.
If you travel with a tent you can camp for free on the beach just outside Caleta del Sebo by booking your stay on the Spanish government website.
To conclude this section, if you are looking for some more ideas for some excursions on the island, I recommend checking out this site.
Playa Francesca.
Suggested itineraries in Lanzarote
I know perfectly well that many people visit the island of Lanzarote and are more than happy to spend all their time in one location, limiting themselves to a few day trips.
Although the following itineraries are designed for a road trip, given the fairly short distances, they can still be used by those who decide to opt for a different type of travel and use an island “base.” The distances between destinations are quite short and it is therefore entirely feasible. In any case, take what follows as a starting point for constructing an itinerary based on your interests and in light of what has been described so far.
Arrecife.
Itinerary 3 days in Lanzarote
This short itinerary I think is suitable for those who want to combine visiting the island with neighboring Fuerteventura and have tight time constraints. Obviously three days is not a lot but I think it is enough to see the main attractions of the island. If you are arriving from Fuerteventura follow the itinerary below. If on the contrary you will continue your trip to Fuerteventura, follow the itinerary in the opposite direction.
Playa Blanca (1 night)
Day 1:
Arrive in Lanzarote from Fuerteventura. Spend the day among the beaches of costa de Papagayo and then in the evening go to see the sunset at the salinas de Janubio.
Yaiza (1 night)
Day 2:
In the morning visit Timanfaya National Park, have lunch in Yaiza, and then in the afternoon you can walk the El Golfo coastal trail before watching the sunset at Charco de Los Ciclos.
Teguise (1 night)
Day 3:
Visit Teguise then head to Haria via the Mirador del risco de Famara. After visiting Haria, head to Cueva de los Verdes and Jameos del Agua. Spend the rest of the afternoon at Playa Caleton Blanco before going to watch the sunset at Mirador del Rio.
El Golfo.
Itinerary 5 days in Lanzarote
With a couple of extra days include some hiking in Parque Natural de los Volcanes and a day in La Graciosa.
Playa Blanca (1 night)
Day 1:
Arrive in Lanzarote from Fuerteventura. Spend the day among the beaches of costa de Papagayo and then in the evening go watch the sunset at the salinas de Janubio.
Yaiza (2 nights)
Day 2:
In the morning visit Timanfaya National Park, have lunch in Yaiza, and then in the afternoon you can walk the El Golfo coastal trail before watching the sunset at Charco de Los Ciclos.
Day 3:
Hike to Caldera Blanca and in case you still feel like walking you can do the short hike to Montana del Cuervo or maybe Cueva de las Palomas.
Teguise (2 nights)
Day 4:
Visit Teguise then head to Haria via the Mirador del risco de Famara. After visiting Haria, head to Cueva de los Verdes and Jameos del Agua. Spend the rest of the day at Playa Caleton.
Day 5:
Spend the day in La Graciosa and in the evening go to watch the sunset at Mirador del Rio.
Somewhere along the north coast of the island.
Itinerary 7 days in Lanzarote
One week I think is the ideal amount of time to see all the highlights of Lanzarote at a leisurely pace.
Playa Blanca (1 night)
Day 1:
Arrive in Lanzarote from Fuerteventura. Spend the day among the beaches of costa de Papagayo and then in the evening go watch the sunset at the salinas de Janubio.
Yaiza (3 nights)
Day 2:
Visit Timanfaya National Park in the morning, have lunch in Yaiza, and then climb Tinasoria Mountain in the afternoon.
Day 3:
Hike along the El Golfo coastal trail. On the way back you can go to the beach and then watch the sunset over Charco de Los Ciclos.
Day 4:
Hike to Caldera Blanca and in case you still feel like walking you may as well do the short hike to Montana del Cuervo or maybe Cueva de las Palomas.
Playa del Carmen (1 night)
Day 5:
Relaxing day at the beach and in case you’re interested in a little bit of nightlife. If you are the type of person looking for a quieter atmosphere I would probably opt for some other destination. If you wanted, you could surf at Caleta de Famara and maybe visit Caserio de Tenezar.
Teguise (2 nights)
Day 6:
Visit Teguise then head to Haria via the Mirador del risco de Famara. After visiting Haria, head down to Cueva de los Verdes and Jameos del Agua. Spend the rest of the day at Playa Caleton.
Day 7:
Spend the day in La Graciosa and in the evening go to watch the sunset at Mirador del Rio.
Lungomare di El Golfo.
Itinerary 10 days in Lanzarote
With ten days to spare you can easily include whole days of relaxation in your itinerary without necessarily compromising on things to do and see. With that much time, I recommend following the one-week itinerary and adding a few days to spend at the beach or otherwise without necessarily feeling the “need to visit.”
Teguise.
How to get around Lanzarote
Unless you plan to spend a beach vacation without moving around too much, having a car on your trip to Lanzarote or at least renting it for part of your stay I think is extremely advisable.
Rent a car in Lanzarote
During my trip to the Canary Islands, I almost always rented my car with Cicar: the prices are competitive, you can easily pay without a credit card, no deposit is required, insurance is included and there are no deductibles, but most importantly, they have offices at all the ports and airports on the islands, which is really practical for those who are planning a touring trip.
Many other companies, on the other hand, have offices only at the airport, which is really inconvenient if instead of getting on a plane you want to drop your car off at the port and get on a ferry to another island.
