MileHacker Logo
Day Trips from Arrecife

Day Trips from Arrecife

Canary Islands Spain Travel Guide

Timanfaya National Park

This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve demonstrates stunning volcanic landscapes and geothermal phenomena. The bus tour through the "Ruta of the (masculine Volcanes" is an unique experience.

Allow half a day (3-4 hours) for the park itself. Combine your visit with the La Geria wine region or the coastal hamlet of El Golfo.

Visitor Details

  • Distance/Time: Approximately 20-30 minute drive to the southwest of Arrecife.
  • Transportation: Renting a car is a flexible option. Organized bus tours frequently have transport and entry. The area's bus service has limited access to the visitor center; from there, you use the park's own bus.
  • Tours: Organized tours simplify logistics with transport and entry. Independent travel with having a rental car allows for more flexibility for timing. The "Ruta of the (masculine Volcanes" inside the park is only accessible via the park's own bus. Find day trips here.
  • More Info: Consider a guided tour for deeper insights into the park's geology.

Natural Escapes from Arrecife

Lanzarote's natural wonders, shaped by its volcanic history, invite exploration.

Los Hervideros

Dramatic coastal cliffs where volcanic lava met the sea. This interaction created impressive caves, blowholes, and arches.

Highlights

  • Location: Southwest coast, near El Golfo.
  • Activities: Scenic viewpoints and short walks along designated paths. Observe powerful waves crashing.
  • Photography: Excellent photo opportunities of the distinctive geology.

El Golfo Charco de los Clicos

A half-submerged volcanic crater with an unique green lagoon, Charco Verde. The lagoon's color comes from algae, a vivid contrast with black sands.

Highlights

  • Location: Southwest coast, near Los Hervideros.
  • Activities: A viewpoint to admire the verdant lagoon and coastal landscape. Enjoy a coastal walk.
  • Dining: Fresh fish and shellfish at restaurants in the adjacent village.

Manrique's Natural Art

Jardín de Cactus Cactus Garden

  • A unique botanical garden designed by César Manrique.
  • Over 1,000 species of cacti, arranged in an amphitheater-like setting.
  • Guatiza, about 20-25 minute drive north of Arrecife.
  • Explore the diverse collection and visit the cafe.

Mirador del Río

  • A stunning viewpoint created by César Manrique.
  • Perched on cliffs looking out over the Chinijo Archipelago and La Graciosa.
  • Northern tip of Lanzarote, about 40 minutes from Arrecife.
  • Enjoy panoramic views, visit the café and gift shop.

Other Cultural Gems

  • Teguise (Historic Town):Former capital, charming streets, Sunday market.
  • Distance/Time:15-20 -minute car ride northwest of Arrecife.
  • Transportation:Car rental or public bus (Line 1 or 10).
  • Itinerary:2-3 hours for exploring; Sunday for the market.
  • Haría (Valley of a Thousand Palms):Picturesque village, lush palm groves, Manrique's home.
  • Activities:Visit Manrique'the House of-Museum, stroll the village.
  • Access:Usually part of north island excursions.
  • Views:Panoramic valley views.

Traveler's Tip

Combine Los Hervideros and El Golfo on a single trip to the southwest coast. They feature dramatic coastal scenery and geological formations.

Cultural Excursions from Arrecife

Discover Lanzarote’s history and traditional culture in surrounding villages and places.

Teguise La Villa de Teguise

Lanzarote's former capital, a charming historic town with cobbled streets and a famous Sunday market.

Haría Valley of a Thousand Palms

A scenic village in the north, known for lush palm groves and traditional white houses. Manrique's former home is here.

Mirador del Río

AN impressive viewpoint by César Manrique, perched on cliffs overlooking the Chinijo Archipelago and La Graciosa.

Teguise Exploration

Explore the historic center, including churches and noble houses. Enjoy the bustling Sunday market.

Details

  • Located 15-20 minutes to the northwest of Arrecife.
  • Car rental for flexibility. Public bus services available.
  • Allow 2-3 hours for exploration. Visit on Sunday for the marketplace.

Harían Exploration

Visit Manrique's House-Museum to see his life and work. Stroll through the tranquil village and panoramic views.

Details

  • César Manrique's former home located here.
  • Known for its lush palm groves.
  • A picturesque setting for a relaxed visit.

Manrique's Northern Wonders

Jameos del Agua:Cave system with a blind albino crab lake.
Cueva de los Verdes:Fascinating lava tube tunnel.
Mirador del Río:Stunning cliffside viewpoint.
Distance/Time:30-40 -minute car ride north of Arrecife for Jameos/Cueva.
Combine:Both cave attractions for a half-day.
Manrique Connection:All created by César Manrique.

Local Insight

  • For a historical and lively market experience, visit Teguise on a Sunday morning.
  • The town is converted into a center with artisan stalls.
  • Arrive early to avoid the time with the most people times.
  • Plenty of local cafes for breakfast.
  • Parking can be busy, consider public transport.

Multi-Day Extensions

Extend your Canary Islands adventure beyond Lanzarote, exploring nearby islands for diverse experiences.

Nearby Island Gems

F

Fuerteventura

Known for vast sandy beaches and excellent conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing.

G

Gran Canaria

Features a lush interior, dramatic mountains, and popular southern resorts with sandy hills. Mix of the city life, nature, and beaches.

T

Tenerife

The largest island, home to Mount Teide, Spain's highest peak. Good for hiking and diverse scenery.

Fuerteventura Travel

  • Recommendations: Closest neighboring island, for beach relaxation and water sports.
  • Transportation: Regular and frequent ferry services from Playa Blanca (Lanzarote) to Corralejo (Fuerteventura). Crossing is 25-30 minutes. Less services that run usually from Arrecife directly to Puerto del Rosario.
  • Suggested Route: Combine 2-3 days in Fuerteventura after exploring Lanzarote.
  • Experience: A different kind of relaxation and water sports focus.
  • Access: Very easy connection from Lanzarote.
  • Activities: Windsurfing, kitesurfing, extensive beaches.

Gran Canaria & Beyond

  • Gran Canaria Transport: Ferries from Arrecife to Las Palmas city (5-420 minutes). Inter-flights between islands from Lanzarote Airport (ACE) to Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) take about ABOUT forty minutes.
  • A Paradise in the atlantic Route: Add 3-4 days to see the sights city life, mountain landscapes, and lively resorts.
  • Different Islands: La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro ("green islands") for hiking and nature lovers.
  • Access to Others: Inter-inter-island flights or ferries from larger islands.
  • Tenerife Access: Prevalent inter-island flights from Lanzarote.
  • Focus: These western isles are for those seeking nature and outdoor adventures.

Inter-Island Planning

Ferry Services

Numerous ferry connections link Lanzarote to Fuerteventura for short excursions or island hopping.

Flights Between Islands

Inter-flights between islands from Lanzarote Airport (ACE) offer swift travel to other major Canary Islands like The Island of eternal spring and Tenerife.

Planning an Itinerary

A multi-island itinerary allows for exploration of different landscapes and cultures across the archipelago.

Traveler's Tip

Planning an island-hopping itinerary within the Canary Islands is straightforward. Inter-island flights make for fast links for exploring different landscapes and cultures.
← Previous
Things to Do in Arrecife
← Back to Canary Islands
Next →
Arrecife Travel Tips

Next Up: Arrecife Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Continue to Arrecife Travel Tips