Walking in Lanzarote
- Explore the authentic side of Lanzarote on a drive and hike holiday
- Walk around dramatic caldera rims and through vast lava fields
- A fusion of art and nature at famed artist Cesar Manrique's sites
- The unique vineyards of La Geria, where vines are planted in volcanic ash
- Stay in boutique hotels in the traditional towns of Yaiza and Haria
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive LanzaroteArrive at Lanzarote Airport, and hop in your hire car to get to your first night's accommodation in Yaiza - just a 20 minute drive from the airport. This quiet and traditional village with its typical white houses and flower-lined streets is a delight to wander around, soaking up the laid-back atmosphere or perhaps visiting the church, Nuestra Señora de los Remedios. In the evening, relax with a glass of wine and enjoy a delicous meal in one of the cosy restaurants.
An elegant country house which has been lovingly converted into a charming boutique hotel. Bedrooms include dashes of Italian Renaissance art and ceiling frescoes. They also have an outdoor pool and rooftop jacuzzi perfect for relaxing in after a days walking. Delicous evening meals are served at their cosy restaurant which serves up tasty meals made from local products.
A beautiful old finca offering a delightful base in the town of Yaiza. With just 10 rooms, all decorated in unique Canarian style, a pretty bouganvilea-draped terrace, and a small swimming pool, it's the perfect place to relax after a days walking.
We recommend visiting Timanfaya National Park this morning, which gives a great introduction to the fascinating volcanic history of the island. Entrance tickets are included to the Montanas del Fuego, where a guided tour by bus of the Ruta de los Volcanoes (one of the only ways you can actually gain entry into the park) will lead you through the other-wordly landscapes of red craters, lichens, lava mantles, volcanic rocks and caves, created as a result of the eruptions which took place here between 1720 and 1736 and in 1824. After the bus tour, watch some geo-thermal demonstrations illustrating the incredible heat still simmering beneath the ground, and you may also wish to pop along to the Visitor Centre at Mancha Blanca to view some interesting audiovisual exhibitions.
Your volcanic journey continues this afternoon with a walk around Caldera Blanca, the largest crater in Lanzarote. Set off through a vast sea of jumbled lava, known as the malpais, before stepping onto the rim of the Caldera Blanca to be presented with breathtaking views over a vast, yawning cauldron over 1200m metres in diameter, which will leave you feeling extremely small. Continue around the rim of the crater before a gentle descent leads you down the other side, and then back through the malpais to your car.
Ascent/Descent: +/-354m
Total Driving Time: 40 minutes
An elegant country house which has been lovingly converted into a charming boutique hotel. Bedrooms include dashes of Italian Renaissance art and ceiling frescoes. They also have an outdoor pool and rooftop jacuzzi perfect for relaxing in after a days walking. Delicous evening meals are served at their cosy restaurant which serves up tasty meals made from local products.
A beautiful old finca offering a delightful base in the town of Yaiza. With just 10 rooms, all decorated in unique Canarian style, a pretty bouganvilea-draped terrace, and a small swimming pool, it's the perfect place to relax after a days walking.
Head to El Golfo today, a charming seaside village on the west coast of the island, home to many lovely seafood restaurants. Before starting your walk, it is worth taking a short de-tour to visit Laguna de los Clicos, an unusual green lagoon located inside the semi-circular remains of a volcanic cone, created by plankton which thrive in the filtered seawater. From here, it is just a short walk to the start point of your walk, which will lead you past jagged black rocks and islotes (small hills) which were spared the worst of the volcanic eruptions and explode with colourful flowers and shrubs. As the lava hit the sea it cooled rapidly, so walking back along the coastline you’ll find the most interesting rock formations and have the interesting experience of walking between the lava and the sea!
Arriving back in El Golfo, it is simply a must to sit yourself down at one of the many seafood restaurants and enjoy a delicious alfresco meal overlooking the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean.
Ascent/Descent: +96m/-91m
Total Driving Time: 20 minutes
An elegant country house which has been lovingly converted into a charming boutique hotel. Bedrooms include dashes of Italian Renaissance art and ceiling frescoes. They also have an outdoor pool and rooftop jacuzzi perfect for relaxing in after a days walking. Delicous evening meals are served at their cosy restaurant which serves up tasty meals made from local products.
A beautiful old finca offering a delightful base in the town of Yaiza. With just 10 rooms, all decorated in unique Canarian style, a pretty bouganvilea-draped terrace, and a small swimming pool, it's the perfect place to relax after a days walking.
In this barren and blackened landscape, the prospect of making wine seems fanciful; but, today’s scenic loop walk passes bodegas and vineyards that are as picturesque as they are bizarre. Here, vines are almost unbelievably grown in tiny little craters in the black volcanic ash. Rising above these fields of volcanic ash, Lapilli, to the summit of Guardilama, the dimple-patterned landscape becomes increasingly captivating. From this prominent highpoint, the panorama stretches to Fuerteventura to the south, La Graciosa to the north, and you can also see much of Lanzarote, and the expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. After walking 9.5 kilometres, you’re certain to be a little parched. Why not quench your thirst with a wine-tasting from one of the choice of bodegas?