In short, if you have an inter-island road trip on your mind or for whatever reason you don’t want to drop your car off at the airport, Cicar is probably the best option. In all other cases, it’s definitely worth considering other car rentals by checking out sites like Discover Cars. In any case, whether it’s Cicar or any other company, if you have specific dates, I recommend booking the car a few weeks in advance; doing so can really save you a lot compared to last-minute bookings.
It should be noted that virtually all rental companies technically do not permit driving on dirt roads. Despite this, we have driven on dirt roads several times, but you might get in trouble if something happens.
Furthermore, some companies technically allow you to take your rental car to another island via ferry, provided you return it to the original island. Many rental agreements explicitly prohibit leaving the island altogether. My advice, if needed, is to consider renting a separate car for each island you visit or at the very least inquire about the specific rental policies regarding inter-island travel.
Driving around Lanzarote.
Buses in Lanzarote
If you’re traveling alone and want to save money compared to the cost of renting a car, have only a few excursions on your mind that you can arrange with some organized tours, don’t feel like driving or for any other reason don’t want to rent a car, public transportation is not bad at all and you can get to virtually any destination on the island with a little planning. On this page you will find the various routes and ride schedules.
Domestic Flights
The only two airlines operating domestic flights between the islands are CanaryFly and BinterCanarias. Prices tend to be very similar but in general Binter seems to be slightly cheaper and has special fares for those under 29. In any case, I recommend taking a look at both and, if possible, booking at least a few weeks in advance for the best deals.
Lava fields.
Ferries to Lanzarote
The cheapest and most practical alternative for traveling between islands, as opposed to flights, are ferries. As a general rule, if you are traveling to the nearest or the next island—such as from Lanzarote to Gran Canaria or Fuerteventura—you not only save money by taking the ferry but also don’t need to do much planning in advance. You can arrive just an hour before departure or even less, purchase your ticket, and board without needing to book your trip in advance. In essence, ferry travel offers much more flexibility if you don’t have a fixed itinerary.
There are several ferry companies operating between the islands, and Direct Ferries is a website that aggregates all these companies where you can book your tickets if needed. Specifically, Lanzarote has several daily departures from Playa Blanca to Corralejo in Fuerteventura with Fred Olsen, Lineas Romero, and Naviera Armas. While from Arrecife to Las Palmas in Gran Canaria only Naviera Armas and Trasmediterranea operate.
Lanzarote wineyards.
Backpacking Lanzarote: costs
How much does a trip to Lanzarote cost? Obviously it depends on a lot of factors, those who regularly read my blog know that I travel frugally and my trip to the Canary Islands was no exception, in fact I managed to maintain a budget of 1000€ per month or a little over 30€ per day all inclusive.
However, I understand that not everyone is willing or interested in the backpacker’s lifestyle. The good news is that the Canary Islands remain relatively inexpensive by European standards. Prices are generally lower than mainland Spain because the islands are considered a special region where VAT is only 7 percent, and on many consumer goods, you pay no VAT at all.
Playa La Famara.
For example, the cost of gasoline is around 1€ per liter, and a meal at a restaurant, if you’re not too demanding, costs about 10€ or slightly more. In short, while they may not be as cheap as Latin America, by European standards, one can hardly complain about the prices.
Since we’re discussing costs, it’s worth mentioning a great way to keep them low, camping. Wild camping in Lanzarote is technically illegal, but in reality it is widely tolerated. If you pitch your tent away from prying eyes you should not have any kind of problem, even better if, given the very low rainfall that characterizes the summer period, you don’t pitch your tent at all.
During my stay in Lanzarote, all the nights I spent “camping,” I always just inflated my camping mat when it was time for bed. But again, technically it is illegal. If you want to stay within the law, there are only three official campgrounds, the one at Playa el Salado in La Graciosa, Camping de San Juan and Camping Papagayo.
Finally, to find places to camp in the Canary Islands I recommend the app park4night, designed especially for those who want to spend the night in an RV, minivan or car. It is also a fantastic resource for those who simply want to find a secluded place to pitch their tent or simply put down a mat as we often did.
Night spent at Playa Caleton Blanco.
Backpacking Lanzarote: safety
Lanzarote and the Canary Islands in general is an absolutely safe destination with really low crime rates. It is also recommended for families with children. That said, as with any destination, common sense should be used.
The only two notes I would make are to be extremely careful where you swim, as you may have noticed, throughout this guide, several times I have pointed out that some beaches are suitable for swimming. Since this is ocean, the currents can be extremely dangerous, especially the rip currents can take you out to sea quickly with potentially fatal consequences. I got to know a gentleman who was taken offshore with his children and he told me how he had already seen the end of it, not exactly a good experience.
Also, many of the more isolated beaches do not have lifeguards, and especially in the off-season you may be the only person there. In short, if you are not an experienced swimmer, be careful.
Finally, if you decide to rent a car make sure not to leave any valuables inside when unattended. Unfortunately, seeing broken glass in parking lots and signs urging people not to leave anything in the car are all too common.
Haria.
Are you planning a trip to Fuerteventura? Check out these posts:
Do you have any questions? Updated information? Feel free to leave a comment or message me on Instagram!
If you found this article helpful, please consider purchasing your travel insurance through one of the links on this site, doing so supports my work at no additional cost to you. For EU & UK Residents, i recommend True Traveller. For everyone else i recommend HeyMondo (5% discount). Thanks!
For donations/pizzas and virtual beers 🙂
Did you like the post? Pin it!
