Canary Islands Explorer: La Palma, Lanzarote & Gran Canaria - 10 Days

Highlights

• Explore three beautiful Canary Islands: La Palma, Lanzarote, and Gran Canaria
• Go stargazing at high altitude atop Roque de Los Muchachos
• Explore Lanzarote's unique volcanic vineyards and taste local wines
• Jet around the tiny and arid island of La Graciosa aboard a luxury cruise
• Explore the colorful, colonial streets of Las Palmas, the region's capital

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Gran Canaria, Fly to La Palma

Hola! Welcome to the Canary Islands, an autonomous Spanish archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean. These eight subtropical islands are closer to Africa than Spain and are of volcanic origin. You've landed in Gran Canaria, where you'll catch another one-hour flight to neighboring La Palma. Often referred to as "La Isla Bonita" (the beautiful island), it's one of the westernmost Canary Islands and is known for its lush greenery, dramatic landscapes, and volcanic activity. On arrival, collect a rental car and drive to your hotel, then enjoy the rest of today at the beach or exploring the island your way. 

Spend your free afternoon in La Palma exploring its natural beauty and unique landscapes. Start by driving to Roque de los Muchachos, the island's highest point, for breathtaking views of the Caldera de Taburiente and the Atlantic. For an adventurous hike, explore the lush Los Tilos Forest, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with its impressive laurel trees and tunnels. You could cool off with a swim at Charco Azul, a stunning natural pool in San Andrés y Sauces. End your day visiting the dragon trees of Buracas, where you can hike among these ancient trees and discover local handicrafts.

Day 2: Wine Roads of La Palma, Stargazing Excursion to Roque de Los Muchachos

The first vines were planted in La Palma back in the 16th century, but Palmeri wines have only gained international recognition in the past 20 years. This morning you'll explore this volcanic island's wine culture with a special half-day tour. Most of the vines here are over 40 years old, with some counting 100 years of growth. You'll taste the island's sweet malvasia and its unusual ique wine de tea, made with negramoll and albillo grapes aged in tea barrels, before stopping for lunch.

Above La Palma is an infinite starry sky, and tonight you'll set off on a stargazing excursion near Roque de Los Muchachos. After taking in a splendid sunset, watch as the first stars begin to twinkle. An expert field guide will show you how to use a powerful field telescope to observe the most diverse celestial bodies at one of the clearest skies in the world, located almost 8,200 feet (2,500 m) above sea level. With a laser pointer, they'll point out each stellar phenomenon and describe their names and the circumstances surrounding them as you sip a glass of La Palma wine.

Day 3: Kayaking Cave Adventure, Discover the Best Beaches of La Isla Bonita

Wake up ready to experience the beauty of La Palma's coast with a kayak tour. Over the next 90 minutes, you'll paddle your way through scenic landscapes, secluded fishermen's sea caves, and the famous volcanic Cueva Bonita. You'll meet your guide at Poris de Candelaria, a small cove where homes are built into the natural sea caves. As you follow the coast toward Cueva Bonita, one of the island's main attractions and only accessible by sea, your guide will share stories about the region.

This afternoon you'll have time to explore the best beaches of "La Isla Bonita." This island is known for its mountainous relief and abundant vegetation, and its extensive network of trails will take you through places like Caldera de Taburiente National Park and to beautiful coves and black sand beaches. You could seek out Playa de Tazacorte, located at Las Angustias ravine with calm sea and clear water, or try the expansive Playa de Echentive, also known as "Playa Nueva," at the foot of the Teneguía volcano. Puerto Naos, Zamora, and Cancajos are also popular.

Day 4: Visit a Banana Plantation, Explore Caldera de Taburiente National Park

After a relaxed morning and slow breakfast, set out to visit a banana plantation in Puerto Naos, in the west of the island. Here, a local farm cultivates bananas in a completely ecological way. You'll explore the plantation and learn about how the farmers avoid chemicals to grow their fruit before tasting one of the natural bananas. Use the rest of the day to explore more of the surrounding Caldera de Taburiente National Park, one of the most spectacular natural spaces in the Canary Islands and the greatest treasure of La Palma.

The best way to experience the park is by hiking along one of the trails. You'll walk through leafy Canarian pine forest, appreciating the peculiar smell of this exclusive archipelago species and listening to the local birdsong. Reaching the interior of the caldera on foot involves some effort, but the reward is well worth it. Your prize is the chance to cool off at some of its permanent streams of fresh and crystalline waters, surrounded by an absolutely virgin environment. 

Day 5: Fly to Lanzarote via Tenerife, Beaches of Lanzarote

Today you'll swap La Palma for the island of Lanzarote. It's either a 70-minute direct flight, or the plane will stop for half an hour at Tenerife. Make your way to the airport with enough time to return the rental car, and on arrival in Lanzarote collect another car. Lanzarote offers a nice contrast to La Palma, with drier rocky volcanic landscapes and lava flows. 

