10-Day Itinerary in the Canary Islands: Overview
This 10-day itinerary covers Tenerife, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, and Arona with a budget of €900-1300 per person.
This route through the Canary Islands is designed for active travelers who want to experience the geological diversity of the archipelago without sacrificing beach relaxation. It is ideal for those seeking a balance between volcanic adventure, moderate hiking, and local culture, moving between the most iconic islands. Throughout this 10-day trip to the Canary Islands, you will explore everything from the peaks of Teide to the dunes of Maspalomas and the lava fields of Timanfaya, enjoying unique gastronomy at every stop.
| Día | Ciudad / Zona | Highlights | Traslado (aprox.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tenerife (Arona/Sur) | Playas del Sur, Pueblo de Arona | Llegada al Aeropuerto TFS |
| 2 | Tenerife (Teide) | Parque Nacional del Teide, Pico Viejo | Coche: 1h desde Arona |
| 3 | Tenerife (Norte) | Santa Cruz, Auditorio, La Laguna | Coche: 1h 15min |
| 4 | Las Palmas de Gran Canaria | Playa de Las Canteras, Vegueta | Ferry: 1h 15min (Fred. Olsen) |
| 5 | Gran Canaria (Interior) | Risco Caído, Jardín Botánico | Coche: 45min desde capital |
| 6 | Lanzarote | Parque Nacional de Timanfaya | Vuelo interisla: 45min |
| 7 | Lanzarote (Norte) | Cueva de los Verdes, Jameos del Agua | Coche: 30min |
| 8 | Fuerteventura | Dunas de Corralejo, Isla de Lobos | Ferry: 25min (Naviera Armas) |
| 9 | Fuerteventura (Sur) | Península de Jandía, Cofete | Coche: 1h 30min |
| 10 | Salida | Últimas compras, Playa El Cotillo | Traslado al Aeropuerto FUE |
Day 1: Arrival in Tenerife and Settling in Arona
Morning
- Arrival and car pickup: Pick up your rental car at Tenerife South Airport (TFS). It is essential for this route.
- Transfer to Arona: Drive to the south of the island (approx. 15 minutes). Check in at your accommodation.
Recommended breakfast: Local café in Las Américas or Los Cristianos. Toast with tomato and café con leche (€5-8).
Midday
Where to eat: Canarian cuisine restaurant in Arona. Try the Papas arrugadas con mojo (small potatoes boiled in heavily salted water, served with a red pepper or cilantro sauce). Average price: €15-20.
Activity: Relaxed stroll around Arona’s marina (Puerto Colón) to acclimatize.
Afternoon
- Beach: Enjoy Playa de las Vistas or Playa del Camisón. Swim and rest.
- Light hiking: Coastal trail from Los Cristianos toward Arona (approx. 1 hour, easy level).
Night
Dinner: Veronicas or Starco area (lively atmosphere) or La Caleta area (quieter). Tapas and local wine (€20-30).
Day 2: The Giant Teide and Lunar Landscapes
Morning
- Teide National Park: Early drive up to the park. Stop at the Mirador de las Narices del Teide viewpoint.
- Hiking: Roques de García trail (2-3 hours). Iconic views of Teide and Pico Viejo.
Recommended breakfast: Picnic or café in La Orotava before heading up (€5-10).
Midday
Where to eat: Parador Nacional de Las Cañadas del Teide (reservation required) or a restaurant in Vilaflor on the way back. Typical dish: Conejo en salmorejo (marinated and stewed rabbit). Price: €20-30.
Afternoon
- Teide Cable Car: Ride up to La Rambleta (if available and weather permits). Views as far as Africa.
- Sunset: Watch the sunset from the base of the volcano.
Night
Dinner: Return to Arona. Light dinner at your accommodation or a nearby restaurant. Quiet atmosphere.
Day 3: Culture and architecture in Northern Tenerife
Morning
- Drive to the North: Journey to San Cristóbal de La Laguna (World Heritage Site).
- Cultural visit: Historic centre of La Laguna and the Iglesia Matriz de la Concepción (Church of the Conception).
Recommended breakfast: Traditional churrería in La Laguna (3-6€).
Midday
Where to eat: Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Try Gofio escaldado or escaldón (toasted cereal flour mixed with broth). Price: 15-25€.
Activity: Visit the Auditorio de Tenerife Adán Martín (exterior photo or guided tour).
Afternoon
- Shopping and stroll: Calle del Castillo in Santa Cruz.
- Active option: If time allows, quick visit to the Orotava Valley before returning south.
Night
Dinner: Santa Cruz. La Noria or Plaza de la Candelaria area. Michelin-starred restaurants such as Moral or El Aguarde (if budget allows, tasting menu 60-100€) or traditional taverns (25€).
Day 4: Transfer to Gran Canaria and Las Palmas
Morning
- Ferry to Gran Canaria: Transfer to the port of Los Cristianos. Fast ferry (Fred. Olsen Express) to Puerto de la Luz in Las Palmas. Duration: 1h 15min.
- Check-in: Accommodation in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Vegueta or Las Canteras area).
