Discovering Las Grietas in Lanzarote

You’ve probably already come across videos of this spot on social media. And if not, trust me, Las Grietas in Lanzarote is worth the detour. To me, it’s one of the most beautiful places to see in Lanzarote. What I especially loved about this spot is how immersive it is. You can stroll right inside the grietas, volcanic fissures at the foot of Montaña Blanca.

What struck me most was being inside the cracks, surrounded by volcanic walls whose colors shift with the light. It feels like a movie set or the desert canyons in the American West. You get the idea! And it’s pretty incredible to think these fissures were carved by volcanic eruptions. Even though it’s super immersive, you don’t need to be a hardcore hiker to visit. It’s a bit slippery inside the cracks, but totally manageable. Closed-toe shoes are enough.

Plus, since there are several fissures of varying lengths, you can pick the ones you want to explore. Some have almost no one in them. Even around noon, I didn’t feel crowded, even though it’s a popular, well-known spot. And with bright sunshine, it was perfect for shadow play, cliff colors, shapes, and capturing it all in photos.

Another amazing spot to discover is Timanfaya National Park!

As you’ve gathered, Las Grietas is far from overrated: I suggest giving it a little time during your trip. You won’t regret it! Personally, Las Grietas is one of my favorites in Lanzarote. Since it’s a must-see, here’s everything you need to know so you can make the most of it.

As I mentioned, Las Grietas, which means “cracks” in Spanish, is a unique place near the village of Tías. These fissures formed from ancient volcanic eruptions in Lanzarote (thousands of years ago). In short, lava cooled and solidified, creating crevices in the rock along the slopes of Montaña Blanca. What’s impressive is how continuous and precise their shapes are.

They look like sculptures placed in the wild because they’re so well formed. But no, this is nature’s handiwork. Today, the fissures form several labyrinths, almost side by side. Depending on the light, you can admire the contrast between golden tones in the sun and gray in the shade, with the blue sky above. A true spectacle for the eyes—especially on a clear day.

Las Grietas was part of my first day in Lanzarote. I absolutely wanted to go while the sun was out. Luckily, timing worked out—it was the sunniest day of my week. Getting there was straightforward; the roads are well paved. On site, the parking area is rocky and uneven, but honestly far from the worst in Lanzarote. When I arrived, there were a few cars, but I expected more.

We were the first of the new arrivals to head off looking for Las Grietas, while others were coming down. We weren’t sure whether to climb or go lower along the mountainside, knowing everyone arriving behind would likely follow us. We didn’t want to lead people the wrong way. Since we didn’t know the place, we decided to climb a bit.

You only need to go up a little—don’t keep climbing higher—because I saw quite a few people mistakenly going well above the fissures. In my case, it was easier since I saw people coming out of the cracks. Very quickly, on our left and slightly below, we found the first fissure. We decided to drop down into it. Since everything is raw and unmaintained, getting in takes a bit of effort. Be careful. But once inside, the first wow moments start. Because the entrance is a bit tricky, we had it to ourselves, which was so nice. You can study the walls up close and in detail—and take your photos in peace (always a plus, haha).

That first fissure was quite short, so we climbed back out and continued along the dirt paths to explore the next ones. We then found longer, taller, and more impressive cracks. Entrances are easier, but the ground is still a bit slippery (nothing dramatic). I have to admit I was even more amazed there. The golden sun hits the walls, creating a gradient of gold, beige, light gray, dark gray, and more. It’s gorgeous!

And you feel so small inside. Some walls are over 10 meters high! In places, the cracks are narrow and then open up wider. That’s part of the magic—you feel like you’re in a maze and want to see what’s next. You quickly get into it. We also took time to observe the different textures and layers of rock (lava). If you look closely, you can even spot the different lava flows stacked over time (with each eruption).

What really stood out for me is that nothing is developed or marked: it’s a raw, wild landscape. No signs, no barriers, no shops—nothing. Just volcanic fissures at the foot of Montaña Blanca. You wander through this natural set, weaving your way through the cracks. I was also lucky to enjoy it with almost no tourists around. I imagine that’s not the case at midday in peak season. I got to soak up the calm, the silence, the shadows, and the bright light. Of course, the sun was strong at that hour. I think I stayed about an hour, exploring several of the volcanic crevices.

We climbed up and down several of them. I’d say it’s easier to take the dirt path from the start and then drop down into the crevices. Climbing up through Las Grietas is a bit more cardio when it’s hot, but it’s less slippery. It’s really up to you. And if, like me, you want to explore a few from the inside, you’ll end up going both ways. In any case, take time to look around and snap some great photos. It’s an incredibly photogenic spot from every angle. I imagine sunset must be stunning too—adding pink to the palette of golden, beige, and gray.

By now you’ve probably felt how much I fell for this place. No exaggeration—it’s one of my favorite spots on the island. I had seen photos and videos before, but seeing Las Grietas in person was even more special. Lanzarote has quite a few raw areas, but many are protected, so it’s hard to wander freely and get this close to natural wonders. And even though this site has become popular with travelers, it’s still off the beaten path. You don’t expect to find this kind of gem in Lanzarote, where you usually see more purple, red, and black rocks than sunlit golden ones.

I hope you enjoyed my experience at Las Grietas. Now, here are the practical details to make your visit easier so you can enjoy it to the fullest.

