Roxana is a Romanian-born freelance travel writer who has lived in Italy for over 15 years. She has a Master’s in Journalism and a Bachelor’s in Film Studies, and she studied at Università degli Studi di Roma Tre. Besides her native Romania, Roxana has lived in Rome, Lisbon, and Berlin, and she has traveled through much of Europe in search of hidden gems, history, and culture.
Pisa may be best known for its iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa, but there’s more to the Tuscan city than its famous crooked tower.
Home to lovely medieval architecture, the world’s first university botanical garden, great museums, and amazing restaurants, Pisa is a perfect Tuscan city to explore on a weekend trip.
⌛ Planning your Pisa trip in a hurry? Here are my quick picks.
🛏️Best Pisa Hotels 1. Grand Hotel Duomo(best Leaning Tower views!) 2. The Rif(art hotel in a renovated 1900s villa) 3. Palazzo Feroci(luxury converted palazzo with designer interiors)
✈️ Flying into Pisa? Book your airport taxi in advance with Welcome Pickups for a stress-free arrival.
While living in Rome, I traveled to Pisa on one of my many trips across Italy, and I absolutely recommend spending a couple of days in the beautiful city.
In addition to admiring the peculiar leaning tower, you can enjoy strolling along Borgo Stretto or the Arno River and sample delicious Tuscan food at charming local restaurants.
The lovely Santa Maria della Spina on the Arno
This 2 days in Pisa itinerary includes all the highlights in Pisa, from the complex with the Cathedral and Tower to some of the city’s the top museums.
Even better, you can decide whether you join activities like wine and food tours!
You can easily adapt this Pisa itinerary to your needs by swapping things around to fit your schedule.
Where to Stay in Pisa
Want this view? Stay at the Grand Hotel Duomo!
BEST VIEW | For the most epic views over Pisa’s most famous attractions, Grand Hotel Duomo is all about a central location and views, including a rooftop terrace. With a rather affordable price tag, especially in the off-season, this is a great mid-range option in Pisa.
ARTSY BOUTIQUE | This trendy hotel has excellent amenities just a five-minute walk from Pisa’s Piazza dei Miracoli, making it central and incredible. Set in a renovated villa from the early 1900s, The Rif is dripping with artwork, including temporary exhibitions in the hotel! Plus, some rooms even have a spa bathtub.
DESIGNER LUXURY | In an old palazzo building in the center of Pisa, Palazzo Feroci is a fantastic choice for opulence and elegance, with interior design straight off of a Pinterest board. Rooms balance antique details like crown molding, intricate fireplaces, and exposed beams with avant-garde furnishings for a one-of-a-kind experience that isn’t cheap but is impossible to forget.
The famous Leaning Tower and its neighboring Pisa Cathedral
As we’ve mentioned, Pisa is practically synonymous with its iconic Leaning Tower, but what you may not know is that the tower is just one piece of the complex of landmarks located in the same square.
The square is officially called Piazza del Duomo but is commonly known as Piazza dei Miracoli, which means Square of Miracles.
The whole complex, including the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Duomo, is called Opera della Primaziale Pisana.
Aside from the two major landmarks, it also includes the Baptistery, the Camposanto Cemetery, the Sinopie Museum, and the Opera del Duomo Museum.
The famous Baptistry of St. John, Pisa
You can easily spend an entire morning in the area, walking around the impressive monuments and visiting the ones you are most interested in.
Visiting all the monuments and museums of the complex takes at least half a day, so be sure to plan accordingly.
You can get a combined skip-the-line ticket that includes access to all the monuments, including the Tower, for 27€.
If you just want to visit the Duomo, you might be able to get a free entrance ticket at the on-site office, but be aware that these are limited so you might not get in (go very early if you try this)!
Take in the sights of the Opera della Primaziale Pisana.
The interior of the Pisa Cathedral
The two must-see monuments are the Duomo and, of course, the Tower.
The Duomo, or Pisa Cathedral, was built in the 11th century and is better known for its black and white marble façade and Islamic elements.
A devastating fire damaged the cathedral in 1595, so many elements were replaced in the early 17th century.
The church houses several impressive artworks, from paintings and frescoes to the elaborate pulpit by Giovanni Pisano.
The other monument you should absolutely visit if you can is the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the symbol of the city.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa, the city’s icon
I mean, if you went to Pisa and didn’t take a cheesy picture of the tower, did you even go?
The iconic bell tower dates to the 12th century. Before construction could even be completed, the structure started leaning due to the soft ground.
The tilt worsened with time, reaching 5.5 degrees by 1990. Over the years, many interventions aimed to keep the tower from toppling but were unsuccessful.
After the tower’s closure in 1990, a new intervention from 1993 to 2001 successfully straightened the tower to a 4-degree tilt.
To reach the top of the Leaning Tower, you must climb 296 steps, so get ready for a workout.
Unfortunately, this does mean that the visit isn’t suitable for people with certain health issues or disabilities, but the view of the outside is still worth the trip!
While the Tower and the Duomo are absolute musts, you should also visit the other monuments.
The Baptistery of St. John the Baptist is Italy’s largest baptistery and features sculptures and architectural elements by local artists like Nicola and Giovanni Pisano.
The interior is impressively vast, with a simple and nearly empty minimalist aesthetic, providing great acoustics.
The Camposanto Monumentale is a walled cemetery featuring elaborate arcades housing tombs and beautiful frescoes.
The beautiful Camposanto Monumentale
The cemetery name, which translates to Sacred Field, is a reference to the soil on which it was built, brought to Pisa from Calvary, just outside Jerusalem, during the Third Crusade.
Lastly, you can visit two museums housed in the Ospedale Nuovo di Santo Spirito, a former hospital dedicated to helping pilgrims, the poor, and abandoned children.
The Opera del Duomo Museum displays decorative elements of the cathedral from its various stages, while the Sinopie Museum houses impressive preparatory drawings used by artists to paint the frescoes in the Camposanto.
Have a lunch break.
So many cozy trattorias and osterias in the center of Pisa!
After visiting some or all the monuments in the Square of Miracles, depending on your pace, it’s time for a lunch break.
If you want to stay in the area to complete your visit in the afternoon, have a quick lunch with tasty pizza or sandwiches at Po’stò Cafè Pisa or try the delicious pasta dishes at Il Peperoncino.
Alternatively, if you’re ready for a change of scenery, walk towards Pisa’s historical center, roughly 10 minutes away, and have lunch in a rustic Tuscan restaurant at Osteria del Tumi.
Enjoy delicious pasta or try one of the traditional meat-based Tuscan specialties if you’re in the mood for something hearty.
Their wild boar ragu with polenta is famous!
Explore Pisa’s historical center.
The Borgo Stretto area of Pisa
In the afternoon, you can either go back to visit any monuments or museums you skipped in the Square of Miracles or head directly to Pisa’s historical center.
One of the most charming areas, located right in the heart of the historical center, is Borgo Stretto.
Borgo Stretto translates to “Narrow Village” and is a long and narrow commercial street starting in Piazza Garibaldi and ending at Galileo’s statue.
The Giuseppe Garibaldi statue from in 1892, made by Ettore Ferrari
The colorful buildings on both sides of the street have arcades, providing a pleasant strolling experience any time of the year.
Simply walk down the street and check out the historical buildings and shops, or maybe stop for a coffee at a bar.
Another place worth checking out is the vast Renaissance-era square Piazza dei Cavalieri.
Buildings in Piazza dei Cavalieri (Knights Square)
It’s surrounded by gorgeous buildings like the Palazzo del Consiglio dei Dodici and the imposing Palazzo della Carovana housing Pisa’s faculty of science.
Another key landmark is the Palazzo dell’Orologio, a medieval building incorporating the ancient Torre della Muda.
This famous tower is notable for being mentioned in Dante’s Divine Comedy.
The statue in front of the university building represents Cosimo I de Medici, the first Grand Duke of Tuscany.
Take some time here to wander around the cobweb of narrow streets around Pisa’s historical center; there’s some remarkable beautiful medieval architecture to admire!
Stop by the charming Piazza Carrara, stroll along the Arno River (yup, the same river that runs through Florence), and check out Casa Ammannati, the birthplace of Galileo Galilei.
Visit one of Pisa’s excellent museums.
Set along the Arno, Palazzo Blu is the (shocker!) blue building that hosts an art museum
If you have any time left in the afternoon, you can visit one of the many museums in Pisa.
Two museums worth checking out are Palazzo Blu and Museo delle Navi Antiche di Pisa.
If you are passionate about art,Palazzo Bluhouses an impressive collection of paintings related to the city of Pisa, either made by local artists or representing the city.
The artworks cover a span of seven centuries, from the 14th to the 20th centuries.
In addition to the permanent collection, you may check out temporary exhibitions, all for an entry ticket of just 3€ — one of the best deals in Italy!
Plan your visit ahead of time, though! The museum is closed on Monday.
Interior of history museum / Image Credit: Sailko – Own work, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
On the other hand, Museo delle Navi Antiche di Pisa is a modern history museum dedicated to telling the story of Pisa through the centuries, starting from its settlement and passing through the Etruscan and Roman phases.
The museum also houses a collection of ships and related artifacts, including remains of ancient Roman ships.
The entry ticket for the museum is 10€, and you can also purchase itonline.
You can visit by yourself from Friday to Saturday or join a guided tour on request from Tuesday to Thursday.
Have dinner and stroll along the Arno.
View at night along the Arno
End your day with dinner in a traditional Tuscan restaurant followed by a pleasant stroll along the Arno River.
For dinner, you ca try a tasty pasta dish or enjoy traditional Tuscan meat dishes at either Ristorante alle Bandierine or Il Ristoro della Pe’ (with some delicious local Italian wine, of course).
After dinner, head to Lungarno Antonio Pacinotti and walk along the river to enjoy the beautiful view of the city at night.
Most cities in the region provide such activities, and Pisa is no exception!
These activities allow you to escape the buzzing city and admire the region’s rolling hills and wineries, all while sipping on a good glass of Tuscan wine.
Be warned that some of these activities may not be available during winter months.
If you visit from November to February, you can always replace these with more museum visits.
If you prefer staying in Pisa rather than exploring the countryside, such as if you’ve already explored a Tuscany itinerary, you can also join this food tour in the heart of Pisa.
You’ll stop by five local eateries to experience the authentic flavors of Pisan cuisine, from local cheese and cured meats to traditional soups and stews.
You’ll also get to try the famous cecina (chickpea flatbread), and of course, finish the tour with some delicious gelato.
This food tour lasts roughly 3.5 hours, starting in the late morning, so it’s the perfect lunchtime activity. Like many activities, this tour also requires a minimum of two participants.
If you decide to do this instead of the wine tour, you can spend the morning exploring the city or visiting a museum that you didn’t get to yesterday.
If you opt for the wine tour instead, you may want to have lunch once you’re back in Pisa.
I Porci Comodi and L’Ostellino are great spots for quick and delicious sandwiches.
Explore more areas of Pisa.
St. Anthony Abbey on Piazza Vittorio Emanuele
In the afternoon, you can cross the Arno and explore the sights on the southern riverbank.
Cross Ponte di Mezzo for a lovely view of the river flanked by the colorful buildings, then stroll along Corso Italia, the main shopping street lined with all kinds of shops.
Near Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, you’ll find a building covered in a massive mural by Keith Harring, Tuttomondo.
From here, walk back toward the river to check out the charming Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina, a small 13th-century church with a beautiful Gothic façade.
Cross the river on Ponte Solferino and find your way to the Botanical Garden and Museum.
The lovely Ponte Solferino bridge
The botanical garden belongs to the University of Pisa and is the world’s first university botanical garden, founded back in 1543.
The garden was originally on the riverbank but was moved to its current location in 1591.
Along with the stunning botanical garden housing plants from all continents, you can visit a museum dedicated to the teaching of botany.
You can spend the rest of the afternoon and early evening resting in your hotel or wandering around the city before heading to dinner.
If you decide to explore more, you can check out Chiesa di Santa Caterina d’Alessandria, the ruins of the Baths of Nero, Porta a Lucca, and the Medici Palace.
Finally, have one last delicious Tuscan dinner at Ristorante Cantina Vasari or Ristorante Allabona.
After dinner, you can enjoy a relaxed stroll around Borgo Stretto to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere without the day crowds.
Roxana is a Romanian-born freelance travel writer who has lived in Italy for over 15 years. She has a Master’s in Journalism and a Bachelor’s in Film Studies, and she studied at Università degli Studi di Roma Tre. Besides her native Romania, Roxana has lived in Rome, Lisbon, and Berlin, and she has traveled through much of Europe in search of hidden gems, history, and culture.
Azure waters, rugged coastline, candy-colored houses in every color of the rainbow: the Cinque Terre, Italian for ‘five lands’, of the Italian Riviera are too beautiful to be true.
Connected by hiking trails and train, these five villages are part of the protected lands of Cinque Terre National Park, and they collectively became a UNESCO site in 1997 for their history and striking beauty.
With dazzling views from its many hiking trails, postcard-perfect fishing villages you can admire from so many angles, and delicious Ligurian cuisine (trofie al pesto, anyone?), you can’t really go wrong no matter where you land when deciding where to stay in Cinque Terre.
Honestly, these five villages are so close that the trail can be walked in a single, yet ambitious day — that is, if the trail is fully open, which it often isn’t due to mudslides and renovations — check the trail opening status before planning anything!
Plus, the train connecting the villages is lightning-fast and frequent, which means you don’t need to stay in different villages to experience the Cinque Terre — you can just pick one home base for your entire Cinque Terre itinerary.
I’ve lived in Italy for over 15 years and traveled all across the country, but the Cinque Terre remains one of my favorite destinations in the entire country.
In this article, I’ll tell you all about the five scenic villages and what makes each of them unique, to help you decide where to stay in Cinque Terre.
Best For Bars & Restaurants: Riomaggiore
The southernmost of the Cinque Terre, this charming village is just 10 minutes by train from La Spezia, making it a great choice for where to stay in the Cinque Terre.
One perfect reason to stay here? It’s a great starting point for those who want to complete the entire Cinque Terre hike in one day (and then take the train back home to eat dinner and rest!).
Plus, it’s a lively place to spend the night, with lots of bars and restaurants up for consideration.
Although it may not have a super-thriving nightlife scene, Riomaggiore is one of the few villages where you can still enjoy a cocktail at night, compared to some of the sleepier Cinque Terre villages.
Aside from strolling around the picturesque village searching for scenic views, you can visit the medieval Riomaggiore Castle and the Church of San Giovanni Battista of Riomaggiore, both sitting on the hillside to provide scenic views of the village.
If you’re up for a short hike, perhaps the most stunning view is the one from the Santuario di Nostra Signora di Montenero on the southern side of the village. As a bonus, the hike provides gorgeous coastal views all along the way too.
As for dining options, you’ll be practically spoiled for choice. Have a light meal on the lovely terrace of Bar e Vini a Pié de Ma or enjoy the fried fish at Il Pescato Cucinato.
If you’re up for that evening drink I mentioned earlier, head to Old School Cocktails & Food or choose a wine from the vast selection at Ghemé.
A wonderful coastal walkway, Via dell’Amore, connects Riomaggiore to Manarola. Unfortunately, the walkway has been closed for many years but is scheduled to reopen in 2024.
Until then, you can walk to the village of Manarola along Via Beccara, a hiking trail a bit farther uphill.
This detour is challenging but the views are gorgeous, so it’s well worth the extra effort!
For a great option in Riomaggiore, The Sunset Line has delightful rooms and apartments overlooking the sea, a short walk from Riomaggiore Castle and the center of the village.
If you want to wake up and look out over the beautiful sea view, enjoy your morning coffee on the terrace, and relax in the hot tub, this is the perfect place to stay in Cinque Terre for you!
In my opinion, Manarola is one of the prettiest towns of the Cinque Terre, along with Vernazza.
The Manarola Overlook Viewpoint provides the perfect postcard (or let’s be real in the 21st century, Instagram!) picture of the colorful village built on the cliffs.
The village is the second smallest of the Cinque Terre, with just 353 inhabitants at the most recent count. Nevertheless, it’s among the most popular, especially during the summer.
If you plan on visiting Manarola in the peak season and want to spend the night in town, book your accommodation well in advance to avoid missing out.
Since it’s one of the smallest villages on the coast, Manarola doesn’t have much in the way of notable attractions.
The best thing to do is to wander around the narrow alleyways, the typically Ligurian caruggi, and enjoy the charming views, including the street with the charming Chiesa di San Lorenzo.
Before the Cinque Terre became a major tourist attraction, Manarola used to be a quiet fishing village.
Historically, the town was often a target of pirate incursions, so it featured several defensive buildings.
Today, you can only make out the remains of the castle at the base of a private building sitting at the edge of the cliff.
If you want to enjoy a light lunch or an aperitivo with a stunning view over the gorgeous village, check out Nessun Dorma, right next to the Manarola Overlook Viewpoint.
Another great spot for lunch or dinner with a view is Trattoria dal Billy.
Manarola is also famous for hosting the world’s largest nativity scene, recreated yearly on the hill just outside town.