Ascent/Descent: +/-373m
Total Driving Time: 20 minutes
An elegant country house which has been lovingly converted into a charming boutique hotel. Bedrooms include dashes of Italian Renaissance art and ceiling frescoes. They also have an outdoor pool and rooftop jacuzzi perfect for relaxing in after a days walking. Delicous evening meals are served at their cosy restaurant which serves up tasty meals made from local products.
A beautiful old finca offering a delightful base in the town of Yaiza. With just 10 rooms, all decorated in unique Canarian style, a pretty bouganvilea-draped terrace, and a small swimming pool, it's the perfect place to relax after a days walking.
Today is free for you to explore the island and take a day off from walking. First up, we recommend a visit to the historical old town of Teguise. Dating back to the 15th century, Teguise was the capital of the island for over 450 years up until 1852. Walk through it's narrow streets filled with small craft shops and restaurants, visit the Museum of Sacred Art in the San Francisco Monastery, or enjoy the market if you are here on a Sunday. Other places to visit are linked with one of Lanzarote's icons, Cesar Manrique. This influential sculptor and artist was a passionate ecologist who integrated the environment with his artwork. You may like to visit two of his creations, Jameos del Agua, where the inside of a volcanic tunnel has created a natural auditorium, and Jardin de Cactus, which is home to more than 1,400 species of cacti from all over the world. Finish up your day in Haria, a charming little village located in what is known as the "Valley of the Thousand Palms". During the 17th and 18th centuries villagers here celebrated the birth of a new baby by planting palms — one for a girl and two for a boy, in reaction to the burning of Haria’s trees and plants by marauding pirates during raids in the 1570’s - hence the name. This part of the island with its lush barrancos and the dramatic Famara cliffs overlooking the sea is a complete contrast to the more barren volcanic landscapes of the south part of the island.
Approx Total Driving Time: 1 Hour 30 Minutes
A beautiful boutique hotel housed in a 19th century stately home in the charming town of Haria. With 8 individual rooms offering the highest levels of comfort, impeccable service with special little touches like tea served on arrival, and delicious fresh breakfasts, your stay here will be a delight.
After enjoying a delicious "a-la-carte" breakfast at the Casa de los Naranjos hotel, head out on an easy loop walk starting from the outskirts of Haria. Climb through a green and quiet barranco, not forgetting to stop and look back on the idyllic village of Haria lined with its famous palm trees. Emerge atop the dramatic Famara Cliffs, habitat for a host of birds and animals, and enjoy dizzying views over the coastline and down to Famara Bay. The lush and verdant landscapes today certainly serve as a reminder that the island of Lanzarote lies only 100km off the coast of Africa. Returning to Haria, it is definitely worth paying a visit to the Cesar Manrique House Museum, where he lived in the later years of his life until his death in 1992. In the evening there are several small restaurants to choose from, most of which serve up tasty Canarian specialities.
Ascent/Descent: +/-325m
Total Driving Time: N/A
A beautiful boutique hotel housed in a 19th century stately home in the charming town of Haria. With 8 individual rooms offering the highest levels of comfort, impeccable service with special little touches like tea served on arrival, and delicious fresh breakfasts, your stay here will be a delight.
Finish off your adventure with a visit to the neighbouring island of La Graciosa. Just a 30 minute ferry ride from Lanzarote (paid locally) and you will be in a little island paradise, where life moves at a very slow pace and bikes outnumber cars! Enjoy a relaxed walk alongside golden beaches with turquoise waters to reach the remote inviting bay of Playa Cocina which is perfect for swimming, and the colourful Montaña Amarilla (Orange Mountain). La Graciosa is part of the Chinijo Archipelago Natural Park and one of three marine reserves on the Canary Islands so you can also expect to see plenty of marine birds. Of course, the walk is entirely optional and if you prefer just to relax by the beach, dipping your toes in the water, or chilling at one of the little alfresco cafes, then that is entirely your choice - just don't forget to catch the ferry back over to Lanzarote!
Ascent/Descent: +/-186m
Total Driving Time: 40 minutes
A beautiful boutique hotel housed in a 19th century stately home in the charming town of Haria. With 8 individual rooms offering the highest levels of comfort, impeccable service with special little touches like tea served on arrival, and delicious fresh breakfasts, your stay here will be a delight.
Check out after breakfast and make your way back to the airport (30 minutes), where you can drop off your car before returning home.
Other Information
Is it for me?This drive and hike holiday is perfect for anyone who is looking for a slower-paced adventure, with easier walks than the other Canary Islands and lots of time for exploring the cultural highlights and art of Lanzarote icon Cesar Manrique, away from the hustle and bustle of the larger tourist resorts. Stay in two authentic towns in hand-picked traditional hotels each offering their own unique charm. The walks are graded from easy to moderate, and fairly short. The roads in Lanzarote are also extremely easy to navigate and very quiet making for a stress-free driving experience.
