Thinking about spending 3 days in Lanzarote? You’re in for something special.
I’ve always had a soft spot for the Canary Islands. Sunshine, volcanic landscapes and that laid-back vibe – it’s the perfect mix.
Lanzarote is one of those places that really sticks with you.
You’ve got lava fields that look like Mars, peaceful villages by the coast and food you’ll still be dreaming about long after you get home.
The Canaries are nicknamed the ‘Islands of Eternal Spring’ for a reason — the weather’s good all year round.
Add in a short flight time from the UK and it’s no wonder the island’s such a popular pick.
Three days is just enough to get a real flavour of Lanzarote.
From volcanic craters and dramatic caves to sunset dinners and quiet beaches, you can pack a lot in.
This guide will show you exactly how I spent our 3 days in Lanzarote — including must-see spots, food stops and a few hidden gems along the way.
How many days in Lanzarote?
If you’re wondering how many days to spend in Lanzarote, the answer depends on what you’re after. For a first trip, I’d say 3 days is just right. You can pack in the highlights and a bit of beach time without feeling rushed.
That said, if you’ve got the luxury of 5 to 7 days, you’ll really get to slow things down.
More time means lazy mornings by the pool, boat trips over to La Graciosa, an extra beach day (or two) and the chance to properly dive into Lanzarote’s food and wine scene.
First Impressions of Lanzarote
This was actually my first time in Lanzarote.
The only Canary Island I’d been to before was Fuerteventura, and honestly, I wish I’d explored more of them sooner.
From the moment we landed, I knew it was going to be different.
Rugged landscapes, black sand and those endless stretches of volcanic rock – it felt like we’d stepped onto another planet.
We packed a lot into each day. Early starts are always my preference when I travel – it means you squeeze more in and don’t waste a minute.
By the end of our 3 days, I felt like we’d experienced so many sides of the island, from its dramatic scenery to its food and hidden villages.
So let’s get into my Lanzarote itinerary.
Day 1 of 3 Days in Lanzarote
We hit the ground running with our first tour right after landing. I’d been clever enough to pack a change of clothes in my hand luggage, which turned out to be essential.
After a quick freshen up in the airport bathroom, I was ready to face the blistering 33-degree heat.
El Golfo and the Green Lagoon
Our first stop was El Golfo, a small fishing village on the coast. It’s home to the Green Lagoon, a surreal emerald-coloured lake formed inside a volcanic crater.
The colour comes from algae and minerals in the water, and against the black sand and bright blue sea, the contrast is breathtaking.
It’s breezy there, so I had one hand glued to my hat and the other gripping my skirt.
Swimming is off-limits, as the lagoon is a protected natural reserve, but the viewpoint gives you plenty of opportunities for stunning photos.
Timanfaya National Park
Next was Timanfaya National Park, one of Lanzarote’s most famous attractions and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to be on Mars, this is as close as it gets.
The park is all volcanic rock, no greenery, just stark red and black landscapes stretching for miles.
My guide, Inés, kept asking me, “Doesn’t this feel like another planet?” And she was right. It really did.
We watched geothermal demonstrations where dry brush burst into flames, steam hissed out of holes in the ground and volcanic rocks were hot enough to sting your hands.
My chapatti-making skills over a hot pan came in handy — I could hold onto them longer than I expected.
Because of its protected status, visitors can’t wander freely. Instead, we took the guided bus tour, which winds through the park with stops for photos.
Lunch at El Diablo
By this point, we were starving. Luckily, El Diablo restaurant is right inside the park.
Designed by local artist César Manrique, it’s famous for its unique way of cooking food: using volcanic heat.
Huge grills are set above natural geysers, and the earth’s heat does all the cooking.
The chicken was tender, the Canarian potatoes addictive, and dessert was a mini marshmallow volcano — a cute little touch.
The whole experience of eating food cooked by the earth itself was something I’ll never forget.
Arrival in Costa Teguise
After such a long and hot day, we were glad to check into the Barcelo Lanzarote Royal Level in Costa Teguise. The suite was spacious, modern and elegant, with its own seating area and a huge bathroom.
The bed was so comfortable I knew I’d sleep like a baby.
I’d forgotten to pack shampoo, so the luxury toiletries were a lifesaver. After grabbing an ice cream from the all-inclusive buffet, I relaxed on the balcony before a long, hot shower.
Dinner that night was a treat.
Dinner at Kentia Gourmet Club
We headed to Kentia Gourmet Club in Puerto del Carmen, a chic pan-African inspired restaurant with jungle-style interiors.
The décor was striking, but the food presentation took it to another level.
Cocktails arrived in extravagant glasses — one shaped like a giant octopus that you had to lift by the tentacles.
The tasting menu was just as creative: a goat’s cheese millefeuille with roasted tomato, scorpion fish with fennel gel, sirloin tartare with a cured egg yolk, and volcanic wine.
Dessert was a carob sponge cake with vanilla namelaka from Madagascar and chocolate from Tanzania.
Each dish was as beautiful as it was delicious, and the service was warm and attentive. Kentia is fine dining at its best.