This afternoon, you can explore the island via its beaches. Lanzarote is a favorite spot for families as the beaches here are calm and protected from waves or currents thanks to the many natural pools formed by lava flows. You can also find wilder beaches with waves, and also more commercial beaches with all the services you could need. Papagayo and Famara are two popular spots, or for lesser-known locations head to Playa de las Malvas or the natural pools of Charcones.

Day 6: Explore Lanzarote's Volcanoes & Vineyards

Today’s adventure takes you deep into the heart of Lanzarote, starting with the awe-inspiring Timanfaya National Park. This extraordinary volcanic landscape, reminiscent of both lunar and martian terrains, offers a surreal and dramatic view of nature's raw power. As you explore the park’s otherworldly formations, you'll encounter landscapes so unique that they defy comparison, from blackened lava fields to towering craters that speak to the island's fiery past.

Continue to El Cuervo volcano, where you'll experience the island's geothermal energy. Board a scenic bus ride around the volcano's epicenter to learn about its historical eruptions and how the volcanic ash has shaped the region's agriculture. The surrounding vineyards are a testament to resilience, with grapevines thriving in volcanic soil, giving birth to Lanzarote's signature wines. You'll get to sample these distinctive flavors over a leisurely lunch at a nearby restaurant. In the late afternoon, return to the hotel and use the evening as you wish.

Day 7: Day Trip to La Graciosa

Today you'll board a luxury cruise to the idyllic island of La Graciosa, just off the coast of Lanzarote. Start with a late morning express ferry ride from Lanzarote to the peaceful port town of Caleta del Sebo on La Graciosa. Once you arrive, you’ll have time to explore this charming village at your own pace. Lean into the slower pace of life on this petite island and explore the rich history of this town. La Graciosa is a place of untouched beauty with a laid-back atmosphere, showing the more authentic side of the Canary Islands.

After your time in town, you'll board a luxury catamaran and sail along La Graciosa’s stunning coastline while enjoying a refreshing mojito. The boat will drop anchor at the secluded Playa La Francesca, where you can swim, snorkel, and kayak in the clear Atlantic waters. Once you've worked up an appetite, savor a delicious lunch of traditional Spanish paella and fresh fruit onboard. There will be an open bar offering draft beer, sangria, and soft drinks. After a relaxing day on the water, you'll return to Lanzarote in the afternoon.

Day 8: Explore Lanzarote's North Coast

Jump behind the wheel after breakfast and set off to explore Lanzarote's north coast. Start with a bit of local culture when you visit the César Manrique Foundation. This is where the local artist and architect of the same name lived from 1968 to 1988. The lower half of his house was built around five natural volcanic bubbles, connected by tunnels excavated in the lava. Tour the house to see Cesar's paintings, plans, and sketches displayed throughout, and see his personal collection of art including originals by Picasso and Miro.

Next, visit Jameos del Agua, a series of lava caves that act as a center for art, culture and tourism (thanks to César's vision). One of his masterpieces is a decorated section of a volcanic tube. After, continue to Mirador del Río, one of the island's most beautiful viewpoints. Here, you can experience the perfect glimpse of the Famara cliff and the small islands of La Graciosa, Montaña Clara, and Alegranza. Finally, visit a local aloe farm before returning to town.

Day 9: Fly to Gran Canaria, Explore Las Palmas

Bounce to your third Canary Island this morning, taking a 45-minute direct flight from Lanzarote to Gran Canaria. Make sure you leave enough time to drop off the rental car before boarding. On arrival, take a transfer to Las Palmas, the capital of the Canary Islands. Here, you can spend the day exploring Vegueta, the oldest neighborhood in the city, filled with quiet cobbled streets, old stone quarters, and colored colonial buildings clinging to the hillside. This Old Town is less touristed than newer parts of the city, so you can see local life as families gather together.

For lunch, seek out a tapas feast. You can make multiple stops through the afternoon and evening as you explore the city. Wander down the busy shopping street Calle Mayor de Triana, and pop into the Museo Canario, which shares the history of the Canary Islands. You could also visit Casa Colón, a museum/house where explorer Christopher Columbus stayed in 1492, planning his upcoming trip to discover the New World. Also worth a visit are the tiny San Telmo Chapel and the huge Catedral de Santa Ana.

Day 10: Depart Gran Canaria

It's the final morning of your grand Canary Islands adventure. After 10 amazing days exploring three islands, it's time to wave goodbye and take a transfer to the airport. You'll be dropped off in time for your departing flight home or onward to another destination. Safe travels! 

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