Lanzarote Itinerary: What to See in 4 Days

Plus tips on how to get there by ferry!
Fri, 24 October 2025 The Ferryhopper Team

Thinking of taking a trip to the Canary Islands? If you're dreaming of surreal volcanic landscapes, pristine golden beaches and quaint villages, then Lanzarote could be the perfect choice!

In this guide, we'll give you a practical 4-day Lanzarote itinerary, along with suggestions for extending your stay to a full week. We'll also cover how to get there by ferry, the best places to visit and a few insider tips to help you enjoy a smooth and memorable trip.

Ready to plan your next island escape? Let's dive in and see what Lanzarote has in store!

Useful info: With Ferryhopper, planning your Lanzarote adventure is simple and easy. Use our search engine to find all ferry departures to the island and book your tickets to the Canary Islands online with no hidden fees!

Aerial view of Playa Blanca, in Lanzarote, with white houses and a volcano with red slopes facing the sea

The beautiful coastline of Playa Blanca in Lanzarote

Why visit Lanzarote

Lanzarote is so much more than a typical beach destination. Its untamed beauty and artistic flair will captivate you the moment you arrive. The island is famous for its otherworldly volcanic landscapes, like those in Timanfaya National Park. As you drive through lava fields or hike alongside craters, you'll realize just how unique Lanzarote is.

But Lanzarote isn’t just about volcanoes. With stunning beaches ranging from the golden sands of Playa Blanca to the black sands of Playa Quemada, there is beauty to be found everywhere.

Lanzarote also has a strong arts scene thanks to notable artists like César Manrique, whose architecture blends seamlessly with the natural landscape. Sites like Jameos del Agua and Mirador del Río are an essential part of the island’s rich artistic heritage.

Add in the island’s picturesque fishing villages, the wineries of La Geria, and cuisine centered around seafood, and it’s easy to see why Lanzarote is so popular. Whether you’re seeking adventure, cultural experiences, or just want to relax, this Canary Island has you covered.

How to get to Lanzarote by ferry

Wondering how best to reach Lanzarote? If you like the idea of combining travel with a scenic adventure at sea, traveling to Lanzarote by ferry is a great way to get there. You can also book your tickets online and travel with a digital e-ticket, saving you the hassle of picking up your tickets in person!

Departures are available from the port of Cádiz, in the southwestern corner of Andalusia, on mainland Spain. Lanzarote is also just a short ferry ride from neighboring islands in the Canaries, such as Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria and La Graciosa. Most ferries arrive at the port of Arrecife on the southeastern coast of Lanzarote, but some also go to Playa Blanca, located even farther south.

Take a look at the most popular ferry routes to Lanzarote and learn more about each connection:

Tip: For more inspiration, check out our dedicated guide on island-hopping in the Canaries!

Small boats moored along the docks of Arrecife, in Lanzarote, with white buildings and mountains in the background

Arrecife, Lanzarote's charming capital

Your 4-day Lanzarote travel itinerary

Whether you have 4 days or a whole week, you can fit a surprising amount of fun activities, cultural experiences, and downtime by the sea into your Lanzarote trip.

Here’s a practical itinerary to help you make the most of your stay in the Canaries.

Day 1: Arrival in southern Lanzarote

For your first day, we recommend taking it easy and spending time in either Playa Blanca or Costa Teguise, depending on where you’re staying.

You could enjoy a relaxing day at one of Lanzarote's beautiful beaches, such as Playa Dorada or Playa Flamingo. If you’re up for a short drive, Papagayo Beach is worth a visit for its stunning golden shores and turquoise water.

For dinner, try some local seafood dishes, such as sancocho canario, a flavorful salted fish stew, or grilled dorada, a popular white fish, and watch the sunset over the sea.

Tip: For more suggestions on what to eat in the Canaries, check out our dedicated blog!

