Quad Tour in Lanzarote: Our Experience and Review

Here I am again with another must-do activity: a quad tour in Lanzarote. If you love adventure, there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy this outing! We tackled some seriously rocky and sandy trails, and it was definitely a bumpy ride. But that’s all part of the experience—and part of the thrill. It’s also a great way to immerse yourself in the island’s volcanic landscapes and discover Lanzarote from a completely different perspective, far from the paved roads. Between the lava fields, the rugged ocean, and the mountain views, you feel as though you’ve ended up in the middle of nowhere, which adds even more adrenaline to the experience.

Although my tour lasted just over an hour and left from Playa Blanca, we crossed several different landscapes, from lava fields and the ocean to distant views of Fuerteventura’s coastline. Most importantly, I had a lot of fun—it was such a good time! With so many wild landscapes across Lanzarote, a quad tour is a great way to get off the beaten path. To explore more of the island’s scenery, take a look at our guide to the best hikes in Lanzarote. If you enjoy walking, you’ll find plenty of ideas there. There isn’t much elevation gain on the island either, so most hikes are fairly accessible. The main challenge is the lack of shade… Before we get into the details, I also recommend checking out our article on what to do in Lanzarote, where you’ll find all our favorite places and the island’s must-see attractions!

After spending a full day at Timanfaya National Park, we headed to Playa Blanca at around 5 p.m. and went straight to the operator’s office, Rent a Quad Lanzarote. We couldn’t wait to get started and head off on our adventure. First, though, we had to be a little patient while we filled out the paperwork, including our driver’s license number and a few other details. Make sure you bring your license, as it’s mandatory. Don’t worry—it only takes five to ten minutes. We then put on our helmets and visors before heading over to the quads.

Our instructor quickly explained how the quad worked and outlined the route we would be taking. One of the best things was how small our group was: just four people, plus our guide. He drove ahead of us in a 4×4 to show us the way, which was especially useful at the beginning because we started out on a main road with regular traffic. We rode through Playa Blanca first, which made for a pleasant and gentle introduction.

We reached Montaña Roja after about fifteen minutes, I’d say. The quad had clearly seen plenty of action, but we felt comfortable and confident on it. From the red mountain, we turned onto a trail covered in rocks—and not small ones. Suddenly, it felt as though the difficulty level had jumped without warning, haha! The ride became much more exciting right away. Best of all, we were traveling through black lava fields. Honestly, seeing them from the road is nothing like riding right through them; you appreciate the landscape so much more. Since we were at the southern tip of the island, we could also see Fuerteventura in the distance.

That’s where our guide suggested stopping. We got off the quads and walked a short distance to the rocky shoreline overlooking the Atlantic. I thought the ocean looked rough, but our guide told us that waves there usually reach eight to nine meters. Needless to say, this is not somewhere you should swim. A little farther along, there were no waves at all, but swimming was still prohibited because the currents are extremely dangerous. Below us were natural pools sheltered by the rocks. You can swim there, although you still need to be careful. We also spotted the famous black crabs with reddish markings. They blend in surprisingly well, so look closely. And once you see one, scan the surrounding rocks carefully—they’re rarely alone!

We then got back on the trail through the lava fields around Montaña Roja. The route became increasingly challenging, and the sharp rocks gave us very little respite. Still, the excitement never let up! There was even one short section that was tougher than the rest, although it remained perfectly manageable. We eventually headed back toward Playa Blanca and returned to the paved road. At that point, we could tell the tour was almost over… We would happily have kept going; it had gone by far too quickly! That’s a good sign, too: we completely switched off and lost track of time. The tour is also available in two- and three-hour versions, and I recommend choosing one of those if you enjoy thrills and riding quads. If you only want a short ride, the 1-hour-15-minute option will suit you just fine. It really comes down to what you’re looking for!

Honestly, this tour gets my full approval! I wanted to set off on an adventure and discover Lanzarote in a different way. What I especially loved was the variety of landscapes we saw in such a short time. In just over an hour, we traveled from the resort town of Playa Blanca to the lava fields around Montaña Roja, then headed closer to the ocean for panoramic views of Fuerteventura. The contrast between the deep blue ocean and the black lava was simply striking.

