Canary Islands Hopping - What Other Islands Could You Visit Whilst in Lanzarote?

Fancy exploring beyond Lanzarote? From a quick trip across the sea to Fuerteventura to discovering the lush landscapes of Tenerife, your Lanzarote holiday could be the perfect opportunity to experience more of the Canary Islands. Here's how to do it, how much it might cost and which islands are worth visiting.

One of the best things about holidaying in Lanzarote is that you aren't limited to just one island. The Canary Islands are an archipelago of eight main islands, each with its own personality, scenery, traditions and attractions.

Whether you fancy exploring another island for a day, adding a couple of nights to your holiday or planning a longer island-hopping adventure, there are several options available. Some trips are surprisingly easy. You can even have breakfast in Lanzarote and be exploring another island before lunchtime!

1. FUERTEVENTURA: THE EASIEST ISLAND TO VISIT

If you want to experience another Canary Island without too much planning, Fuerteventura is the obvious place to start. It's the closest neighbouring island to Lanzarote and is ideal for a day trip.

The ferry connects Playa Blanca, in southern Lanzarote, with Corralejo, in northern Fuerteventura. The crossing takes approximately 25–35 minutes, and several operators run regular services.

What can you see and do?
• Corralejo Natural Park: famous for its enormous white sand dunes and turquoise sea.
• El Cotillo: a relaxed coastal village with beautiful beaches and lagoons.
• Corralejo Old Town: perfect for a wander, coffee or leisurely lunch.
• Fuerteventura's beaches are particularly well known for long stretches of sand and watersports.

For a simple day trip, there is plenty to enjoy around Corralejo without travelling too far.

How much does it cost?
As an indicative budget, allow around €40–€65 for a return foot-passenger ferry ticket, with fares varying by operator, date and ticket type. Add transport to Playa Blanca, meals and any excursions or car hire. A simple day trip may work out around €60–€100 per person overall.

How easy is it? Very easy. Take the ferry over in the morning and return later the same day, subject to the timetable. Check routes and fares with Baleària: 

2. LA GRACIOSA: A LITTLE ISLAND WITH A DIFFERENT FEEL

Although La Graciosa is often described as Lanzarote's little sister, it has a distinctive character of its own. Life feels slower here, with sandy streets, whitewashed houses, volcanic hills and beautiful beaches.

Travel to Órzola, at the northern tip of Lanzarote, and catch a ferry to Caleta de Sebo, the main settlement on La Graciosa. The crossing takes approximately 25 minutes. You can buy a return ticket and visit independently.

Once there, wander around the village, eat freshly prepared seafood, rent a bicycle or join a local excursion to explore further afield.

La Graciosa doesn't have conventional roads and a large public transport network. Many routes are sandy or unpaved, so comfortable footwear is a good idea. Take water, sun protection and anything else you might need for a day outdoors.

How much does it cost?
Allow roughly €25–€35 per adult for a return ferry as a starting budget, then add your journey to Órzola, lunch and any bicycle hire or excursion. Confirm current fares before travelling.

How easy is it? Easy, provided you plan your transport to Órzola. It's a lovely day trip for couples, families and nature lovers, although it may be less suitable for visitors with mobility difficulties who want to explore away from the village. For help booking an Excursion read our Article here - 

3. GRAN CANARIA: BEACHES, SHOPPING AND CITY LIFE

Gran Canaria is a brilliant option if you fancy a change of scenery, particularly if you enjoy beaches, shopping, restaurants and lively towns.

You can fly from Lanzarote Airport to Gran Canaria Airport. The flight takes around 45–55 minutes, depending on the service. Inter-island flights are operated by airlines including Binter Canarias and Canaryfly. There is also a ferry connection between Arrecife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, but it is a much longer journey. Flying is generally more practical for a short visit.

Highlights include:
• Maspalomas dunes, one of the island's best-known natural attractions.
• Las Palmas, with shopping, historic streets and Las Canteras beach.
• Puerto de Mogán, a picturesque harbour with restaurants and colourful buildings.
• Mountain scenery and inland villages.

Gran Canaria is larger and more varied than many visitors expect. If you want to explore several areas, consider staying overnight rather than rushing around in a single day.