The figures of the nativity scene (presepe in Italian) are made out of thousands of lights arranged to cover the entire hill, creating a magical atmosphere.
If you’re visiting in winter, you can check it out from the 8th of December until late January.
If you can afford to splurge on accommodation, the suites in this refurbished medieval tower at La Torretta make for an unforgettable place to stay in the Cinque Terre!
Along with the comfortable rooms and stunning terraces with panoramic views, you can enjoy all kinds of little luxuries.
We’re talking everything from a hot tub to a delightful daily breakfast and a tasty aperitivo — not a bad way to spend your Italy vacation!
Corniglia is the only village of the Cinque Terre sitting at the top of the hill rather than on the coast.
Corniglia’s location alone means fewer visitors choose to stay here, since most travelers prefer the coastal locations.
If you’re looking for a more local feel with fewer crowds, Corniglia is the perfect place to stay in Cinque Terre!
The quaint village is ideal for pleasant walks, hikes, and slowing down while enjoying the beautiful coastal views.
As an extra perk, Corniglia is right in the middle of the Cinque Terre, making it an ideal base for day trips to the other villages.
Corniglia is also a great option if you’re traveling on a budget.
While you may not find quite as many accommodations and restaurants, they do tend to be cheaper, and they’re just as lovely and delicious as the fancier spots!
For an affordable and cozy place to eat a traditional local meal, try A Cantina da Mananan.
For a sweet treat, try the gelato at Alberto Gelateria or look out for the small stall selling lemon-flavored granita.
Corniglia sits perched on the hillside, which means you get some truly wonderful vantage points to admire the coastal view.
Head over to the viewing area near Bar Terza Terra or check out the view from Scalinata Lardarina, a zig-zagging staircase leading down to the train station.
From Corniglia, you can also hike along spectacular trails to Manarola or Vernazza.
The Sentiero Azzurro leading to Vernazza is challenging but rewards you with sweeping coastal views unlike any others.
The hike takes roughly an hour and a half and is worth every step!
This accommodation in Corniglia is another lovely option if you want to stay in the center of the village and enjoy beautiful views.
All rooms at Arbanella come with a beautiful view of the sea, while some also have delightful little balconies to relax while enjoying your morning coffee.
Yes, just because you’re not directly on the coast doesn’t mean you can’t have a view of the sea!
Vernazza may be the most characteristic and picturesque village of the Cinque Terre.
As if that wasn’t enough, it’s also considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy — not just the Cinque Terre or even Liguria, but the entire country!
If you visit the Cinque Terre, you absolutely have to spend some time in this colorful fishing village — and it may just make the perfect place to spend the night, too.
The picture-perfect village is perfect for a romantic getaway, with gorgeous hotels and guesthouses overlooking the beautiful coastline and the charming little port.
Fair warning: since it’s among the most popular of the Cinque Terre, Vernazza gets more crowded.
As you could probably guess, this also leads to higher prices for accommodation and dining, so budget accordingly!
On the plus side, Vernazza has more things to do.
As with all the villages on the Ligurian Riviera, the best thing to do is to stroll around the picturesque alleys looking for vantage points offering gorgeous panoramic views.
The Church of St. Margaret of Antioch and the San Francesco Convent offer beautiful views over the port of Vernazza and the little sea cliff topped by colorful houses.
At the top of the promontory, you can visit the ruins of the Doria Tower, a 10th-century castle with a tall, round tower looking over the little village.
Vernazza has a rocky beach to the south where you can relax and swim in the crystalline waters.
Right by the little port, you’ll also find a little strip of sand but expect this spot to be very crowded – if you want a spot to relax, you’ll have to get there early.
If you want to hit the hiking trails, walk the Sentiero Azzuro to Corniglia or the slightly longer Sentiero Monterosso to Vernazza.
As for dining options, you have a dizzying array of restaurants and wine bars to choose from.
Try the fresh seafood at Il Gattaccio, grab a takeaway from Pippo a Vernazza, or enjoy a delicious traditional meal at Il Pirata delle 5 Terre.
If you like Italian wine, Cantina Cheo offers wine tours and tastings.
If you want to stay in a quainter location, away from the bustling harbor area, I Limoni di Vernazza is a great choice.
The guesthouse is in a lovely, peaceful location close to the train station but within a short distance from the harbor area.
The place has spacious, comfortable rooms, but remember what I said earlier about this town’s popularity, and make sure to book well ahead of your trip!
Monterosso al Mare is the largest and northernmost village of the Cinque Terre, nestled within a small gulf.
To the west, the town is protected by a promontory with hiking trails and panoramic coastal views.
Monterosso al Mare is connected to the closest village, Vernazza, via the scenic hiking trail Sentiero Monterosso – Vernazza.
The village is the closest to Genoa, just over an hour to the north. However, the easiest way to reach Monterosso via public transport is from either Levanto or La Spezia, since the train ride only takes about 20 minutes.
As the largest of the Cinque Terre, Monterosso al Mare has the advantage of providing more accommodation options, which are also cheaper compared to the other villages.
Even better, this is the only village with a proper sand beach, Spiaggia di Fegina, making it ideal for summer holidays.
Monterosso al Mare may not have the charm of the smaller villages, but it’s still a gorgeous place on the Ligurian Riviera.
The main landmarks in the town are the Convent of the Capuchin Friars and the 14th-century church S. Giovanni Battista with its striped Gothic façade.
Like all the villages of the Cinque Terre, Monterosso al Mare is also built on the hillside, but it’s less steep, which makes it more accessible for people with reduced mobility.
The town is ideal for families with children, given the beaches, parks, and great variety of restaurants and accommodations for travelers of all ages.
For a traditional Ligurian meal, head to San Martino Gastronomia.
If you’re looking for a beautiful venue with gorgeous sea views, try Ristorante L’Ancora della Tortuga.
Lastly, don’t forget to try the tasty gelato at Gelateria La Scogliera.
The charming Hotel Souvenir is in a perfect location close to the main beach of Monterosso al Mare and many restaurants and bars.
The rooms are modern and cozy, and some have a balcony overlooking the gorgeous views.
The property also has a delightful garden and offers a tasty breakfast, all for a very affordable nightly price — though again, Monterosso fills up quickly, especially budget-friendly places, so book ahead!
Roxana is a Romanian-born freelance travel writer who has lived in Italy for over 15 years. She has a Master’s in Journalism and a Bachelor’s in Film Studies, and she studied at Università degli Studi di Roma Tre. Besides her native Romania, Roxana has lived in Rome, Lisbon, and Berlin, and she has traveled through much of Europe in search of hidden gems, history, and culture.
Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands, and it certainly offers the most variety in terms of landscape, attractions, and activities.
From visiting charming little villages to hiking through lush forests and relaxing on gorgeous beaches, there’s plenty to do on this beautiful island.
I traveled to Tenerife twice and spent a total of nearly two months exploring the island.
Tenerife is an ideal place to visit any time of the year, with pleasant temperatures year-round.
Whether you’re looking to escape the cold European winter or take a break from the unbearable heat of summer, this is a great destination.
Practical Tips for Your Tenerife itinerary
If you have time, I recommend spending anywhere from one to two weeks on the island. With that said, I get it; sometimes that’s just not possible.
In case you only have a few days to visit Tenerife, I put together a packed but varied 5-day itinerary to experience the island’s highlights.
I’ve included a few optional places, so you can adapt it to your pace and skip some stops if you’d rather slow down and take a little more time to relax instead.
The island isn’t very big, but some areas are only reachable via windy mountain roads, so reaching certain spots can take a long time.
If you ask me, the ideal approach is to divide your time on the island between the north and the south.
This Tenerife itinerary works best if you spend the first three nights (or four if you arrive in the evening) in the north and the last two in the south.
This itinerary features Santa Cruz as the departure point for the first three days, but Puerto de la Cruz, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, and smaller nearby towns work well too.
In the south, you can base yourself in El Médano, Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas, or Costa Adeje.
Feel free to play around with the order of the days as you see fit, depending on the weather and your preference.
However, remember that the first three days focus on the north and the other two on the southwest.
Day 1 of Your Tenerife Itinerary: Santa Cruz & Surroundings
Explore the historical center.
Begin your first day in Santa Cruz de Tenerife by exploring the lovely historical center.
Here, you can start the day off right with a typical Spanish breakfast consisting of tostadas (toast with jam and marmalade or tomato) and coffee.
You’ll find a ton of great spots for breakfast around Plaza del Príncipe de Asturias.
Some of my favorites I tried while I was in Tenerife are Café & Té, Pianeta Espresso, and We The North Specialty Coffee.
After breakfast, spend some time wandering around the charming streets, exploring the Santa Cruz Marina, and checking out some landmarks in the city center.
A few highlights include the iconic Plaza de España, Parroquia de San Francisco de Asís, and Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción.
If you enjoy modern and contemporary art, visit the TEA (Tenerife Espacio de las Artes).
Alternatively, check out the buzzing Mercado Nuestra Señora de África, where you can buy anything and everything, from fresh fruit and local products to souvenirs.
Visit the modern area of Santa Cruz.
Outside of the historical center, the architecture changes drastically and becomes almost futuristic!
One building you should check out, even just from the outside, is the imposing Auditorio de Tenerife Adán Martín, a futuristic auditorium that looks almost like a rhino horn, built by renowned architect Santiago Calatrava.
Close to the auditorium, you can either spend a couple of hours sunbathing and swimming in the beautiful seawater pools of Parque Marítimo César Manrique (an artist famous for his works in Lanzarote).
Alternately, you can explore the gorgeous botanical garden, Palmetum.
While you’re in the area, take a stroll along the Paseo de Carteles del Carnaval and check out the historical posters of the Santa Cruz Carnival that have been posted here in the past.
Carnaval is the most beloved event in Tenerife, and it’s quite a spectacle; it’s second only to the one in Rio de Janeiro (sorry, Venice!).
If you visit in February, be sure to check it out, but note that prices will be ridiculous at this time of year!
Have a lunch break.
You can either have lunch in the modern area of Santa Cruz or head back to the historical center.
Rincón de Pedro is a great option not far from the auditorium if you want to stay in that part of town.
Meanwhile, in the historical center, La Concepción serves unique takes on Spanish dishes.
Relax at the beach.
What better way to wind down in the afternoon of your first day than by relaxing at the beach?
From Santa Cruz, you can easily reach Playa de Las Teresitas, one of the most popular and beautiful beaches in northern Tenerife.
Unlike most beaches on the island, which are black volcanic sand, Playa de Las Teresitas has golden sand.
If you prefer a natural, black-sand beach, check out the nearby Playa de Las Gaviotas.
The secret? The beach of Playa de Las Teresitas is artificial, made with sand imported from El Aaiún, in Western Sahara!
Despite being artificial, you’d really never know — it’s a lovely beach to spend a few relaxing hours on your first day in Tenerife.
Plus, it stretches for more than a kilometer, so you’ll have plenty of space to enjoy and find your own private patch of sand.
Playa de Las Teresitas is close to the small town of San San Andrés, roughly a 15-minute drive from the center of Santa Cruz.
Enjoy sweeping coastal views from the miradores.
After relaxing at the beach, you can drive out to a nearby viewpoint to enjoy spectacular panoramic views.
Mirador Playa de las Gaviotas is one of the best spots, just a 10-minute drive from Playa de Las Teresitas.
The viewpoint offers stunning views of Tenerife’s rugged coastline — you’ll definitely want to bring along your camera for this one.
Just above Playa de Las Teresitas, you can stop by Mirador de la Playa de las Teresitas to enjoy a beautiful view of the beach from above.
However, this viewpoint is closed temporarily as of summer 2023, so it may not be accessible when you visit.
Visit the small town of Igueste (optional).
If you have any time left, you can drive for about 15 minutes to the nearby village of Igueste.
This charming coastal village is a quaint place to walk around and enjoy gorgeous views.
There’s not a whole lot else to do, so you don’t need to go out of your way to get there, but it’s worth a short visit if you have any time left before sunset!
Have dinner and drive back to Santa Cruz.
You can stop for dinner in San Andrés or drive directly back to Santa Cruz.
You’ll find many charming restaurants in San Andrés, most of them serving traditional Spanish and Canarian dishes.
I recommend the cozy Tasca El Asunto los Parres or Restaurante Lena Tenerife.
Back in Santa Cruz, you can choose between Spanish and international restaurants.
Try the tasty tapas at D’Tapas,26, or a delicious burger at Ghio’s Burger Crafters.
Day 2 of Your Tenerife Itinerary: Anaga Rural Park
Drive to San Cristóbal de La Laguna.
From Santa Cruz, drive for roughly 15 minutes inland to reach San Cristóbal de La Laguna.
Once the capital of Tenerife and in fact all the Canary Islands, this city’s immense historical and cultural significance earned it a spot in UNESCO World Heritage Site’s list since 1999.
You can explore San Cristóbal de La Laguna for a couple of hours before driving to Anaga Rural Park.
It’s worth an early wake up call, to be honest: it gets quite crowded in the middle of the day, so being an early riser will definitely help you here.
As a bonus, this way you can do a circular route instead of driving back and forth!
The historical center of San Cristóbal is pretty small, so it’s best to park your car and explore it on foot.
Well worth a visit is the stunning Cathedral of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, one of the most important churches on the island (and absolutely breathtaking).
Want an even better view? Climb the bell tower of the Iglesia-Parroquia Matriz de Nuestra Señora de La Concepción for an epic bird’s-eye view of the city.
After you’ve seen the main sights, take a wander around the center: it’s filled with enough small shops, restaurants, and cafés to keep you busy for a while.
You can enjoy a delicious breakfast and coffee at Café Café or the specialty coffee spot AHUL Bowls & Coffee.
For something a little different, Casa Museo Cayetano Gómez Felipe is a gorgeous example of a traditional Canarian house and has a lovely café, too. The historic Casa Salazar is also lovely.
Depending on whether or not you decide to go hiking around the Anaga Rural Park (the next stop on this Tenerife itinerary), you may want to grab your lunch ahead of time to-go.
You’ll find a restaurant near the visitor center, but it may not always be open.
Other than that, there won’t be any other options before you reach Taganana, so you should have some pastries or a sandwich to hold you over, just in case.
Explore Anaga Rural Park.
After exploring San Cristóbal, start driving to Anaga Rural Park, one of the most scenic parts of the island.
Your final destination in the park should be the viewpoint Mirador Pico del Inglés, with views that stretch over the entire island and even all the way to the Teide volcano on a clear day.
Along the way, you can stop by a few other spectacular viewpoints.
Two absolute musts are Mirador De Jardina and Mirador Cruz del Carmen, but honestly… if you see the word “mirador”, you might as well pull over; you won’t regret it!
Near Mirador Cruz del Carmen, you’ll find the Anaga Rural Park Visitor Center.
This is also the departure point for several hikes, like the lovely Sendero de los Sentidos, which has a few different trails, including short ones that only take about half an hour.
I recommend walking even just a small part of this peaceful trail immersed in the lush greenery — it’s so different than the rest of the Tenerife landscape!
Next up, check out the Camino Viejo al Pico del Inglés. This is probably the most iconic spot in the park.
The short road feels like a tunnel excavated in the mountain, with the trees on both sides of the walls extending their branches to form a natural roof.
It’s an otherworldly sight, so don’t forget to check it out.
Not too far from the forest tunnel, you’ll find your end point, Mirador Pico del Inglés.
The viewpoint offers nearly 360° views of the Macizo de Anaga mountain range and the surrounding valleys.
On clear days, you can see all the way to the coast, but even on warm days, it can be chilly and windy here so be sure to pack a jacket!
Stop at the Mirador El Bailadero.
Keep driving northeast from Pico del Inglés to reach Mirador El Bailadero, overlooking Teide National Park.
This viewpoint offers a spectacular view of the northern coast of Tenerife. In the distance, as a bonus, you can see the white houses composing the small village of Taganana.
The stunning viewpoint is linked to a few legends dating back to ancient times.
According to one legend, El Bailadero comes from a ritual called “Baladero” that the Guanches (the island’s Indigenous inhabitants) would perform to invoke the rain.
Head towards the hidden gem village of Taganana.
After admiring the impressive views over the island, it’s time to drive toward the northern coast.
After about 15 minutes, you’ll reach the charming village of Taganana, with houses in hues of white and pastel spilling down the landscape in the crease between two mountains.
This is a personal favorite for me, thanks to the near absence of tourists and the quaint atmosphere.
The village offers spectacular views of the tree-covered peaks of the Macizo de Anaga.
Stroll around the village, walking up and down the narrow streets, and check out the gorgeous views.
If you didn’t get food earlier, stop for a quick coffee break or a snack at Bar Manolo or Guachinche Bibi y Mana.
Visit Almáciga and Benijo.
If you have any time left on this day of your Tenerife road trip, drive along the coast toward Benijo.
The volcanic-sand Playa de Benijo is one of the most spectacular beaches in Tenerife, with gorgeous volcanic rock formations emerging from the ocean.
Enjoy the view from Mirador de Playa Benijo or take the steps down to the beach to walk on its black sands.
