Walking in Lanzarote

Arrive 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. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Check out after breakfast and make your way back to the airport (30 minutes), where you can drop off your car before returning home.