Ultimate Canary Islands Tour - 8 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Agaete

Welcome to the Canary Islands! This picturesque archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean consists of seven islands offering an abundance of nature reserves, golf courses, water sports, archaeological sites, volcanoes, and gorgeous beaches. Though it's located off the west coast of Morocco, the group of islands actually belong to Spain. Your trip begins on Gran Canaria Island, where you'll meet your guide at the airport and transfer to your accommodation in Agaete.

In the afternoon, there will be a welcome meeting where you can ask questions and receive all the information you need for your upcoming adventure.

After the meeting, take the rest of the day to enjoy the afternoon and evening on your own. Agaete is surrounded by beautiful orchards, mountains, and sea, so perhaps take a scenic walk before dinner.. 

Day 2: Explore Gran Canaria Island's North Coast

Today, after breakfast at your hotel, you'll embark on a full-day tour of Gran Canaria Island's north coast starting with the valley surrounding Agaete. Due to the island's unique microclimate, the valley is ideal for growing coffee beans, tropical fruits, and grapes for wine-making. Over the course of the day, you'll visit a working coffee plantation and participate in a tasting. You'll also experience an organic orange plantation and have lunch in a traditional tapas bar. 

In the afternoon, the tour continues with visits to two beautiful and historic towns: Arucas and Galdar. While in the area, you'll visit La Cueva Pintada, an archaeological museum, and Santa Maria de Guia, a village known for its cheese production. Look for the special queso de flor (cheese flower), made with thistle.

Day 3: Explore Gran Canaria Island's Highest Altitudes

Today, after breakfast, you'll spend the day exploring another area of Gran Canaria—this time the mountainous central interior of the island.

Start the day with visits to two of the highest and oldest villages on the island: Tejeda and Artenara. From here, you'll walk for about an hour through the forest of Tamadaba as you follow the local irrigation system. Then walk another hour to reach Roque Nublo, the emblematic rock on the very top of the island for extraordinary views in all directions. Somewhere along the way, you'll have a picnic lunch prepared with local products grown on the archipelago.

Return to Agaete after the tour where you'll have free time to explore more of the village in the evening.

Day 4: Ferry to Fuerteventura Island - Transfer to Puerto del Rosario

In the morning, you'll board a ferry and make your way to the town of Morro Jable on the south coast of Fuerteventura Island. The trip takes about two hours. Once you arrive, you'll have time to explore the wildest part of the island (the south) with huge waves, sandy beaches, and strong currents surrounded by the Jandia mountain range for a truly extraordinary experience filled with lots of contrasts. After lunch in the area, you'll visit the lighthouse of Jandia and Cofete Beach, both of which are reached by traveling along uncrowded dirt roads.

Later in the afternoon, you'll continue exploring the island by taking the road to Pajara with its iconic orange-hued mountains, followed by a drive to Puerto del Rosario where you'll stay the night. The capital of Fuerteventura is known for its whitewashed houses and outdoor artwork including large sculptures found along the harbor promenade. 

Day 5: Visit Betancuria - Ferry to Lanzarote Island - Transfer to Arrecife

Today's exciting itinerary begins with some light exercise where you'll take an hour-long walk through the Barranco de La Peña, a geological highlight in the Canary Islands and home to some of the interesting and unique trails in the archipelago.

From here, you'll get a chance to visit Betancuria, the charming old capital of the island, which takes its name from one of its own conquerors, Jean de Betancourt. Betancuria is a tiny village but it is filled with history and has one of the most beautiful valleys on the island.

After lunch, you'll head north to the natural park of the Dunes of Corralejo where you can experience a sandy desert smack dab to the bright turquoise ocean water—a great spot to relax and take photographs.

At the end of the day, you'll travel by ferry (30 minutes) to reach Lanzarote Island. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to Arrecife, the capital of the island. Check out the city's Mediterranean-style promenade, sandy beach, and a slew of unpretentious bars, restaurants, and shops. 

Day 6: Explore Lanzarote Island's Volcanoes & Vineyards

Today, you'll get to experience the National Park of Timanfaya. Falling somewhere between what can only be described as lunar and martian, this otherworldly place will introduce you to landscapes you've likely never laid eyes on before. 

Next is a visit to El Cuervo Volcano, a national park offering geothermic demonstrations. While here, you'll join an incredible bus ride around the epicenter of the volcano and hear about its historic eruptions. The surrounding vineyards of Lanzarote are also a unique landscape of the island where you can witness life coming back from the ashes in the form of grapes. While visiting a vineyard, you'll have the opportunity to taste some local wine as well as dine on lunch at a nearby restaurant.

In the afternoon, you'll return to Arrecife where you'll have free time in the evening. 

Day 7: Explore Lanzarote Island's North Coast

Today begins with a bit of local culture—more specifically, you'll visit the César Manrique Foundation. This is where the local artist and architect of the same name lived for 20 years from 1968 to 1988 (the longest he ever lived in a single place). Interestingly enough, the lower half of the house was built around five natural volcanic bubbles connected by tunnels excavated in the lava. Certain areas of the house, like the swimming pool and barbeque, are surrounded by abundant plant life and a fine-grained volcanic rock called basalt. During the visit, you'll have time to tour the house where you can see Cesar's paintings, plans, and sketches displayed throughout to give you a good idea of his lifetime work. You will also see Cesar's personal collection including originals by Picasso and Miro.

Next, you'll stay with the artist theme and 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, so keep your eye out.

You will then continue to Mirador del Rio, one of the island's most beautiful viewpoints from which you'll have the perfect glimpse of the Famara cliff and the small islands of La Graciosa, Montaña Clara, and Alegranza.

Finish off with a visit to an aloe farm before you head back to Arrecife for your last night of the trip. 

Day 8: Depart Arrecife

It's time to say goodbye to the Canary Islands! Depending on your flight, enjoy some free time to walk around Arrecife and perhaps shop for some souvenirs. At the designated time, you'll be picked up and transferred to the airport for your departure. Safe travels!