7-day itinerary in Lanzarote and Fuerteventura: overview
This 7-day itinerary covers Lanzarote, Arrecife, Fuerteventura, and Timanfaya on a budget of €750-950 per person.
This trip is designed for travelers seeking the perfect balance between wild volcanic nature and beach relaxation, without neglecting local culture. It is an ideal route for couples or groups of friends who want to explore two of the most fascinating islands in the Canary archipelago, combining the art of César Manrique in Lanzarote with the immense dunes and beaches of Fuerteventura. Over the course of a week, you will discover how fire created lunar landscapes and how the wind sculpted miles of golden sand.
| Día | Ciudad / Zona | Highlights | Km aprox. entre paradas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Día 1 | Lanzarote (Arrecife) | Llegada, Castillo de San José, Paseo marítimo | 0 km (Aeropuerto – Hotel) |
| Día 2 | Lanzarote (Norte) | Cueva de los Verdes, Jameos del Agua, Mirador del Río | 45 km |
| Día 3 | Lanzarote (Centro/Sur) | Parque Nacional de Timanfaya, Salinas de Janubio | 60 km |
| Día 4 | Fuerteventura (Corralejo) | Traslado en Ferry, Dunas de Corralejo | 15 km (Traslado ferry) + 20 km isla |
| Día 5 | Fuerteventura (Oeste) | El Cotillo, Montaña de Tindaya | 40 km |
| Día 6 | Fuerteventura (Sur) | Península de Jandía, Playa de Cofete | 90 km |
| Día 7 | Fuerteventura / Regreso | Playa de Sotavento, Compras finales | 30 km |
Day 1: Arrival on the island of fire and first contact with Arrecife
Morning
Activity 1: Arrival at Lanzarote Airport (ACE) and rental car pickup. It is essential to book the car in advance to ensure availability and better rates. Estimated time: 1 hour for paperwork.
Activity 2: Check-in at your accommodation. For this first day, staying in the Puerto del Carmen or Arrecife area is recommended to make the initial logistics easier.
Recommended breakfast: Local café such as a “guachinche” (traditional Canarian eatery) or neighborhood bar. Indicative price: €5-8 per person (coffee and toast or tortilla).
Midday
Where to eat: Tapas restaurant in central Arrecife. Look for places offering “raciones” (sharing plates). Average price: €15-20 per person.
Afternoon activity: Visit to Castillo de San José, also known as the International Museum of Contemporary Art (MIAC). It is an 18th-century fortress renovated by César Manrique.
Afternoon
Afternoon activities: A relaxed stroll around Charco de San Ginés, the heart of Arrecife, where small fishing boats coexist with restaurants. Visit to the Iglesia Matriz de San Ginés Obispo (Mother Church of Saint Genesius the Bishop).
Snack or rest: Artisan ice cream on the seafront promenade or a rest at the hotel to recover from the journey.
Night
Dinner: Light dinner in the “El Varadero” area or near the castle. Try papas arrugadas (wrinkled Canarian potatoes) as a starter. Price: €20-30.
Nightlife: Arrecife has a laid-back atmosphere, ideal for a post-dinner stroll. If you are looking for more nightlife, you can head to Puerto del Carmen (a 10-minute drive away).
Day 2: The art of Manrique and the volcanic tubes of the North
Morning
Activity 1: Visit to the Cueva de los Verdes (Green Cave). It is one of the longest volcanic tubes in the world. The guided tour lasts approximately 45 minutes and booking tickets online is essential.
Activity 2: Jameos del Agua. A few minutes from the cave, this cultural center created by Manrique integrates a natural seawater pool inside a collapsed volcanic tube.
Recommended breakfast: Breakfast in Haría, the “village of a thousand palm groves,” before heading up to the caves. Indicative price: €8-10.
Midday
Where to eat: Restaurant in Órzola or Haría. Specialty: local goat cheese and fresh fish. Average price: €20-25.
Afternoon activity: Drive to the far north to visit the Mirador del Río viewpoint. From here you will have the best views of the island of La Graciosa.
Afternoon
Afternoon activities: Descent toward the east coast to see the cliffs of Famara. Active option: short hike along the cliffs. Relaxed option: visit to the Agricultural Museum in Teguise (if it is Sunday, it coincides with the street market).
Snack or rest: Stop at a viewpoint to watch the sunset over the ocean.
Night
Dinner: Restaurant in Costa Teguise or Puerto del Carmen. Tourist area with a wide range of options. Price: €25-35.
Nightlife: Puerto del Carmen offers the largest concentration of bars and restaurants on the island, ideal for ending the day with some atmosphere.
Day 3: Volcanic immersion in Timanfaya and the wild south
Morning
Activity 1: Timanfaya National Park. This is the jewel in the crown. You should arrive early (opening at 9:00 or 10:00 depending on the season). The Ruta de los Volcanes (Volcano Route) by bus (included in the entrance fee) is mandatory and lasts about 35 minutes.
Activity 2: Geothermal demonstrations at Islote de Hilario, where you will see how the ground is still hot just a few centimeters below the surface.
Recommended breakfast: Quick breakfast at the hotel or a café in Yaiza before entering the park. Indicative price: €6-9.
