3 days in Lanzarote: 6 weekend break ideas (+tips)

Lanzarote weekend break: essential and tips

My favorite hotels

And if you want more detailed suggestions, here are some of my favorite hotels on the island:

• Princesa Yaiza Suite Resort
  Resort in Playa Blanca - Fantastic location, stunning designs and great for kids
  See photos and availability
• Seaside Los Jameos
  Resort in Puerto del Carmen - lots of charm in the decor, great Garden (all inclusive possible)
  See photos and availability
• Lani's suite de Luxe
  Hotel in Puerto del Carmen (adults only) - clean, crisp design, amazing swimming pool
  See photos and availability
• Hotel Boutique Palacio Ico
  in Teguise - Stylish, Historical, Authentic...
  See photos and availability
• Aqua Suites 
  Hotel in Puerto del Carmen - Crisp, modern design, great pool
  See photos and availability

Need to rent a car? My tips:

• Compare car rental prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com - one of the best customer-rated comparison sites!
• Choose the car and company you prefer (with enough power for steep roads)
• Consider their full coverage option - I always take it for peace of mind!
• This is an island, so the number of cars is limited. Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!

See my 36 tips about renting a car in Lanzarote.

However, if you really don't want to drive, I have a section on Lanzarote without a car further down.

Option 1 - Visiting Lanzarote in 3 days - highlights with car

Best place to stay for this itinerary

There is no better option for this itinerary. Most attractions visited are with max 1h10 of the main towns.
If you want to balance the driving times over your stay, choose either:

• Costa Teguise - see best rated accommodations
• or Playa del Carmen - see best rated accommodations

And check out the car rental deals on my favorite platform: Discovercars

Day 1 - South Lanzarote: Papagayo and volcanic wonders

Stop 1 - Hike to Papagayo beach

One of the most famous places in Lanzarote is Papagayo beach. Located on the South Coast, it is the most ancient part of the island. The small cove has a beautiful shape and emerald waters.
There is no paved roads to get there, only a very bumpy track (where you are normally not allowed to go with rental cars).
You can walk there, it is beautiful along several beaches. It is a 2km walk one way with ups and downs.
Learn more.

Stop 2 - The Salt Pans

I have always loved salt pans, the shapes, the colours and the small white cones of salt. On the west coast of Lanzarote, you can find the Janubios Salinas. In that amazing landscape, it is quite a sight!
I recommend just driving around to find beautiful views.

Stop 3 - Los Hervideros

One of my favorite landscapes on Lanzarote was at Los Hervideros. I really enjoyed the mix of turquoise water, dark basalt columns and the small red volcanic hill behind. I just sat there to watch. It was the perfect mix for my taste.
A path has been set up to explore those amazing cliffs and even see below one of the arches. This is a fun and easy short walk.

It is located on the West Coast, South of Timanfaya National Park and the views are best at high tide, where maybe you will see the waves crashing.
Learn more

Stop 4 - The Green Lagoon (Charco Verde)

On my way to Charco verde, all I was expecting was to see a green lagoon. But what remains of the volcano behind is also stunning. There is a mix of red, yellow and black rocks which have been beautifully shaped by erosion. Plus all that is combined with a black beach and a practical viewpoint. A great short stop and one of the great things to do in Lanzarote.
Sadly, I think none of my pictures give justice to this landscape. You will have to see it for yourself!
Learn more.

Day 2 - Timanfaya and Volcanoes

Stop 1 - Timanfaya National Park

The most famous activity in Lanzarote is the coach tour inside Timanfaya National Park (see my Timanfaya guide).
Located on the west coast, it is one of the best parts of the island, the most scenic. It is entirely made up of volcanic soil.
There are not many ways to experience it. The main one is the coach tour through the one road in the park. You can't get out of the bus so as to protect the park, but you get to see some of the most unique views you could imagine. It is like visiting another planet! 
You head there with your car, park next t the restaurant and climb on one of the tour bus!

Again I recommend visiting in the morning to have lesser crowds.

Stop 2 - Hike around and inside Montana Cuervo

I completed many walks on the island. But my absolute favorite is actually one of the easiest and (sadly busiest) ones: Montana Cuervo. 
Located in the Lanzarote Los Volcanes Natural Park (with surrounds Timanfaya), is it easily accessed by road.
You first walk facing the whole volcano, with great views of a well-preserved cone. Around you is lava in many shapes. Signs help you understand the landscapes around you and the geological history of the volcano.
Then the path allows you to circle it as well as enter inside from one side which has collapsed.
Plan 1 to 2 hour, depending on how much of the tour you do and how many pictures you take.
There is no shade, so bring water and wear good shoes.

