Fuerteventura and Lanzarote: 8-day itinerary

There is something about the Canary Islands that keeps us coming back (check out our article on the best beaches in Tenerife). Whether it’s the food, the weather, the alien landscape, or all of them combined – each visit gives us a strong sense of belonging. On this trip we split our time between the two easternmost islands of the archipelago, so let’s dive into our 8-day itinerary through Fuerteventura and Lanzarote!

Day 1: Fuerteventura – Isla de Lobos and Corralejo

Accommodation: Corralejo Atrapasueños Holiday House (130 euro/ 2 people/2 nights)

In Fuerteventura, we fell in love with the cozy town of Corralejo while setting our base there for the first 3 days.

Start with a cup of coffee and some breakfast Jamon tostadas at one of the sunny cafes facing the ocean.. Fuel your body and get ready for some trekking. Speed boats start leaving for Isla de Lobos around 10 a.m. and that’s where we’ll be heading for the day.

How to get to Isla de Lobos?

Head to Puerto de Corralejo and you’ll find a strip of ticket booths selling water taxi tickets. One return ticket costs between 14-16 euros for the 15-minute ride, depending on the company, with boats leaving every hour. We tried finding a cheaper option, like taking the ferry (Naviera Nortour), but the price was similar. In the past, there was a maximum number of visitors allowed on the island daily, so tourists had to apply online for a permit before embarkation. We had our permits but were informed that these rules are not in place anymore.

Walking is the only way to see the island: the full trail length is 13 km, with a 200m elevation gain. There are marked paths that circle the island taking you to the main attractions. Still, there are no facilities on the island, so make sure you bring your own drinks and some finger foods for a nice picnic on the beach.

We started walking counterclockwise, passing by El Puertito and Las Lagunitas, up to Faro de Punta Martiño in the north. Then we climbed Montaña de La Caldera and ended up relaxing at Playa De La Concha until it was time to return to our boat.

We got back to our apartment and spent the afternoon chilling at the pool, followed by an excellent tapas dinner at Me gustas tu.

Day 2: Calderón Hondo, El Cotillo, Playa de la Escalera

The second day starts here, where you’ll begin your short hike to the rocky Calderón Hondo, a 50,000-year-old volcanic caldera. Once at the top, you can walk round the crater’s rim and have 360-degree panoramic views of Lanzarote, Lobos Island, the ocean, other volcanoes, and the arid landscape of northern Fuerteventura. If you’re into mountain biking, this should be your place – as there were many people cycling on the trail.

Next, move on to La Concha Beach in El Cotillo. The beach is beautiful with white sand and calm, shallow, turquoise water, but as anywhere along the western coast, the wind is pretty strong.

Just before sunset, we headed to Playa del Aguila, where we found a bunch of skilled surfers whom we watched and cheered for.

Back in Corralejo, we spent the evening dancing salsa and bachata at Kiwi Bar.

Day 3: Corralejo Natural Park

Accommodation: Apartamentos NataLis (140 euro/2 people/2 nights)

Before making our way down south to Moro Jable, we have a full day ahead to discover Corralejo Natural Park. The park has around 10km of coastline. In most places, you can find parking right by the road.

In the north section of the Corralejo Natural Park, the road is further away from the water. So you have to walk around and on sand dunes to reach the large flat beach. This section offers great views over Isla de Lobos. The beach is so large here that you will feel like you have the place to yourself.

The south section of the Natural Park has smaller, cozier beaches, packed with beginner surfers. The road is winding close to the beach and higher grounds offer great views of contrasting colors.

On the other side of the road, you’ll find the third section of the park: infinite sand dunes. And as soon as you walk one dune over in the opposite direction from the water, you’ll enter a Saharan landscape. We recommend finding your own dune and watching the sunset for a magical atmosphere.

Day 4: Playa de Sotavento de Jandía, Costa Calma

Playa de Sotavento was easily one of our favorite places on the island. In order to enjoy it properly, make sure to visit at low tide. – that’s when this place truly shines.

Small “mountains” made of white sand with peaks covered in black volcanic rock surround the turquoise water and sand limbs that emerge from the ocean when the tide recedes. Calm water “rivers” start forming on the beach which makes the perfect playground for kids. Plus, this spot is fantastic if you’ve ever wanted to learn kite surfing.

If you’re into drone photography, this place is a goldmine. But even without one, you can hop in your car and head to Mirador del Salmo for a fantastic panoramic view of the sandy formations. There’s a marked path that’s perfect for a relaxed coastal walk.

Wrap up your day with a late lunch at the “Costa Calma Beach Bar” right on the sand and spend the rest of the day here.

Day 5: Moro Jable, Playa Salvaje, Playa de Cofete

Kickstart your day with a leisurely stroll along the seemingly endless stretch of Moro Jable’s beach and take in the striking sight of the iconic Morro Jable lighthouse, standing out from the sea. Between the street promenade and the beach, there is a protected area in the form of a salt marsh. This unique ecosystem nurtures plant life that thrives in saltwater conditions, contributing to the area’s natural conservation efforts. After a cup of coffee at one of the beach bars here, let’s head to a more secluded spot for swimming.

Accessible via a set of stairs, Playa Salvaje, this hidden gem welcomes you with a towering rock wall on one side and crystal-clear waters on the other. It’s the perfect place to fully embrace the local lifestyle, and if you’re feeling adventurous, perhaps even give skinny dipping a try.