Midday
Where to eat: Restaurante El Diablo, located inside the national park itself, designed by César Manrique. It offers Canarian cuisine with views of the volcano. Average price: €25-35 (reservation required).
Afternoon activity: Visit to the Salinas de Janubio salt flats, the most important in the Canary Islands, still in production.
Afternoon
Afternoon activities: Visit to the village of El Golfo and its green lagoon (Charco de los Clicos). Continue to Playa Blanca for a relaxing swim if the weather allows.
Snack or rest: Free time in Playa Blanca or return to your accommodation to rest before transferring to the next island.
Night
Dinner: Farewell dinner in Lanzarote. Try the Sancocho or the Gofio escaldado if you have not done so before. Price: €25-35.
Nightlife: A quiet night to pack your suitcase for the ferry the next day.
Day 4: Transfer to Fuerteventura and the Corralejo Dunes
Morning
Activity 1: Transfer to the port of Órzola (Lanzarote) to catch the ferry to Corralejo (Fuerteventura). Fred. Olsen or Naviera Armas operate this route in approximately 25-30 minutes. It is essential to book the car in advance.
Activity 2: Check-in at your new accommodation in Corralejo or El Cotillo.
Recommended breakfast: Breakfast on the ferry or in Corralejo as soon as you arrive. Indicative price: 8-12€.
Midday
Where to eat: Beach bar or restaurant in the Old Town of Corralejo. Average price: 15-20€.
Afternoon activity: Exploring the Corralejo Dunes Natural Park. It is a unique ecosystem in Europe. You can walk along the boardwalks or access the unspoiled beaches.
Afternoon
Afternoon activities: Swimming at the white-sand beaches (Playa Grande or El Matorral). Active option: kitesurfing or windsurfing, as Fuerteventura is a world mecca for these sports.
Snack or rest: Sunset in the dunes, an impressive visual spectacle as the sun goes down.
Night
Dinner: Restaurant in the Corralejo marina. Price: 25-35€.
Nightlife: Corralejo has a vibrant nightlife, especially on La Laguna street, with numerous bars and pubs.
Day 5: The magical west: El Cotillo and Tindaya
Morning
Activity 1: Drive to El Cotillo (approx. 20 min from Corralejo). Visit the Lagos de El Cotillo, natural pools formed by lava.
Activity 2: Ascent of Montaña de Tindaya. It is a sacred mountain for the ancient inhabitants (majos). You can park nearby and take a gentle walk to the summit for 360º views.
Recommended breakfast: Café in El Cotillo with sea views. Indicative price: 7-10€.
Midday
Where to eat: Fish restaurant in El Cotillo. Average price: 20-30€.
Afternoon activity: Visit to the Tostón Lighthouse and the ruins of the old salt flats.
Afternoon
Afternoon activities: Relax at Playa del Castillo or Concha de La Pared. This is a quieter, less crowded area than Corralejo.
Snack or rest: Free time to read or simply enjoy the sound of the sea.
Night
Dinner: Dinner in El Cotillo or return to Corralejo. Try the stewed goat meat. Price: 25-35€.
Nightlife: El Cotillo is very quiet at night, ideal for couples. Corralejo offers more options if you are looking for action.
Day 6: The Far South: Jandía and the Wild Cofete
Morning
Activity 1: Drive to the south of the island (approx. 1 hour from Corralejo). Route towards the Jandía Peninsula.
Activity 2: Visit Morro Jable, the main tourist hub of the south, and its lighthouse.
Recommended breakfast: Breakfast in Morro Jable. Indicative price: 8-12€.
Midday
Where to eat: Restaurant in Morro Jable or near Sotavento Beach. Average price: 20-25€.
Afternoon activity: Drive to Cofete Beach. Warning: The road is unpaved and can be tricky; drive with caution or use a 4×4 if possible, although a regular car is usually fine if driven carefully. It is an unspoiled beach stretching for kilometres.
Afternoon
Afternoon activities: Take in the vastness of Cofete and visit Casa Winter (if open) or simply contemplate the rugged landscape where the wind is the main character.
Snack or break: Return to the Sotavento area to watch kitesurfers in action.
Night
Dinner: Dinner in Jandía. Price: 25-35€.
Nightlife: Jandía has lively shopping areas, but it is generally more family-oriented and quieter than the north.
Day 7: Final Relaxation at Sotavento and Return
Morning
Activity 1: Enjoy Sotavento Beach, famous for its shallow turquoise waters and the sandbar that forms with the tide.
Activity 2: Last souvenir shopping (Queso Majorero, Aloe Vera, local crafts).
Recommended breakfast: A leisurely breakfast facing the sea. Indicative price: 8-10€.
Midday
Where to eat: Farewell lunch at a beach bar in Sotavento. Average price: 20-25€.
Afternoon activity: Transfer to Fuerteventura Airport (FUE). If the flight is late, there is time for one last swim.
Afternoon
Afternoon activities: Return the rental car and check in.
Snack or break: Time in the airport terminal.
Night
Dinner: Depending on the flight time, dinner at the airport or on the way home.