Stop 3 - Volcanic Vineyards

The most famous is La Geria, but mu favorite is El Grifo with its small museum.

Day 3 - César Manrique and Lanzarote

Stop 1 - Jardin de Cactus

A garden filled with cacti!!!! yeah!!! I really love those funny and varied plants.  This is my favorite of all the best places to visit in Lanzarote.
The Cactus Garden is the work of famous architect and artist Cesar Manrique. He imagined how the transform this ancient rofera (a quarry) into a display of the most beautiful cactaceae flowers from all over the world. It has around 1500 specimens of 450 different species representing the 5 continents. (see my Cactus Garden article for more photos)

Stop 2 - Jameos del Agua

I think this was one of the most frustrating things in Lanzarote. This swimming pool in Jameos des Agua is so inviting!!! Don't you think? And I love water
In this place, César Manrique transformed part of a long lava tunnel which had collapsed in several location. There is an underground lake, restaurants, and amphitheater...
You can have lunch inside the cave!
See more photos

Stop 3 - César Manrique Foundation

The César Manrique foundation has established its headquarters in a dwelling designed by him and where he lived for 20 years.

It is built in harmony with a lava coulee formed during the famous Lanzarote eruptions between 1730 and 1736. Inspiring rooms have been set up in volcanic bubbles and connected by tunnels.
Exploring the place is a fun experience but you get frustrated again not to be able to swim in the beautiful swimming pool...

At the end you can enjoy the exhibition hall with paintings and the lava entering the window.

Plan time to also enjoy the garden and its sculptures.

Stop 4 - Mirador del Rio

Located on the Risco de Famara, the viewpoint overlooks the island of La Graciosa at an altitude of over 475m.
It used to be a military fort from the 19th century.
César Manrique transformed it in the 70s to be camouflaged in the rocks and to offer incredible views of the cliff, the island, and the stretch of sea in between called El rio.

At the bottom of the cliffs, you can also see the salt pans of Salinas del Rio.
The inside building with the white walls and curve offer great framing to the beautiful landscapes.

Learn more about Cesar Manrique and the island of Lanzarote.

Option 2 - 3 days in Lanzarote - highlights without car

Best place to stay for this itinerary

When not renting a car, you should really stay in one of the top 3 seaside towns where all the tours depart from

• Costa Teguise - see best-rated accommodations
• or Playa del Carmen - see best-rated accommodations (with the highest choice of activities)
• Playa Blanca - see best-rated accommodations

Day 1 - Timanfaya National Park, volcanoes and wine

The Timanfaya National Park is the top excursion in Lanzarote. It is absolutely stunning!
It is a national park and you can't wander around by yourself. But even in groups, it is fantastic to see the colors and the power of the Earth. The Timanfaya National Park is located on the west coast of the island and it is entirely made up of Volcanic soil.

There are full day tours that take you to Timanfaya to do the bus tour but drive you also to the Coast south of the Park (my tip: sit on the right side of the bus in the National Park). I think it is absolutely worth it. The green lagoon of El Golfo and the incredible coastline of Los Hervideros were some of my favorite spots on the island.
The colors there are simply unbelievable. The lava as well as the erosion have created beautiful shapes. I just sat there and enjoyed the view.

I really recommend booking the combined tour to be able to see them.

See program and availability + book

Day 2 - Cesar Manrique

Lanzarote is also famous for being the home of architect and artist César Manrique.
He loved above all integrating architecture with the natural environment. It is thanks to him that there are no big developments on the island and that it retains so much charm with all those small white houses.

There are excursions that take you to the North of the island to discover several of the Cesar Manrique creations. They can include:

• Cactus Garden with hundreds of species of cactus and great views of the area from the windmill
• Jameos del agua - part of the architectural ensemble was designed by Cesar Manrique. It is fun to explore and watch the small white crabs in the lake. But I must admit it is quite frustrating not to be able to swim in that incredible pool!!!
• The Cesar Manrique Fondation with some of his art pieces. It is his former residence and it integrates with the lava
• Mirador des Rio and its amazing views over La Graciosa
• Monumento al Campesino. Great to photograph but not as fascinating as the other places you will see on this tour

One of my favorite includes a little bit of everything Cesar Manrique - see program and availability + book

Or see the many options

Day 3 - La Graciosa (if you have a full day available)

La Graciosa was one of my favorite stops on my trip to Lanzarote.
It is a small island to the North of Lanzarote and it has no roads. Contrary to Lanzarote, it offers beautiful white sand beaches. A trip there, will give you yet another appreciation of the canary islands.