From Benijo, drive back and stop in Almáciga.
The small coastal town is famous for the long black-sand beaches popular for surfing and the curious Roque de las Bodegas (Wineries Rock).
No, it’s not named for its barrel-shaped rock, but rather its history.
Although it may not look like it, this area used to be a popular port for local wine exportation!
Historically, wine merchants from England and Flanders would stop here to purchase barrels of local Taganana wine.
If you want to stay in Almáciga for dinner, try the delicious fish dishes at Restaurante La Ola or Restaurante Playa Casa Africa.
Alternatively, drive back to Santa Cruz for dinner closer to your hotel.
You can take the shorter road back, passing through El Bailadero and San Andrés. The drive back takes just under an hour.
Day 3 of Your Tenerife Itinerary: Teide National Park and Puerto de la Cruz
Drive from Santa Cruz to Las Cañadas del Teide.
Most of this day will be focused on exploring Teide National Park.
I recommend waking up early and having a quick breakfast before you start driving.
The exact length of time you’ll need in the park depends on the activities you want to do, but you can expect to spend at least half a day there to get the full experience.
The drive from Santa Cruz to Las Cañadas del Teide takes just over an hour.
This is the first stop within the national park, where you can already check out some spectacular views of the Teide volcano, Spain’s highest peak.
Here, you’ll find the El Portillo Visitor Center and the start of a few hiking trails.
Hike around the Teide.
You have multiple options for exploring Teide National Park!
You can drive to some of the main spots and enjoy walking a few short trails, catch the cable car up and explore the area surrounding the summit individually, or join a guided excursion.
One thing to note is that most excursions don’t include access to the Teide summit, which requires a special permit.
Both options are extremely popular, so you’ll want to book ahead of time. While you can find spots for the tour roughly one month before, you need to apply for a permit to hike up independently at least two months ahead.
You can alsocatch the cable car and explore the hiking trails near the upper station.
Check out the Pico Viejo Vantage Point and admire the breathtaking views from Mirador del Teide and Mirador La Fortaleza.
If you’re up for a bit more of a challenge, skip the cable car and hike up via Sendero de Montaña Blanca. You can also catch the cable car up and hike down, or vice-versa.
If you skip the hike or cable car ride, don’t worry! You can still check out many spectacular spots.
Take in the views from La Ruleta Vista Point, check out the impressive Roque Chinchado, hike the Sendero Roques de García, and drive to Llano de Ucanca Vista Point and Queen’s Shoe.
For lunch, either pack some sandwiches and snacks or stop at one of the many restaurants.
However, be prepared for crowded places and food that’s really just okay. Your best choices are Restaurante Bambi and Restaurante Papillon, both in El Portillo Alto.
Lastly, if you don’t want to drive, take care of cable car reservations, and figure out which spots to visit and which trails to hike, you can also join a guided tour complete of transfer from the north or south of Tenerife.
If you don’t want to DIY, thisMount Teide Tour with transfer from Santa Cruz includes a guide and cable car tickets.
From Teide National Park, you can drive to Puerto de la Cruz.
This colorful city on the northern coast is one of the most important in Tenerife.
Home to a picturesque historical center, beautiful gardens, the stunning swimming pool complex called Lago Martiánez, a park called Parque Taoro, and the famous zoo, Loro Park — it’s really a special place.
Puerto de la Cruz really does deserve a full day of exploration, but if you’re short on time, you can check out the main sights in a few hours.
Be sure to wander around the charming streets of the old town and pass by the lively Plaza del Charco.
Don’t miss a visit the beautiful 17th-century Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Peña de Francia, as well as some of the other churches scattered around the town.
Puerto de la Cruz is known for being the first tourist destination in the Canary Islands and has welcomed many celebrities and artists since the 19th century.
Agatha Christie was among the personalities who visited Tenerife, and her stay on the island was such an honor for the locals that an entire stairway was painted with the titles of her novels. Find them on Calle San Amaro!
At the end of the Agatha Christie steps, you can enjoy a sweeping view of the city from Mirador La Paz.
There are also some natural rock pools near Puerto de La Cruz that are worth seeking out — find just some of them here.
After exploring the city, you can have dinner in one of the traditional restaurants in the historical center.
Try typical Canarian food at Bodegón Puerto Cruz or Casa Paché.
Day 4 of Your Tenerife Itinerary: South Tenerife
Drive to El Médano.
On the fourth day, it’s time to head south and explore the rest of Tenerife, starting with El Médano.
From the green landscapes and laid-back vibe of northern Tenerife, you’ll transition to arid South Tenerife, buzzing with tourists year-round.
While the region can be quite crowded and mostly populated by big chain hotels and resorts, you’ll find several spectacular natural spots in the south, too.
If you spent the night before in Santa Cruz, you can start the day by driving to El Médano, one of the most popular places among water sports enthusiasts!
The lively coastal town is great for relaxing at the beach and trying local cuisine.
You can have a late breakfast at one of the cafés facing the sea, like Bliss Café or Calima Café. After breakfast, check out the nearby beaches.
From Playa El Médano, you can walk the trail leading to Montaña Roja.
The hike up to the peak of Montaña Roja isn’t too hard and it only takes about an hour from El Médano.
Tip: Park your car at La Tejita Beach Parking Lot to shorten the hike.
Once you reach the top, you can enjoy sweeping coastline views. If it’s a hot day, prepare by wearing sunscreen and bringing sufficient water.
Have lunch in Los Cristianos.
From El Médano, drive to Los Cristianos, roughly 20 minutes away.
This is one of the most popular towns in Tenerife South, along with nearby Playa de las Américas.
The area near Playa de Los Cristianos is always bustling with life, from the people walking along the promenade to the restaurants, which are always filled with people.
Speaking of restaurants, this is a great spot to stop for lunch.
As one of the places with the highest tourist concentrations, Los Cristianos offers a range of food options, from Canarian restaurants to international spots.
Have Italian at Oro di Napoli, Spanish seafood dishes at Pescaito Los Cristianos, Indian at Spice Empire, or Lebanese at Restaurante Habibi.
Relax at the beach or explore the western coast.
After lunch, you can either spend the afternoon at the beach or explore more of Tenerife South, in particular, the western area from Playa de la Américas to Los Gigantes.
If you prefer to stay at the beach, you’ve got plenty of options near Los Cristianos, like Fuente Playa de Las Vistas, Playa del Camisón, or Playa de las Américas.
An alternative to the beach is spending the afternoon at the adventure water parkSiam Park, just south of Costa Adeje.
The Thailand-inspired park features swimming pools, slides, and other attractions for adults and kids.
On the way there, you can stop by La Arena and check out the impressive rock formations at Cueva la Vaca.
If you decide to explore other places instead, drive to Los Gigantes, roughly half an hour from Los Cristianos.
Los Gigantes, Spanish for the Giants, is the name given to the imposing vertical cliffs that emerge from the ocean and stand at imposing heights of up to 800 meters.
This is probably the most spectacular portion of the coastline in Tenerife, so it’s definitely worth checking out.
All around the town of Los Gigantes, you can find numerous viewpoints to admire the sight of the Giants.
Check out Mirador Punta del Roque in the lower part of town, or drive up to Mirador Archipenque. The view from Playa de los Guios is beautiful too.
Los Gigantes is another popular tourist town in Tenerife, so you can expect to find many hotels and restaurants.
If you want to stay for dinner there, try Restaurante Alfonso or Cielo y Mar.
After dinner, it’s time to call it a night and drive back to your accommodation.
Day 5 of Your Tenerife Itinerary: Masca Valley and Garachico
Drive to Santiago del Teide.
On your last day of this Tenerife road trip, you can explore the western part of Tenerife, famous for the spectacular Masca Valley and the charming little towns, both along the coast and inland.
From your accommodation, drive to Santiago del Teide. If you take the highway, it’s just a half-hour drive from Los Cristianos.
Santiago del Teide is a small town nestled between the staggering cliffs of Los Gigantes and the Chinyero Volcano.
The town is better known as the gateway to the Masca Valley, along with its hiking trails towards the Chinyero.
If you visit Tenerife between January and February, you may see the gorgeous almonds in bloom.
The Santiago del Teide to Chinyero trail is lined with almond trees and, as they blossom, they add a touch of color to the otherwise arid and dark landscape made of volcanic rocks.
Take the time to walk along at least a portion of the trail to enjoy the lovely view.
Drive through Masca Valley.
The drive from Santiago del Teide to the small village of Masca is one of the most scenic on the island, dotted with spectacular viewpoints.
Stop by Mirador de Cherfe and Mirador de Masca to take in the awe-inspiring views of the Masca Gorge.
Some viewpoints even offer glimpses of the ocean between the tall, sharp mountains.
You can hike from the village of Masca to Masca Beach through the Masca Gorge.
However, it’s a hard hike that can take well over 7 hours, and the trail may not always be open, so check before you go.
If you don’t go hiking, stop by and wander around the tiny village of Masca, one of Tenerife’s cutest.
Despite being so small, Masca has a few restaurants where you can stop for a coffee or lunch while enjoying the stunning view.
Check out El Guanche or Bar Fidel and try the barraquito, the traditional Canarian coffee made with Licor 43 and condensed milk.
Keeping driving through the Masca Valley to Garachico.
From Masca, drive toward the northern coast to reach the coastal town of Garachico.
On your way there, you’ll pass by a few other impressive viewpoints like Mirador La Cruz de Hilda and Mirador Altos de Baracán.
The drive to Garachico is all along winding roads, so it can take nearly an hour.
Garachico is one of my favorite towns in Tenerife — and that’s saying something, because this is an island where it’s truly hard to play favorites!
With its charming historical center, the adorable colonial houses, and the lovely seaside promenade, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing stroll and a nice meal or coffee break.
If you get to Garachico in time for lunch, try the refined dishes at Tasca El Muelle Viejo or the heartwarming food at Restaurante Candelaria La Cocinera.
After lunch, enjoy a walk around Garachico.
Stroll around Plaza de la Libertad and Parque de la Puerta de Tierra, then drive up to Mirador del Emigrante to enjoy a panoramic view of the town.
Visit Icod de Los Vinos.
Lastly on our Tenerife itinerary, if you have any time left, you can drive to Icod de los Vinos, another delightful town just 15 minutes from Garachico.
The town is best known for being home to the Drago Milenario, a massive dragon tree thought to be a thousand years old.
Aside from visiting Drago Park, you can learn about the history of banana (plátanos) cultivation in the Canary Islands and sample banana wine or liqueur at Casa del Plátano.
For a truly beautiful memory to take home with you, admire hundreds of butterflies at Mariposario del Drago.
You can stay for dinner in Icod de los Vinos or drive to your accommodation. The drive back isn’t a short one, roughly one hour to Los Cristianos or Costa Adeje.
If you decide to have dinner in Icod, try Tasca La Parada or Restaurante El Mortero for tasty Canarian dishes.
Roxana is a Romanian-born freelance travel writer who has lived in Italy for over 15 years. She has a Master’s in Journalism and a Bachelor’s in Film Studies, and she studied at Università degli Studi di Roma Tre. Besides her native Romania, Roxana has lived in Rome, Lisbon, and Berlin, and she has traveled through much of Europe in search of hidden gems, history, and culture.
Florence is a beautiful city known as the “Cradle of the Renaissance,” and it features not only stunning landmarks, but some of the best museums in Italy.
This rich cultural heritage is an absolute must-see for anyone, but especially for aficionados of art history!
⌛Planning your trip to Florence at the last minute?
Here are my quick picks on what to do & where to stay!
🏨Best Florence Hotels: 1. Cicerone(charming central Florence guesthouse) 2. Piccolo Borgo Antico(quiet studios near Boboli Gardens) 3. Hotel Unicorno(beautifully revamped 17th century building)
However, if you plan on spending a considerable length of time in the city, or if you’ve already visited before and you’re just visiting Florence for a day or two on a return trip, you may find yourself getting curious about exploring more of its surroundings.
Great news: once you leave the city limits, you’ll find that there’s so much to discover!
Tuscany is one of Italy’s most beautiful and rich regions, and you’ll have your choice between exploring arts, architecture, and natural landscapes.
From big cities to charming little villages, you can plan day trips from Florence to suit any taste!
Depending on how much time you’re willing to spend on a Florence day trip — something nearby or if you’re willing to travel a few hours — the possibilities are wide-ranging, from Tuscan hill towns and beyond!
The Best Day Trips from Florence
Siena
90 minutes south, Siena‘s beauty is said to rival even the famous Tuscan capital.
Best known for its medieval center and its central square, Piazza del Campo, Siena is gorgeous larger city in Tuscany that still retains a bit of a small-town feel.
While you could do Siena as a day trip from Florence, it’s even better on its own as a multi-day trip (see this two-day itinerary, for example).
Every summer, it gets crowded as people from all over Italy and abroad descend on the city for the Palio di Siena, the world-famous horse race.
But beyond that, Siena has many gorgeous landmarks worth working into your day trip itinerary.
Don’t miss the Duomo di Siena, the town’s cathedral famous for its signature black and white marble stripes.
You should also reserve time to see the Palazzo Pubblico with the iconic Torre del Mangia. Climb to the top of the tower for the most impressive views of the city!
While you’re in town, Basilica Cateriniana San Domenico is another important landmark worth checking out.
How to Get to Siena from Florence
There are direct trains about once an hour via the Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station, which take about an hour and a half. There are also trains with a transfer that add on a little more time.
The 131/131R Autolinee Toscane bus goes from Florence to Siena about once an hour, taking about an hour and 15 minutes. There’s also a once-daily Flixbus that makes the trip in about an hour.
If you go by rental car, it’s about a one-hour drive, depending on if there’s traffic.
San Gimignano
An easy day trip just two hours away by bus, San Gimignano is one of most beautiful hilltop towns in Tuscany (and indeed, all of Italy).
Collect UNESCO sites? You can add one to your list by visiting San Gimignano, as the medieval town center became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990.
The best thing to do in San Gimignano is to simply wander around the lovely medieval town and discover beautiful views of its beautiful architecture and rich history.
Stop by the triangular-shaped Piazza della Cisterna, surrounded by towers and medieval buildings, and pay a visit to Duomo Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta.
If you’re up for a uniquely dark attraction, consider stopping in for a visit to the Museum of Torture. The subject matter might be a bit grim, but the museum is a fascinating look into the dark side of history!
For beautiful views of the town, climb one of the many towers. Torre Grossa may be the largest, but Torre Rognosa and Torre Chigi also offer amazing views.
San Gimignano is even nicknamed the “Medieval Manhattan” due to its many towers, so this skyline is absolutely not to be missed!
How to Get from Florence to San Gimignano
You can take the hourly 131 bus, getting off in Poggibonsi — this takes about 50 minutes. Then, transfer to the 130 bus, which takes another 25 minutes or so to reach San Gimignano. With wait time, it’s about 2 hours by bus.
You can do a similar route partly by train, taking the train to Poggibonsi and then taking the 130 bus to San Gimignano. This takes a little longer since the train is not as direct.
If you have a rental car, it’s only about an hour’s drive from Florence.
Just outside Florence, the city of Prato is a quick 20-minute train ride from Santa Maria Novella station.
If you’re short on time but want to see something other than Florence, you can visit Prato in just a half-day.
Prato is renowned for its textile district, where brands from all over the world have their factories.
You can learn all about the history of textiles in the city at the Prato Textile Museum, one of the prime attractions the city has to offer.
Be sure to visit the Romanesque St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the medieval castle Castello dell’Imperatore, and the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo with its gorgeous cloisters.
Another beautiful sight is the Villa Medici at Poggio a Caiano, located just outside Prato, featuring wonderful gardens. It’s the perfect little oasis in the middle of your trip!
How to Get from Florence to Prato
There are trains from Firenze S.M.N. station to Prato 2-3 times per hour, taking anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes depending on the train.
There are also buses every 30 minutes to an hour, but those take about 40 minute so they don’t save you any time.
If you have a rental car, you could drive it in 20 minutes, but honestly, the train is faster and less stress. It’s likely cheaper, too, once you factor in parking.
Pisa
I probably don’t even have to say it, do I?
The number one reason you’d visit Pisa is to see — what else? — the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
However, what you may not know is that the iconic tower is actually part of a complex of landmarks!
The complex encompasses the buildings of Piazza dei Miracoli (Plaza of Miracles) includes the Pisa Cathedral, the Pisa Baptistery of St. John, and the Monumental Cemetery.
You can easily spend a whole afternoon sightseeing around Piazza dei Miracoli and visiting all the landmarks.
Be sure to save some time though, because you’ll also want to explore the lovely Borgo Stretto neighborhood with its gorgeous medieval houses and beautiful arcades.
While you can do Pisa as a day trip easily, it benefits from more time, like this 2 days in Pisa itinerary lays out.
How to Get from Florence to Pisa
Trains depart regularly from Santa Maria Novella train station, and the trip from Florence can take as little as 50 minutes for the most direct route!
Buses are less convenient here, so the train is the best option.
If you’ve ever seen the Twilight Saga, you might be familiar with the medieval town of Volterra.
