If one of your dreams is visit the best of the Canary Islands, but you only have 7 days of holidays available to do so, then you're in the right place! In this mini guide “What to see and do in the Canary Islands in 7 days” you will find a personalized itinerary of what to do and see in the Canary Islands in just one week!
This itinerary, which from now on we will call “Canary Islands in 7 days“, offers you discover the best of the islands without too much rush, moving easily from one wonder to another, with useful advice on how to organize your trip, what to see each day, how to get between the islands, where to stay, and many activities in the Canary Islands not to be missed.
Now all that's left to do is read the article and start imagining seven days of golden beaches, spectacular volcanoes, authentic villages, and perfect weather all year round… "“Come On“
Why is a 7-day itinerary in the Canary Islands perfect?
Let's start by saying and affirming that The Canary Islands offer an incredible variety of things to do and see, and a week, if you're a dynamic person, is the ideal time to enjoy a mix of relaxation, adventure, and culture during your holidays in the Canary Islands. In fact, Each island has something unique to offer, and with our well-planned "Canary Islands in 7 Days" itinerary, you can travel from the beaches of Fuerteventura to the volcanoes of Lanzarote without rushing. Plus, thanks to fast connections between the islands, you have the flexibility to customize your trip.
But what are the unmissable stops? What to do and see in the Canary Islands in a week?
Right away we offer you our itinerary For Visit the Canary Islands in 7 days, divided into 4 main stages. With Starting point from Tenerife, passing through Gran Canaria and Lanzarote to end up in Fuerteventura. But let's find out together.
Day 1-2: Tenerife – Volcanoes and Historic Cities
Day 1: Teide National Park and Costa Adeje
Start your holidays Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands. If you're wondering what to see in the Canary Islands to begin with, with a bang, the answer is the Teide National Park. The volcano, 3,718 meters high, is the highest peak in Spain and offers lunar panoramas unique in the world.
Must-do's:
- Take the cable car of Teide to climb to the summit (Advance booking required)
- Explore trails like the Sendero de los Roques de García.
- Take panoramic photos.
How to get to Teide?
You can book a 7-hour guided tour with departures by bus from the south of the island or reach it by car if your idea is to rent a car to speed up the journey.
In the afternoon, relax and stay in the elegant Costa AdejeWell-kept beaches, elegant venues, and a wide range of tourist attractions. Perfect for enjoying an evening by the sea and a seafood dinner.
Day 2: Santa Cruz de Tenerife (The Capital) and San Cristóbal de La Laguna
The second day of the tour is dedicated to cultural discovery and includes a visit to the capital of the Island, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, e to the city of San Cristobal de La Laguna, a UNESCO heritage site, with its historic streets and authentic atmosphere. It's a great way to experience the culture of the Canary Islands.
Start your day by visiting Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and then head to La Laguna in the afternoon. Below, we'll give you some tips on what to see in both towns.
What to See in Santa Cruz de Tenerife:
- Stroll through the Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África, a local market full of fresh produce and crafts.
- Have a coffee in Plaza de España
- Visit the Museum Municipal de Bellas Artes
- Go Shopping in the famous Calle Castillo
- Visit Parque García Sanabria
What to See in San Cristobal de La Laguna:
- Plaza del Adelantado
- Nava Palace
- Convent of Santa Catalina de Siena
- Calle Obispo Rey Redondo
- House of the Corregidor
- House of the Captains
- The Alhóndiga
- Salazar House
- Catedral de San Cristóbal de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios.
Tenerife: Extra Tips
In addition to Teide and La Laguna, consider a visit to the picturesque village of Garachico, on the north side: a historic village with natural lava pools Perfect for a rejuvenating soak. Or hike through Anaga Rural Park, a rainforest where you'll feel like you're walking on another continent.
Day 3-4: Gran Canaria – Beaches and Mountains
Continue the Itinerary “Canary Islands in 7 Days” by moving from Tenerife to Gran Canaria. Try to reach the island early in the morning. booking a domestic flight with the company Binter or Canary Fly (The flight duration of Tenerife Gran Canaria is approximately 30/40 minutes). If you plan to do it by boat instead you can take a ferry from the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife with the company Fred Olsen or Armas (The crossing takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.) Rental cars are also essential in Gran Canaria.
Day 3: Maspalomas Dunes and Playa del Inglés
Once arrived in Gran Canaria to head in the south of the island. The pre-established and obligatory destination for the third day is the splendid and famous tourist resort of Maspalomas. Here you can relax between beaches and dunes from the cinema, let yourself be pampered by the island's warmth and take long walks at sunset.