Recommended breakfast: On board the ferry or at a café in the port (5-10€).
Midday
Where to eat: Vegueta. Try Sancocho canario (salted fish stew with potatoes, sweet potato and gofio). Price: 15-20€.
Activity: Visit the Cathedral of Santa Ana and Casa de Colón (Columbus House).
Afternoon
- Urban Beach: Relax at Playa de Las Canteras, one of the best urban beaches in Spain.
- Stroll: Walk along the Paseo de Las Canteras to the Auditorio Alfredo Kraus.
Night
Dinner: Triana or Vegueta area. Bohemian and cultural atmosphere. Average price: 20-30€.
Day 5: Sacred nature of Gran Canaria
Morning
- Inland excursion: Drive towards the centre of the island.
- Hiking: Visit to Risco Caído and the Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Moderate hiking route.
Recommended breakfast: Bakery in Teror or Valleseco. Pan de flor (flower-shaped bread) and coffee (5€).
Midday
Where to eat: Restaurant inland (e.g. Tejeda). Try Ropa vieja canaria (chickpeas and shredded meats). Price: 15-25€.
Afternoon
- Botanical Garden: Visit the Jardín Botánico Viera y Clavijo (Jardín Canario). It is the largest in Spain and specialises in endemic flora.
- Return: Back to Las Palmas.
Night
Dinner: Las Palmas. Michelin option: Muxgo or Varadero (advance booking required). Local option: Tapas on Calle León y Castillo.
Day 6: Flight to Lanzarote and the fires of the volcano
Morning
- Inter-island flight: Flight from Gran Canaria (LPA) to Lanzarote (ACE). Duration: 45 min. (Binter Canarias or Canaryfly).
- Car pickup and check-in: Costa Teguise or Puerto del Carmen area.
Recommended breakfast: Airport or local café (5-8€).
Midday
Where to eat: Puerto del Carmen. Try the local Queso de cabra (goat cheese) and Papas Arrugadas con Mojo Picón (wrinkled potatoes with mojo picón sauce). Price: 15-25€.
Activity: Visit to the Castle of Santa Bárbara in Arrecife.
Afternoon
- Timanfaya National Park: A must-see. Bus tour through the lava fields (Montañas del Fuego, or Fire Mountains). The heat from the subsoil is impressive.
Night
Dinner: Costa Teguise. Family-friendly and quiet atmosphere. Average price: 20-30€.
Day 7: Art and nature in Lanzarote
Morning
- Cueva de los Verdes: Guided visit to this impressive volcanic tube.
- Jameos del Agua: Art, culture, and tourism center created by César Manrique inside a volcanic tube.
Recommended breakfast: Café in Haría or near the caves (5-8€).
Midday
Where to eat: Haría or Mirador del Río. Try the Gofio escaldado (scalded gofio) with fish broth. Price: 15-25€.
Afternoon
- Mirador del Río: Spectacular views over the island of La Graciosa.
- Beach: Relax at Playa de Famara (ideal for surfers) or Caletón Blanco.
Night
Dinner: Puerto Calero or Playa Blanca. Fresh grilled fish dinner. Price: 25-35€.
Day 8: Ferry to Fuerteventura and Dunes
Morning
- Ferry to Fuerteventura: Departure from Órzola (Lanzarote) to Corralejo (Fuerteventura). Fast ferry (Naviera Armas or Fred. Olsen). Duration: 25 min.
- Check-in: Accommodation in Corralejo or El Cotillo.
Recommended breakfast: Port of Órzola (5-8€).
Midday
Where to eat: Corralejo. Try the Queso Majorero (with Denomination of Origin) and Carne de cabra estofada (stewed goat meat). Price: 15-25€.
Activity: Stroll through the Old Port of Corralejo.
Afternoon
- Corralejo Dunes Natural Park: Hiking through the white dunes and swimming at the crystal-clear beaches.
- Extra option: Boat trip to Isla de Lobos (advance booking required).
Night
Dinner: Corralejo. Vibrant atmosphere with many international and local restaurants. Price: 20-30€.
Day 9: The wild south of Fuerteventura
Morning
- Drive to the South: Route towards the Jandía Peninsula.
- Playa de Cofete: Visit to this wild and isolated beach (a 4×4 vehicle is recommended, or drive carefully along the dirt track).
Recommended breakfast: Café in Morro Jable (5-8€).
Midday
Where to eat: Morro Jable or Puerto de la Cruz. Try the Gofio escaldado or fresh fish. Price: 15-25€.
Afternoon
- Jandía Lighthouse: Visit to the lighthouse and a walk along the isthmus that connects the peninsula.
- Montaña de Tindaya: (Optional if there is time on the way back north) Visit to this sacred mountain for the ancient majos.
Night
Dinner: El Cotillo. Relaxed atmosphere, known for its natural lagoons and sunsets. Seafood dinner. Price: 25-35€.
Day 10: Farewell to the Canaries
Morning
- El Cotillo Lagoons: One last swim in the natural pools sheltered from the wind.
- Shopping: Pick up souvenirs (cheese, mojo sauce, aloe vera) at the local market.