If you didn’t, go ahead and skip the movie and just take a day trip to Volterra from Florence.
This beautiful little Tuscan town is just over two hours from Florence by public transit
Volterra is a delightful small town to walk around: poke around down narrow alleys, meander through lively squares, and delight in the views of the historic.
Spend some time in Piazza dei Priori, then see it from above! The views from the tower of Palazzo dei Priori offer one of the best views of Volterra.
You should also dedicate some time to pay a visit to the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta.
If you’re a fan of museums, stop in at the Etruscan Museum Mario Guarnacci to learn about the town’s long history.
Volterra has a rich Etruscan heritage (and Roman and Medieval as well), with its earliest settlement nearly three millennia back, all the way back in 8th century BCE!
How to Get from Florence to Volterra
There are no direct buses or trains between Florence and Volterra, so the easiest thing to do is take the train to Pontedera and then the 500 Autolinee Toscane bus to Volterra.
This can be a bit hectic, so a guided tour may be the better bet, like this one that combines Volterra, San Gimignano, and some Chianti wine tasting to sweeten the deal.
This tour eliminates the need to fuss over public transit and combines two typically hard-to-reach cities into one guided tour.
Your day starts in San Gimignano, where you’ll have a guided tour of the city as well as a wine tasting, and a free taste of gelato from a world champion winner! Then you’ll have free time in the city.
Next, you’ll head onto Volterra, where you’ll have another guided tour followed by a lunch (included) in a local traditional Tuscan restaurant.
On the way back, you’ll stop by a winery for a sunset wine tasting including the world-famous Super Tuscan wines — not a bad way to cap off a day trip from Florence!
If you enjoy exploring small Tuscan towns, then Certaldo absolutely has to be on your list of day trip destinations from your stay in Florence.
The picturesque town is less than an hour from Florence and features a lovely hilltop medieval town reachable via cable car.
The top landmark in Certaldo is Palazzo Pretorio, a 12th-century palace that houses beautiful frescoes and historical artifacts, and features a tower with spectacular panoramic views.
Another must-see is Boccaccio’s House, which belonged to the famous Italian writer Giovanni Boccaccio, who was born and died in Certaldo.
As a bonus, the house also offers gorgeous views of the surrounding town!
How to Get from Florence to Certaldo
There are direct trains about once an hour from Florence, taking a little under an hour, and there are even more options if you take the train with a transfer in Empoli (taking about 1 hour, 20 minutes).
There are no direct buses, so taking the train or driving in a rental car is your best bet.
By car, it’s about 50 minutes, so there’s no benefit to driving over taking the train if Certaldo is the only place you’re visiting.
Cinque Terre
One of Italy’s most beloved sights, the Cinque Terre, is truly worthy of at least one or two full days.
However, if your trip to Italy has very limited time, it may be worth visiting Cinque Terre from Florence on a day trip.
However, you’ll want to take a tour to make every moment count and not get tripped up on the details and working out all the train connections.
This Florence Cinque Terre Day Trip is a full-day tour that handles all the logistics getting you between Florence and Cinque Terre National Park.
This tour includes time in all five colorful seaside villages (Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, Riomaggiore, and Monterosso).
If selected, you can also include a hike from Corniglia to Vernazza. Don’t worry if you prefer a lower-impact outing, you can also get to Vernazza by train!
In the peak season, you’ll also be able to take a boat cruise along the Cinque Terre coastline — as long as the weather behaves.
The tour also includes an optional seafood lunch at a local restaurant, where you can try traditional Ligurian dishes.
How to Get from Florence to Cinque Terre
While it’s possible to get from Florence to Cinque Terre via public transportation, I don’t recommend it for a day trip.
There are simply too many transfers involved when it comes to visiting Cinque Terre, and it’s a lot to work out on your own.
A guided tour is the best and easiest way to do Cinque Terre as a day trip.
This easy tour includes visits to all five of the villages of the Cinque Terre on a day trip from Florence through expert planning and smooth transfers.
It’ll be a jam-packed day but it’ll be worth it, especially if you add on the option to take a hike through the vineyards to lovely Vernazza.
You can also add on a seafood lunch or figure out lunch on your own time.
Finally, on tours between April and October, you’ll be able to take a boat cruise along the coast as long as the weather permits.
Bologna is very close to Florence, which means it’s perfect for a day trip!
Bologna is primarily a student city, as it is the home of the world’s oldest university, in continuous operation since 1088.
Additionally, Bologna is a great place to eat delicious food. A must-try is the classic green lasagna, but the tagliatelle al ragù is also delicious.
If you’re just in the mood for a quick snack, try a sandwich with mortadella, the favorite local cold cut!
In the city center, wander around Piazza Maggiore and Piazza del Nettuno, climb one of the towers to enjoy great views, and visit the Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Pietro.
One particularly cool spot that recently became popular is La Piccola Venezia (Little Venice), a small canal you can view from a window on Via Piella.
How to Get from Florence to Bologna
For the fastest train ride, you can spend a bit more for the Frecciarossa high speed train, which takes only 40 minutes.
Alternately, you can save some money and opt for the cheaper regional train that takes a little under two hours.
Chianti Region
For an authentic experience in the Tuscan countryside, wine lovers should head to the Chianti Region.
Chianti, alongside Prosecco and Barolo, is one of the biggest names in Italian wine!
While you can opt to rent a car and explore Tuscany on your own, I don’t recommend it if you plan on wine tasting.
A Tuscany wine tour offers a bit of everything in a single jam-packed day trip: not only will you be exploring the gorgeous Tuscan countryside, but you’ll also be visiting local wineries, and of course, sampling local wines like Chianti Classico!
Organized tours usually run between 5 and 8 hours exploring the Chianti wine region, and typically include everything from transportation to Chianti wine tasting and expert guides.
How to Get from Florence to Chianti
Since wineries are dispersed from the main cities in Tuscany, it’s typically best to get around Chianti by car.
However, with alcohol involved, driving in a rental car is out unless you have a designated driver.
Instead, I suggest taking a guided tour so that everyone can enjoy.
Lucca
Lucca is one of the most spectacular cities in Tuscany and is easy to get to from Florence for a great day trip.
Check out the beautiful Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, climb to the top of Torre delle Ore for stunning views, and visit the beautiful St. Martin Cathedral.
If panoramic views are your thing, you can check out another gorgeous view from Guinigi Tower, which features a wonderful rooftop garden where the only thing more beautiful than the plants is the stunning setting.
Lucca also has many museums, like the Puccini Museum housed in the birthplace of the Italian composer, the stunning Museum of Villa Mansi, and the gorgeous Palazzo Pfanner with its wonderful gardens.
How to Get from Florence to Lucca
To reach Lucca from Florence, you can enjoy another train ride through the beautiful Italian countryside and its rolling hills – this one takes just a little over an hour.
There are direct trains roughly twice an hour so you’ll be sure to catch a train fairly quickly when you arrive at the train station.
Since trains are so easy, it’s not worth bothering with buses or rental cars.
Rome
Many would argue that Rome should not be a day trip but rather an itinerary of its own… and I would agree, in an ideal world!
But I would also say that if a day trip is your only chance to see Rome, you absolutely should do it, and it’s very easily achieved from Florence.
Just an hour and a half away by high-speed train, Rome and its many millennia of history beckon.
Do I even need to go into all the reasons you should visit Rome? Of course, there’s theColosseum, theVatican Museums (and Vatican City, technically its own country!), and the Pantheon.
But there’s also the beautiful squares like Piazza Navona and Campo de’ Fiori, the charming little neighborhoods like Trastevere where you’ll find delicious Roman trattorias serving up some of the best pastas of your life, and scenic parks like Villa Borghese.
You could honestly just walk around Rome without an agenda and call it a successful day trip, that’s how spectacular this city is.
The Frecciarossa fast train covers the distance between Rome and Florence in an impressive hour and a half.
This same route takes over 3 hours by car, so that’s quite impressive — so there’s no reason why you’d do anything but take the fast train if you only have a day.
Pistoia
A hidden gem that many visitors skip when traveling to Tuscany, Pistoia was Italy’s Capital of Culture in 2017, and for good reason.
Less than an hour from Florence, you can explore this historic city’s charm easily in a single day.
Admire the medieval Cathedral of San Zeno, explore the town center, and take a mid-day break Italian-style for a delicious coffee or aperitivo in the lovely Piazza della Sala.
If you’re up for visiting a museum, check out the fascinating Museo dello Spedale del Ceppo, dedicated to the history of the medical profession.
While in Pistoia, don’t miss out on delicious local food!
The traditional dish of the city is the “carcerato”, a soup with bread, beef entrails, and cheese.
The name translates to “prisoner” because the dish was cooked for the prisoners… but we swear, it’s better than it sounds!
For a delicious vegetarian alternative, try the “farinata con le leghe” with black cabbage.
How to Get from Florence to Pistoia
Luckily, this is an easy one, with direct trains several times an hour.
The train ride is comfortable and takes only about 40 minutes from Firenze S.M.N., the main train station in town.
Cortona
For another charming hilltop town in Tuscany, visit the lovely Cortona.
Not only is the medieval architecture of town itself picturesque, but the views over the countryside are spectacular.
Wander down cobblestone streets as you take in its key landmarks, like the Etruscan Academy Museum and the lovely Church of San Francesco.
Cortona also has many small art galleries where you can take home a piece of local artwork.
How to Get from Florence to Cortona
You can take a train to Camucia-Cortona which takes about an hour and a half. It’ll bring you about 3 kilometers outside of Cortona.
From there, you can take a bus (though the schedule is a bit sporadic, so check the timing) or a taxi (which wouldn’t be too expensive as it’s rather close).
You can also drive to Cortona, which takes about an hour and 20 minutes.
Arezzo
Southeast of Florence, the stunning hilly city of Arezzo is easily reached by train — and in less than an hour, too.
The hilltop Arezzo Cathedral is the main reason to visit, known for its beautiful frescoes and stained-glass windows.
Close to the cathedral, you can stroll around Arezzo Park to enjoy lovely views and visit the Medici Fortress.
Aside from the cathedral and fortress, there is much to discover in the historic center of Arezzo.
Visit the Basilica of San Francesco, have a coffee break at one of the cafés in Piazza Grande, and admire amazing works of art at Casa Vasari and the National Museum of Medieval and Modern Art.
Make sure to spend some time walking around the historic center.
You’ll come across many picturesque alleys, beautiful churches, art galleries, and historical landmarks!
How to Get from Florence to Arezzo
There are many trains to Arezzo each day departing from Firenze S.M.N.
The fastest trains can get there in around 30-40 minutes. There are also other direct trains that take about an hour and 20 minutes, but they’re not much cheaper, so I’d just opt for the faster train.
Livorno
If you want to escape to the coast for a day, one of the easiest cities to reach from Florence is Livorno, under two hours away by train.
This Tuscan port city is the place to go for delicious seafood, medieval landmarks, and an impressive modern seaport.
Near the seaport, visit the 11th-century medieval fort known as Fortezza Vecchia (Old Fort), check out the Monument of the Four Moors, enjoy the views from Terrazza Mascagni, and maybe visit the Livorno Aquarium if you’re a marine life geek.
Fortezza Nuova (New Fort) is located in an area of the city called Venezia Nuova (New Venice) because of its little islands and canals.
Via Grande is the main commercial area lined with stores, cafés, and ice cream shops. And trust me, you’re going to want to make a trip to these ice cream shops.
How to Get from Florence to Livorno
There are several direct trains from Florence to Livorno each day, typically about one per hour.
It takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes by train to Livorno Centrale.
Montepulciano
Wine geeks’ ears will perk up when they hear that Montepulciano can be visited on a day trip from Florence!
Home to the world-famous Vino Nobile de Montepulciano, you’ll find several wineries worth visiting in and around Montepulciano. There’s even a winery located at a 14th century palace, Palazzo Contucci!
Besides its wine, though, there are several other reasons to visit Montepulciano.
The main square, Piazza Grande, is a great place for a mid-day gelato. People-watch while surrounded by beautiful Renaissance-era buildings like the Palazzo Comunale and the Palazzo Contucci.
The 16th-century Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta is worth visiting for its beautiful Baroque features as well as its frescoes inside.
Don’t miss the Church of San Biagio just outside of Montepulciano, widely considered one of the best examples of Renaissance architecture in the entire country, particularly for its white marble facade.
There’s also the 14th century Fortress of Montepulciano – while there’s not too much left of the fortress itself these days, it does offer stunning views over the rolling hills of Tuscany!
How to Get from Florence to Montepulciano
Getting from Florence to Montepulciano with public transit is quite a lot of trouble for a day trip, requiring a transfer and taking over three hours.
Instead, I recommend going by car if you have a rental car (about an hour and a half) or going as part of a guided tour.
This day tour includes visits to both Pienza and Montepulciano (with a wine tasting to boot!)
Both these places are difficult to get to by public transportation, so a day trip that knocks out both in one go is a great option.
This budget-friendly day tour includes visits to Pienza and Montepulciano, with stops in both towns where you’ll have free time to explore.
All transportation is included, as is a wine tasting of Brunello di Montalcino, another famous wine from the region! However, lunch is at your own expense.
The best time to visit Viareggio is during the Carnival, between the end of January and the beginning of March.
The Carnival of Viareggio is probably second only to the one in Venice, famous for the impressively large floats parading on Viale Giosuè Carducci, also known as La Passeggiata.
If you don’t happen to be in Viareggio during the Carnival, you should still go for a walk along La Passeggiata, lined with Liberty-style buildings, hotels, and restaurants.
In summer, walk along the long sandy beach and enjoy a meal at one of the great fish restaurants with striking sea views. Make sure to also stop by Villa Puccini and Villa Paolina.
How to Get from Florence to Viareggio
You can get to Viareggio by train from Florence in under two hours. Some trains are direct, but others require a transfer in Pisa.
Exact journey time varies on the train, but it can be as quick as an hour and 20 minutes or as long as two hours.
Forte dei Marmi
While Florence is a spectacular city, there’s one thing it doesn’t have: the sea!
It can get roasting-hot in Florence in summer, so if you want to cool off for a day, head to Forte dei Marmi.
The popular resort town is roughly two hours away from Florence and is among the top beach destinations in the area.
Boasting an uninterrupted long sandy beach, great restaurants, beach clubs, and boutique shops, Forte dei Marmi is the place to go if you want to relax, enjoy good food, and maybe even do a little retail therapy (or window shopping).
Since it’s a beach town, the best time to visit Forte dei Marmi is summer, but you keep in mind the peak months are July and August and there will be crowds!
How to Get from Florence to Forte dei Marmi
It’s a bit tricky by public transportation but it’s still doable. You’ll have to take the train to Viareggio and then take the E1 bus, which takes another 30 minutes.
All in all, you’re looking at a journey of about two hours by train/bus, or if you’re renting a car and driving, it’s about an hour and a half.
Pienza
Another day trip option from Florence is Pienza, a hilltop town with intriguing Renaissance history and gorgeous architecture.
The views as you look out from Pienza are incredible since they overlook the Val d’Orcia, one of the most scenic parts of Tuscany.
In addition to being just plain scenic everywhere you look, the town also has several landmarks worth visiting.
In particular, the Palazzo Piccolomini with its Renaissance architecture and beautiful courtyards, as well as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta are both worth your time.
Take a brief pause in Piazza Pio II for some people-watching and an espresso to keep you on your feet for more sightseeing.
Another sight worth adding to the list is Pieve di Corsignano, a Romanesque church just outside of Pienza, with frescoes dating back to the 14th century.
How to Get from Florence to Pienza
The most direct way to get to Pienza is by rental car or by guided tour, since buses and trains both require several connections.
Perugia, Umbria’s scenic capital city, is only a couple of hours by train from Florence, so it’s a doable day trip.
Perugia is best known for its enclosed historic center surrounded by medieval walls, but it also has several intriguing historical landmarks and museums.
One of the highlights of Perugia’s historic center is Palazzo dei Priori, which houses the National Gallery, a museum featuring both important medieval and Renaissance art.
The palace is in the central square, Piazza IV Novembre, just opposite another must-see landmark, the Gothic Perugia Cathedral.
Around the square, you can explore the narrow alleys to discover more impressive historical buildings – this part of the city is full of hidden gems!
Perugia is also famous for chocolate making, as it is the birthplace of the Baci Perugina chocolates.
Every October, the city hosts a chocolate festival, Eurochocolate — if you have a sweet tooth, this is one event worth planning around!
Even if you can’t make it to the festival, you can still take a tour of the Casa del Cioccolato Perugina, just outside the city center.
How to Get from Florence to Perugia
There is a small handful of direct trains to Perugia each day, taking about 2 hours and 15 minutes to arrive.
There are more options if you also allow for a transfer.
Monteriggioni
About an hour by car from Florence, Monteriggioni is a small town near Siena worthy of a day trip!
It’s best known for its historic city walls, originally built by the then-Republic of Siena to defend in wars against its neighboring state of Florence. You can walk along the walls to take in the stunning views!
Another key thing not to miss is the Monteriggioni Castle, once a defensive structure (also against Florence), now a museum.