What to do in Maspalomas:
- Explore the Maspalomas Dune Desert, nature reserve with Saharan landscapes.
- Relax in Playa del Inglés, ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
- Walk to the Maspalomas Lighthouse, iconic symbol of the area.
- Dinner at one of Meloneras's luxury restaurants
Day 4: Visit Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Tejeda
The 4th day It starts with a car trip to the capital of the province of Gran Canaria “Las Palmas” and continues in the afternoon discovering the “Pueblo of Tejeda”, a village nestled among the mountains of the hinterland and considered as one of the most beautiful in the Canary Islands and Spain In short, a Canarian gem not to be missed and absolutely photographed.
What to see in Las Palmas:
- Discover Vegueta, the historic district with the Cathedral of Santa Ana.
- Visit Columbus's House, museum dedicated to Christopher Columbus.
- Take a walk along the seafront of the legendary beach "“La Canteras Beach“.
Then, immediately after lunch, reach Tejeda, which will surprise you with its nature and local culture. For dinner, choose one of the typical local places and taste, without fail, the dishes of Canarian cuisine such as: “Ropa Vieja” and Papas Arrugadas.
What to see in Tejeda:
- Stroll through the small historic center with well-kept streets and building facades.
- Visit to the church of “Socorro”
- Watch the sunset from the picturesque square of “Nuestra Señora del Socorro”
Extra tip:
If you love trekking and long walks to discover what I would feel unique we recommend you to make the path "“Roque Nublo”" which is part of the Roque Nublo Rural Park, declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. A journey of about 40 minutes each way reaches the famous "Roque Nublo" monolith, approximately 80 meters high and located 1,813 meters above sea level. If you are travelling in the afternoon, appropriate clothing is recommended. as temperatures at this altitude could drop significantly.
Day 5-6: Lanzarote between volcanoes and art
We're off again for the 3rd stage in the direction Island of Lanzarote with the aim of visit the famous Timanfaya volcano and the splendid natural beaches “Papagayo Beach“. Advised always the air transfer with internal flight with the local airlines Binter and Canary Fly with a Estimated flight duration: approximately 45 minutes Departing from Gran Canaria Airport. If you choose the ferry transfer with Naviera Armas, the journey time will be approximately 5 hours (this is why we recommend flying).
Day 5: Timanfaya and the southern beaches
As mentioned in the previous paragraph, the Itinerary “What to do and see in the Canary Islands in 7 days“ continues with the discovery of one of the most beautiful volcanic islands of the Canary Islands, ”Lanzarote”. The main stop of the day is the Timanfaya National Park which with its lava landscapes and geysers will leave you speechless.
What to see in Timanfaya National Park:
- Bus tour through the Mountains of Fire.
- Geothermal demonstration in natural geysers.
- Lunch at the panoramic restaurant “El Diablo”, where they cook with volcanic heat.
Once lunch is finished we're off in the direction beautiful beaches of fine sand and turquoise water"“Papagayo Beach“Here you can spend an afternoon relaxing, sunbathing, and enjoying a sunset over the Canary Islands with its unique colors.
Day 6: The works of César Manrique and Arrecife
The 6th and penultimate tour day will come dedicated, for half, to the’art of one of the most important architects/artists of the island and Canarian culture "“César Manrique” (Manrique is the creative genius who was able to harmonize art and nature throughout Lanzarote) and for the other half to discover the capital of the island “Arrecife” where you can still breathe the true essence of the Canary Islands.
What works by César Manrique to see:
- Visit the Jameos del Agua, a volcanic tunnel transformed into a cultural center.
- Climb to the Mirador del Río, with breathtaking views of the island of La Graciosa.
- Cactus Garden
Once we've completed our tour of the works of art by internationally renowned Canarian artist César Manrique, we set off for the day's final stop: Arrecife, the capital of Lanzarote. A port city that has retained the tranquil and welcoming character of a small seaside village over the years.
What to do in Arrecife:
- Shopping and dinner in the famous Calle Real
- Visit to the Castillo de San Jose which houses an International Museum of Contemporary Art.
- Relax on the beach at Playa del Reducto waiting for the sunset with a Mojito!
More tips on what to do and see in Lanzarote:
If you have intention to change some point of the’itinerary or if you were super quick in visiting the previous artworks then we recommend you a visit to the Cave of Los Verdes (a wisely lit volcanic tunnel), or discover The Geria, the wine region with vineyards grown on volcanic sand. Here you can taste a dry Malvasia paired with local goat cheeses. Recommended for those who love good wine!