How much does it cost?
For planning purposes, budget approximately €50–€150 per person for a return flight, depending on dates and availability. Add airport transfers, meals and transport around the island. A day trip or short break can easily cost more depending on your plans.

How easy is it? Fairly easy, especially if you fly. I'd recommend at least two nights if you want to explore beyond the capital or combine the dunes with other attractions. Check routes and fares with Binter Canarias: 

4. TENERIFE: VOLCANOES, WILDLIFE AND SPECTACULAR SCENERY

Tenerife is an excellent choice for visitors who enjoy varied landscapes, nature and attractions. It is home to Mount Teide, Spain's highest mountain, as well as historic towns and dramatic coastlines.

Flying is usually the simplest option from Lanzarote. Direct inter-island flights take roughly 50–60 minutes, depending on the route and airport. Tenerife has two airports, so check whether your flight arrives at Tenerife North or Tenerife South before booking accommodation.

Things to do:
• Visit Teide National Park and its extraordinary volcanic scenery.
• Explore La Laguna, a historic town with beautiful architecture.
• Take a boat trip from the southwest coast to look for whales and dolphins.
• Discover the cliffs of Los Gigantes.
• Enjoy beaches, restaurants and family attractions.

Tenerife offers enough to fill a week, so a short visit works best if you choose one area rather than trying to see everything.

How much does it cost?
Allow around €50–€150 per person for a return flight as a rough planning estimate, plus accommodation if staying overnight, airport transfers, food and excursions. Prices can be higher during school holidays and at short notice.

How easy is it? Straightforward if you fly, but I'd recommend two or three nights at a minimum.

5. LA PALMA: THE GREEN ISLAND

If you love nature, walking and dramatic landscapes, La Palma is worth considering. Known as La Isla Bonita, or the beautiful island, it offers forested mountains, volcanic scenery, traditional towns and wonderful opportunities for stargazing.

Flying is generally the most convenient option, with a direct flight when available or a connection through Tenerife North or Gran Canaria. Flight times vary with the route, and connecting journeys take longer. Ferries are available on selected routes, but check the timetable carefully before planning your trip.

How much does it cost?
As a broad guide, allow around €50–€150 or more per person for return flights, depending on routing and dates. Include accommodation and a hire car or organised excursions if you want to explore the island's natural attractions.

How easy is it? Achievable, but better suited to a longer holiday than a day trip from Lanzarote. Two or three nights will give you a taste of the island; four or more days is better for walking and exploring.

6. LA GOMERA: TRADITIONAL VILLAGES AND BEAUTIFUL FORESTS

La Gomera is a wonderful option for anyone who wants to escape busy resorts and discover a quieter, more traditional side of the Canary Islands. Its winding roads, deep valleys, traditional villages and ancient laurel forests make it particularly appealing to walkers and nature lovers.

The usual approach is to fly from Lanzarote to Tenerife and continue to La Gomera, or travel via Tenerife and take the ferry from Los Cristianos to San Sebastián de La Gomera. The ferry crossing takes around 50 minutes, although you must allow additional time for the connection from Lanzarote.

Garajonay National Park is the main attraction for nature lovers. You can also explore coastal villages, scenic viewpoints and the valley around Valle Gran Rey.

How much does it cost?
Budget for flights or connecting transport, ferry tickets if travelling by sea, and accommodation. A multi-leg journey will usually cost more than visiting Fuerteventura, so compare the complete journey rather than the price of one ticket.

How easy is it? Possible, but not a practical day trip from Lanzarote. Plan at least two or three nights if you want to enjoy it properly.

7. EL HIERRO: FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO GET AWAY FROM IT ALL

El Hierro is the smallest of the main Canary Islands and one of the most peaceful. It is particularly appealing to travellers who enjoy rugged coastlines, volcanic scenery, natural swimming pools and quiet rural landscapes.

You will generally need to fly via Tenerife or another connecting island. There are also ferry services linking El Hierro with Tenerife, but this involves a longer sea crossing.

How much does it cost?
Allow for connecting flights or a combination of flights and ferries, accommodation and transport around the island. Because the journey involves more planning, it's worth staying for several nights.