Speaking of museums, the Museum of Monteriggioni in the main square is worth visiting, as it lays out the history of the wars between the Florentine Republic and the Republic of Siena and what role Monteriggioni played in that. It also has a number of interesting medieval artifacts!
At any point during your day trip, you can rest your feet at Piazza Roma, a great place for a gelato and some people-watching.
Another sight worth seeing is the Parish Church of Santa Maria Assunta, notable for its wooden statue of the Madonna that dates all the way back to the 14th century.
How to Get from Florence to Monteriggioni
The easiest way to get here is by driving, but if you prefer public transport, you can also take the 131 bus, which has three daily departures and takes about an hour and 15 minutes.
Do check the timing for the way back, though, so you don’t get stuck!
By car, it’s less than an hour, so it may be a convenient choice if you’re renting a car in Tuscany.
Montalcino
Another cute Tuscan hilltop town, Montalcino is best known for its Brunello di Montalcino wine… but the town itself is also worth a visit!
A few things worth seeing include the Fortezza di Montalcino, a historic fortress with great views over the surrounding Tuscan countryside and its wineries and olive groves.
There’s also the Piazza del Popolo, where you’ll find landmarks like the Palazzo dei Priori and the Church of Sant’Agostino in a cluster around the main square.
Another sight worth seeing is the 12th-century Abbey of Sant’Antimo just outside of town — it’s worth the detour!
How to Get from Florence to Montalcino
It’s a bit of a hassle to get between these two places in Tuscany for a day trip via public transit, but it can be done in about three hours.
To get to Montalcino, you’ll need to first take a bus or train to Buonconvento, and then take the 114 bus about 30 minutes further.
It’s easier to get here by rental car, which takes an hour and 45 minutes.
Alternately, you can take a wine tour that also includes the town of Montalcino.
This tour includes a visit to the town of Montalcino but also so much more!
You’ll get to visit two wineries in the Montalcino area that produce the world-famous Brunello di Montalcino wine — served alongside a three-course gourmet Tuscan lunch.
The last place on our list, Assisi, is a bit far from Florence, but it’s one of the most iconic places in Italy, so if you want to check it out, you could do so on a day trip from Florence.
The train ride takes roughly two and a half hours from Firenze Campo Marte to Assisi station.
Don’t miss the spectacular Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi, which is also a UNESCO site.
While the church’s facade is stunning to behold, its interior is where it really shines: it’s home to important frescoes by Giotto and Lorenzetti.
Assisi is home to many other beautiful churches, all of which are well worth visiting.
The Church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva in Assisi is built inside a 1st-century temple, as you can see from its entrance.
The Chiesa Nuova di San Francesco Convertito is built on what is thought to be the site of St. Francis’s birthplace, while the Cathedral of San Rufino is where St. Francis was baptized.
How to Get from Florence to Assisi
There is a handful of direct trains (and more options for trains with transfers) every day from Florence to Assisi, taking about two hours and 40 minutes.
You can also drive, but it won’t save too much time: it’ll take about two hours and 10 minutes in that instance.
Roxana is a Romanian-born freelance travel writer who has lived in Italy for over 15 years. She has a Master’s in Journalism and a Bachelor’s in Film Studies, and she studied at Università degli Studi di Roma Tre. Besides her native Romania, Roxana has lived in Rome, Lisbon, and Berlin, and she has traveled through much of Europe in search of hidden gems, history, and culture.
With views quickly shifting from pitch-black lava fields dotted with green grape vines to the cerulean coastline, Lanzarote has so much landscape diversity that it’s hard to fathom.
This island of just 326 square miles — just a hair larger than New York City — offers so many different types of landscapes on this little speck of an island in a wild ocean.
Renting a car in Lanzarote is the best way to reach all corners of the island, as nothing is really that far apart.
In fact, you can do Lanzarote road trip in just a few days and cover its most important sights, though of course, more time would always be welcomed.
Having rented a car in Lanzarote to explore it in-depth, I’m here to share the ins and outs of driving in Lanzarote, as well as a few insider tips from my experience.
Do You Need to Rent a Car in Lanzarote?
Of all the Canary Islands, Lanzarote is probably the one where you’ll need the car the most.
While public transportation is available, many places worth seeing are impossible to visit if you don’t have a car.
Although the island is not very big, especially compared to neighboring islands, renting a car in Lanzarote is extremely helpful.
If you’re renting a car in Lanzarote, you can easily explore all of Lanzarote’s key sights in three days (and if you have more time, add on a trip to La Graciosa).
Plus, having a car gives you more flexibility: you aren’t constrained by bus timetables or guided tour schedules.
As another perk, you can visit well-known spots outside of peak hours, especially if you can be an early riser on vacation (it’s tough, I know).
Is Driving in Lanzarote Hard?
Lanzarote is probably the easiest island to drive in, given the mostly flat terrain.
Forget about the winding roads in Tenerife and Gran Canaria!
Lanzarote has long, straight roads crossing the volcanic landscape and providing a relaxing driving experience.
The only problematic part about driving in Lanzarote is that a few areas don’t have paved roads.
Can You Bring Your Lanzarote Rental Car to Other Islands?
Even though the ferries connecting the Canary Islands permit the transportation of cars, rental companies do not allow their vehicles to be taken to other islands.
For example, if you plan to visit both Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, you should book a car rental in each location.
In this instance, it would make sense to pick up your Fuerteventura car rental from the town with the ferry terminal, Corralejo — not the Fuerteventura airport or the island capital.
The good part is that rental prices don’t differ significantly from one island to another, so there’s no real benefit in renting a car on one island and attempting to take it to others — it’s just a minor inconvenience that is offset by the fact that you don’t have to pay the toll for bringing a car on a ferry.
Where to Rent a Car in Lanzarote
With the island being so small, there are fewer locations where you can rent a car in Lanzarote than on other islands.
The most popular places to rent a car are two different spots, and they’re quite close together: namely, the capital city of Arrecife, and the airport, located just a few kilometers south of the capital.
Nevertheless, you may find rental agencies also in Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, and Costa Teguise.
You can expect to pay roughly the same for a rental car across the island, although the airport tends to have more options, especially for last-minute rentals.
That said, unless you plan on spending an outsized amount of time in Arrecife where having a car can complicate matters a bit, it’s easiest just to rent a car at the airport so you have it for the entire duration of your stay.
Cost of Renting a Car in Lanzarote
The cost of hiring a car in Lanzarote fluctuates, but it mostly depends on the time of year, the type of car you’re reserving, and how far in advance you book.
Rental prices can range from $25 per day to over $100 per day, with the largest factor being the kind of car you rent.
In comparison to other European locations, the season that you visit Lanzarote has a lesser impact on price.
Given the consistently pleasant weather throughout the year on the islands, you can anticipate that winter prices will likely be on par with summer prices, if not higher.
The kind of car is the factor that most significantly affects the price.
Smaller, compact and economy vehicles tend to be more affordable, while bigger cars, convertibles, and SUVs come with a higher price tag.
Added features like an automatic transmission can also bump up the cost.
Generally speaking, early booking often leads to savings, as there will be more options and availability in the inventory, especially if you are looking for a specific type of car.
Key Tips for Renting a Car in Lanzarote
Get the right documents in place.
Some countries need an IDP to drive! Check before renting a car.
To hire a car in Lanzarote, you’ll need a valid driving license, and sometimes an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be necessary as well.
Citizens from EU member states have the ability to drive in the Canary Islands without needing any supplementary documents.
Americans and many other citizens of countries outside of Europe are required to have an IDP as well as their regular driving license.
Typically, you’ll need a credit card as well, as it’s usually required for the deposit.
Debit cards may work sometimes, but are usually charged a very large deposit that may take a while to get refunded, vs. with credit cards, it’s typically just a hold that is placed and pending.
Of course, you’ll also need your passport or ID card if you’re from the EU (but you’d need that to get to the Canary Islands, anyway — so that’s hardly an ask).
You should also note that while legal driving age in Spain is 18, in the Canary Islands, you must be at least 21 to rent a car.
Additionally, if you are under the age of 25, be prepared for the possibility of an added young driver fee.
Be aware of what insurances you want and need.
In Spain, including the Canary Islands, all rental cars are equipped with unlimited third-party liability insurance, as mandated by law.
Most rental vehicles also offer CDW (Collision Damage Waiver).
The CDW that comes standard usually includes a fairly substantial deductible, but there’s an option to pay more for a zero-deductible CDW and protection against theft.
While not obligatory, another insurance many people purchase is Third Party Liability, which covers damage to other people’s vehicles.
Though not an insurance per se, sometimes you may want to pay extra for roadside assistance, which provides support for non-accident-related issues such as a flat tire, lost car keys, or other mechanical problems.
If you own a credit card that extends international rental car insurance, you should carefully investigate the conditions of that particular coverage. Often, it demands that you reject specific insurances offered by the rental agency. Make sure to carry evidence of this, as rental companies might challenge it.
I usually opt for full coverage insurance when booking my rental, as it’s an affordable add-on when pre-booked (commonly around $7 per day with providers like Discover Cars) and it handles minor incidents that are more apt to occur during the rental.
Severe car damage or collisions may be rare while renting, but minor mishaps like scratches while parking, dents, or windshield cracks are more common occurrences.
Investing in full coverage insurance is a minor expense that ensures peace of mind during your travels.
Pick the right car type (and right roads).
Picking the appropriate car type for driving in Lanzarote is key to minimizing the stress of renting a car abroad.
First, think about the number of passengers and the how much luggage you will have.
Opting for a compact car solely to cut costs could lead to a cramped experience that you’ll want to avoid.
Given that Lanzarote’s terrain is predominantly flat, there’s no necessity to go for a particularly powerful vehicle.
Size here can actually be a disadvantage, especially when navigating narrow roads in some of the small villages and towns.
Note that driving off of any paved road has the potential to void your rental car insurance, so be careful when given the option to take a dirt/gravel road.
That said, if you choose to take any unpaved roads, a car with higher clearance can help… though, that’s at the expense of making city and village streets a little tougher to navigate!
Have an offline navigation system as backup.
It’s common to encounter areas with limited or no phone data while driving in more remote parts of Lanzarote.
As a result, relying solely on online maps and navigation apps might not be viable at times.
To prevent getting lost, make sure to download an offline map before your trip, or as soon as you land.
Even though navigating through the islands is generally uncomplicated, having an offline map on hand can be an invaluable aid.
Additionally, it serves as an effective method to conserve both data and phone battery life — which you’ll need to take pictures of all the beautiful scenery you’re seeing, after all.
Know a few basic rules about parking.
Parking regulations in Lanzarote are fairly straightforward, consistent with the rules across the Canary Islands.
Most of the time, you won’t face difficulties in locating free parking spaces.
There are exceptions, such as highly popular tourist destinations and major cities, but generally, you’ll still have options available.
Concerning specific parking rules, look for lots marked with white lines; these are free to use.
Blue lines indicate paid parking areas, while yellow lines mean that parking is prohibited.
By keeping these three basic rules in mind, you should find parking across the islands hassle-free.
In really popular spots like Playa del Papagayo, arriving early in the morning or later in the day is typically your best bet!
Be careful with drinking and driving.
Lanzarote — as well as the rest of the Canary Islands and Spain as a whole — enforce strict regulations concerning drinking and driving.
The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.05% — a notable difference from the American legal limit of 0.08% BAC.
As a general guideline, having one alcoholic drink with a meal and taking your time to eat can keep you within the legal limits.
If you want to drink more, do so at the end of the day once you’re ready to park the car for the night, or consider taking a guided tour like a Lanzarote wine tour so you have a designated driver.
Know the best spots to go with a car.
Renting a car in Lanzarote allows you to drive through the impressive volcanic landscapes and otherworldly sights of Los Volcanes Natural Park, Timanfaya National Park, and La Geria.
These places are only reachable by car or with guided tours — and while there are some instances in which a guided tour may make sense, like if you’re taking a Lanzarote wine tour, it’s nice to have the freedom to not need one.
Timanfaya National Park is enclosed within Los Volcanes Natural Park, and together they offer some of the island’s most spectacular views.
You can drive through part of the parks, join guided tours, and hike up some of the ancient calderas.
La Geria is a small town known for its wine production, but what you must visit is the whole area around it, covered in unique vineyards grown on the black volcanic soil.
A geria is a cone-shaped hollow created in the volcanic soil to plant the vine, protecting the plant from the wind.
The endless lava fields dotted with these grape-bearing vines are a memorable sight on any Lanzarote road trip!
Lastly, you must have a car in Lanzarote to reach one of the island’s most picturesque viewpoints, Mirador del Río.
The scenic viewpoint stands at roughly 475 meters above sea level and offers a panoramic view of the coast and the small island of La Graciosa off in the distance!
Roxana is a Romanian-born freelance travel writer who has lived in Italy for over 15 years. She has a Master’s in Journalism and a Bachelor’s in Film Studies, and she studied at Università degli Studi di Roma Tre. Besides her native Romania, Roxana has lived in Rome, Lisbon, and Berlin, and she has traveled through much of Europe in search of hidden gems, history, and culture.
With iconic landscapes quickly shifting from sand dunes like the Sahara to volcanic terrains like Hawaii to Caribbean-esque beaches, Fuerteventura is an intensely varied island with so much crammed into a small little patch of land.
Though it’s possible to visit without a car, I’m adamant that renting a car in Fuerteventura gives you the most freedom.
⌛ Planning your Fuerteventura trip in a hurry? Here are my quick picks.
This way, you’ll have those wild beaches, Martian-esque landscapes, and picturesque remote villages all at your fingertips and on your own schedule.
Having rented a car in Fuerteventura to explore the island, I’m here to share the ins and outs of driving here.
I’ll share both the rules of the road as well as a few insider tips from my experience.
I’ve compiled all my tips for renting a car in Fuerteventura to share with you before your trip, including tips on driving in Fuerteventura (and places to watch out for!)
Ready? Let’s get started!
Can You Explore Fuerteventura Without a Car?
Traveling around the Canary Islands without a car is possible, but renting a car in Fuerteventura has a few advantages.
First, you can drive to places that can be hard or impossible to reach by bus, like certain hiking trails in Fuerteventura.
Although the island generally has decent public transportation, buses can’t get everywhere — and they’re also slow to do so.
Secondly, having a car allows you more flexibility — it’s what makes shorter trips like this 3 or 4 day Fuerteventura road trip possible.
You don’t have to stick to bus schedules and can reach popular places at times like sunrise or sunset when they are free of crowds.
Lastly, you can book unique accommodations in more remote places, rather than being stuck in city centers.
In short: yes, you should rent a car in Fuerteventura if you want to venture outside the few big cities and explore anything inland, to the south, or on the western coast.
Although public transportation works well along the eastern coast, buses rarely reach the inland and southernmost part of the island.
Renting a car in Fuerteventura allows you to explore remote places, be more flexible with your schedule, and even spend the night in areas you couldn’t reach by bus.
Cost of Renting a Car in Fuerteventura
The price of renting a car in Fuerteventura can vary greatly depending on a few factors, but primarily A) seasonality B) car type you’re booking and C) how far in advance you’re booking.
To give you a range, a rental car on Fuerteventura can cost anywhere from $25 per day to even over $100 per day. And yes, that’s a wide range, but it accurately reflects the different car types and variance in season.
I use Discover Cars for rentals in Fuerteventura since it allows me to check a variety of rental car prices all at once, because it looks at over 500+ companies (including small local agencies with better prices and terms) to find the cheapest price.
As a general rule, you will usually save money by booking early when there is the most inventory and choice, although there is a chance you may find good last-minute deals too.
The season you visit matters less in the Canary Islands than in other European destinations.
Since the islands have pretty excellent weather year-round, you can expect the prices in winter to be the same as in summer… if not higher!
The thing that makes the most difference in price is the car type.
Compact and economy cars are the cheapest, while large cars, convertibles, and SUVs are more expensive.
Features like automatic transmission will also increase the price — sorry, Americans who can’t drive manual cars, you’ll have to eat the price difference here!
Can You Bring Your Fuerteventura Rental Car to Other Islands?
Although the ferries that connect the Canary Islands allow boarding cars, rental agencies don’t permit taking the vehicle to other islands.
What that means for travelers is that if you plan on visiting multiple islands, say like visiting both Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, know that you must rent a car separately on each island.
In that case, you’d rent a car on Lanzarote separately, perhaps picking up near where the ferry drops you off.
The good news is that rental costs don’t vary much from one island to the other, so there is no advantage in renting the car on one island and taking it to the others.
If anything, it’s just a slight hassle, but you’ll probably save money overall, considering that you don’t need to pay the car toll on the ferries.
Tips for Renting a Car in Fuerteventura
Be sure you have all the right documentation.
To rent a car in Fuertventura, you will need a valid driving license and sometimes an International Driving Permit (IDP) as well.
EU member state citizens can drive in the Canary Islands without additional documentation.
However, the majority of outside-the-EU citizens, including US travelers, must have an IDP alongside their license.
You will also likely need a credit card; though some rental companies may accept debit card payments, most will require a credit card for the deposit.
