The best hikes in Lanzarote

I’m keeping the momentum going with a new article about the island of Lanzarote. This time, I decided to tell you about the best hikes in Lanzarote. Between all these volcanic and desert landscapes, there’s plenty to explore! Some travelers even visit the island on multi-day treks. That must be an amazing experience to have. As for me, I did a guided hike in the heart of the Los Volcanes Natural Park. I also had the chance to do a few others, which I’ll tell you about throughout this article.

In my eyes, doing one or more hikes is one of the must-dos in Lanzarote. That’s why I made a whole article about it! Personally, I really enjoyed walking through lunar scenery—between lava fields, volcanoes, and even vines in La Geria. What’s crazy is that by walking a little, you can already move through a nice variety of landscapes. In any case, that’s the feeling I had during my hikes. While the trails have very little elevation gain, they’re not necessarily easy. Okay, maybe I’m exaggerating a bit here. But what I mean is that they’re very sandy, with rocks of various sizes. That’s what makes your calves burn at the end! Not to mention the lack of shade—or rather the fact that you’re exposed to the sun all the time. There are almost no trees in Lanzarote. So it’s better to set off well equipped and prepared.

Anyway, the goal of this article is to help you discover different hikes to explore. You’ll see—even if the island isn’t huge, there’s plenty to cover! I’ll let you discover it all.

To start this hike: head toward Los Volcanes Natural Park, right on the edge of Timanfaya Park. I want to stress this point, because hiking on your own within Timanfaya is forbidden: it’s a protected area. Getting back to Caldera Blanca, the drive alone immerses you in the scenery. You cross the black lava fields.

The starting point of the hike is a small dirt parking lot accessible from Mancha Blanca. Once you set off, you’ll see the trail is well marked. But, as I mentioned, the ground is still covered with small volcanic stones and black sand. The effort is quickly compensated by the scenery! You gradually climb onto the crater of Caldera Blanca. It’s about 1.2 km in diameter and tops out at just over 400 meters above sea level (we’re far from a high peak, haha). What’s magical is that, on one side, you see the Fire Mountains of Timanfaya, and on the other, the lava fields stretching to the Atlantic.

For this full hike, plan about 2h30 round trip with around 300 meters of elevation gain. But, of course, it all depends on your pace.

The previous hike already set the bar high. This one is a must. Let me explain: Volcán del Cuervo is the only crater you can enter. For me, it was a stop on my guided hike. Otherwise, there’s a parking lot nearby so you can access it, and it’s open to the public. When the guide on my hike told us we were going to enter a crater, I was really excited! It was a first for me. It’s not every day you get the chance to discover that.

Once inside, I quickly realized it’s like a mountain with plenty of vegetation. That’s exactly what’s incredible: the contrast between the black of the crater, its ocher cliffs, and the vegetation inside. It’s like stepping into another world. There’s more life in the crater than outside. Even crows come to build their nests in the crater, since there are almost no trees in Lanzarote. Those same crows gave the volcano its name. In any case, I can assure you that Volcán del Cuervo is worth the detour. It’s just magnificent—both outside and inside. Plus, if you park in the lot next door, you’ll be going more for a walk than a hike (as long as you have good shoes). You can even come with children. So make the most of it!

I was a bit disappointed because the day I had planned this hike, the weather conditions weren’t right at all. Wind and even fog: I had to adapt and change my schedule. It’s a shame—I would have loved to do it! To set the scene, it’s a trail that’s both spectacular and quite steep and vertiginous. It links the Mirador del Río to Playa del Risco.

To share a bit of history I find interesting, back in the day this path was used by the inhabitants of La Graciosa (the Gracioseros) who came by boat to the beach to fetch water and sell fish in Lanzarote. Needless to say, they didn’t have it easy… That’s where the trail’s name comes from! Even though the path is well marked, you’ll find the usual Lanzarote pebbles. You just need to be a bit careful on the descent and plan on good shoes (flip-flops or simple sneakers not recommended, haha). In my opinion, you’ll quickly forget the rocks thanks to the magnificent scenery around you—between the turquoise water, the shores of La Graciosa in the distance, and the ocher cliffs. Once you arrive, the reward is worth it! You’ll be on Playa del Risco: an isolated, even deserted beach! However, even if it’s tempting, avoid swimming there: the currents are very strong.

To plan your hike, allow about 2 hours round trip and a bit more depending on how long you stay on the beach. Also, it’s not recommended to do this hike if it’s windy and foggy, as it gets quite slippery. Just a quick weather check beforehand, hoping you’ll have better luck than I did!

Montaña Roja, “red mountain” in French, is a volcano you can see from afar, since it’s reddish and dominates the south of the island. If you pass through Playa Blanca, you’re almost bound to notice it! Even more so if you’re staying there. Honestly, it’s one of the easiest hikes on the whole island. You’ll set off directly from Playa Blanca, at the end of Avenida de Papagayo. Here, the trail begins and leads up to the rim of the crater. Naturally, there’s sand on the path and it’s a bit slippery. But it goes quickly: between 30 and 45 minutes depending on your pace.