How easy is it? Possible, but not the simplest addition to a Lanzarote holiday. Save El Hierro for a dedicated island-hopping trip or a longer stay.

AT A GLANCE: WHICH ISLAND SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?

• Fuerteventura — ferry, 25–35 minutes; ideal for a day trip.
• La Graciosa — ferry, around 25 minutes; ideal for a day trip.
• Gran Canaria — flight, around 45–55 minutes; allow 2–4 nights.
• Tenerife — flight, around 50–60 minutes; allow 3–5 nights.
• La Palma — direct flight if available or via another island; allow 3–5 nights.
• La Gomera — flight and/or ferry via Tenerife; allow 2–4 nights.
• El Hierro — usually a flight connection or ferry via Tenerife; allow 3–4 nights.

Journey times are approximate. Suggested stays are recommendations, not minimum requirements. Routes, schedules and prices depend on travel dates and connections.

HOW MUCH DOES ISLAND HOPPING REALLY COST?

Indicative budgets per adult:
• Budget day trip to Fuerteventura: around €60–€100, including return ferry, basic meals and local transport.
• A day on La Graciosa: around €50–€100, including return ferry, transport to Órzola, lunch and a modest allowance for activities.
• A short break in Gran Canaria or Tenerife: around €200–€500+ per person, including return flight, two or three nights' accommodation, food and local transport.

These estimates exclude your original holiday in Lanzarote. Costs can rise considerably during peak dates, with late bookings, car hire or premium accommodation.

IS IT BETTER TO TAKE A FERRY OR FLY?

The answer depends on which island you want to visit.

• Choose the ferry for Fuerteventura and La Graciosa. These are short crossings, and the journey itself can be part of the experience.
• Choose a flight for Tenerife, Gran Canaria and the western islands if you want to save travel time.
• Compare the full cost, including transfers to the airport or port, luggage, accommodation and transport at your destination.
• Check your hire-car agreement. Don't assume your Lanzarote rental car can be taken on an inter-island ferry. Permission and conditions vary by rental company.


CAN YOU VISIT ANOTHER ISLAND WITHOUT CHANGING HOTELS?

Absolutely! This is one of the biggest advantages of staying in Lanzarote.

For Fuerteventura or La Graciosa, you can take an early ferry, enjoy the day and return to your accommodation that evening. You don't need to pack a suitcase, change hotels or organise an extended trip.

For the more distant islands, a day trip may be technically possible on certain flight schedules, but it can leave you with very little time to explore. An overnight stay is usually a better option.

If you are planning to visit several islands during one holiday, consider booking accommodation separately on each island rather than travelling back and forth to Lanzarote. That will give you more time to enjoy each destination.

PRACTICAL TIPS BEFORE YOU BOOK

1. Check the timetable first. Don't book activities until you know your arrival and return times.
2. Book ahead during busy periods. This is especially important if you want to take a vehicle on a ferry.
3. Check baggage rules for flights, including cabin-bag or checked-luggage charges.
4. Allow time for connections. A flight between islands may be short, but airport transfers and waiting time add to the journey.
5. Take identification. Check the travel document requirements that apply to your nationality and booking.
6. Keep an eye on the weather. Sea conditions can affect ferry services, so check for travel updates on the day.
7. Don't try to see everything. Two islands explored properly are often more enjoyable than rushing through four.

SO, IS ISLAND HOPPING FROM LANZAROTE WORTH IT?

Definitely! If you've visited Lanzarote before, or simply have a little extra time during your holiday, exploring a neighbouring island can give you a completely different perspective on the Canary Islands.

For the easiest and most affordable adventure, start with Fuerteventura. For something quieter and more unusual, head to La Graciosa. If you have several days to spare, Tenerife and Gran Canaria offer a much broader change of scenery, while La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro reward travellers who enjoy nature and slower-paced adventures.

The beauty of the Canary Islands is that each one has its own character. Lanzarote's volcanic landscapes and César Manrique heritage are special, but there is so much more to discover beyond its shores.

You could arrive in Lanzarote for a week in the sun and leave having discovered two islands instead of one. And that might just be the start of your next Canary Islands adventure.