We kept the best for our last adventure – Playa Cofete, a remote beach nestled within the pristine landscapes of Jandía Natural Park. I’ll admit, I had some mixed feelings before our visit, given that reaching this remote beach involves a 21-kilometer dirt road, and the weather wasn’t looking too promising that day. But now, having experienced it firsthand, I can confidently say that the journey is worth every bit of effort.

Except for some short bumpy stretches, isn’t particularly challenging, but it does test your patience. The drive takes roughly an hour and a half. Surprisingly, you don’t need a 4×4; even a small car like our trusty Opel Corsa handled it well.

Once we arrived on the beach, we were greeted by the sight of low-hanging clouds, giving the hills an otherworldly, almost Hawaiian appearance. We unpacked a delightful picnic featuring mouthwatering burgers from K-pricho, a restaurant we’d visited in Moro Jable. Finally, the rain that we feared the entire afternoon came. We were determined to enjoy this fantastic place while the orders rushed to their cars. The rain was over in 5 minutes and nature treated us to the most spectacular full rainbow, followed by an awe-inspiring sunset.

Day 6: Ferry to Lanzarote, Playa de Papagayo, Timanfaya Natural Park, Puerto del Carmen

Accommodation: Costa Teguise (130 euro/ 2 people/2 nights)

Our day started early with a drive back to Corralejo to catch a ferry to Playa Blanca at 7:50 a.m. Drive straight to Playa de Papagayo (2 euros national park entrance fee) and have a well-deserved picnic on the beach. Whenever we set foot on Spanish soil, we stop by the supermarket and buy Jamon Serrano, olive oil, and fresh bread for bocadillios. This is a MUST.

We spent the morning at the beach and took a walk on the coast to Playa Mujeres. From here you have an amazing view over the white-washed town of Playa Blanca.

We were sad to leave these amazing coastal beaches (the best in Lanzarone in our opinion). Lanzarote’s diverse landscapes are a testament to its natural wonders. Within just an hour, we transitioned from sun-soaked shores and turquoise waters to a surreal Martian-like desert, framed by ancient volcanoes.

We arrived at “Centro de visitantes e interpretación del Timanfaya”, where we paid 12 euros per person for the entrance ticket. Included in the ticket are some demonstrations using the volcanic heat and a guided bus tour through the park. However, the bus tour, guided by an audio commentary, left us with mixed feelings. While the informative narration offered insight into the area’s history, the lack of stops along the way and the confined views through the bus windows left us yearning for a more immersive experience. We couldn’t help but imagine that trekking paths would have allowed us to truly connect with the extraordinary surroundings and enhance the overall adventure.

Day 7: Hike to Caldera Blanca, Playa de Famara

Determined to maximize our Lanzarote experience after a disappointing bus tour, we began our second day with a 4-hour hike to Caldera Blanca. This way we immersed ourselves in the island’s volcanic beauty, up close, instead of viewing it through a window.

Park your car here, and pack water and some supplies for a picnic on the crater’s rim. The trail, though unmarked, was easily navigable, following a well-worn dirt path that ensured we wouldn’t lose our way. Along the route, informative panels provided insights into the origins and history of the stunning surroundings.

The latter part of our day was dedicated to soaking in the beauty of Playa de Famara. Bordered by Hawaiian-like mountains on one side and white-washed houses on the other, Famara Beach offers the perfect setting for a leisurely stroll. Alternatively, you can find a wind-sheltered spot among the rocks, lay in the sun, and root for the rookie surfers catching waves.

Day 8:  La Graciosa Island

Catch the 8:30 a.m. ferry from Orzola to La Graciosa island (28 euros for a return ticket). Once on the island rent a bike (for 11 euros per day), go around, and stop wherever you feel like. It’s the ideal way to navigate La Graciosa’s winding paths and scenic spots.

A word of caution: La Graciosa isn’t entirely flat, and we found it to be quite the cycling challenge. If uphill pedaling isn’t your strong suit, consider opting for an e-bike, available for 35 euros per day.

Stops not to be missed: Playa de la Conchas (large beach with natural wind shelters, perfect place for a picnic for breakfast), El Castillo (natural rocks arches), Pedro Barba village, Playa Francesca (the place for some tanning and napping after a full day of biking).

La Graciosa’s untamed beauty and cycling adventures promise an unforgettable island experience, where every pedal stroke reveals a new facet of this gem.

Know before you go

• In order to follow our itinerary, you’ll need a rental car. It was our second time in the Canary Islands and we chose again CICAR, the best car rental company. Great prices, hassle-free, no deposit required, free ferry crossing between the islands, what could you ask more?
• We usually go for the cheapest car option, which in the Canary Islands it’s a Fiat500. This time we chose a slightly bigger option, an Opel Corsa. We felt that we would be more comfortable on the dirt roads.
• Nudist beaches are the norm, not the exception in Fuerteventura.
• The Canary Islands is a year-round destination. We visited at the beginning of December and the weather was perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
• Depending on your flight you may want to start in Lanzarote and continue in Fuerteventura. In our case, our flight was to and from Lanzarote. So on the first day, we rented the car and crossed into Fuerteventura so we could finish our trip in Lanzarote. We usually don’t like to risk a sea crossing on the same day as our flight. The weather at sea can be unreliable and ferry crossings might be canceled or delayed.