Two weeks gives you the luxury Lanzarote deserves. You can see its headline volcanic landscapes and César Manrique attractions, but also leave space for long beach mornings, unhurried seafood lunches, a winery stop or two, and days when the wind dictates a change of plan.
This itinerary is designed to avoid cramming every sight into the first few days. It groups places logically, mixes active and slower days, and includes optional excursions to La Graciosa and Fuerteventura. For broader advice on resorts, weather and getting around, read Travelerium’s Lanzarote guide.
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Table of Contents
Where to base yourself for 14 days
You can comfortably stay in one resort for the whole trip, particularly if you hire a car. Puerto del Carmen is central and convenient; Playa Blanca is ideal for beach time and the southern sights; Costa Teguise works well for families and access to the north.
For a more varied holiday, split your stay:
- Nights 1–7: Puerto del Carmen or Playa Blanca
- Nights 8–14: Costa Teguise, Arrecife, Haría or a rural stay inland
A split stay is not essential, but it makes the northern part of the itinerary feel less like a series of long drives.
Day 1: Arrive, settle in and take an easy coastal walk
Keep arrival day deliberately simple. Collect your hire car if you are using one, check into your accommodation and stock up on water, breakfast supplies and sun cream.
If you are staying in Puerto del Carmen, walk around the old harbour before dinner. In Playa Blanca, the promenade towards Marina Rubicón is an easy first-evening option. Costa Teguise has a quieter, breezier seafront that is good for getting your bearings.
Pace: Relaxed
Best for: Recovery after travelling and planning the days ahead.
Day 2: Puerto del Carmen beaches and Playa Chica
Start with an easy beach day rather than rushing immediately to the island’s biggest sights. Playa Grande in Puerto del Carmen is broad, sheltered and close to cafés, shops and restaurants.
Walk along the seafront towards the old town, then continue to Playa Chica if you want to snorkel or dive. This small cove is known for clear water and a sheltered feel compared with Lanzarote’s more exposed beaches.
Spend the evening around the harbour rather than the busiest part of the strip. It is a good place to try papas arrugadas with mojo sauce, grilled goat’s cheese or fresh local fish.
Pace: Relaxed
Useful tip: Save your longer beach days for when you have checked the wind forecast; conditions can vary significantly around the island.
Day 3: Timanfaya National Park and the Fire Mountains
Timanfaya is Lanzarote’s essential first-time sight. The route through the Fire Mountains reveals an extraordinary landscape of black lava flows, rust-red slopes and volcanic cones created by the major eruptions of the 1730s.
Arrive early, ideally before late morning, to reduce waiting time for the guided coach route. At Islote de Hilario, do not miss the geothermal demonstrations, where heat just below the surface creates jets of steam.
You cannot explore the standard volcanic route independently on foot, so the bus tour is part of the experience. For current visitor information and official guidance, check the Timanfaya National Park website.
Have a coffee or lunch at El Diablo, César Manrique’s circular restaurant, where food is cooked over geothermal heat. The setting is the real reason to stop.
Finish with a drive through the lava landscapes around Tinajo and Mancha Blanca.
Pace: Moderate
Driving note: This is an easy self-drive day, but take water and avoid relying on isolated roadside facilities.
Day 4: Hike Caldera Blanca and explore La Geria
After seeing Timanfaya from the road, experience the volcanic landscape on foot. Caldera Blanca is one of Lanzarote’s most rewarding walks: a roughly 9-kilometre circular route across lava fields and up to the rim of a huge crater.
Start early. There is no shade, the terrain is uneven and volcanic rock is sharp underfoot. Sturdy trainers or hiking shoes are essential, along with plenty of water.
In the afternoon, drive through La Geria, Lanzarote’s remarkable wine-growing region. Vines are planted individually in scooped-out hollows of black volcanic ash, sheltered from the wind by semicircular stone walls.
Stop at one or two bodegas for a tasting of Malvasía volcanic wine. If you are driving, keep tastings modest or nominate a non-drinking driver.
Pace: Active morning, leisurely afternoon
Best meal idea: End the day in Yaiza, where village restaurants are generally calmer than resort dining areas.
Day 5: Playa Blanca, Marina Rubicón and Papagayo Beaches
Head south for one of Lanzarote’s best beach days. Playa Blanca has a long, attractive seafront, but the real highlight is the group of coves within the Papagayo area.
The beaches here are small, golden and framed by low volcanic cliffs. Playa de Papagayo itself is the most famous, though neighbouring coves can feel quieter depending on the time of day. Bring water, snacks and shade if you plan to stay for several hours.
Access involves an unpaved road and may be subject to an entry fee, so check current conditions before setting off. A standard hire car can usually manage in dry conditions, but drive slowly and confirm what your rental agreement permits.
Finish at Marina Rubicón for a promenade walk, shops and dinner by the boats.
Pace: Relaxed
Best for: Swimming, sunbathing and a slower holiday day.
Tip: The coves are often most pleasant in the morning before the wind strengthens.
Day 6: El Golfo, Los Hervideros and Salinas de Janubio
This scenic south-western route is one of the island’s easiest and most dramatic drives. Begin in El Golfo, a small fishing village beside a striking green lagoon known as Charco de los Clicos. The lagoon is viewed from a marked path rather than accessed directly.
