Lanzarote is known as “the island of eternal spring.” The weather is very mild on the island, as it only gets 16 days of rain in a year (this means that it’s virtually always a good time to go hiking in Lanzarote!). What it does get, however, is wind: this blows regularly in Lanzarote.
Lanzarote is of volcanic origins (like the rest of the Canary Islands), which means the landscape is quite barren. Famara and Montañas del Fuego, two of the highest “mountains” on the island, are separated by El Jable desert separate. The highest peak is Peñas del Chache, which reaches 670 meters.
Most tourists who visit Lanzarote each year go there to enjoy its beautiful beaches. Papagayo, a series of small coves nestled between lava formations, is the most famous one. Diving is another popular activity on the island, as is surfing, thanks to the excellent waves.
Adding to these are some beautiful small cities and villages, fantastic locally-produced wine, and fabulous nature. Lanzarote is home to the Timanfaya Natural Park, and several volcanoes call to be hiked.
Between the beaches, diving and surfing, villages, and volcanoes, there are many great excursions in Lanzarote. Some hiking trails link the gorgeous beaches to the nice villages (such as the hike from Femés to Papagayo); others, like the one of Caldera Blanca, go to the craters of volcanoes.
This post strictly focuses on hiking in Lanzarote. It mentions the best trails to enjoy nature and views and provides a few tips on how to make the most of the island.
The Best Places To Go Hiking In Lanzarote
Difficult hikes
Camino de los Glacioseros
One of the nicest places to go hiking in Lanzarote is in the area of La Graciosa, on a trail that its inhabitants used to take to walk to Lanzarote and back. It is a 4 km trail one way, and the difficulty depends on whether you walk it downhill or uphill. The first part of the trail, around Yé towards Guinate is along cobbled path, and it zig zags down. The trail then goes along the cliffs of Famara, and the volcanic rocks make it a bit slippery. The views of the coast during the hike are fantastic, and on the trail it is possible to admire several native species of fauna and flora.
Los Ajaches
In the south west of Lanzarote there is Los Ajaches. This is a large volcanic formation in what is thought to be the oldest part of the island. The trail isn’t long (around 6 km) but it is very steep, making it one of the most challenging hikes Lanzarote. The starting point is in Femés. From there, the trail goes along a pathway, a track, pedestrian ways as well as roads.
The vegetation along the hike is beautiful. Wildlife in this part of the island abounds, with species such as the steppe birds, birds of prey and sea birds that live on the coastal cliffs.
Make sure to take water (and food) with you as there’s none along the way.
Guatiza
One of the nicest excursions in Lanzarote is that of Guatiza. It’s not a hard hike, but the trail is rather long. It is a 27.5 km oval trail that goes through Tinguanton and Loz Valles. Going towards Haria, the views from the Mirador are breathtaking. Another places that can be visited along the way is the hermitage of Ermita de las Nieves.
Medium difficulty hikes
Femés to Papagayo
One of the nicest hikes in Lanzarote is the one that goes from Fémes to Papagayo. It offers the very best of the island: mountain views; coast views that span to the Altantic and Fuerteventura; and gorgeous beaches at the end. The starting point is in Fémes, a village where only 200 people live and which is a favorite for its amazing hikes.
There is also longer trail that goes through Los Ajaches and that can be walked in around 4 hours.
El Golfo to Charco de los Clicos
This 10.6 km hike that starts in El Golfo, a small fishing village on the west coast of Lanzarote, makes up for one of the top excursions in Lanzarote as it affords incredible views of the volcanic landscape. The trail actually is on the lava flows and it is quite easy to follow – however, it’s to always stay on the track because there are bubbles in the lava.
The trail reaches Charco de los Clicos, a funky looking lagoon where the Rupia-Maritima algae turned the water bright green. It’s an incredible place, as the background is very dark because of the black volcanic sand.
Haria to El Bosquecillo
The area of Haria and El Bosquecillo is perfect for hiking. The trail that links the two starts in Haria and is 8 km long. It goes to two beautiful viewpoints –the Mirador Montaña Ganda and El Bosquecillo (which is Lanzarote’s only forest). The view of Famara from the Mirador El Bosquecillo is fantastic.
Playa Quemada to Puerto del Carmen
Playa Quemada is the starting point of yet another beautiful hike in Lanzarote. The walk is fairly easy (though it is a 12 km walk there and back), on a trail that follows the cliffs. The trail goes through Puerto Calero, a lovely marina from where there are water taxis to Puerto del Carmen – especially great if you need a break from walking!
Easy hikes
Caldera Blanca
Caldera Blanca is one of the highest peaks on the island and offers some of the best hikes in Lanzarote. The hike goes through a large volcanic area. The walk is on a lava surface which was formed through the 1730 and 1736 eruptions. The overall hike takes 4 hours. The starting point is the church of Our Lady of Sorrows, the saint patron of Lanzarote.
The trail follows a marked pathways, a track and even a tarred road in points. It is an easy walk, suitable for families with children. However, it’s not a very popular trail. There are incredible views of the Montañas del Fuego.
There is no shade or water throughout the hike, so make sure to carry enough water and to wear sunblock!
Cueva de los Verdes
Another lovely area for hiking is that of Cueva de los Verdes, near Haria. The trail is really easy, perfect for families with children. It’s a 2 km trail part of of a 6 km volcanic gallery. The name of the cave takes from its former owners, the Verdes. The cave was formed by an eruption from the nearby Monte Corona, which took place between 3000 and 5000 years ago.
There are guided tours of the cave every day between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm.
La Graciosa
Caleta de Sebo, capital of La Graciosa, can be reached by ferry from Orzola, located in the north of Lanzarote. Once there, there are several gorgeous tropical beaches and walks (as well as people who offer 4X4 rides). It’s one of the nicest excursions in Lanzarote. Mske sure not to miss Playa de las Conchas, the most beautiful beach.