You will also need your passport or national ID (for EU citizens) — be sure the names match on the passport/ID and the credit card.
Lastly, although the driving age in Spain is 18, you must be 21 to rent a car in the Canary Islands.
Furthermore, you can expect to pay an extra fee (a young driver surcharge) if you’re under 25.
A higher minimum age may apply for some cars, so always double-check before booking.
Be aware of what insurances you want or need.
All rental cars in Spain, including the Canary Islands, include unlimited third-party liability insurance, which is required by law.
In addition to this, most rental cars come with CDW (Collision Damage Waiver).
The included CDW usually comes with quite a high deductible, but you can always pay extra for zero-deductible CDW and theft protection.
Third Party Liability is another type of insurance you can buy but is not mandatory. This covers material damages caused to other people’s vehicles.
Lastly, though not proper insurance, you can add roadside assistance, which covers issues like a flat tire, losing the car keys, or other problems with the car not caused by an accident.
Note that if you have a credit card that provides international rental car insurance, you’ll want to research the terms of your specific policy, as it almost always requires that you decline certain insurances that the rental agency offers.
Be sure to have documentation about this to back it up, as it’s my experience that rental agencies often push back on this.
Typically, I buy full coverage insurance when I’m booking my rental, as it’s a small added amount when you pre-book it (usually around $7 per day if booked with Discover Cars).
Why full coverage? Well, it covers the little things that are a lot more likely to happen during your rental period.
It’s rare that you’ll severely damage your car or have a collision while you’re renting, but things like scratching a car while parking, denting your car, getting your windshield cracked, etc. are a lot more likely.
Having full coverage insurance is a small price to pay for peace of mind.
Also, keep in mind that car rental insurance covers your car, not your health or any trip interruptions that may happen as a result of car issues.
For that, you’ll want your own personal travel insurance, which luckily can be gotten for an affordable price and gives you invaluable peace of mind.
Choose your car type (and what roads you drive!) carefully.
Choosing the right car type for Fuerteventura is key to stressing less during your trip.
Firstly, you need to consider the number of passengers and the amount of luggage. You don’t want to be squeezed into a compact car just to save money.
Next, the car type you choose depends on the activities you want to do. Since Fuerteventura is mostly flat, you don’t need an incredibly powerful car.
However, there are some unpaved roads in Fuerteventura, namely in the Cofete area.
If you read the fine print of your rental agreement, many specify that you can’t take your rental on unpaved roads… which would include reaching Cofete Beach.
That means that any damage you incur during your trip may not be covered by insurance or roadside assistance.
While generally the road is in good enough to drive a typical car so long as you’re careful, you might want to consider a higher-clearance car, like a large car or even an SUV.
4x4s are generally prohibitively expensive so I wouldn’t suggest that.
If you’re particularly prone to worrying, you can always not take the car all the way to Cofete.
Driving through areas with little to no phone reception is not unusual in Fuerteventura.
This means that online maps and navigation apps may not always work. Download an offline map as soon as you get Wi-Fi access to avoid getting lost.
Although directions are straightforward across the islands, having an offline map can be a lifesaver. Plus, it’s a great way to save data and phone battery.
Rejoice — there are no road tolls!
The great news is all roads in the Canary Islands, including those on Fuerteventura, are toll-free.
Although this is not the case for mainland Spain, where highways have tolls, in the Canary Islands, you can drive on all kinds of roads for free, including highways.
Just one less thing to worry about while driving in Fuerteventura!
Know a few things about parking rules.
Parking rules are pretty easy in Fuerteventura, as with the rest of the Canary Islands.
You will usually have no problem finding free parking spots in most places.
Exceptions include extremely popular attractions and big cities, but even there, you usually have options.
As far as rules go, if you see parking lots marked by white lines, they are free.
Blue lines mean paid parking, while yellow lines signal you can’t park there.
Remember these three simple rules, and you’ll have no problem across the islands.
Lastly, if you’re visiting popular spots like the Corralejo dunes, getting there early or late in the day is usually the way to go!
Don’t drink and drive.
The Canary Islands (like all of Europe in general) are relatively strict about drinking and driving.
The legal limit is 0.05% BAC — by contrast, in America, the legal limit is 0.08% BAC, which is actually a fairly significant difference.
As a rule of thumb, having one drink with food allows you to stay within the limits, so long as you have a leisurely meal.
If you plan on drinking more, do so after you’re done driving for the day to stay safe and avoid legal issues.
The three most popular places to rent a car in Fuerteventura are the airport, the capital of Puerto del Rosario, and Corralejo.
Corralejo is the northernmost city on the island, as well as the the harbor for ferries to Lanzarote and Isla de Lobos (which you can’t take your car to).
You can also rent a car in the south of Fuerteventura, mainly in Costa Calma and Jandía, but you typically won’t find the best prices here.
Renting your Fuerteventura rental car at the airport provides the most diverse options, including last-minute rentals.
The prices tend to be similar throughout the island, although you may need to book in advance in less popular locations where available cars tend to be rented out fast.
Unless you plan on spending a significant amount of time in Fuerteventura’s cities, it makes the most sense to simply rent the car from the Fuerteventura airport in the first place, saving you time and energy.
Be aware of the varying road conditions.
Fuerteventura has one highway running along the eastern coast from its northern tip, in Corralejo, to the south, in Las Gaviotas.
Driving along this road is a pleasant and relaxing experience since it’s mostly straight and flat — with gorgeous views throughout to sweeten the deal.
The secondary roads reaching inland are smaller, but still easy given the lack of altitude across the island.
However, the southern tip of Fuerteventura and the western coast have virtually no paved roads.
Some small towns along the coast like Ajuy, Puertito de los Molinos, and El Cotillo, are connected by paved roads… but none are running along the coast, so you might have to backtrack quite a bit between these towns to stay on paved roads.
The same is true for Parque Natural Jandía as well as some other areas inland.
While the roads in these remote areas are not necessarily difficult, it can be a little legally tricky to drive here with a rental car since driving off of paved roads is not permitted.
How much risk you’re willing to accept in terms of potentially invalidating your rental insurance is up to you, but I generally recommend staying on the paved roads as much as possible.
Know the best places to go with a rental car in Fuerteventura.
If you rent a car in Fuerteventura, you should spend some time exploring Betancuria Rural Park, Parque Natural Jandía, and the beaches in the northwest of the island.
These areas are difficult, if not impossible, to reach by bus, so having a car to explore these parts of the island is a must.
One of my favorite parts of the island, Betancuria Rural Park is among the most spectacular places in Fuerteventura.
This park’s impressive landscapes are defined by its spectacular reddish mountains, towering volcanic cones, stunning rock formations, and gorgeous little villages like Betancuria — which was once the capital of Fuerteventura.
Parque Natural Jandía is a wild and unspoiled area in south Fuerteventura, home to spectacular, remote beaches and impressive nature.
Unfortunately, most of the park has no paved roads, but there is still much you can explore even if you don’t want to venture off-road.
Lastly, the beaches in the northwest of Fuerteventura, just a short drive from Corralejo, are impossible to reach by public transportation.
The famous Playa El Mejillón, also known as Popcorn Beach, is just a 10-minute drive northwest of Corralejo.
However, this area too is mostly served by unpaved roads, so venture here at your own risk.
You can also walk from Corralejo, which takes about an hour, if you’re unsure about the drive.
Roxana is a Romanian-born freelance travel writer who has lived in Italy for over 15 years. She has a Master’s in Journalism and a Bachelor’s in Film Studies, and she studied at Università degli Studi di Roma Tre. Besides her native Romania, Roxana has lived in Rome, Lisbon, and Berlin, and she has traveled through much of Europe in search of hidden gems, history, and culture.
Porto is Portugal’s second-most popular city, right after Lisbon, and as such, it offers plenty of tourist attractions, museums, and exciting nightlife options.
The charming Portuguese city sits on the bank of the Douro River and is best known for its colorful historical center, Port wine cellars which bring in delicious wine from the Douro Valley, and the iconic Dom Luis I Bridge.
I traveled to Porto many times while living in Lisbon and absolutely loved learning about Porto’s history, visiting its most iconic landmarks, and experiencing its vibrant nightlife.
In all honesty, in some ways, I think Porto is even more charming than Lisbon, with its beautiful Ribeira, impressive bridges, and stunning miradouros.
If you’re looking for things to do in Porto at night, you’re in the right place.
After spending many nights out in the city, I put together a guide to the best activities in Porto at night, and it runs from sunset until sunrise for you night owl travelers!
Whether you want to explore the city without crowds, visit quirky museums, join guided tours, or party until morning, you’ll find plenty of options for things to do in Porto at night here!
The Best of Porto at Night: 13 Top Things to Do
Discover the lively Cais da Ribeira.
Cais da Ribeira is among Porto’s liveliest neighborhoods, especially at night!
The district, with its colorful houses, runs along the Douro River and is dotted with bars and restaurants where people gather in the late afternoon and stay until late at night.
Cais da Ribeira is particularly charming around sunset, when the atmosphere turns magical in the soft light and street artists play music on the riverside promenade.
You can enjoy a stroll along the riverside, watch the traditional boats (rabelos) float on the river, or sit on a terrace for a drink.
Enjoy a glass of wine with petiscos (appetizers) at Wine Quay Bar or Bacchus Vini, or try a delicious seafood dinner at Terra Nova.
When the night falls, you can admire the view of the illuminated Dom Luis I bridge reflecting in the river — it’s absolutely stunning.
Have a traditional Francesinha for dinner.
Francesinha is Porto’s most traditional meal, but be warned, it’s not for the faint of heart.
This indulgent dish contains several types of meat, from sausage to ham and beef steak, all layered between two slices of bread covered with melted cheese and the traditional Francesinha sauce made with beer.
It usually comes with a side of fries and an optional fried egg on top if you want to go all out.
You can have Francesinha in many restaurants around Porto, and it’s hard to go wrong.
Café Restaurante O Afonso is one of the most popular spots for Francesinha, although it’s a bit far from the historical center.
Brasão is a great alternative, with multiple locations across Porto.
The great thing about Brasão is that it also has a vegetarian Francesinha, so you can still try this traditional dish if you’re not a meat eater.
For a vegetarian take on the Francesinha, try Lado B Café, which has both meat and veggie options.
Watch the sunset from Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar.
Porto is known for its many scenic viewpoints, or miradouros in Portuguese.
Since it’s built on several hills, the city provides several stunning spots to enjoy panoramic views of the city and the Douro River.
However, I would argue that Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto’s sister city just across the river, offers even more spectacular views, as hard as that might be to believe.
At sunset, cross the bridge and head to Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar, a 15th-century monastery with a terrace overlooking the river and the colorful Porto.
This is one of my absolute favorite spots to watch the sunset in Porto since you can have a nearly 360 degree view of both cities, the Dom Luis I Bridge, and the river.
The monastery is not open for visits at night, but you can still access the outdoor area for free.
Just cross the bridge and turn right on the uphill street.
Expect to find a crowd there just before sunset, but the area is pretty big, so you’ll manage to find a spot.
Just get there a bit before sunset so you can settle in!
Enjoy a Port wine tasting.
No trip to Porto would be complete without a Port wine tasting.
The city is famous for its fortified wine production, which is now renowned worldwide.
Many cellars are just across the river from Porto, in the city of Vila Nova de Gaia, bringing in delicious Port from the vineyards of the Douro Valley.
Each cellar offers tours with wine tastings, so you’ve got multiple options to choose from.
Caves Cálem, Taylor’s Port, Caves Ferreira, Quinta do Noval, and Sandeman are all great cellars to visit, and you can check their websites for different tour options.
If you want to admire some beautiful views while getting a workout in, you should set out to explore Porto’s many miradouros.
These scenic viewpoints are mostly located in the upper part of the city, so you can expect to walk uphill a lot.
Close to Porto’s cathedral, check out Miradouro da Rua das Aldas for a charming view over the city’s rooftops.
You can enjoy an even more scenic view from Miradouro da Vitória, one of the most popular viewpoints in Porto.
If you want to avoid the crowds, head to Jardim dos Sentimentos and check out the view from Torreão do Jardim do Palácio or Miradouro da Ponte da Arrábida.
The gardens are stunning and the perfect place for a relaxed walk, especially right before nightfall.
Sail on a Douro River sunset cruise.
If, on the other hand, you’re tired of walking up and downhill and just want to enjoy a chill evening in Porto, consider joining a sunset or evening Douro River cruise.
This Sunset Sailboat Cruise is a wonderful chance to sail along the Douro and watch the city from a different perspective.
You can choose between a shared cruise or a private booking, departing from the Douro Marina in Vila Nova de Gaia and sailing along the river to the Douro estuary.
If you’re really lucky, you may even spot some dolphins once you get closer to the ocean, making your cruise truly unforgettable!
The cruise lasts roughly two hours and includes a complimentary drink to enjoy while sailing past some of the most iconic sights in Porto at night.
The knowledgeable crew will make your stunning trip even more memorable by sharing stories and interesting facts about the city!
Although Lisbon is considered more of a party city with a lot more nightlife, Porto has a vibrant scene too, with plenty of party options.
In particular, the area close to Porto University is notorious for its nightlife — perhaps not surprising that students like to party!
You’ll find that Rua da Galeria de Paris and Rua de Cândidodos Reis are buzzing with life from the late afternoon all the way until sunrise.
Here, you’ll find all kinds of bars, clubs, pubs, and restaurants — whatever kind of nightlife vibe you want, it’s here.
Whether you want to enjoy a beer in a chill atmosphere or plan on dancing all night long, you’ll find a spot that’s just right.
Some of the most popular clubs here are Plano B, Moreclub,and Lust Porto.
If you prefer to relax and have a drink, try The Gin House, The Royal Cocktail Club, or Casa do Livro.
Many places may also have live music on the weekends!
Enjoy a night tuk-tuk tour.
A unique way of exploring the city in the evening is on a tuk-tuk tour!
Of course, you can find tuk-tuks in Porto at any time of day, but when night falls and the crowds fewer, driving around in a tiny tuk-tuk is an even more delightful experience!
This Guided Historical Center Tuk Tuk Tour lasts around two hours, during which your guide will drive you around the charming streets of Porto while telling you stories about the city.
You can choose between a sunset and a night tour (there’s day options too, but this is a post all about Porto at night, after all).
The sunset tour is a more romantic option and will allow you to enjoy gorgeous city views as the day gives way to night, but the night option is ideal if you want to avoid crowds and have a more relaxed experience.
Note that these tours are for a minimum of two people, unfortunately for any solo travelers!
Stroll across Ponte Dom Luis I.
If you enjoy panoramic views, you shouldn’t miss out on the spectacular view of Porto from the upper level of Dom Luis I bridge.
You can also walk on the lower level, but the best views are from above!
The bridge connects Porto do Vila Nova de Gaia and was built in 1886 by an engineer who had previously worked with Gustave Eiffel on another bridge in Porto.
In fact, the bridge does somewhat resemble the famous Eiffel Tower.
History geeks, take note: Ponte Dom Luis I has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.
The iconic bridge is always crowded, but most people walk on the upper level around sunset. However, it’s an experience you shouldn’t miss!
Go there later in the evening if you want to avoid the crowds. The view at night, when the city is all lit up, is just as beautiful!
Listen to an intimate fado concert.
Although fado was born in Lisbon, on the streets of the charming Alfama neighborhood, the music genre is now popular all over Portugal.
Listening to a fado concert is a lovely way to spend a night in Porto and immerse yourself in a historic part of Portuguese art and culture.
This intimate fado concert experience offers a few different concert options, including a meet-and-greet.
Every day, you can listen to traditional fado music, while on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings, they play tributes to historic fado musicians, focusing on different themes.
On top of listening to the concert, you can learn all about the tradition of Fado while enjoying a glass of Port wine — the most iconic Portuguese duo!
You can also pair a fado concert with a short tour of Porto’s historical center and a traditional dinner.
If you want to party and experience Porto nightlife but are traveling solo or are with a group but just looking to meet more people, why not join a pub crawl?
This is one of the best ways to experience Porto’s nightlife, discover new places, all while meeting other travelers.
This guided Porto Pub Crawl lasts over four hours, during which you’ll check out some of the city’s most popular bars and a nightclub.
The experience includes five drinks and free entrance to the nightclub, which makes it an affordable way to spend a night out!
The experience is available in multiple languages, but you’ll likely meet people from different countries.
Just note that the tour only includes drinks, and no food, so be sure to have dinner before (did I mention that you’ll be getting five drinks?).
If a pub crawl isn’t your scene, there are other shared experiences you can try that still allow you to get to know the city while also meeting other travelers.
This Petiscos Crawl is one such option, allowing you to experience traditional food and drinks in local restaurants with a group of people, in a far more laid-back setting (while still enjoying some local drinks).
The culinary tour focuses on sampling different petiscos, which are Portuguese appetizers similar to Spanish tapas, expertly paired with local wines.
You’ll visit traditional restaurants outside the main tourist areas, learn about Portuguese cuisine, history, and architecture, and savor delicious food and wine.
The tour includes a combination of iconic spots like the Clérigos Tower and Livraria Lello, along with several places off the beaten path.
