If you’re looking for a unique getaway, why not do 7 days in Lanzarote ? I had the chance to visit this stunning Canary Island in February, drawn by the opportunity to visit my cousin, who had been living there for a few months. Unlike the more popular Gran Canaria and Tenerife, Lanzarote has a quieter, more mysterious allure—and visiting in February meant fewer crowds, perfect weather, and breathtaking scenery. Though it’s small (just 845.9 km²), the island is packed with things to see and do. From its Mars-like volcanic landscapes to the serene coastline, Lanzarote promises a week of unforgettable adventure and beauty!
Spend the Day at Papayago Beach
Nestled on the southern tip of Lanzarote, Papagayo Beach is often hailed as the best beach on the island—and even among all the Canary Islands. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs, with its crystal-clear emerald waters and soft golden sand, it’s no wonder this beach is a favourite among visitors. While Papagayo can get crowded during peak season, visiting in February meant we enjoyed a much more relaxed experience. There was a small crowd, but parking was easy to find, and we had plenty of space on the beach without feeling cramped.
This idyllic cove is perfect for snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing, with the surrounding scenery providing a breathtaking backdrop.
To reach Papagayo, you’ll need a car. As the beach is located in the Ajaches Natural Reserve, there's a small entrance fee of €3 per vehicle. After paying the fee, you’ll drive a few kilometers along a bumpy dirt road, so take your time—especially if you’re in a rental car—and be cautious of the rocks and potholes. Depending on the time of year, finding a parking spot should be relatively easy. There are two restaurants located near the car park for a quick snack or drink.
From the car park, you have access to several beaches, with the first two being the busiest due to their proximity to the restaurants. We opted for the first beach on the right, and it was stunning. It wasn’t overcrowded (though keep in mind we visited in February), and the setting was serene. The water was a bit too cold for me, but my cousin, along with many others, braved the chilly waters for a refreshing swim!
Taste Volcanic Wines in a Bodega
Another fantastic activity to include during your 7 days in Lanzarote is wine tasting. As someone who works in the wine industry, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to sample some of the world’s most unique wines. But whether you’re a connoisseur, an enthusiast, or simply curious about the island’s history and flavours, I highly recommend visiting one of the many bodegas for a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
You may wonder, what makes Lanzarote's wines so special? The answer lies in the island's extreme climate and volcanic landscape. When you visit Lanzarote, you’ll notice that beyond the palm trees, cacti, and coastal vegetation, there’s very little greenery, especially in the inland areas. This almost barren, desert-like environment seems hostile to plant life, yet, astonishingly, vines thrive here.
For over two centuries, locals have cultivated wine in Lanzarote, mastering the art of growing vines in the island’s challenging conditions. The result is what’s known as Volcanic Wines, a true marvel in the viticultural world. Lanzarote’s wines are revered for their unique aromas, shaped by the volcanic soils and subtropical climate, which give them their distinct character.
The island is home to numerous bodegas (wineries), each offering a glimpse into this remarkable winemaking tradition. If you’re looking for a deeper connection with Lanzarote’s history and landscape, a visit to one of these bodegas is an absolute must! I highly recommend a visit to El Grifo Bodegas. Not only is it the oldest winery in the Canary Islands, established in 1775, but it’s also one of the oldest in all of Spain. What makes this bodega particularly special is that it houses a winemaking museum, offering a deep dive into the island’s rich winemaking history. It’s a fascinating way to learn about the evolution of the industry and how Lanzarote’s winemakers have mastered their craft over centuries.
El Grifo offers a variety of guided tour options in several languages, but you also have the option to explore the museum at your own pace. We opted for the latter, which doesn’t require a reservation and costs 15€. This self-guided experience includes an audio tour of the ancient winery, a walk through the stunning vineyards blanketed in volcanic ash and centuries-old vines, as well as a tasting of two wines, guided by a knowledgeable staff member. The best part? You have the freedom to visit at any time during the winery's opening hours!
After immersing yourself in the history, you’ll have the opportunity to savour a wine tasting, available in Spanish, English, and French at different times throughout the day. If you choose the 15€ option, they will inform you of the tasting schedule at the reception desk. For other tour options, make sure to book in advance and select a language you’re comfortable with to fully appreciate the unique characteristics of their volcanic wines!
Take a Stroll Through the Historical Streets of Teguise
If you’re in the mood for a laid-back day, why not take a stroll through the charming, ancient streets of Teguise, Lanzarote’s former capital? We stumbled upon this gem by chance (though it’s well-known), after a scenic drive through the volcanic landscape in search of a place to eat. I must admit, I wasn’t expecting much when we parked the car, but Teguise completely exceeded my expectations!
Located in the northeast of the island, Teguise is a designated architectural, historical, and artistic landmark, and is considered one of the oldest, if not *the* oldest, towns on Lanzarote. It served as the island’s capital until 1847, when Arrecife took over the title. Aside from its rich historical heritage, the town is full of charming cobblestone streets, quaint shops, restaurants, and a handful of fascinating museums.