An organized tour will pick you up and get your to Orzola, where you will board the ferry to La Graciosa.
Once at La Graciosa you will board a catamaran to admire the islands from the water and enjoy lunch. Then you can enjoy free time on La Graciosa itself. 

Check out program and availability + book

But if you don't have a full day, you can relax at the beach or add a fun activity such as:

• Buggy riding
  - see availability + book
• Scuba Diving
  - see availability + book
• Stand-up Paddle
  - see availability + book

Option 3 - Romantic Lanzarote weekend break

Where to stay - El Golfo

Where to stay - Punta Mujeres

I also do think that Punta Mujeres, a small village on the east coast with sea-pools is a very romantic place to stay.
You will find mostly apartments and villas to rent.

• Apartment
  Apartamento Romantico has a private pool
  see photos and availability
• Villa with pool
  Villa Sama is a stunning modern villa with its own pool
  see photos and availability
• or see all accommodations

Where to stay - Teguise

And for a stay completely different, where history and charm brings you romance, choose the heart of the island: Teguise.
Walking in the small streets of the center with the white houses is really enjoyable. Most of the time it is really quiet, but it gets busy on Sunday for the market (but compared to the Haria Market, this one has become too touristy with less local craft...)

For example:

• Luxury & history
  Hotel Boutique Palacio Ico Stylish, Historical, Authentic...
  see photos and availability
• Unique
  Luxurious Eco Dome Experience will offer you a unique stay in Lanzarote (but outside town)
  see photos and availability
• Apartment
  Precioso apartamento con Terreza offers a modern decor right in the center of town
  see photos and availability
• see best-rated accommodations

What to do

For a weekend break, I recommend picking in the options listed in the first itinerary.
And I think you should add a few sunset activities such as

Sunset at Famara beach is one of the iconic romantic moment on the island.
First the beach is surrounded by small sand dunes.
Then, when the sun gets lower, the mountains reflect in the sand...
And then the golden hour arrives...

And / or you can enjoy a sunset cruise. For example:

• Sunset sunset cruise with dolphin watching on speed boat
  - see availability + book
• Or an experience more relaxed in a catamaran
  - see availability + book

Option 4 - Lanzarote weekend at the beach

Beach weekend break in Playa Blanca

Located on the South Coast of Lanzarote.
I enjoyed the size of the town, the beaches the walk along the water, which is not right by the road. It has a relaxed vibe that I appreciated.
The town has different sections around beaches and at the East end, the Rubicon Marina with its public swimming pool and nice dining options.
The beaches are smaller than in the two other towns but I find them more beautiful. And if you want larger, you can head to Playa Mujeres.

• Luxury Resort
  Princesa Yaisa, fantastic location and great design
  Check out photos and availability
• Family
  Gran Castillo Tagoro Family & Fun - Amazing for families (size rooms and activities)
  Check out photos and availability
• All inclusive
  Sandos Papagayo Beach resort has great facilities and ample choice of food - 7min walk from the beach
  Check out photos and availability
• or see best-rated accommodations

Beach weekend break in Costa Teguise

Costa Teguise has been developed for Tourism. So you will find very practical facilities and lots of carparks close to the beaches (which is not the case of the other resort towns). This is a big positive!

I think the best things about Costa Teguise is that is has a great location with easy access to all the Lanzarote attractions.
It is not as charming as Playa Blanca but I enjoyed the relax vibe. It is great for families with young children.

Costa Teguise has a great choie of beaches. Playa Bastian is calm and great for families while Playa Cucharas is popular to learn windsurfing with some wind and a large water area

• Adult only hotel
  Barceló Teguise Beach right by La Cucharas beach, dinner inclusive, great facilities
  Check out photos and availability
• All inclusive resort
  HD Beach Resort has modern design and great sport facilities by the beach
  Check out photos and availability
• Apartment
  Casa Linda only 2 min walk from the beach and close to everything
  Check out photos and availability
• or see best-rated accommodations

Beach weekend break in Puerto del Carmen

Puerto del Carmen is the most famous and largest of all the resort towns in Lanzarote.
It has everything you would need in a resort town: Beaches, casino, shopping, fun activities, zoos, golf...
The advantage is that you can find accommodations and things to do for all budgets.