Recommended Accommodation
To make the most of your time and mid-range budget, it is suggested to split your stay between two bases:
- Lanzarote (3 nights): Puerto del Carmen or Costa Teguise area. Average price range: 80€ – 140€ per night (double room). Avoid Arrecife if you want direct beach access, but use it if you prioritise culture and lower prices.
- Fuerteventura (4 nights): Corralejo area (north) for atmosphere and dunes, or Jandía (south) for endless beaches and guaranteed sunshine. Average price range: 90€ – 160€ per night (double room).
Transport Between Cities
The best option for this itinerary is a rental car. Public transport on the islands exists but is limited for specific tourist routes such as Cofete or Timanfaya.
- Between islands: Ferry from Órzola (Lanzarote) to Corralejo (Fuerteventura). Operated by Fred. Olsen Express and Naviera Armas. Duration: 25-30 minutes. Price car + 2 passengers: approx. 60€ – 80€ (round trip). It is necessary to book weeks in advance in high season.
- In Lanzarote: Roads in good condition. Maximum north-south distance: 45 minutes.
- In Fuerteventura: Main roads are good, but access to Cofete is via a dirt track. North-south distance: 1 hour 15 minutes.
Estimated budget
Budget for 1 person traveling in a mid-range style (sharing a room and car):
- Accommodation (7 nights): €450 – €600 (shared).
- Rental car + Fuel + Ferry: €250 – €350 (shared).
- Lunches and Dinners: €35 x 7 days = €245.
- Entrance fees and Activities: €100 (Timanfaya, Cueva de los Verdes, etc.).
- Estimated total per person: €750 – €950 (not including flights from your origin).
Independent travel or organized tour?
This is a key decision for your 7-day trip to Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.
Independent travel:
Pros: Maximum flexibility. You can stay longer in Cofete if you fall in love with the place or skip a stop if you’re tired. It’s more economical if there are 2 or more of you sharing costs. It allows you to discover hidden corners off the tourist routes.
Cons: Requires planning (booking ferry, car, Timanfaya tickets). Stress of driving and navigating.
Profile: Independent travelers, couples, groups of friends with a driver’s license.
Organized tour:
Pros: Total convenience. An expert guide explains the history and geology (very useful in Timanfaya). You don’t worry about parking or reading maps. Day trips from the base cities usually include meals.
Cons: Less schedule flexibility. Usually more expensive. Routes tend to be very standardized (“bus tourism”).
Profile: Older adults, solo travelers looking for company, or those who don’t want to drive.
Practical tips
- The Wind: In Fuerteventura, the wind is constant. Bring a windbreaker and secure umbrellas or towels well on the beach. If the wind is too strong in the north (Corralejo), cross over to the south (Jandía), which tends to be more sheltered.
- Mandatory Reservations: Tickets for Timanfaya National Park and Cueva de los Verdes must be purchased online in advance, especially in summer and on public holidays, as capacity is limited.
- Sun Protection: UV radiation in the Canary Islands is extreme all year round, even when it’s cloudy. Use SPF 50+, sunglasses, and a cap. The black lava of Timanfaya reflects the heat.
- Water: Tap water on the islands is desalinated and safe, but it has a strong salty taste. It’s recommended to buy large bottles of mineral water for drinking and cooking.
- Driving in Cofete: The road to Cofete is unpaved and dusty. Drive slowly to avoid stones flying up and damaging the windshield (check your rental policy to see if it covers glass).
- Gastronomy: Don’t leave without trying Queso Majorero (Majorero cheese) in Fuerteventura and Vino de La Geria (La Geria wine) in Lanzarote. They are products with a Denomination of Origin unique in the world.
Frequently asked questions
Is it necessary to rent a car in Lanzarote and Fuerteventura?
Yes, it is highly recommended. Although there is public transport (guaguas), frequencies are low and they do not reach key points such as Playa de Cofete, the Mirador del Río or the more remote areas of the Dunas. For an optimized 7-day itinerary, a car is essential for freedom of movement.
What is the best time of year to do this route?
The “eternal spring” of the Canary Islands makes this a year-round destination. However, to avoid crowds and high prices, the best months are May, June, September and October. In July and August it is hotter and there is more family tourism. In winter, temperatures are mild (20-23°C), ideal for hiking, although the water can be cold for swimming.
How far in advance should I book the ferry between the islands?
It is recommended to book the ferry between Lanzarote (Órzola) and Fuerteventura (Corralejo) at least 2 or 3 weeks in advance if you are traveling in high season (summer, Christmas, Easter). Car spaces sell out quickly. If you are traveling in a rental car, you must inform the rental company that you will be crossing to another island, as some have restrictions or additional charges.
Is it worth visiting La Graciosa on this itinerary?
La Graciosa Island is beautiful and unspoiled, but it requires a full day (ferry from Órzola + bicycle rental or jeep taxi there, as there are no cars). In a 7-day itinerary that already includes two large islands, it can be a tight fit. If you prioritize absolute relaxation and nature without buildings, replace Day 2 or 3 with an excursion to La Graciosa, but keep in mind that you will sacrifice seeing the volcanic interior of Lanzarote or the dunes of Fuerteventura.