Good news: it’s a very accessible natural site. Here are your options for getting there:

• By car: it’s simply the easiest and fastest way. I found my rental car through Discover Cars. Super simple, and I got great deals. As for Las Grietas, they’re on the LZ-35 road between Tías and San Bartolomé, on Montaña Blanca. Once there, you can park in the unpaved roadside lot. From there, a faint but visible unmarked dirt path leads toward the mountain. After a short five-minute walk, you’ll already see the first volcanic fissures. For orientation and travel times, the crevices are 10–15 minutes from Puerto del Carmen, 20 minutes from the capital Arrecife and the airport, and 40 minutes from Playa Blanca.

• By bus: if you haven’t rented a car, take bus lines 60 or 161 from Arrecife. They’ll take you to the village of Tías. The ride is about 25 minutes, with frequent departures. Once in Tías, you can continue on foot or take a taxi. If you’re up for it, it’s roughly a 40-minute walk. Doable, but it depends on the time of day and how strong the sun is. A taxi isn’t very expensive either—usually between €5 and €15 to reach Las Grietas.
• By taxi: if you want a comfortable ride, grab a taxi from your accommodation. If you’re in Puerto del Carmen or Arrecife and traveling with others, it won’t cost much per person. You’ll be dropped right at Montaña Blanca and its volcanic fissures.
  Once there, it’s only a five-minute walk to enter the natural labyrinths!

You can visit Las Grietas year-round, since Lanzarote’s climate is generally mild and dry. It’s best to avoid peak season in July and August when it’s very hot and the site attracts many travelers. September isn’t ideal either, as it’s still very hot inside the crevices. Beyond months of the year, the time of day matters most.

Ideally, go early in the morning or late afternoon. In the morning, the light is softer, it’s cooler, and there are far fewer people. You’ll be able to move through the fissures at your own pace, without waiting for others to exit so you can enter—something that often happens when it’s crowded.

In late afternoon, just imagine the light play on the volcanic walls. It’s the perfect time to capture your best shots!

I visited around midday. It’s not the best idea by default, as it gets very hot inside the fissures. Air doesn’t circulate well and there’s little shade. I can confirm it was quite warm, but since it was late September and I was caught up in the excitement, it didn’t bother me. The sun was out, so I could really enjoy the golden and ocher tones of the rock.

Rest assured, Las Grietas isn’t dangerous in itself. But like any undeveloped natural site without barriers or warning signs, you should take basic care. Personally, I think that’s part of its charm—this unique volcanic setting in its raw state. For example, some fissures are narrow and tall, and wind can cause bits of rock to crumble. Some walls are sharp, so you could scratch yourself if you brush against them. And because the ground is slippery, that’s possible too.

None of this keeps you from enjoying the place as you should. When I was there, there wasn’t a breath of wind, and I just watched my footing as I went (that’s all it takes). And most importantly, wear good shoes: you’ll enjoy it more and be more comfortable. I insist on this because I saw people in flip-flops. Not ideal on a slick surface with heat, sand, and small stones that can get quite hot.

For your info, in 2024 there were rockfalls at the site, and it was closed for a while for safety. It’s all good now. It just shows that it’s a place to respect, and nature evolves.

One last tip: if it’s very windy the day you plan to go, I recommend postponing. When the wind picks up, dust and small pebbles can be annoying inside the fissures.

If you prefer natural sites that are a bit more controlled, here are some great alternatives in Lanzarote:

• Volcán del Cuervo: I visited it on a guided hike in Los Volcanes Park. It’s impressive because you can go inside the volcano’s crater—something you don’t get to do every day. I didn’t expect it at all. Picture a mountain with vegetation and cliffs. Access is secure and the paths are designed so you can stroll around the crater.
• La Geria: this is the famous wine-growing valley. The landscapes are covered with fields of black cones. Each cone forms a little crater with a vine and a stone wall to protect it. These are unique, iconic Lanzarote views.
• And on the southwest coast, don’t miss Los Hervideros and Charco Verde. They’re two must-sees just five minutes apart by car. Charco Verde is the famous green lake formed in an old volcanic crater—truly exceptional to see. The little path to the viewpoint is very short and easy.

As you can see, beyond Las Grietas, volcanic eruptions have really shaped Lanzarote. There’s a reason it’s called the Island of Volcanoes! Some spots are developed and secure while still natural, and others are left raw.

Since Las Grietas is in the east-central part of Lanzarote, between Tías and San Bartolomé, it’s a great base for exploring the island. To be closest to Las Grietas, I recommend the village of Tías. It’s elevated and offers beautiful views over different parts of the island. It’s also a local, authentic village where you’ll find various types of accommodation: apartments, vacation homes, and guesthouses. In other words, plenty of options.

If you prefer a livelier seaside stay, Puerto del Carmen is only about 15 minutes from Las Grietas. It’s a beach resort with nice hotels overlooking the ocean, as well as apartments for tighter budgets. You’ll be close to everything: restaurants, shops, activities, and beaches.

For a more local vibe, check out the villages of Güime and San Bartolomé. No big hotels here—think fincas (country houses) and small family-run hotels. The setting is wonderfully different!

Otherwise, take a look at the map below to browse available places to stay nearby.

Our visit to Las Grietas in Lanzarote ends here. I hope I answered all your questions about these stunning volcanic fissures.

If you want to enjoy even more volcanic scenery, I recommend several hiking routes in Lanzarote in a dedicated article. And if you’re in the mood for a swim or just want to discover the best beaches in Lanzarote, we’ve got a full guide for that too.

See you soon for more on Lanzarote,

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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