You can expect to try dishes like codfish and Portuguese sausages and sample the unmissable Port wine along with other delicious Northern Portuguese wines, like Vinho Verde.
WOW is a complex of museums in Vila Nova de Gaia, including unique spots like The Chocolate Story or Planet Cork.
For wine lovers, Pink Palace is one of the most recent additions to the WOW museums, dedicated entirely to rosé wine.
If you like the color pink, this museum is made for you!
Not only do you get to sample five lovely rosé wines on your visit, but you’ll also find several highly Instagrammable rooms, from a pool of pink balls to a pink Cadillac.
Roxana is a Romanian-born freelance travel writer who has lived in Italy for over 15 years. She has a Master’s in Journalism and a Bachelor’s in Film Studies, and she studied at Università degli Studi di Roma Tre. Besides her native Romania, Roxana has lived in Rome, Lisbon, and Berlin, and she has traveled through much of Europe in search of hidden gems, history, and culture.
Gran Canaria is one of the eight Canary Islands, located off the Northwest coast of Africa, not far from Morocco.
Although it’s less popular than Tenerife, Gran Canaria is an incredible destination for hiking, spectacular beaches, and great cuisine, all in a rich variety of gorgeous landscapes.
I spent two wonderful weeks in Gran Canaria on one of my trips to the Canary Islands, where I also visited Tenerife, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote.
During that time, I explored the lively capital Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, relaxed on beautiful sandy beaches, hiked the trails in the heart of the island, visited charming little towns, and sampled tasty Canarian cuisine.
If you don’t have two weeks for your stay in Gran Canaria, don’t worry!
I’ve distilled the best of the best into this 4-day Gran Canaria itinerary combining relaxing beach time and great food with hiking, cultural visits, and a few hidden gems.
Get ready for a packed Gran Canaria road trip itinerary allowing you to discover this island’s stunning nature and gorgeous towns.
But first, let’s quickly talk a few logistics: getting into Gran Canaria and where to stay!
Getting Into Gran Canaria
The Gran Canaria airport is about 20 kilometers (12 miles) away from the island’s capital, Las Palmas (where I suggest you stay in this itinerary).
This Gran Canaria itinerary is quite quick-paced, so it only works properly if you’ve rented a car — I suggest picking it up at the airport right away.
Plus, Gran Canaria is an easy island to drive on, so it’s even more ideal for renting a car than Fuerteventura or Lanzarote, which are more rugged.
I use Discover Cars to search for the best price on my rental cars whenever I’m traveling Europe (and beyond).
They search through 500+ rental companies, large brands and small local agencies alike, to give you the best possible price on your rental.
They’re also very upfront with all the terms and conditions — what insurance is included, what mileage policies are, how to filter out the kinds of cars you want, etc. — and there’s no bait & switch in their pricing.
Plus, Discover Cars has their own internal rating system for all the different rental companies, so you can check past customer experiences easily, which can give you peace of mind when renting from an unfamiliar local company.
Las Palmas is an ideal place to base yourself, since it’s well-connected to most spots around the island.
Plus, it’s close to the airport, making this short 4 day Gran Canaria itinerary all the more convenient.
Here are a few accommodation recommendations, depending on what kind of trip you’re planning:
5 STAR STAY | The lovely Santa Catalina is designated a Royal Hideaway Hotel, part of the Barceló Resort chain. You’ll definitely feel like royalty with its regal-inspired architecture and interior design, stunning outdoor pool, rooftop bar with excellent views, and its wellness center complete with hot tubs and Turkish baths!
MID-RANGE BOUTIQUE | For a charming and elegant hotel that’s more refined than resort-like, look to Boutique Hotel Cordial Malteses. With just 27 rooms, restored to their original architecture as much as possible while being given all the modern comforts, you’re guaranteed a quiet and intimate stay. A short walk from Plaza Santa Ana, it has an incredible location too!
BUDGET-FRIENDLY BEACHFRONT | Just across from Playa de Las Canteras, you’ll find the stunning and surprisingly affordable Hotel Aloe Canteras. The rooms are minimalistic and well-designed, a little on the small side but very recently renovated so they feel modern. Some rooms even have lovely balcony views of the sea!
Spend the morning exploring Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
Spend the morning of your first day exploring the island’s capital. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is the largest city in the Canary Islands, so there’s plenty to do.
With its long sandy beaches, museums, walking trails, and many traditional restaurants, Las Palmas would require several days to explore fully — but we’ll make the most of what we have!
You can start the morning off right by strolling along the seaside promenade at Las Canteras Beach and stopping for a delicious breakfast.
Un Lugar Café serves great coffee and delicious baked goods, while LUWAK is the place for smoothies, bowls, and toasts.
If you want to escape the crowds, go for a walk around Playa del Confital.
While this may not be the best beach to relax and swim, it’s a beautiful spot for a stroll and usually not too crowded.
From the beach, you can also go on a short and easy coastal hike to Lomo de los Dos Morros.
Another area to explore in Las Palmas is Vegueta, the city’s historical center and the first area to be developed.
It’s one of the most colorful parts of the city, with colonial architecture and brightly painted houses, so it definitely shouldn’t be missed!
Here, you can visit the beautiful Catedral de Canarias in the lovely Plaza Mayor de Santa Ana and the Patio de los Naranjos.
If you’ve got time for a couple additional stops, check out the history museum Museo Canario, and Casa de Colón, a museum set in a former governor’s house about Christopher Columbus.
Be sure to check out the lively Mercado De Vegueta too, and stroll through the quaint Parque San Telmo.
If you stay in the area for lunch, try the tasty tapas at La Travesia de Triana or the unique dishes at Triciclo.
Visit Arucas.
After lunch, you can spend some more time exploring Las Palmas and visiting one of the museums or get in the car and drive to Arucas.
The small town is less than a half-hour drive to the west and is best known for the imposing Church of San Juan Bautista towering over the small houses of the historical center.
Given the awe-inspiring size and magnificent architecture of the church, it is often referred to as the Arucas Cathedral.
However, the church is not actually a cathedral or a basilica — just a really impressive plain old church!
After admiring the beautiful church from the outside, check the inside too. Entrance is free of charge — score!
After visiting the church, explore the small town and the charming Jardín de la Marquesa, a small botanical garden with exotic plants.
Lastly, if you’re curious about the history of rum in the Canary Islands, take a tour of Destilerías Arehucas.
(Quick note for scheduling: the distillery is only open in the afternoon on Fridays. If you’ll be visiting on any other day, you may want to switch the itinerary and visit Arucas in the morning if this is something you want to do.)
Drive back to Las Palmas for dinner.
Once you’ve explored Arucas, drive back to Las Palmas in time for a sunset stroll before dinner.
In my two weeks there, I found many gorgeous sunset spots — one of my favorites is the area around Alfredo Kraus Auditorium!
For dinner, you have several options for both traditional Spanish food and international cuisines.
Head to Bochinche El Chato or Restaurante Tasca Galileo for tapas (pair it with local Lanzarote wine if you can!), El Novillo Precoz for traditional Uruguayan food, or Trattoria Pizzeria Calabrè for delicious Italian dishes.
Day 2 of Your Gran Canaria Itinerary: Dunas de Maspalomas & Puerto de Mogán
Drive to Maspalomas.
Begin your second day of this Gran Canaria itinerary by driving south for about 40 minutes to the resort town of Maspalomas.
Here, you can explore the nature preserve Dunas de Maspalomas, a vast area of over 400 hectares of dunes extending towards the coast, making you feel like you’re in a giant desert.
Before you explore the dunes, you can stop by the nearby town of Playa del Inglés to fuel up with a coffee or late breakfast.
The town is spread along a sandy beach bearing the same name and has plenty of bars and restaurants.
I suggest stopping by Cappucino House or Calma Café, then going for a walk along the Paseo Costa Canaria, a lovely coastal pedestrian walkway.
Lastly, before you set off to actually explore the nature preserve, enjoy a gorgeous view of the dunes from Mirador Dunas Santa Mónica.
Explore Dunas de Maspalomas.
The easiest way to explore the impressive nature preserve is to simply walk around!
You can start near Hotel Riu Palace and meander through the dunes to Playa de Maspalomas.
The walk can take anywhere between half an hour and over one hour, and at times you will truly feel like there is nothing other than sand around for miles.
Be aware, there are trails and you should stay on them, as walking on the dunes is no longer permitted as of 2020.
Another exciting way of exploring the area is by joining a camel tour. This half-hour guided camel rideis a unique way of exploring the dunes (and you are just off the coast of Morocco, after all!).
However, be sure to book ahead of time, as tours tend to sell out a few days in advance.
After exploring Maspalomas, it’s time to visit one of the most charming seaside towns in Gran Canaria, Puerto de Mogán.
To get there, you’ll just have to drive for about 20 minutes west.
Tip: If you add Puerto de Mogán on Google Maps, it may lead you to a place inland, so you’ll want to double-check that it’s the coastal spot, or type in Playa de Mogán to be sure.
The town is absolutely adorable, with its white-washed houses with brightly colored trim, a delightful marina, and a couple of small beaches.
As if all that wasn’t enough, Puerto de Mogán is also the ideal place to stop for a delicious seafood lunch.
Try the cozy Taberna Mar Azul or the beachfront El Pescador.
After lunch, wander around the narrow alleys filled with colorful flowers and lovely souvenir shops. It almost feels like being on a Greek island!
If you want to spend some time at the beach, you may find that the ones close to town are a little (or a lot!) more crowded than you’d like.
For bigger beaches, drive back toward Maspalomas.
Relax on the beach at Playa de Amadores.
You’ll notice plenty of wonderful beaches between Maspalomas and Puerto de Mogán.
This area is very popular among Northern Europeans, so big chain hotels and resorts are all over.
Despite being such a tourist hotspot, the beaches are truly spectacular, so it’s worth spending a few hours basking in the sun, even if you have to weave through some large groups.
One of my favorite beaches in the area is Playa de Amadores.
With stunning turquoise waters, light golden sand, and a mix of beach clubs with their iconic yellow-and-blue umbrellas and free portions of beach, there’s something for everyone.
While you’re there, you can either rent a sunbed or lay your towel on the sand and go for a swim.
Nearby, you’ll also find plenty of bars and restaurants if you get hungry or want to cool off with a refreshing drink or some ice cream.
Have dinner in Las Palmas.
Drive back to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in time for dinner before enjoying a good night’s sleep.
I gave you a bunch of my favorite spots above for the first night, but other great restaurants worth checking out for dinner include Rincón de Triana and Amigo Camilo.
Day 3 of Your Gran Canaria Itinerary: Pico de las Nieves & Roque Nublo
Drive to Pico de las Nieves.
At the very center of Gran Canaria, you can reach the island’s three highest points: Morro de La Agujereada, Pico de las Nieves, and Roque Nublo.
Since you’ll be traveling along winding mountain roads to get there, you should have an early start to the day. Also, be sure to bring water and food!
Start by driving from Las Palmas to Pico de las Nieves. This is the easiest peak to reach by car, roughly one hour from the capital.
Several walking trails are also available, like the gorgeous one connecting Cruz Grande to Pico de las Nieves.
However, this trail requires nearly a full day out and back — not something you really have time for on this Gran Canaria road trip.
Pico de las Nieves is the second highest peak in Gran Canaria, after Morro de La Agujereada, which you can see from the viewpoint.
Be sure to also drive to Pico de los Pozos viewpoint for a spectacular view over the Riscos de Tirajana protected area.
You can also do the short hike to the nearby Ventana de Morro if you’re in the mood to really soak up the natural beauty of this gorgeous landscape!
To save a bit of time, I recommend driving to Pico de las Nieves, then do the shorter hike to Roque Nublo.
Hike to Roque Nublo.
After exploring the area around Pico de las Nieves, it’s time to get back to your car and drive to the Degollada de La Goleta parking lot, roughly 15 minutes away.
This is the departure point for the 1.5-km hike to Roque Nublo, the third-highest peak in Gran Canaria and probably the most iconic one.
Roque Nublo translates to Rock in the Clouds, and it’s a 67-meter-tall volcanic rock formed by a volcanic eruption millions of years ago!
The total hike to the peak and back takes just over an hour, but you can also do a circuit trail around Roque Nublo, which takes around 45 minutes and skips the elevation gain.
If you want to skip the extra hike around Roque Nublo, you can do another short but beautiful hike from Ventana del Nublo.
If you choose to do the Ventana del Nublo hike, you can do it before or after Roque Nublo since you can drive back the same way to reach your next destination, Tejeda.
Drive to Tejeda.
Roughly half an hour from the Degollada de La Goleta parking lot, you’ll find the beautiful town of Tejeda.
There are two ways to get there, circling around Roque Nublo by driving either east or west.
Choose the road you prefer depending on the sequence of the hikes you choose to do.
Tejeda is a charming town surrounded by Gran Canaria’s peaks and offers spectacular views over the mountainous area.
The historical center is small but delightful, so be sure to wander around for a while and enjoy the views.
When in Tejeda, you absolutely have to stop by Dulceria Nublo to buy local pastries.
The historic bakery is a popular spot among visitors, so you may need to stand in line for a bit, but it’s worth the wait.
If you don’t have much of a sweet tooth, or just want to have a late lunch instead, Tasca Bar La Dorotea serves delicious tapas.
Visit the historic town of Teror.
On your way back from Tejeda to Las Palmas, you can stop for a short visit to Teror, about 45 minutes from Tejeda.
The town is among the oldest on the island, known for its colorful colonial houses and gorgeous churches.
Religion played a big part in the town’s foundation following the reported miraculous appearance of the Virgin Mary in 1481, and Teror is still a popular pilgrimage spot.
While you explore the beautiful historical town, be sure to visit the Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pino, and check out the lovely shops selling souvenirs and local products.
The town boasts a variety of bars and restaurants if you want to have a coffee break or even dinner, depending on the time you get there.
However, most places are only open until late afternoon, so plan accordingly!
If you want to stay for dinner in Teror, try the tapas at La Gaveta de Cristo or Bar Nuevo Iris.
Alternatively, you can drive back to Las Palmas for a more varied choice, since the drive back only takes roughly half an hour.
Day 4 of Your Gran Canaria Itinerary: Agaete & Parque Natural Tamadaba
Drive to Agaete.
After your last day spent hiking in the mountains, it’s time to relax by the sea!
Start your day by driving to Agaete, a coastal town in northwest Gran Canaria, roughly a half-hour drive from the capital.
Agaete is better known for the Puerto de Las Nieves, the harbor that connects the island to Tenerife… and better yet, its stunning natural swimming pools.
The town is fairly small, so you can drive straight to the natural pools and find a good spot. And great news — access to the pools is free!
Just south of Agaete, you can explore the Tamadaba Natural Park, an area dominated by lush pine forests, part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve — that’s up next.
Before exploring the natural park, have lunch in Agaete or buy some food to carry with you.
If you choose to have lunch in Agaete, try the tapas at Bar Salsamora Boutique or grab a quick sandwich at Meson del Bocadillo Agaete.
Explore Parque Natural Tamadaba.
The stunning Tamadaba Natural Park extends over almost 20,000 acres between the western coast and the highlands, offering beautiful hiking trails, stunning viewpoints, and remote beaches.
You can choose between two routes to explore the area, the GC-200 running along the coast and the GC-216 in the highlands.
From Agaete, the GC-200 is the fastest and most convenient.
However, the GC-216 drives through the highest points and boasts spectacular viewpoints.
Given the limited time available on this Gran Canaria itinerary, I recommend exploring the area along the coast.
Another option is that you can also spend less time in Agaete (or wake up earlier) and do both… because why choose if you don’t have to?
Begin by driving along GC-200 from Agaete.
The first stop is Playa de Guayedra, a remote rocky black sand beach backed by mountains.
You can climb down to the beach, only accessible on foot, or stop by Mirador de Guayedra to enjoy the view.
Keep driving south to reach one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the area, Mirador del Balcón.
You can drive along the winding road GC-200 for more panoramic views or take the faster highway GC-2.
Mirador del Balcón looks over a rugged portion of the island’s coastline known as Dragon’s Tail, for, well, obvious reasons!
From here, you can either drive back the same way to get back to Las Palmas or continue to La Aldea de San Nicolas de Tolentino for a short break before exploring the highlands of the natural park.
Grab some delicious churros at Cafetería Churrería Mis Niñas before you drive to Mirador Llanos de La Mimbre.
Along the way, you’ll pass by several stunning viewpoints, like Mirador del Molino.
The drive from San Nicolas to the parking lot near Mirador Llanos de La Mimbre takes roughly an hour, but it’s absolutely scenic the entire way.
From there, it’s a 1.5-kilometer walk to the viewpoint.
The sunset from here is probably the most spectacular one you’ll see on the island, so I’d try to time your arrival to line up with sunset if possible.
Lastly, drive back to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria for one last dinner before ending your trip!
Roxana is a Romanian-born freelance travel writer who has lived in Italy for over 15 years. She has a Master’s in Journalism and a Bachelor’s in Film Studies, and she studied at Università degli Studi di Roma Tre. Besides her native Romania, Roxana has lived in Rome, Lisbon, and Berlin, and she has traveled through much of Europe in search of hidden gems, history, and culture.