Riding through this scenery was so much fun! Our guide was also very friendly and explained everything clearly without overdoing it. Because our group was so small, we could travel at our own pace without constantly having to wait. It almost felt like a private tour. As for the thrills—which are probably one of the main reasons you book a quad tour—the balance felt just right: neither too intense nor too tame. There were certainly some bumpy, more technical sections, but they were manageable. You get used to the quad very quickly; the farther you ride, the more fun you have and the more confident you become.

As you’ve probably gathered, this is definitely an activity I recommend in Lanzarote. My only complaint is that I wish it had lasted longer, haha! I’d suggest booking a two- or three-hour tour so you have plenty of time to enjoy the experience. One small detail: my guide didn’t speak French, only Spanish and English. Since we were with Spanish travelers, that wasn’t a problem for me.

For a little more background, Rent a Quad Lanzarote is the company I booked my tour with. Based in Playa Blanca, the team was welcoming and professional. Before setting off, they took the time to explain the route and make sure everyone felt comfortable. Another advantage is that their tours are well organized and available in several lengths: one, two, or three hours. The groups are also small, which makes the experience much more enjoyable—it almost feels like a private tour—and the price is more than fair. Of course, because the company is based in Playa Blanca, its tours mainly focus on the south of the island. Based on my experience, though, it was a very enjoyable outing.

You can go quad biking in Lanzarote almost all year round. Personally, I think the period from October to May is the most pleasant: temperatures are milder, and there is generally less dust. Summer is possible too, but try to head out early in the morning or later in the day—otherwise, you’ll roast! I went at the end of September and the conditions were completely fine. It was simply warmer, and the trade winds were kicking up quite a bit of dust. At that time of year, a morning or late-afternoon tour is the better choice. Mine started at 5 p.m., and the temperature was perfect.

As far as the weather is concerned, strong winds or a calima—a haze of Saharan dust that can turn the sky gray—may prevent a tour from going ahead. It’s easy to forget that Lanzarote lies only around 120 km from the African coast. One last tip: bring a bandana, sunglasses, and a long-sleeved shirt. You’ll be more comfortable and better protected from the sun. Between the wind and the sunshine, the exposure can be stronger than you realize.

In short, you can go quad biking in Lanzarote year-round, although the period from October to May is generally more comfortable. To help plan your trip, feel free to read our article on when to go to Lanzarote.

As always, cost is an important question. Prices vary depending on the operator and the length of the tour, but overall, they remain fairly reasonable.
To give you an idea:

• A short tour lasting one to one and a half hours generally costs between €50 and €80 per person. Mine was even cheaper: it cost €55 for two people sharing the same quad. Some operators price their tours by quad rather than by person.
• A two- to three-hour tour costs a little more, usually between €90 and €130.
• For a longer experience lasting half a day or more, prices are generally around €150 to €180.

Equipment is usually included, although exactly what is provided may vary slightly from one operator to another. Sharing a quad between two people also tends to cost much less than booking one quad per person. Since tours include stops, you can often switch drivers along the way. That’s a useful way to save a little money on the experience!

I’ve touched on this already, but the ideal length really depends on the kind of experience you want. In Lanzarote, options range from introductory rides to longer adventures, all set against volcanic scenery. Either way, it’s a complete change of pace.

More specifically, you’ll generally find the following options:

• Short tours (1–1.5 hours): a good choice if you’re short on time but still want to try riding a quad. For me, it was a fun outing with a few thrills as we crossed lava fields and rocky trails.
• Two- to three-hour tours: this is the length many travelers choose. It gives you time to cross several different landscapes, from coastal roads to more volcanic areas. In my opinion, it offers a good balance between adventure and a relaxed pace.
• Long quad tours (4 hours or more): these feel more like a full expedition. Depending on the operator and the routes legally available at the time, they may cover a larger part of southern Lanzarote.

If you’ve never ridden a quad before, I suggest choosing a tour of between one and three hours. That will give you a good introduction without overdoing it. Keep in mind that the ride can be very bumpy and some tracks require a reasonable level of control, so it can become tiring if it’s your first time.

As you might expect, the basic requirements for quad biking in Lanzarote are fairly straightforward. It isn’t an extreme activity, although some trails can be challenging, with a mix of rocks and sand—and I say that with a little experience, haha!
There’s nothing complicated: drivers generally need to be at least 18 and hold a valid category B driver’s license. Make sure you bring the physical license, as operators will check it. Minimum passenger ages vary by company and tour, so check the operator’s current conditions before booking.