The town is quite long. It takes a lot of the time to walk from the marina to the other end... And I think the promenade is less enjoyable than in Playa Blanca because you are close to the cars.
It is the town with the largest beaches. However it becomes a bit of a "sardine box" like we say in French where everyone is aligned and too close to each other.
However if you avoid the main beach (Playa Grande), you can settle in smaller beaches or rocky coves.
All beaches are open to the public, even in front of hotels.

• Luxury hotel
  Lani's suite de Luxe in Puerto del Carmen (adults only) - clean, crisp design, amazing swimming pool
  Check out photos and availability
• All inclusive
  Seaside Los Jameos in Puerto del Carmen - lots of charm in the decor, great Garden
  Check out photos and availability
• Quiet apartment
  Riviera Park Apartamento 2A - in a quiet complex but not far from the strip, modern and practical
  Check out photos and availability
• or see best-rated accommodations

Option 5 - Lanzarote volcanoes in 3 days

Day 2 - Timanfaya and Volcanoes

• Stop 1 - Timanfaya National Park
• Stop 2 - Hike around and inside Montana Cuervo
• Stop 3 - Volcanic Vineyards

Day 3 - Volcanic caves

• Stop 1 - Jardin de Cactus, in the middle of lava
• Stop 2 - Jameos del Agua, the lava tube with fallen sections
• Change Stop 3 - Cuevas de los Verdes (instead of the Cesar Manrique Foundation)
  This picture was taken in Cueva de los Verdes. Jesus Soto set up lights in the lava tunnel to create  a fascinating experience. I am not going to say too much, because I risk spoiling the surprise. But I was very impressed by the experience at the end!
  But if you suffer from claustrophobia and vertigo, this is not the place for you.
  See more photos.
• Change Stop 4 - Montana Colorada (instead of Mirador del Rio)
  Another great place to see in Lanzarote is Montana Colorada (the colorful mountain). It is another walk that takes you all around the volcano with signs explaining what you see. One side of the volcano is a vibrant red, hence its name.
  Apart for the colour, Colorada is also famous for having the biggest volcanic bomb (projected by the volcano during the eruption) on the island. It is massive. Sadly there were nobody around where I walked (early morning) to I can't give you a sense of scale.

Option 6 - All-inclusive weekend break in Lanzarote

If you just want to enjoy a resort under the sun, it is also possible.
Lanzarote has a good selection of all inclusive resorts.

For more flexibility, buy your own flights: Compare available flights.

And then, choose the hotel that fits your need. Consider:

In Playa Blaca:

• Princesa Yaiza Suite Resort
  Resort in Playa Blanca - Fantastic location, stunning designs - breakfast and dinner included
  - see photos and availability
• Boutique Hotel H10 White Suites
  a 4-star hotel for Adults only, close to the seafront promenade
  - see photos and availability
• Dreams Lanzarote Playa Dorada Resort & Spa
  a 5-star hotel, great for families
  - see photos and availability

In Puerto del Carmen

• Aequora Lanzarote Suites
  a 4-star hotel with modern decor
  - see photos and availability

In Puerto Calero

• Secrets Lanzarote Resort & Spa 
  A 5-star resort hotel, close to the port
  - see photos and availability

In Costa Teguise:

• Barceló Teguise Beach
  a 4-star hotel for adults only
  - see photos and availability
• Meliá Salinas 
  a 5-star hotel for adults only
  - see photos and availability

Fun activities to enjoy during your 2 or 3 days in Lanzarote

Option 3 - Go paragliding

Lanzarote is stunning from the ground, but mesmerizing from the air.
Fly high over those amazing landscapes!
See details and availability

Option 4 - Learn to surf

If you have ever wondered what it feels like to surf a wave, why not start learning?
See details and availability

Option 5 - Go on an underwater sea trek

Such an amazing experience
Easy to breathe and move. A great way to discover the underwater world.
Learn more, see availability an book

Option 6 - Stand-up paddle

Will you have the muscles and the balance to stand on that board?
Learn more, see availability an book

Option 7 - Kayak and snorkeling

One of the best way to discover Papagayo beach!
Learn more, see availability an book

And many more

• 3-wheeled roadster tour - learn more
• Jet ski - learn more
• eBike adventure - learn more
• parasailing
• ...

Want to see more of the best Lanzarote has to offer?

• 21 Best things to do in Lanzarote - read article
• Best Lanzarote Photography Locations - read article
• Lanzarote Attractions by César Manrique - read article
• Best Beaches in Lanzarote - read article
• Best Lanzarote Volcanoes - Tours & Photos - read article
• Best places to stay in Lanzarote - read article
• Timanfaya National Park Lanzarote - read article

Planning a trip to Lanzarote?

Check out my travel guide to help you plan:

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