Day 7: Fuerteventura – Total relaxation by the sea
And finally we reach the 4th and final stage: the relaxing one Fuerteventura with its beaches and sand dunes white and Caribbean waters. Unlike the previous stages, we recommend reaching the island by ferry. In fact, the sea journey time is only 25 minutes, departing from Playa Blanca (Lanzarote) and arriving at the port of Corralejo.
Playa de Sotavento and Corralejo:
Start from the beautiful Playa de Sotavento, one virgin white sand beach almost 9 km long, famous for its lagoons that appear at low tide:
What to do in Playa de Sotavento:
- Ideal for kitesurfing, windsurfing and total relaxation.
- Perfect for a walk regenerating along the shoreline.
- Photos to frame thanks to the colors of the ocean.
In the afternoon, explore the dunes of Corralejo, another postcard-perfect landscape. It's the perfect way to conclude the 7-day Canary Islands itinerary. Before leaving, have a drink in the historic center from Corralejo and savor the authentic beauty of the Canary Islands and breathe in the well-being that living well generates!
Extra tip: Fuerteventura – Not just beaches.
If you have time leftor, add one stop in Betancuria, the ancient capital, nestled in a tranquil, mountainous landscape. For lovers of wild nature, we also recommend Cofete, on the south coast: one of the archipelago's wildest and most isolated beaches.
Practical advice for your itinerary "What to do and see in the Canary Islands in 7 days".
How to get between the islands?
To optimize your time, use internal flights with Binter Canarias or Canaryfly, or ferries with Fred Olsen Express and Naviera Armas. They are cheap and fast, perfect for our "Canary Islands in 7 days" itinerary. Alternatively, rent a car in the Canary Islands on each island to freely explore villages, beaches and volcanoes.
Where to stay during the "7-Day Canary Islands" itinerary“
Choose strategic accommodations near attractions. For example:
- Tenerife: Costa Adeje or Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- Gran Canaria: Las Palmas o Maspalomas
- Lanzarote: Playa Blanca or Puerto del Carmen
- Fuerteventura: Corralejo or Morro Jable
Also consider apartments, resorts or boutique hotels. For authentic experiences, also look for agriturismi or “casas rurales.”.
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What to pack for your holiday in the Canary Islands
In addition to a great desire to have fun, they can't be missed, in a suitcase For a 7-day trip to the Canary Islands, this list of essentials:
- Passport or identity document
- Health card
- credit card
- Summer clothing all year round
- Trekking shoes for volcanic excursions
- Swimsuit and flip-flops
- Sunglasses and hat
- High protection sunscreen
- 1 sweatshirt and a jacket if you go hiking to Teide in the evening or in winter
Remember that even if the climate in the Canary Islands It offers mild and pleasant temperatures throughout the year and varies greatly depending on the temperatures: on the tops of the volcanoes it can be cold!
Activities and excursions in the Canary Islands not to be missed
Le Canary Islands, thanks to its morphology, geographical position and climate, it is the perfect destination for an active holiday with excursions and activities to suit all tastes:
Snorkeling and water sports
- Surfing in El Cotillo (Fuerteventura)
- Snorkeling in Playa Blanca (Lanzarote)
- Whale Watching from Los Gigantes, Tenerife
Markets and local cuisine
- Mercado Municipal Nuestra Señora de África (Santa Cruz de Tenerife)
- Teguise market in Lanzarote
- Vecindario Market (Gran Canaria)
- Papas con mojo picón
- Cocido canario (boiled meat with chickpeas and vegetables)
- Rabbit in salmorejo
- Escaldón de gofio
Find out more about What people eat in the Canary Islands and typical dishes.
Lesser-known excursions
Finally, consider lesser-known trails, such as the Caldera de Bandama in Gran Canaria or Roque Nublo. These are hidden gems among the Canary Islands' must-sees.
Conclusion: the Canaries await you
Whether you are looking for relaxation, adventure, culture or nature, with the itinerary “Canary Islands in 7 days”"You can have a complete and unforgettable experience. Make the most of every day among beaches, volcanoes, markets, and breathtaking views.
Plan your trip with Toda Canarias
If you've decided to plan your trip to the Canary Islands following this 7-day itinerary and don't know where to start... don't worry! We at Toda Canarias will organize every single trip, flight, and hotel for you.