Slower Adventures | Where walking and cycling meet easy-going exploring, our Slower Adventures are the perfect combination. Most days are filled with picturesque journeys with some free time to dive into the destination and experience the people, local food and culture as you go.
Drive and Hike | Exploration of picturesque and remarkable destinations by car combined with walks that highlight the best of a country or region.
Solo Travellers, Families with Teens
The minimum age for this tour is: 5 Years
This tour is graded easy to moderate overall and walks range from anything between 6.5km and 10.5km. Although the walks are short they will no doubt take you longer than you may think as the terrain is quite uneven at times, particularly on the days where you walk on the jagged volcanic malpais at Caldera Blanca and El Golfo, and the terrain on the La Geria walk is similar to walking on sand through the volcanic ash (lapilli). The walk around the Caldera Blanca is graded as moderate due to the terrain and the fact that you do come across some quite steep slopes which may not be suited to anybody with vertigo issues. You will walk on paths through the volcanic malpais and ash, dirt paths and along the sand in La Graciosa. You may also find walking sticks helpful for the uneven terrain.
On this tour you will stay in two locally-owned traditional boutique hotels. They are both hand-picked and in great locations within walking distance of restaurants and each have a small swimming pool. Occasionally if accommodation is not available in Haria for the dates you are booking for, we may suggest booking Yaiza for the 7 nights. Lanzarote is such a compact island that this should not have too much of an impact on your holiday - it just means a slightly longer drive on a couple of the days.
Solo Walkers & Single Rooms
This trip is available to solo walkers, although there is a supplement due. Single rooms are also available on request and a supplement is payable.
Meals
Daily breakfasts will be included at both of the hotels. This will be continental-style breakfast. Dinners are not included, however there are options to dine out either at your accommodation (in Yaiza) or in the local restaurants. Lunch is also not included, but you can find small stores in which to purchase items for a picnic lunch or stop at a local cafe if there is one en route.The local restaurants in Yaiza and Haria serve up fantastic traditional Canarian cuisine. Specialities may include things like Papas Arrugadas (Canarian potatoes), Estofado (stew), and Boquerones (anchovy fillets).
The trails in Lanzarote are not generally waymarked. However on this tour we provide navigation in the Macs Adventure Smartphone App which you can download for use off-line. See your information pack on how to do this. You will need to use the app to navigate on this tour as we do not provide detailed turn by turn directions although we do provide basic directions and pointers which are more than enough for you to find your way. If you simply follow the orange arrow this will ensure that you won't get lost.
- 7 Nights in traditional hand-picked hotels
- 7 Breakfasts
- 8 Days Economy Car Hire (similar to a Kia Picanto)
- Entrance ticket to Montañas del Fuego - Timanfaya National Park
- Access to maps, GPX tracks, and daily route information with the Macs Adventure app
- 24/7 Emergency telephone support from our UK & US offices
- Travel Insurance (required)
- Lunches and Dinners
- Drinks and Snacks
- Travel to and from Lanzarote Airport
- Ferry to/from La Graciosa (paid locally)
- Entrance fees
- Personal equipment
- Extra night(s)
- Single Room Supplement
- Solo Supplement
You can start this tour on any day of the week subject to availability year-round from January to December. Lanzarote experiences a year-round dry and sunny climate so there is not really a bad month to visit. Many people like to travel during the winter months, to experience some nice winter sunshine and mild temperatures. The spring months are perfect to see blooming flowers, including the millions of native daisies and purple flowering echiums. It can get quite hot for walking in the summer months, although the trade winds do help to cool it down slightly. Bear in mind that if you travel during the spring or winter months, it can be quite cool at night so extra layers are recommended.
You can expect average maximum temperatures of between 20 degrees in the winter months up to 29 degrees in the summer months of July and August. There can be some rainfall and winter storms in the winter months of November to February but the showers do not usually last long. The island is quite exposed to the trade winds blowing in from the northeast, making suncream extra important as the wind can make it feel cooler than what it actually is.
By Air: Cesar Manrique Airport in Arrecife is the only airport in Lanzarote. There are various airlines who fly there direct from across the UK and Europe including British Airways, Easyjet, Iberia, Jet2, Ryanair and Tui. We will arrange for your car to be picked up and dropped off at the airport.
Cesar Manrique Airport is the only airport in Lanzarote, so you also fly out of here.
Luggage transfers are not included on this tour as you will be driving between locations and should take your bags with you.
The distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.
Car Hire
8 days economy car hire (similar to a Kia Picanto) is included in the cost of your tour as this is a drive and hike itinerary. You will be able to park your car at all of the accommodations and the walks detailed all have parking areas where it is safe to leave the car. The car rental includes airport surcharges, a zero excess insurance, road tax, and unlimited mileage.
Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, a sun hat and a day pack.
It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity, emergency evacuation, and hospital care.
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