Have an early coffee or seafood lunch in the village, then continue south along the coast to Los Hervideros. Here, Atlantic waves surge through caves and channels in jagged black lava cliffs. It is especially impressive when the sea is rough, although visitors should stay behind barriers and take care in windy conditions.
Continue to the nearby Salinas de Janubio, Lanzarote’s historic salt pans. The geometric pools and volcanic backdrop make this a particularly photogenic stop, especially later in the day.
If you still have time, return through Yaiza or stop in La Geria for a second, more relaxed winery visit.
Pace: Easy to moderate
Driving note: This is a short route with plenty of stops, so it works well as an unhurried half-day or full-day outing.
Day 7: Rest day or a boat trip from Puerto del Carmen
By now, build in a flexible day. Two weeks in Lanzarote should not feel like a checklist, and this is a good point to respond to the weather, energy levels and places you would like to revisit.
Beach lovers can return to Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen or Costa Teguise. Families may prefer a boat trip, water activity or easy coastal walk. Alternatively, spend the morning by the pool and have a long lunch in a harbour restaurant.
If you enjoy being active, walk part of the coastal path between Puerto del Carmen and Puerto Calero. It is an exposed but attractive route, with sea views most of the way.
Pace: Flexible
Best for: Recharging before the northern half of the itinerary.
Day 8: Arrecife, San José Castle and the César Manrique Foundation
Move north today if you are splitting accommodation, or simply set aside time to explore Lanzarote’s compact capital. Arrecife is often overlooked, but it offers a more local perspective than the main resorts.
Start around Charco de San Ginés, a lagoon lined with fishing boats, cafés and low-rise buildings. Wander through the older streets, then visit the waterfront and the small city beach at Playa del Reducto.
Later, head inland to the César Manrique Foundation in Tahíche. Set within Manrique’s former home, built into volcanic bubbles, it provides a useful introduction to the artist’s defining influence on Lanzarote’s architecture, public spaces and environmental identity.
You can also visit Castillo de San José, home to a contemporary art collection, if you have the time and interest.
Pace: Moderate
Best for: Culture, architecture and a break from beach-and-volcano sightseeing.
Day 9: Jameos del Agua and Cueva de los Verdes
Today explores the northern volcanic tube system created by the eruption of Monte Corona. Start at Jameos del Agua, one of César Manrique’s most distinctive creations. It combines lava caves, a natural underground lake, gardens, a pool area and architectural interventions that feel integrated with the landscape.
Look closely into the clear water for the tiny blind albino crabs that live in the lagoon. They are a rare and fragile feature of the site, so avoid touching the water or throwing anything in.
Continue to Cueva de los Verdes, where a guided tour takes you through part of the lava tube. The experience is more geological and atmospheric than Jameos del Agua, and the guides usually save one memorable surprise for the end.
Book or arrive early where possible, particularly in school holidays.
Pace: Moderate
Tip: These are close together, so they make a logical paired visit without much driving.
Day 10: Haría Valley and Mirador del Río
Haría, in the Valley of a Thousand Palms, is a welcome contrast to the exposed lava fields elsewhere on the island. The village has a greener, gentler character and is a good place for a coffee, market browse if visiting on the right day, or leisurely lunch.
From Haría, climb towards Mirador del Río, another César Manrique-designed viewpoint. The sweeping view across the narrow channel to La Graciosa is one of Lanzarote’s finest. On clear days, the colours of the sea are extraordinary; on windy days, the scenery is still dramatic but bring an extra layer.
Take your time on the northern roads. The route is full of viewpoints, small settlements and abrupt changes in scenery.
Pace: Relaxed
Best for: Scenic driving, photography and a quieter side of the island.
Day 11: La Graciosa day trip
Take the ferry from Órzola to La Graciosa for a complete change of pace. This small island north of Lanzarote has sandy tracks rather than conventional roads, a tiny settlement at Caleta de Sebo and some beautifully wild beaches.
You can explore on foot, by bicycle or by authorised island transport. Playa de las Conchas is spectacular but can have strong waves and currents, while beaches closer to Caleta de Sebo are often more suitable for a simple swim.
Bring cash, water, sunscreen, food for the day and a light jacket for the crossing. Ferry times and conditions can change with weather, so confirm the latest arrangements before travelling.
Return to Lanzarote in time for a quiet evening in Haría, Arrecife or Costa Teguise.
Pace: Moderate and flexible
Tip: Do not try to see every beach in one day. Pick one longer walk or one beach base and enjoy the slower rhythm.
Day 12: Famara Beach and the north-west coast
Famara is Lanzarote at its wildest: a long sandy beach backed by the towering cliffs of Risco de Famara. It is a brilliant place for a walk, surf lesson or simply watching kitesurfers and waves roll in.
Swimming conditions can be challenging because of currents, surf and wind, so pay attention to flags and local advice. Even when it is not a swimming day, the beach is worth visiting for the scale of the landscape.
The village of Caleta de Famara has a laid-back, surf-oriented atmosphere. Have lunch here, then drive to nearby viewpoints or continue towards Teguise via the island’s quieter interior.