While our primary goal was to find a place to eat, we ended up taking a leisurely walk around the town, which in itself is well worth a visit! The peaceful atmosphere and beautifully preserved buildings made for an unexpected highlight of our day.
One thing we struggled with during our 7 days in Lanzarote was finding authentic Lanzarotean cuisine, particularly good tapas. Many restaurants cater to tourists and don’t offer much in the way of local food. That’s why we were thrilled to stumble upon El Rincón de Nara in Teguise, a lovely restaurant offering delicious traditional tapas and some incredible cakes.
Visiting in February meant fewer crowds, and the peaceful ambiance made our stroll through Teguise’s cobbled streets even more enjoyable. It was the perfect setting to soak in the town’s unique architecture, history, and vibrant colours.
Take a Drive Through Volcanic Scenery
Speaking of scenic drives, why not include one in your 7 days in Lanzarote itinerary? To fully appreciate the island's grandeur, having a car is essential. Not only does it make exploring the island far more convenient, but it also allows you to fully immerse yourself in Lanzarote’s unique, desert-like volcanic landscapes that define the island's character.
The roads are well-maintained and often straight, making it easy to enjoy the breathtaking views as you drive. We were fortunate enough to have a convertible, which made the experience even more magical—cruising through the rugged terrain with the wind in our hair, surrounded by the otherworldly volcanic scenery. Whether you're winding through lava fields in the Volcanoes Natural Park or gliding past coastal vistas, driving in Lanzarote offers an unforgettable way to soak in the island's natural beauty!
Hike a Volcano
No trip to Lanzarote is complete without tackling one of its many volcano hikes. The island offers a variety of trails, with difficulty levels ranging from easy to challenging, so there’s something for everyone. If you're looking for a relatively easy hike, I highly recommend the Caldera de Los Cuervos. This 4.3 km trail takes you around and into the Volcán del Cuervo, located in the Volcanoes Natural Park. You can find more details abut the hike here.
What makes this hike so special is that it’s not only easy but also fascinating, as it leads you to the very first volcanic cone formed during the Timanfaya eruption (1730–1736), which shaped the island’s iconic lunar landscape. Due to its accessibility, it can get busy, so I suggest going early in the morning or on a weekday to avoid the crowds.
The hike itself takes about an hour, giving you plenty of time to explore the area and even step inside the volcanic cone for an up-close view of this extraordinary natural wonder. At the start of the Caldera de Los Cuervos trail, you'll find a convenient free parking area. The trail is mostly flat, but given the rocky volcanic terrain, good walking shoes are highly recommended for comfort and safety. Since there's little to no shade along the path, be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen to stay hydrated and protected from the sun. It's a simple yet rewarding hike, perfect for getting a closer look at Lanzarote's unique volcanic landscape!
Walk Along Famara Beach
Our 7 days in Lanzarote came to a perfect close with a morning at Famara Beach. If you're planning to explore this area, you could easily combine it with a visit to Teguise for lunch, as both are nearby. Famara Beach stretches for over five kilometers, nestled between the charming fishing village of La Caleta de Famara and the imposing Famara Cliffs.
This wild beach is a natural wonder, with rolling dunes, dramatic black cliffs that plunge into the ocean, and constant winds, making it an ideal spot for watersports like surfing and kitesurfing. While I wouldn’t recommend Famara for a relaxing swim due to the strong winds, waves, and shifting tides, it’s said that when the tide is out, small pools form, which are great for a quick dip.
The village of Caleta de Famara is very cute, with its whitewashed houses and small, cozy restaurants. After a walk along the coast, it’s a perfect spot to stop for a fresh juice or snack before continuing your day. Whether you're an adventure seeker or simply looking to take in the raw beauty of Lanzarote’s coastline, Famara Beach is a must-see!
There are plenty of other activities and places to explore in Lanzarote, including its picturesque coastal towns, but since this was meant to be a relaxing holiday, we didn’t want to overload our week with too many plans. Instead, we took it easy and enjoyed the island at a slower, more peaceful pace. Lanzarote offers the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation, allowing you to shape your trip exactly how you want it.
I hope this article has helped you plan your 7 days in Lanzarote and inspired you to discover the island's unique beauty! Side note : One thing to keep in mind when visiting Lanzarote is the possibility of sandstorms, also known as calima. You’ll notice in some of my photos, especially those taken at Famara Beach, that we experienced one during our visit. While the sandstorm didn’t stop us from enjoying our activities, it did change the scenery dramatically and reduced visibility.
These storms can blow in dust and sand from the Sahara, giving the sky a hazy, orange tint. It’s not uncommon, especially in the winter months, but it’s always a good idea to check the forecast. Although sandstorms won’t necessarily ruin your plans, they can impact outdoor activities, so make sure to bring sunglasses and maybe a scarf to cover your face if you happen to encounter one!
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