Once up there, I’ll let you imagine the spectacle: the volcano’s crater and the panoramic views over Playa Blanca, and even over Fuerteventura (if the weather’s good). As for me, I got close to Montaña Roja during my guided quad outing in Lanzarote. Of course, I didn’t ride up it by quad, but I wandered around it.

Still in the north of Lanzarote, near the village of Haría, you can discover Volcán de la Corona and the Malpaís de la Corona. It’s ideal if you want to get off the beaten path with this lesser-known and less-traveled hike.

To tell you a bit more about the place, Volcán de la Corona is one of the oldest on the whole island. Its formation dates back about 20,000 years (it’s not exactly young!). It was the eruption that created the Malpaís de la Corona, a vast lava field that stretches to the Cueva de los Verdes and the Jameos del Agua (two works intertwined with nature by César Manrique). For the hike, you take a rocky path that leads to the slopes of the volcano. It’s a bit steep, but quite doable! You’ll reach the summit to enjoy an absolutely incredible view.

Roughly speaking, plan about 3 hours round trip with around 300 meters of elevation gain. Even though it climbs in places, I’d say it remains a medium-level hike.

I’ve already mentioned the wine valley of La Geria a bit. Even if it’s an area better known for its bodegas and wine tastings, it’s also a good option for hiking. It was even the last stage of my guided hike in Los Volcanes Park. Walking here means strolling in the middle of neatly structured and organized black lava fields: it’s a change from the rocky expanses. Here, you see thousands of small craters surrounded by stone walls, with a vine in the middle of each one. It’s a unique sight!

As a starting point, there’s La Asomada or Uga, then you climb toward Montaña Guardilama, an ancient volcano that dominates the landscapes of this area. By the way, the summit reaches about 600 meters above sea level. It’s even one of the highest points on the whole island, with the views to match! If you want a quieter alternative, there’s Montaña Tinasoria right next door. It’s slightly lower, but just as beautiful!

On the practical side, plan between 2 and 3 hours depending on your pace, with an elevation gain of around 300 meters. It’s an accessible trail, with a few trickier spots but totally manageable.

We’ve reached one of my favorite places in Lanzarote: the Los Ajaches Natural Park. If you’re motivated, you can go on foot from Playa Quemada, which is in a small village next to the park. Heads up: it’ll take you between 3 and 3.5 hours of walking just to reach Playa de Papagayo. You can always take a 4×4 taxi for the return. But I really think it’s a hike worth doing. You move between wild landscapes, cliffs, and, in the background, the ocean.

In itself, the path isn’t difficult. You just need to know that there are narrow sections and that it goes up and down regularly. In my opinion, the hardest part is the heat, because there isn’t a single spot of shade. It’s more than compensated by the views that unfold along the coast. Before reaching Playa de Papagayo, I’d advise making little swimming stops at Caleta del Congrio or at Playa de la Arena. For my part, I loved the natural park: it’s well preserved and I wandered among the coves, without real developed trails. It feels like being in the middle of the desert, in a movie set! And even if there are lots of people at Playa de Papagayo, just by going to the other coves you can enjoy more of the wild vibe. I even preferred Playa de Mujeres to settle down.

For more discoveries, feel free to check out our guide to the best beaches in Lanzarote.

Since the previous hike in the Ajaches Natural Park can be a bit long, I’m also suggesting a shorter option. With this option, you’ll be more in the park’s massifs, without going all the way to Papagayo. But it’s still very pretty! The departure is from the village of Femés, located over 400 meters above sea level, in the heart of the natural park. The view from the village already sets the tone: it offers a panorama of the massifs, the lava fields, and even Fuerteventura in the distance. You will then descend through the ocher hills.

The advantage of this route is that in a short time you go from the mountains to the ocean, with superb views of the coast all the way to Playa Quemada. Since it’s a small fishing village, I recommend eating fresh fish there. After the effort, the comfort! In summary, allow between 2 and 2.5 hours of walking, with a modest elevation gain of around 400 meters. So it remains very accessible!

Another superb hike not to be missed! And good news: it’s fairly short while offering one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Lanzarote. Here, you walk right alongside the Risco de Famara. It’s a huge cliff that dominates the coast. I can tell you that you feel tiny next to it!

The starting point is next to the small chapel of the Ermita de las Nieves, over 600 meters above sea level. Just from the parking lot, the panorama is magnificent: you overlook the entire Famara beach, with La Graciosa in the distance. The trail continues along the Risco. However, it’s better not to be afraid of heights! In any case, the setting is isolated: all you have to do is enjoy. If the weather’s good, you can even spot the whole Chinijo archipelago: La Graciosa, Montaña Clara, and Alegranza.