After dinner at Kentia Gourmet Club, we were excited to try more local flavours. If you’re curious about the best restaurants in Lanzarote, I’ve put together a full guide to all the foodie spots we discovered during our trip.
Day 2 of 3 Days in Lanzarote
Cueva de los Verdes
Day 2 began with a big breakfast, which we needed for the first stop: Cueva de los Verdes, or the Green Caves.
This lava tube was formed 4,000 years ago by the eruption of the La Corona volcano.
Walking through the caves felt like stepping into another world. I couldn’t resist shouting “Goonies never say die!” as we disappeared into the dark tunnels.
The caves stretch for six kilometres and are dramatically lit.
My favourite part was the concert hall deep underground.
The acoustics were incredible, so naturally I gave it a little test performance.
Jameos del Agua
Next was Jameos del Agua, another lava tunnel redesigned by César Manrique. It’s part art, part nature.
The highlight is a turquoise pool inhabited by tiny blind albino crabs — a species found only here.
You can’t swim in it, but it’s gorgeous to photograph.
There’s also a cactus garden, another underground concert hall and plenty of places to stop and take in the beauty.
if you’re looking for more unusual spots, I’ve shared some unique things to do in Lanzarote that go beyond the tourist favourites
Lunch at Jameos del Agua
We ate at the Jameos del Agua Restaurant, tucked inside the volcanic tunnel.
The menu featured local specialities. I started with pumpkin soup, followed by grilled wreckfish with Canarian potatoes and mojos.
Dessert was rich and chocolatey — the perfect fuel for a hot day.
Bodega Stratvs
By the afternoon, the heat was intense again, so I was glad I’d packed a fresh outfit.
We visited Bodega Stratvs, a winery in La Geria. Lanzarote’s winemaking is unique because grapevines are grown in little pits dug into volcanic soil, protecting them from harsh winds.
The tour took us through the vineyards, the cellars, and finally a tasting session.
The wines were smooth and full-bodied, and learning about the island’s creative agricultural methods made me appreciate every sip.
Dinner at Hespérides, Teguise
Dinner that night was at Hespérides, a cosy restaurant in the old town of Teguise.
Everything here was about quality local ingredients.
We ordered a selection of small plates: tuna with avocado, succulent pork and finally a vanilla dessert sprinkled with dried sweetcorn.
It sounded unusual, but the crunch worked beautifully with the soft creaminess.
Day 3 of 3 Days in Lanzarote
Sunrise in Haría
On the last day, we got up early to catch the sunrise over the sea. A magical start.
After breakfast, we drove to Haría, known as the ‘Valley of a Thousand Palms.’
This peaceful village, surrounded by lush greenery and whitewashed houses, felt worlds away from the volcanic terrain we’d seen so far.
Exploring Teguise
Next was Teguise, the island’s former capital. With its colonial-style houses, cobbled streets and relaxed vibe, it’s a lovely place to wander.
On Sundays, it hosts one of the biggest markets on the island, but even without the stalls, it’s worth visiting.
Famara Beach
From there, we headed to Famara Beach.
It’s vast, set against dramatic cliffs and volcanic mountains.
The Atlantic waves here are strong, making it a hotspot for surfers.
Compared to the busier beaches, Famara felt like a hidden gem — perfect for dipping toes in the sea and soaking up the scenery.
Lunch at Castillo de San José
Lunch was at the Castillo de San José, now home to a contemporary art museum in Arrecife.
The restaurant inside has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the harbour.
I enjoyed a tomato and papaya salad (I’m usually not a tomato fan, but these were so fresh), peppered beef tenderloin, and a yoghurt dessert with cherry jam.
Again, not my usual thing, but I practically licked the plate clean.
Afterwards, we explored the museum, which showcases modern art from Spain and beyond.
Final Dinner: Taberna El Bocadito
Back at the hotel, we had time for a swim and a rest before our final meal at Taberna El Bocadito.
This relaxed tapas bar served up garlic prawns, croquettes, and juicy lamb chops.
We lingered over plates, chatting the evening away.
Where to Stay During Your 3 Days in Lanzarote
If you’re wondering where to stay during your 3 days in Lanzarote, we were based at the Barceló Lanzarote Royal Resort in Costa Teguise.
This adults-only section of is perfect if you’re looking for a touch of luxury and some downtime after a day of exploring.
My suite was spacious, modern, and comfortable, with a large seating area, a huge bathroom and one of the comfiest beds I’ve ever slept in.
Guests here also have access to exclusive areas, including private pools, sun terraces and lounges — ideal for relaxing and unwinding in style.
Is 3 Days in Lanzarote Enough?
Three days flew by, but we still managed to get a real taste of the island.
From dramatic volcanic craters and mysterious caves to fine dining and peaceful whitewashed villages, Lanzarote really does have it all.
If you’re planning to spend 3 days in Lanzarote, make sure to pace yourself, wear comfortable shoes and keep hydrated.
In return, you’ll be treated to Martian-like landscapes, meals cooked by the earth itself and sunsets that will stay with you long after you’ve flown home.
And if you’ve got extra time, I’ve shared some of my favourite unique things to do in Lanzarote that take you beyond the usual tourist trail.
Hope you found this Lanzarote guide useful. Check out some more European inspo.