If you prefer a less active alternative, make this a café, beach-view and photography day rather than a water-sports day.
Pace: Relaxed to active
Best for: Surfing, coastal walks and a change from sheltered resort beaches.
Day 13: Teguise and Lanzarote’s central villages
Teguise was Lanzarote’s former capital and remains one of its most attractive historic towns. Whitewashed streets, churches, small squares and traditional houses make it ideal for a slow morning walk.
Sunday is the busiest day because of the famous market, which can be enjoyable but crowded. On another day, Teguise is quieter and better suited to appreciating the town’s architecture.
Combine it with stops in inland villages such as San Bartolomé or Santa Lucía, depending on where you are staying. This is also a good day for buying local products, visiting a small museum or enjoying a long Canarian lunch.
For a final panoramic stop, head towards Castillo de Santa Bárbara above Teguise, where the elevated position reveals how compact and varied Lanzarote really is.
Pace: Relaxed
Tip: If you visit on market day, arrive early and expect limited parking near the centre.
Day 14: Optional Fuerteventura day trip or a final Lanzarote beach day
For your final full day, choose between an optional excursion or one last relaxing day on Lanzarote.
A day trip to Fuerteventura can be worthwhile if you are curious to compare the islands and want to see Corralejo or the famous dunes near the north of Fuerteventura. However, it is a long day once ferry transfers, check-in time and local transport are included. It is best treated as an optional extra, not a must-do.
For many visitors, a final Lanzarote beach day is more rewarding. Return to your favourite beach, book a long lunch, buy wine or local souvenirs, and leave enough time to pack without rushing.
Good final-day choices include:
- Papagayo beaches for clear water and scenery
- Playa Chica for snorkelling
- Playa del Reducto for an easy Arrecife beach day
- Playa de las Cucharas in Costa Teguise for watersports
- Famara for a final dramatic coastal walk
Pace: Entirely flexible
Best for: Finishing the trip in the way that suits your travel style.
Tips for this 14-day Lanzarote itinerary
Hire a car if possible
A car makes this itinerary far easier, especially for Timanfaya, La Geria, the north coast and rural villages. Roads are generally straightforward, distances are short and driving lets you travel at your own pace.
Choose a suitable insurance policy, inspect the vehicle before leaving, and check whether your rental company permits driving on unpaved access roads such as the route towards Papagayo.
Plan around the wind
Lanzarote can be windy throughout the year. A beach that feels calm in the morning may be unpleasant by afternoon, while the opposite coast can be much more sheltered. Keep one or two days open and switch plans when conditions change.
Take sun protection seriously
The breeze can make the sun feel less intense than it is. Carry water, a hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream on every volcanic walk and beach day.
Wear proper footwear for volcanic terrain
For Caldera Blanca and other uneven lava landscapes, flip-flops are not enough. Closed shoes with grip will make the experience far more comfortable and safer.
Book popular attractions in advance
Timanfaya, Jameos del Agua, Cueva de los Verdes and ferry trips can be busier during peak travel periods. Check current booking procedures, opening times and transport arrangements shortly before your visit.
Avoid trying to do everything
Lanzarote is small enough to create the illusion that every attraction can be squeezed into a few days. The island is at its best when you leave room for weather changes, beach time, wine stops and unplanned detours. For more ideas when adapting the route, browse these best things to do in Lanzarote.
FAQ: Lanzarote 14-Day Itinerary
Is 14 days too long in Lanzarote?
No. Two weeks is ideal if you want to combine sightseeing with genuine downtime. It allows time for the major volcanic attractions, beaches, northern villages, La Graciosa and optional excursions without rushing.
Do I need a car for two weeks in Lanzarote?
A car is strongly recommended. Public transport can work for resort-based holidays, but a hire car gives much more freedom to visit Timanfaya, La Geria, Famara, Haría and the northern attractions efficiently.
Should I stay in Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen or Costa Teguise?
Playa Blanca is excellent for southern beaches and a quieter resort feel. Puerto del Carmen is central and lively, with a wide choice of restaurants. Costa Teguise suits families, watersports and access to Arrecife and the north.
Is La Graciosa worth visiting on a 14-day trip?
Yes. La Graciosa makes a memorable day trip and feels very different from Lanzarote. Go if you enjoy walking, uncrowded beaches and simple island scenery, but check ferry conditions and avoid overplanning the day.
Can I visit Timanfaya and La Geria on the same day?
Yes. They are geographically close and combine very well. Visit Timanfaya early, then spend the afternoon in La Geria for scenic drives, a winery lunch or a tasting.
Is Fuerteventura worth a day trip from Lanzarote?
It can be, particularly if you have already seen Lanzarote’s main sights and want a change of scenery. However, the travel time means it is optional rather than essential; many visitors prefer another relaxed Lanzarote beach day.
What is the best time of year for a 14-day Lanzarote holiday?
Lanzarote is a year-round destination. Spring and autumn are particularly good for walking and sightseeing, while summer is best for beach-focused trips. Winter is mild and sunny compared with much of Europe, though wind and occasional cooler days are still possible.