Out of all the Canary Islands, Lanzarote is probably the most unique and striking.
This is due in part to its arid, volcanic landscape and in other part to the impressive work of artist César Manrique, who designed several magnificent works aimed at creating harmony between nature, architecture, and art.
I spent over three months visiting nearly all of the Canary Islands, and Lanzarote is the one that stands out the most in my memory for its impressive landscape and gorgeous artwork!
Plus, there’s a good reason why the entire island was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, as the island is a great example of promoting sustainability and conservation of biodiversity!
If you ask me, you could spend well over a week exploring the spectacular landscapes and incredible museums on a Lanzarote road trip.
However, the island is a great destination also for a short trip, as it’s relatively compact and easy to visit.
The Lanzarote itinerary below is ideal for a three or four-day trip, with the fourth being an optional trip to the nearby La Graciosa Island, the smallest and, in my opinion, most delightful of the eight Canary Islands.
This itinerary for Lanzarote is designed with a road trip in mind.
Although most places are able to be reached by public transport, that would take longer, meaning less time for you to actually enjoy the sights if you have a short stay in Lanzarote!
Getting Around Lanzarote
The Lanzarote airport is just 5 kilometers away from the island’s capital, Arrecife (where I suggest you stay in this itinerary), in the town of San Bartolomé.
This Lanzarote itinerary is quite quick-paced, so it only works properly if you’ve rented a car in Lanzarote (read my tips here!)— I suggest picking it up at the airport right away.
I use Discover Cars to search for the best price on my rental cars whenever I’m traveling Europe (and beyond).
They search through 500+ rental companies, large brands and small local agencies alike, to give you the best possible price on your rental.
They’re also very upfront with all the terms and conditions — what insurance is included, what mileage policies are, how to filter out the kinds of cars you want, etc. — and there’s no bait & switch in their pricing.
Plus, Discover Cars has their own internal rating system for all the different rental companies, so you can check past customer experiences easily, which can give you peace of mind when renting from an unfamiliar local company.
This Lanzarote itinerary has you staying in the capital and centrally-located city of Arrecife.
This city has a wide variety of accommodation options suitable for every kind of traveler — here are a few of my suggestions!
5-STAR SPA LUXURY | A stunning beachfront 5-star hotel, the Arrecife Gran Hotel & Spa is the ultimate place to relax, with an excellent spa (additional fee to access) with a Turkish bath, sauna, hot tub, and massage rooms. It also has an indoor pool and a gorgeous 17th floor restaurant with amazing views — it’s the tallest building on the island!
MID-RANGE HOTEL | Recently renovated last year, the mid-range Hotel Lancelot offers spacious, clean rooms with excellent views at an affordable price, with amenities like an outdoor pool, roof terrace, and fitness center. It’s also right across from Reducto Beach, so the location couldn’t be better!
SEAFRONT APARTMENT | If you prefer apartment-style accommodations, Apartamentos Islamar Arrecife is a great choice with gorgeous design. The vibe feels very boutique hotel-like, but then you have the comforts of home, like a well-equipped kitchen. The balcony views are epic and there’s even a shared hot tub!
Day 1 of Your Lanzarote Itinerary: Arrecife & César Manrique’s art
Have breakfast in Arrecife.
The perfect way to start your first day in Arrecife is by having breakfast at one of the many lovely coffee shops scattered throughout the old town.
Check out the charming Lemon Love or try the specialty coffee at Cafetería ANTIPØDA.
You can also explore the old town for a while, but get in the car early to get to your first stop of the day.
You’ll have another chance to explore more of Arrecife in the late afternoon and evening, so don’t worry about trying to see everything right away!
Visit César Manrique’s Foundation.
What really sets Lanzarote apart from the other Canary Islands is the breathtaking work of César Manrique.
The artist and nature activist was born in Lanzarote and dedicated his life to enhancing and honoring the island’s beauty through impressive works of art and buildings.
In fact, many of the most important landmarks on the island are his creations.
Dedicate your first day of this Lanzarote road trip itinerary to discovering César Manrique’s legacy!
From Arrecife, drive to the César Manrique Foundation in the small town of Tahiche, just 15 minutes to the north.
The foundation houses the artist’s former residence along with some of his sculptures and paintings.
Manrique’s artwork seems to blend in with the surrounding nature, a characteristic you will find in all his creations.
Visiting the foundation will give you the perfect introduction to the artist’s life and art and help you better understand his other works as your Lanzarote road trip continues.
Admire the wonderful Jameos del Agua.
After you leave the César Manrique Foundation, drive north for roughly 20 minutes to reach Jameos del Agua, another of Manrique’s creations.
Manrique transformed this series of lava caves into a unique place where nature blends seamlessly with art for a truly striking effect.
Beautiful facilities like the auditorium, the restaurant, and the bar all work together complete this natural-meets-manmade effort.
Fun fact: Jameos del Agua is also home to a unique species of squat lobster called blind lobsters!
You can see these tiny white crustaceans in the water that partially fills the lava caves, which were formed thousands of years ago after a series of volcanic eruptions.
You can get an entry ticket exclusively for Jameos del Agua or save by getting a combined ticket for some of the island’s other attractions.
There are six CACT centers (Centros de Arte, Cultura y Turismo) in Lanzarote, including Jameos del Agua, Jardín de Cactus, and Mirador del Río. You can buy tickets for three, four, or all six attractions.
Have lunch in Punta Mujeres.
Next up, it’s time to visit Punta Mujeres, a delightful little town just south of Jameos del Agua.
You can stop here for lunch and to stretch your legs a bit before continuing your trip back to Arrecife.
A gorgeous coastal path connects Jameos del Agua to Punta Mujeres and takes less than 30 minutes to explore.
Since you’ll likely travel by car, you can check out the trail after lunch instead of walking it all.
Punta Mujeres is famous for its beautiful natural pools and lovely whitewashed houses.
If you’re looking for that perfect Instagram photo opportunity, you couldn’t ask for a better location!
Wander around town and stop for lunch at one of the many restaurants.
Try the tasty local dishes at Restaurante Tahoyo or grab a quick sandwich at Bocatería Las Salinas.
Visit the Jardín de Cactus.
For your last stop before going back to Arrecife, visit Jardín de Cactus, another CACT center courtesy of Manrique.
Succulent lovers will be in heaven: the garden houses an incredible 500+ species of cactus from all over the world!
Manrique chose a former landfill in an area known for its cactus plantations and transformed it into a stunning garden, combining beautiful plants and decorative elements.
The space received multiple awards for its unique mix of architecture, gardening, sculpture, and design.
Check out the first cactus planted in the garden, the Euphorbia Candelabrum, and don’t miss the little pond with its quirky sculptures and cute orange fish!
Have dinner back in Arrecife.
End the day by driving back to Arrecife and exploring the city.
Park the car for the night, and walk around the small historical center to soak in any sights you missed this morning.
Stroll along Parque Jose Ramirez Cerda and cross the river to Castillo de San Gabriel to watch the sunset.
If you have any time left before dinner, check out the Church of San Ginés and the wonderful art collection at Casa De La Cultura Agustín de la Hoz, which stays open until 8 PM.
For dinner, try the tapas at Bar Andalucia 1960 or the tasty dishes at Restaurante El Nido.
For vegan options, head to The V Factor.
Day 2 of Your Lanzarote Itinerary: Parque Natural de los Volcanes and Timanfaya
Parque Natural de los Volcanes is a spectacular hiking area with unique landscapes.
The park is free to access and surrounds the Timanfaya National Park.
The latter is accessible exclusively on foot, by camel (yes, really!), or on organized bus tours and has an entry fee.
If you don’t want to explore the natural parks by yourself, you can also join a guided tour.
The Timanfaya National Park gets its name from the Timanfaya volcano and was designated a national park following the volcano’s last eruption in 1824.
Other major eruptions occurred in 1730 and 1736 and were responsible for shaping the stunning landscape of Lanzarote as it exists today.
In the middle of the surreal volcanic landscape, you’ll also find the Manrique-designed Restaurante El Diablo.
Like all the artist’s creations, it aims to combine nature and man-made design effortlessly, so that one flows right into the other without breaking form.
The unique thing about this restaurant is that the food is cooked using volcanic heat inside a grill chamber!
While admittedly, the restaurant isn’t known for the best food in Lanzarote, it still offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience.
From the visitor center, you can set off on the Ruta de los Volcanes bus tour.
This bus tour will take you through the impressive volcanic terrain so you can admire craters, old lava flows, caves, and otherworldly landscapes.
You will also see Manrique’s iconic statue El Diablo, the symbol of the national park.
If you want to explore the Timanfaya National Park by camel instead, you’ll need to drive to the Echadero de Camellos.
The camel ride lasts around 30 minutes and will allow you to see the stunning landscape up close on camelback!
The landscape here is all sorts of colors, ranging from reddish-brown to gray to yellowish-beige, creating a unique rainbow palette of colors.
Marvel at the beautiful Charco Verde.
After exploring Timanfaya National Park, you can drive around the Parque Natural de los Volcanes to check out more stunning landscapes.
One spot you shouldn’t miss is Charco Verde, an emerald-green little lake shining like a gem against the background of black sand on Playa El Golfo.
Drive to the small town of El Golfo and hike the short trail to Mirador del Charco de los Clicos.
From this viewpoint, you can admire the impressive landscape and a stunning contrast of colors: the green lake, the black sand, the reddish mountains, and the deep blue ocean.
You can also stop for lunch in El Golfo if you haven’t packed any food for the day.
This area is known for its tasty seafood, so try it at Restaurante El Caleton or El Pescador Casa Barriguita.
Take in the stunning landscape of La Geria and its vineyards.
You may think that wineries are a bit out of place in such an arid, volcanic landscape.
Well, you’ll be surprised to know that Lanzarote is known for its locally-produced wines, made from grapes grown in lava fields, specifically in the protected landscape of La Geria.
Driving back from Charco Verde, you can pass by the stunning landscape of La Geria and admire the unique vineyards.
A geria is a hole excavated in the volcanic gravel where the vine is planted. A short half-moon stone wall protects the vine from the wind.
The thousands of gerias create a spectacular landscape where the bright green plants stand out in the charcoal black of the lava.
In the small town of La Geria, you can also visit family-owned wineries offering tours and tastings.
The two main wineries in La Geria are Bodegas Rubicón and Bodega La Geria.
If you have any time left before heading back to Arrecife, stop by the Caldera de Los Cuervos for a short hike.
You can follow a short loop trail across the volcanic terrain and around the impressive volcano crater.
The hike takes around an hour, so it’s not a huge commitment to add to your Lanzarote itinerary if you’re making good time today.
Return to Arrecife for dinner.
End your second day in Lanzarote by driving back to Arrecife in time for dinner.
The city offers so many restaurant choices, so you can try different places each evening.
Barbacana Bar & Grill is a great option for meat-lovers, while Bar Strava is a small and cozy place for local cuisine.
I suggest you try the traditional Canarian papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes) with the typical sauces (mojo rojo and mojo verde).
Day 3 of your Lanzarote Itinerary: Playa Blanca and Surroundings
Wander around Las Grietas.
On your way to Playa Blanca, make a quick stop to explore Lanzarote’s unique little canyons.
Grietas translates to cracks, and these are, in fact, cracks in the side of the volcano!
To reach Las Grietas, drive toward Montaña Blanca, then turn left at the roundabout just before the town and drive in the direction of Tías.
You can stop at the Parking Grieta Volcanica and explore the area on foot.
There are several cracks in the side of the volcano, and you can walk for several meters inside some of them, similar to some slot canyons you’ll find in other parts of the world.
There aren’t any directions or signs, so you’ll have to find them on your own, but searching for them is half the fun!
Take a Salinas de Janubio tour.
From Las Grietas, continue driving south until you reach La Hoya.
Here, you can stop for a visit to the salt mines at Salinas de Janubio.
First, head to the Mirador Salinas de Janubio to check out the panoramic view of the colorful salines — it’s a great photo spot.
You can then join aguided tour of the salines to learn about the sea salt-making process, walk around the salines, and even sample the local salt.
Fun Fact: The Salinas de Janubio is the oldest continuously active salt mine in the Canary Islands since its foundation over a century ago!
Make your way to the town of Playa Blanca for lunch.
Next, it’s time to drive to Playa Blanca, a town at the southernmost end of Lanzarote.
The town’s name is pretty accurate, given the thousands of whitewashed houses built all along the coast.
While the town is quite big, the main area of interest is small and revolves around Playa Blanca Beach.
Once you get to Playa Blanca, you can stop for lunch before exploring the town and nearby beaches.
You’ll find that the area offers plenty of dining options, from Spanish restaurants to international ones.
Try traditional Spanish dishes with a sea view at Restaurante la Cuadra or the tasty burgers at Chacho Fresh Burger.
For a change of pace, Avenida 55 serves tasty Italian food if you’re craving pizza or pasta.
Have some beach time at Punta Papagayo.
The beautiful Playa de Papagayo is one of the most popular and stunning beaches in Lanzarote.
The beach is part of the Los Ajaches National Park and sits below the Punta del Papagayo sea cliff.
Being such a popular spot, you can expect it to get crowded. Nevertheless, it’s worth visiting for the beautiful scenery!
You can easily get to Punta Papagayo from Playa Blanca, either by car or on foot.
By car, you can access the dirt road that leads to the parking spot for a small entry fee (€3 as of 2023).
I went there on foot from Playa Blanca, and highly recommend it. The hike offers wonderful views of the ocean and the gorgeous volcanic landscape!
Take in the sunset at Punta Papagayo or visit the natural pools.
As an added bonus, Punta Papagayo is one of the best sunset spots in Lanzarote.
If you don’t mind driving back to Arrecife in the dark, I recommend staying for the sunset!
Head to Mirador de Papagayo and find a spot to sit and watch the sun sink into the ocean.
If you choose not to stay for sunset, you can also take a small detour on the way to Arrecife and stop by the Piscinas Naturales Charcones.
The natural pools are just a 20-minute drive northwest of Playa Blanca.
You could also work this in between some beach time and the sunset if you don’t mind doing a bit of a detour in order to also visit these special pools!
Day 4 of Your Lanzarote Itinerary: La Graciosa Island
If you have an extra day to spend in Lanzarote, I highly recommend visiting the smaller island of La Graciosa, just off the northern tip of Lanzarote!
To get there, you can catch a ferry from Órzola that takes less than half an hour.
Take in the views at the lovely Mirador del Rio.
Before heading to Órzola to board your ferry to La Graciosa, make a quick stop at Mirador del Rio.
This is another of César Manrique’s works, so you may even have it included in the combined ticket, if you bought one earlier.
The spectacular viewpoint offers sweeping views of Lanzarote’s coastline and the small island of La Graciosa.
Check out the view from the parking lot or enter the café to enjoy a coffee with a gorgeous view!
Walk around the pedestrian-only La Graciosa.
Fortuantely, La Graciosa is a car-free island, which means you can enjoy pure, unspoiled nature.
The island is small and easy to explore on foot, but you can rent bikes to cover more ground. I chose to walk and enjoyed admiring the stunning landscape at a slow pace.
Nevertheless, while you can’t take your car to the island, you can join one of the available Jeep safaris.
You’ll notice immediately that the island is not very populated.
You will get off the ferry in the small town of Caleta de Sebo to notice there aren’t even proper streets, just sand and rocks.
Even the town’s streets are all made of sand!
One place worth checking out on La Graciosa is Casas de Pedro Barba.
This small village in the northern part of the island consists of just a handful of whitewashed houses built around a small bay with delightful little gardens.
You can walk there from Caleta de Sebo in just over an hour. Walk along the coast and return inland or the other way around.
When walking inland, you’ll pass by La Aguja Grande and La Aguja Chica, two volcanic peaks offering panoramic views of the island.
Along the coast, stop by the beautiful beach of Barranco de los Conejos.
If you rent a bike instead of walking, check out the views from the impressive Montaña Bermeja and the marvelous Playa de las Conchas with its white sand and turquoise waters.
After completing the island tour, which can take anywhere from four hours to a full day, catch the ferry back to Lanzarote.
End your trip in Teguise.
Before concluding this Lanzarote itinerary, one last place worth checking out is Teguise.
You can stop by the small town on your way back to Arrecife from Órzola.
Teguise is best known for its Sunday market selling everything from fruits and vegetables to arts and crafts.
If you’re in Lanzarote on a Sunday, you may want to check it out then!
Even if you don’t go to the market, Teguise is worth a visit. The town is one of the oldest on the island and its former capital!
Wander around the charming old town and pay a visit to the curious cemetery with its surreal statues.
Roxana is a Romanian-born freelance travel writer who has lived in Italy for over 15 years. She has a Master’s in Journalism and a Bachelor’s in Film Studies, and she studied at Università degli Studi di Roma Tre. Besides her native Romania, Roxana has lived in Rome, Lisbon, and Berlin, and she has traveled through much of Europe in search of hidden gems, history, and culture.
