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We want to give you an itinerary of what to do in 3 days in Lanzarote, so that you know how to seize the time of a long weekend on this island of the Canary Islands. But we will also mention what you can do if you stay 4 or 7 days. Keep reading to learn more.
The basics you should know about Lanzarote
Lanzarote is part of the Canary Islands region. If we consider its geography and climate, it is closer to Africa than to Spain. Most of the year, the temperature is pleasant, there is a lot of sun and little rain.
In Lanzarote, there are at least 300 days of sunshine a year, making it a perfect destination to escape the cold of winter. It is a time of low flow of tourists. You may not bathe so much on the beaches, but you can explore other attractions on the island.
The temperature in Lanzarote reaches 28°C in summer, while in winter 20°C. The whole year there is sun, so you should not forget the sunscreen.
There are many activities that you can do if you visit Lanzarote. Take the decision between one or another could depend on what attracts your attention.
If you go just for a weekend, you can still do different things and enjoy the island to the fullest. If you stay for a full week, you can take more leisurely tours and see more things.
How to go to Lanzarote?
Going by plane is the best option, there are regular flights to Lanzarote from Madrid and also from other European capitals.
How to go around in Lanzarote?
You have various options, public transport, transfer and rent a car. You could even rent a bicycle to do some tours.
If you go for 3 days, perhaps the best option is to rent a car, or to have a well-established excursion schedule in Lanzarote. With a car you, will have autonomy and flexibility, but with tours, you could avoid some lines at the main attractions, in addition to guides.
Where to stay in Lanzarote?
Perhaps the best options to stay in Lanzarote are Costa Teguise and Puerto del Carmen. You can take a transfer from Lanzarote airport to Puerto del Carmen to get there.
What to do in 3 days in Lanzarote?
This is an island where you can go on an express trip, and in less than a week you will have time to see its most important tourist sites.
Day 1: Visit the volcanic landscapes
- Visit the Timanfaya National Park
Perhaps it is the first thing you should do on the island. You can explore the volcanoes and a protected nature reserve. Many compare the landscape with the surface of Mars. If you visit Lanzarote for 3, 4 or 7 days, it is an unmissable activity.
The route through the volcano can only be done using the official bus, whose fare is included in the park entrance. If you hire a tour, you can avoid queues and save time.
On this tour, you will see volcanic craters and lava tubes. Inside there is also the panoramic restaurant Diablo, with a themed decoration, and where they cook with the heat of the volcanoes.
- Lago Verde: You can visit it on the way back from the park, it is in the town of El Golfo. A place with traditional houses and volcanic soil. The lake is inside the crater of a volcano, very close to the ocean. There you will see an unparalleled landscape, with the contrast between the blue of the ocean, the black sand, the green water (it takes this colour from the algae), and, in addition, the reddish soil of the volcano.
- Los hervideros: You will observe a landscape where the ocean cooled the lava from the volcanoes when they reached the sea. It is a unique coastline, south of Lanzarote.
- Las Salinas del Janubio: You will appreciate the salt flats that remain original, through lookout points. It is important to remember that once, the salt was an important economic support for the island.
- La Geria: Despite the arid landscape, good wines are produced on the island, here you can enjoy them. If your budget allows, book a wine tasting, if not just stop to take in the scenery.
Day 2: Meet the beaches
Take advantage of the second day of your visit to Lanzarote. Getting to know some of its most popular beaches:
- Playa Blanca: it is in the south, it is an ideal beach if you go with children. You can also go to Playa Dorada, it is the same coastal area.
- Playa del Papagayo: it has golden sand with a crystal clear sea, ideal if you want to see the seabed. In the same area, you will see other beaches.
- Walk along the coastline between Puerto del Carmen and Puerto Calero, it’s less than an hour on foot.
Eat lunch at one of the restaurants near the beach, try fresh fish and seafood.
Day 3: Appreciate the work of César Manrique
If you have read anything about Lanzarote, you know César Manrique, an artist who dedicated his work to the Island and its sustainable development. His works have a minimal intervention in nature. Some that you cannot miss are:
- Mirador del RÃo: It is a viewpoint in the south of Lanzarote, a design by César Manrique that blends into the rocks. You will have a panoramic view of the pass between Lanzarote and La Graciosa, as well as the islets of Chinijo and Las Salinas.
- Jameos del Agua: Manrique’s house was transformed into a cultural centre, art and tourism river. He used part of a lava tube to create it, it’s a landscape you won’t forget. You will want to try the food at Los Jameos restaurant.
- Cueva los Verdes: It is part of the Jameos del Agua volcanic tunnel system, you can only go with guided tours.
- Cactus Garden: there are more than 1000 species of cacti, in a design similar to an amphitheatre.
- César Manrique Foundation: it is a building that he designed himself, it was his art studio.
What to do in Lanzarote in 4 days?
If you stay one more day, you can take advantage of knowing other areas. Here is an itinerary for it:
- Playa Famara: It is an excellent point to surf in Lanzarote. It is near Caleta de Famara, where you can rent a surfboard. Also visit the Risco de Famara to appreciate a beautiful view.
- Get to know Teguise: it is a town in the north of the island. Visit its historic centre, you will see a more traditional side of the island. Its Sunday market is popular.
What to do in Lanzarote in 7 days?
If you have the opportunity to spend a full week in Lanzarote, you can walk even more. You can even do the tours that we already mentioned, but with much more calm.
You can go to Arrecife, the capital of Lanzarote. Apart from the beaches, get to know the city, visit the Castillo de San José, which once was a military fort, and today, thanks to the intervention of César Manrique, is a museum of contemporary art.
Get to know El Reducto, a blue flag beach in Arrecife. It has many coffee shops and restaurants. Also visit San Gines, a historic area facing the sea.
Other options of what to do in Lanzarote in 7 days are to visit the Atlantic Museum (underwater), visit La Graciosa Island, Fuerteventura, go to a volcano, spend a full day on a beach
In the end, it only depends on you what to do in Lanzarote. If you go for 3, 4 or 7 days, take into account our list and hire the excursions in Lanzarote of your choice.
This post is also available in: Español (Spanish)