As for duration, simply allow between 1.5 and 2 hours round trip, bearing in mind that the trail is rather flat!

To end this top 10 on a high note, here’s the hike in the Timanfaya National Park. Unlike the other trails, this hike must be done with an official park guide, since it’s in a protected area. Needless to say, places are very limited! It’s done in small groups of ten people maximum, plus the guide.

It’s often said that the Ruta de Tremesana is a journey back in time, since you walk in the footsteps of eruptions that lasted nearly six years in the 18th century. The ground is pitch black, surrounded by lunar forms and scenery. With the guide’s explanations, the experience becomes even more immersive and enriching. As when I was in Los Volcanes Park, you can see life gradually returning on the lava: lichens, plants, and even a bit of moss.

On the practical side, the hikes are mainly in Spanish and English, but there are a few in French. If you plan ahead, you’ll have the chance to do this hike (and for free, too)! If that sounds good, just plan about 3 hours of walking and good shoes. For the rest, let yourself be guided, knowing that the trail is flat and easy!

Now that we’ve covered the main hikes in Lanzarote, we’re not going to stop there! Let’s continue with trails that are just as beautiful to explore!

Originally, I had planned to walk from Playa Blanca to Punta de Papagayo. But since I’d already had a busy morning, I preferred to go by car while walking between the coves and on the hills. It was the best compromise for me at that moment. But if you’re in shape and motivated, the route is perfectly doable as a hike. The great thing is that you’ll follow the coast to admire magnificent scenery: golden cliffs, turquoise water, and desert. In my opinion, you’ll stop often to take photos.

You’ll still need between 3.5 and 4.5 hours just for the outward journey. For the return, you can always take a 4×4 taxi. You can also make it a full day, taking picnic and swim breaks on the beaches of the Los Ajaches Park.

If you’ve already read one or more of my articles on Lanzarote, you probably know that I stayed in the village of El Golfo. It’s a quiet village where you’ll find the famous Charco Verde (the famous green lake). I’m mentioning this place because the lookout’s parking lot is the starting point of this hike. From there, you take a coastal path heading south. You’ll quickly come across Playa del Paso, a rather wild black-sand beach. You can actually see it from the Charco Verde viewpoint.

Right after the beach, the path continues toward Montaña Quemada, an ancient volcanic cone. There, you’ll be right in the middle of the old lava flows. From up there, you’ll enjoy a superb view of El Golfo, the cliffs and, in the distance, the Fire Mountains of Timanfaya. If you’re up for it, allow about 2h30 of walking round trip. It’s up to you!

In my eyes, this is the hike that stands out the most compared to the others. The Haría area is greener than the rest of the island. It’s even nicknamed “the valley of a thousand palm trees.” We start this hike from the village of Haría, then join the path that leads to the Mirador de la Montaña Ganada. You’ll see the trail is quite simple, even if it ends with a good climb. As you walk, you gain height over the valley and its palm trees. So, at the top, the reward is just superb: a panoramic view over the entire north of Lanzarote. And if you’re lucky, you’ll even spot La Graciosa.

To discover this unique spot, which contrasts with the rest of the island, allow about 2h30 round trip. So, are you in?

At Marina Lanzarote, the restaurants are more expensive and more modern, but you also eat very well. The setting is more refined, with a beautiful panorama over the harbor. I’d say it’s better to have dinner there in the evening to enjoy the sunset as a backdrop.

In a few words, I’m not worried about finding food in Arrecife. Unlike the small villages of Yaiza and Orzola, you’ll have plenty of choices to treat yourself!

If you like walking, but not too much, the Montaña Colorada hike is very easy. It’s in the Los Volcanes Natural Park, very close to Volcán del Cuervo and Montaña Negra. I spotted it during my guided hike. It’s true that it’s magnificent: a blend of red, ocher, brown, and black. What’s more, the shades change depending on the light of day. That’s why it’s called the colored mountain. The trail is pleasant, flat, and well marked. I’m tempted to say: what more could you ask for?

As I walked nearby, I saw its shades change a little. I think I took at least twenty photos of it, haha. To get started, you’ll simply need between 1h30 and 2h, with good shoes, all the same!

Well, we’ve reached the end of this article on the best hikes in Lanzarote. This way, you can select the ones that interest you most and include them in your itinerary for Lanzarote. Doing them all requires quite a bit of time on site. But if you’re up for it, why not?

If Lanzarote is a great playground, just imagine all the hikes to do in Tenerife. The landscapes are more diverse, but with more elevation gain and altitude. There’s something for all levels!

See you soon for new guides on the Canaries!

Written by Laura CALLES

Thanks to Mélanie and Sylvain, I had the chance to discover the Canary Islands, specifically Tenerife and Lanzarote, so that I could share these island paradises with you. Two real favorites of mine!

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