Day 2: Timanfaya National Park & La Geria

No trip to the Canaries is complete without a visit to Timanfaya National Park. You can drive through this, and many more volcanic landscapes of Lanzarote, yourself or join a guided tour. Either way, be sure to experience the geothermal demonstrations as they’re surprisingly fun!

Next, explore La Geria, the island’s wine region, where vineyards flourish in the rich volcanic soil. Stop by a bodega for a sampling of the local Malvasia wine.

Day 3: Art & architecture in northern Lanzarote

On your third day in Lanzarote, we recommend you travel north to experience the works of César Manrique. Begin at Jameos del Agua, an underground concert hall and pool carved into lava rock. You can also visit the Cactus Garden and the Mirador del Río viewpoint, which offers panoramic views of the island.

If you’re up for a short hike, head to the Haria Valley, known for its lush scenery and picturesque village. As you stroll through the town, you can admire the traditional architecture. Be sure to check out the handicraft market (usually held on Saturdays).

Day 4: More Lanzarote beaches & Arrecife

You can spend your last day unwinding in the beautiful surroundings of Famara Beach, a long stretch of sand popular with surfers and tucked between towering cliffs. It’s the perfect place to relax, take one final swim, or simply enjoy the stunning coastal scenery.

If your ferry leaves from Arrecife, be sure to spend some time in Lanzarote’s laid-back capital. Stroll through the streets lined with small boutiques and craft shops, a perfect place to buy last-minute souvenirs. You could enjoy a coffee by the sea near Charco de San Ginés as you soak up the atmosphere before heading back home.

Papagayo Beach, in Lanzarote, with its golden sand, turquoise waters and volcanic cliffs

The turquoise shoreline of Papagayo Beach

7-day Lanzarote itinerary: what to do in a week

If you have more time, consider extending your Lanzarote itinerary by 3 days and turning your vacation into a 7-day trip. Here's how we would do it:

  • Day 5: Plan a day trip to La Graciosa, a small island located just a short ferry ride from Órzola, on the northern tip of Lanzarote. When you get there, you can rent a bike or hike to one of the island’s many secluded beaches.
  • Day 6: Explore El Golfo and Los Hervideros on the west coast of Lanzarote, Spain. El Golfo is known for its unique green lagoon, the Charco de los Clicos, which is located within a volcanic caldera. Los Hervideros is a dramatic coastal region where waves crash spectacularly into rugged cliffs and stunning sea caves.
  • Day 7: Visit the Museo Atlántico, an underwater sculpture park that you can explore while snorkeling or scuba diving. Alternatively, you can enjoy lunch at Marina Rubicón and take a walk along the waterfront before your departure.

Useful tips for your trip to Lanzarote

Here are some useful travel tips to help you plan a smooth and hassle-free trip to Lanzarote:

  • Make sure to plan your trip well in advance, especially if you’re traveling between June and August or December and March, since Lanzarote is a popular destination during these months.
  • We recommend booking a cabin for more comfort for longer crossings from the mainland, as you'll be traveling overnight.
  • Aim to arrive at your port at least 1 hour before departure as ports can get busy in Spain, especially in the high season.
  • Many ferries to Lanzarote allow you to bring your vehicle. But if you prefer to explore the island without one, discover how to get around Lanzarote without a car!
  • If you’re short on time, check out our guide on how to experience Lanzarote in just 1 day!
  • If you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of whales or dolphins in the Atlantic, depending on the time of year. Your best bet is to take a ferry in the early morning or late afternoon during the warmer months (May through September).

Sea waves crashing into the sea caves and rugged coastline of Los Hervideros, Lanzarote, Canaries

Waves crashing into the sea caves of Los Hervideros

Plan your Lanzarote trip on Ferryhopper

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your Lanzarote itinerary and prepare to experience the captivating charm of the Canary Islands!

Remember that on Ferryhopper you can compare ferry routes, check schedules and book your tickets in just a few clicks. Remember to check out our interactive Map of Ferries to find all ferry connections in the Canary Islands and beyond!