Highlights
- Discover the lunar-like terrain of Timanfaya Park with a private guide
- Ride a camel on the sand dunes and along the beach in Corralejo
- Go surfing or scuba diving in Lanzarote's year-round warm waters
- Enjoy tapas, cañas, and tintos in Madrid's unique bars and cafes
- Hike to the highest peak on the Canary Islands and enjoy the incredible views
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in Madrid | Madrid |
| Day 2 | Fly from Madrid to Fuerteventura | Fuerteventura |
| Day 3 | Enjoy a Camel Ride Along Corralejo Dunes | Fuerteventura |
| Day 4 | Outdoor Adventures in Jandia Park and Morro Jable | Fuerteventura |
| Day 5 | Depart Corralejo for Lanzarote | Lanzarote |
| Day 6 | Explore Timanfaya Park | Lanzarote |
| Day 7 | Day Trip to La Graciosa - Cave Experience | Lanzarote |
| Day 8 | Fly From Lanzarote to Madrid | Madrid |
| Day 9 | Depart Madrid |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Madrid
Welcome to Spain!
Upon arrival in Madrid, a private transfer will take you to your hotel in the city center. After settling in, head out to explore some fo the highlights of this buzzy capital city.
Start at Puerta del Sol, one of the most historic and expansive plazas in the city. Nearby is Plaza Mayor, a great place to find tapas, sip cañas, and watch tourists meander the main square. Peruse the side streets around the neighborhood to find the city's hidden charms. Stop into Chocolatería San Ginés for some famous hot chocolate and churros.
Stroll to Madrid's Fountain of Cibeles, which features a sculpture completed in 1782 depicting Cybele, the Greek goddess of fertility, riding in a chariot pulled by lions. Then make your way to Retiro Park for a relaxing walk and sunset at the Crystal Palace. Grab dinner in one of Madrid's hip neighborhoods, including Chueca, Malasaña, and La Latina.
Day 2: Fly from Madrid to Fuerteventura
Welcome to the beautiful Canary Islands!
Upon arrival at the airport in Fuerteventura, you'll collect your rental car and make your way to the northwest side of the island. After settling into your accommodation, start your exploration in El Cotillo's city center where you can meander the maze-like streets. If you're interested in the history of the area, stop at the hermitage of Nuestra Señora del Buen Viaje or the 17th-century fortress known as El Tostón.
El Cotillo is home to many stunning beaches, the largest being Playa del Castillo. Stroll along the sandy shores or enjoy a dip in its emerald waters. The coves of the northern beaches, particularly La Concha, provide excellent swimming.
In the evening, drive out to Corralejo, a quaint fishing village known for the large dunes along its incredible beaches, as well as the scenic area of Corralejo Natural Park. Enjoy local seafood here, eating at one of the restaurants or cafes near the port.
Day 3: Enjoy a Camel Ride Along Corralejo Dunes
After breakfast, visit Corralejo Nature Reserve, a long dune field which extends from Puerto Remedio beach all the way to the small peninsula of La Salina. It constitutes a large habitat with numerous protected and endemic species.
One of the best ways to enjoy the dunes is to ride a camel along the beach and through the park (short option), or up to the top of Roja Mountain (long option). The camels are always under the supervision of trained and experienced guides, who will take care of you at all times. Your only duties are to enjoy yourself and photograph the amazing landscapes, if you wish.
In the late afternoon, head back to your accommodation to freshen up before enjoying dinner in El Cotillo.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Outdoor Adventures in Jandia Park and Morro Jable
Today you'll have a full day to explore the beauty of Jandía Nature Reserve, which is set in the township of Pájara in the south of Fuerteventura. This area is renowned for its stunning beaches and a range of leisure activities. You can create your own itinerary, or sign up for guided excursions. Not only is there plenty to see along the shore, but the southern part of the island also encompasses some stunning interior villages and beaches.
If you prefer hiking, a great option is to brave the slopes of Pico de la Zarza, the island's highest point above sea level at 2,600 feet (807 m). The southern slopes of this great mountain are gentler and broader, with hills, crests, and valleys to enjoy. You can also walk through lower portions of the park, where you'll find unique plant and bird species, including kestrels, stonechats, Houbara bustards, broad-winged hawks, Egyptian vultures, and more. Lizards, golden skinks, geckos, and an array of insects are also present in the park.
End your adventure in the town of Morro Jable, home to one of the largest beaches on the island. The water is an unreal hue of turquoise and you can enjoy a seaside dinner before heading back to your accommodation.
Day 5: Depart Corralejo for Lanzarote
It's time to say goodbye to Fuerteventura and make the journey via ferry to the island of Lanzarote, where the town of Playa Blanca will be your hub for the remainder of the trip.
Upon arrival, settle into your hotel and start your exploration of the charming island. Lanzarote is known for its black-sand beaches and incredible cave systems, such as Cueva de los Verdes and Cueva de los Jameos del Agua. You can also enjoy time in the art gallery and restaurant known as LagOmar, which is set in natural red-stone lava caves.
If you wish to be a bit more active, you can play golf amidst volcanic lava and cacti, go scuba diving, surf with waves that are considered some of Europe's best, and/or go deep-sea fishing in the local waters.
Day 6: Explore Timanfaya Park
After breakfast, meet your private driver at your hotel and transfer to the famous Timanfaya Park, where a guide will take you through some of Europe's most unique landscapes. Made up of volcanic soil and completely void of vegetation, the extreme roughness and quirky rock formations, along with the red-hued earth, will feel otherworldly.
During the guided tour, you'll visit the breathtaking Montaña Rajada where you can observe a vast sea of lava that spreads out to the coast. Its impressive undulations and shapes are all uniquely formed by the lava flow. But perhaps what is most impressive of all is the way the local people have learned to coexist with this unusual, barren landscape.
Day 7: Day Trip to La Graciosa - Cave Experience
After a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, make your way to the small port of Orzola for a day trip to the island of La Graciosa. Riding a bike is a great way to get some exercise and learn the layout of this amazing little island. Take time to wander, get lost, and try some of the local products in the shops, boutiques, and restaurants lining the beaches.
Leave the main town behind and enjoy the surrounding countryside, which has a number of fantastic trails and footpaths. In the afternoon, you'll return to the ferry and head back to Lanzarote. Upon your arrival, opt to visit the house-museum, The Mirador del Rio, or the fascinating Cueva Jameos del Agua caves, envisioned by artist and architect César Manrique.
Day 8: Fly From Lanzarote to Madrid
It's time to say hasta luego to the stunning Canary Islands. After breakfast, you'll head to the airport to catch your flight from Arrecife back to the bustling capital of Madrid.
If you didn't already see some of Madrid's highlights at the beginning of the trip, consider the following for your last night in the bustling city:
- Peruse the world-famous museum, El Prado.
- Row a boat around the lake in El Retiro park.
- Discover the favorite fuentes of Neptune Fountain, Fuente de Cibeles, Apollo Fountain, and Fuente de los Galápagos.
- Enjoy the evening lights of the Royal Palace, the Dobod Temple, and Plaza España.
When you're finished wandering the city, settle into a cafe for some tapas before dinner. With so many options, it's best to be your own explorer. Grab a small beer (caña) or a small glass of wine (tinto) at numerous spots. Just meander and discover!
Day 9: Depart Madrid
In the morning, enjoy one final breakfast in Spain before your driver transfers you to the airport. Here you can catch your flight home or to your next destination.