Recommended breakfast: Beach chiringuito (beach bar) (5-10€).
Midday
Where to eat: Farewell lunch in El Cotillo. Price: 20€.
Afternoon
- Transfer to the airport: Drive to Fuerteventura Airport (FUE) for your return flight.
Recommended accommodation
For a 10-day trip to the Canary Islands on a mid-range budget, it’s best to alternate between holiday apartments and 3-4 star hotels.
- Tenerife (Arona/Los Cristianos): Tourist area with plenty of options. Average price: 80-120€/night.
- Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: Vegueta neighbourhood (cultural) or Las Canteras Beach (beach). Average price: 70-110€/night.
- Lanzarote (Costa Teguise/Puerto del Carmen): Ideal for staying close to the northern attractions and the airport. Average price: 80-130€/night.
- Fuerteventura (Corralejo/El Cotillo): Corralejo for nightlife, El Cotillo for relaxation. Average price: 70-120€/night.
Transport between cities
Logistics are key on this Canary Islands route.
- Between islands (Ferry): Fred. Olsen Express connects South Tenerife with Gran Canaria (1h 15min). Naviera Armas and Fred. Olsen connect Lanzarote (Órzola) with Fuerteventura (Corralejo) in 25 min.
- Between islands (Plane): For the Gran Canaria – Lanzarote leg, flying is more efficient (45 min) than the ferry (which can take over 6 hours or require a stopover in Tenerife). Airlines: Binter Canarias, Canaryfly.
- On the islands: Renting a car is almost essential to follow this volcano and hiking itinerary comfortably. Public transport is limited in rural areas and natural parks.
Estimated budget
Breakdown for a traveller on a mid-range budget (per person, assuming a double room):
- Accommodation (9 nights): 450€ – 600€.
- Food and Drinks: 350€ – 450€ (30-45€/day).
- Transport (Inter-island flights, ferries, car + fuel): 250€ – 350€.
- Activities and Entrance Fees: 100€ – 150€ (Teide, Caves, Parks).
- Estimated Total: 1,150€ – 1,550€ per person.
Note: Prices may vary depending on the season (Carnival and summer are more expensive).
Independent travel or organised tour?
When exploring the Canary Islands with this itinerary, you have two main options:
Independent travel (Recommended for this itinerary)
- Flexibility: You can adjust your hiking times on Teide or spend longer on the beaches of Fuerteventura.
- Budget: Usually cheaper if ferries and flights are booked in advance.
- Driving: Requires driving on winding roads (Tenerife, Gran Canaria) and dirt tracks (Cofete).
Organised tour
- Convenience: You don’t have to worry about transfers between islands or navigation.
- Guide: You learn more about volcanic geology and history with an expert.
- Pace: Tours tend to be more rigid. It’s hard to find a tour that covers 4 islands in 10 days with quality time on each; they usually focus on 1 or 2 islands.
Verdict: For this 10-day, 4-island pace, going independent with a rental car is the only realistic way to see everything proposed without rushing too much.
Practical tips
- Book the Teide Cable Car months in advance: Tickets to go up to La Rambleta sell out very quickly, especially in high season.
- Layer your clothing: In Tenerife and Gran Canaria you can go from 25°C on the beach to 5°C on Teide or in the mountainous interior in the space of an hour. Always carry a waterproof jacket and something warm.
- Extreme sun protection: UV radiation in the Canary Islands is very high all year round, even on cloudy days. Use SPF 50+.
- Drinking water: Tap water on the islands comes from desalination plants and is very hard. It is not toxic, but the taste is not pleasant. Buy large bottles of bottled water for drinking and cooking.
- Driving in Fuerteventura: To get to Cofete, the road is dirt and stone. If you rent a small car (such as a Fiat 500), be very careful with the undercarriage. An SUV is preferable.
- Festivities: If you travel in February/March, keep in mind the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife or Las Palmas; prices go up and there are big crowds, but the atmosphere is incredible.
Frequently asked questions
Is a rental car necessary on all the islands?
Yes, highly recommended for this itinerary. Although Las Palmas and Santa Cruz have good public transport, to access the national parks (Teide, Timanfaya), the wild beaches (Cofete, Famara) and the inland villages, a car is essential to make the most of your time on a 10-day trip.
What is the best time of year to do this volcanoes and beach route?
The “eternal spring” of the Canary Islands makes it a year-round destination. However, to combine beach and hiking without extreme heat, the best months are April, May, October and November. In summer (July-August) it can be very hot for intense hiking, and in winter the water temperatures are lower.
How much time should I allow between the ferry and the return flight?
If your return flight departs from a different island than your last night (e.g. you sleep in Fuerteventura but fly from Tenerife), you should leave at least 4-5 hours of margin for possible delays on ferries or inter-island flights. Ideally, fly back from the last island you visit (Fuerteventura in this case).
Are the roads safe for hiking near the volcanoes?
The main roads are safe. However, in areas such as Teide or Timanfaya, always follow the official signs. Do not leave the marked trails in the national parks, as the flora is protected and the volcanic terrain can be unstable or sharp.