Isla de Lanzarote Travel Forum

We're planning to head over to Lanzarote for a day, and I'm trying to figure out realistically what I can fit in a day (and what's really worth seeing). Is this a reasonable itinerary? Is there something we should add or omit?

Rent a car in the morning, and drive from Arrecife over through the vineyards at La Gerķa (perhaps sample the wine?) then up to Timanfaya. See the volcanic demonstrations, follow the Ruta de los Volcanes, and possibly do the camel ride. Have lunch at El Diabolo with the volcanic grill (this sounds cool - is it?).

In the afternoon, drive over to Teguise and take the scenic road up to Harķa. From there, head over to Jameos del Agua.

So, is that crazy? Any idea how long each section would take?

I guess it may be done, but IMO is far too much for just one day. We spend 5 days at Lanzarote and felt it was not enough. We spend a full afternoon at the wineries (allowing a couple of hours walking after the wine tasting!) Timanfaya and surroundings took us nearly a whole day. By the way, the resturant El Diablo is OK, and it's cool to see how they cook in a hole on the soil, but IMO is overpriced and you can eat much better in other places (at the end of the day is just grilled meat, it does not taste any different). If you have not more than one day, I would head to Timanfaya early morning, have lunch at Teguise and tour a bit around the island on the afternoon. If you can allow another day, Jameos del Agua, Cueva de los Verdes and the house of Manrique are all worth seeing. Driving around may take more that you expect, the roads are in very good condition, but obviuolsy most of them are narrow and windy.

Thanks so much for your feedback!

Unfortunately, we are completely restricted to one day, because we'll be on a cruise. We're used to running ourselves ragged trying to make the most of each day we're on holiday! But since our day in port is only 8-5, I think we'll probably have to cut back!

Thanks for the opinion on the Volcanic Grill! Do you have one for the camel ride as well? I'm torn between thinking it sounds like fun and thinking it sounds excessively touristy!

If we stuck to the southwest part of the island, what other things could we do? From looking at the photos in the VT tips, El Golfo looks like it would make a good stop. We'd also be able to spend more time around La Gerķa. Would we be able to find a good late lunch at one of the wineries?

Any other suggestions for that part of the island?

My trip to Lanzarote was quite a few years ago, and unfortunately I did not make notes or wrote tips (pre VT ;)), so I'm afraid I can't help much about details.

We did not the camel ride, even we had plenty of time, beacuse there was so many more interesting things to see and do. It is ABSOLUTELY touristy, camels were imported to the island just for touristy purposes. Honestly, I don't like the idea of supporting these kind of things (and even less, animal abuse). I would visit La Cueva de los Verdes or Jameos del Agua istead. You should be able to find places to have a late luch, is part of Spain anyway ;)

Hi, I have been in Lanzarote twice and I agree completly with Belsaita. Off course you will be able to have super at any time, and probably if you ask to the locals they will direct you to "their" restaurants(that“s what we did).

The Timanfaya is absolutly a "Do" thing, the landscape is GREAT. Another place I would recomended is going to the northern point of the island, there is a "mirador" with spectacular views. Advice: don“t enter into the building, it is expensive, and if you just walk and round the building you will see the same!

Lanzarote is a small island, so don“t be afraid of moving from south to north..and the views are worthy.

Have fun!

Hi,

I agree with Miguelzgz, do not enter the Mirador del Rio.

Besides that, I would also skip the Jameos del Agua, did not find those special at all, a waste of time and money. In my opinion the closeby Cueva de los Verdes are much more interesting.

The house of Ceasar Manrique and his Jardin de Cactus are also nice. El Golfo is beautiful, see my tips at http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/6117e/40883/4/

If you do not want to see the volcanos the touristic way (and do the camel ride), you can go to Montana del Cuervo (Montana de las Lapas o del Cuervo), and Montana Negra. See my off the beaten path tips: http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/6117e/40883/6/

Cheers