Once you meet the requirements, you can book your quad tour. It’s best to reserve well in advance, especially during high season, as availability can disappear quickly.

Honestly, quad biking can be a fun way to discover Lanzarote from a different perspective. However, access rules have become increasingly strict, and organized quad or buggy excursions are not permitted on rural land or in protected areas unless the route is specifically authorized. This makes it essential to book with a reputable operator that follows current local regulations rather than setting off independently on unverified tracks.

Timanfaya National Park is highly protected, and you cannot ride a quad through the park. Restrictions also apply more broadly to rural tracks and protected landscapes across the island. A licensed local operator should be able to explain exactly which roads and routes are currently legal and help you avoid environmental damage or possible fines. Personally, I appreciated having a guide so I could focus on the scenery while driving.

Rent a Quad Lanzarote is the operator I used and can speak about from personal experience. Other companies and tour names can change, so check that any operator is currently active, properly insured, and using authorized routes before booking:

• Buggy Experience Lanzarote (Puerto del Carmen): check its current routes, vehicle type, and operating status directly before booking.
• Lanzarote Quad Adventures (Yaiza): confirm that the company is currently operating and that its itineraries comply with the latest access restrictions.
• Adventure Lanzarote (Playa Blanca): verify the exact route before booking, as quad and buggy excursions are not allowed inside protected areas such as Los Ajaches without specific authorization. If you’re also planning to rent a car, I used Discover Cars and found some good deals.
• Teguise Quads: check the operator’s current status and permitted routes, particularly because local restrictions in and around Teguise may affect access to rural tracks.

There are several quad and buggy providers in Lanzarote, but routes and regulations can change. Choose a licensed operator based on where you’re staying, the landscapes you hope to see, and—most importantly—whether the proposed itinerary is currently authorized.

1. Volcanoes and vineyards (Yaiza–La Geria)

The landscapes between Yaiza and La Geria are remarkable, with volcanic terrain and the area’s famous vineyards. Each vine is planted in a hollow roughly three meters across and sheltered by a low stone wall. However, do not assume that rural tracks are open to organized quad tours: only follow routes that a licensed operator confirms are currently authorized.

2. Wild west coast (Yaiza–El Golfo–Janubio)

There’s a reason I call this the wild coast. Here, you’re surrounded by a rough ocean, black cliffs, and lava fields. It has become one of my favorite parts of Lanzarote. At golden hour or sunset, it’s even more beautiful and especially photogenic—although it’s worth putting the camera down and simply enjoying the moment too. Any quad itinerary in this area must stay on roads or routes that are legally open to the activity. 3. Authentic north (Teguise–Guatiza–Órzola)

The north of the island is also wild and remote, but it feels quite different from the south. You’ll find small whitewashed villages surrounded by volcanoes, along with beaches of white or golden sand. From Órzola, you can also enjoy views of La Graciosa. It’s a beautiful area, but restrictions around Teguise and rural roads mean that any motorized route should be checked carefully with a licensed operator.

4. Papagayo and Los Ajaches (Playa Blanca–Los Ajaches)

I had a real soft spot for Los Ajaches Natural Park, and not only because of its beaches and coves. They’re all beautiful and well worth visiting. I recommend exploring beyond Playa de Papagayo: I found Playa de Mujeres and Playa del Pozo less crowded and more pleasant for relaxing or swimming. I enjoyed discovering the park both by car and on foot. Organized quad and buggy excursions are not permitted inside this protected area unless specifically authorized, so this should not be treated as a standard quad route.

Lanzarote may be far from the largest of the Canary Islands, but it still offers a remarkable variety of landscapes. For quad biking, always choose a legal, currently authorized itinerary.

I hope you enjoyed reading about our quad tour in Lanzarote. To discover another side of the island, you could also try diving in Lanzarote. The marine life is far richer than you might expect after exploring the island’s volcanic deserts.

Speaking of volcanic landscapes, I also joined a guided hike in Los Volcanes Park. Not only did I learn plenty of interesting facts about the island’s history, but I also discovered a surprising variety of scenery in just three hours. I’d do it again without hesitation!

See you soon for more activities in 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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