Here are the most beautiful hikes in Lanzarote, the « Black Pearl » of the Atlantic.
Lanzarote is a Spanish island in the Canary archipelago. Located in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa, it is an extremely recent island from a geological point of view. In fact, it emerged as the result of a volcanic eruption. As a result, it has remained untouched by mass tourism.
Recognized as a biosphere reserve by Unesco, this island features lunar landscapes and beautiful beaches of white… or black sand. What better way to appreciate them than on foot? Generation Voyage has put together a selection of the best walks in Lanzarote. Let’s get started!
1. La Caldera Blanca
- Running time: 2h15
- Distance: 9 km
- Difference in altitude: 502 m
- Difficulty: Medium
- See the route
Among Lanzarote’s most beautiful hikes, the Caldera Blanca trail is a must. Close to the town of Tinajo, it runs along the entire length of the Caldereta crater, which measures around 300 metres in diameter.
Your journey continues to the spectacular Caldera Blanca volcano. Now extinct, it was formed in a single volcanic eruption. Its crater is the widest on the islands: 1,200 metres!
The surrounding scenery is reminiscent of Timanfaya Park. Vertiginous, windy and rocky, the trail promises some great sensations. Good footwear is essential for safe progress.
2. La Playa del Paso
- Duration: approx. 2 hours
- Distance: 9 km
- Height difference: 179 m
- Difficulty: Easy
- See the route
One of the best hikes in Lanzarote starts in the small fishing village of El Golfo. The path faces the Atlantic Ocean before reaching Playa del Paso. Its black volcanic sand is a natural wonder.
You’ll have the opportunity to make the (gentle) ascent of the Caldera de Montaña Quemada, while watching the waves slam violently against the lava cliffs. The path is fairly flat but, as everywhere else on the island, covered with sharp lava pebbles. As you can see, forget the sandals!
3. Pico Redondo and Los Ajches
- Duration: about 3h30
- Distance: 13.7 km
- Height difference: 636 m
- Difficulty: Medium
- See the route
This itinerary is located in the heart of the island’s south-eastern region. The aim of this Lanzarote hike is to reach the incredible natural monument of Los Ajaches. This volcanic formation covers almost the entire south of Lanzarote and offers landscapes that are unique in the world.
The site also boasts first-rate archaeological and prehistoric remains. From the church in the village of Femes, you cross the Higuera valley and begin the tour of Pico Redondo. This trail gives the impression of walking on the Moon. But the herds of goats will remind you that this is not really the case!
4. Monte Corona
- Duration: about 1 hour
- Distance: 3.4 km
- Ascent: 145 m
- Difficulty: Medium
- See the route
Climbing Monte Corona is an unmissable excursion close to the municipality of Haría. After parking your vehicle next to the church on the San Francisco Javier road, you’ll set off on your journey.
It takes you to the summit of the (extinct!) Monte Corona volcano. It’s 600 meters high and offers a sublime view of its frozen magma bowels. The colors are magnificent: from bright red to light gray…
In the distance, vineyards and lava fields stretch out, punctuated by natural wonders. Watch the Mirador del Rio and the island of La Graciosa grace the horizon!
We recommend that you take water and sun protection with you on this Lanzarote hike. In summer, there’s little or no shade along the way!
5. La Montana Colorada
- Duration: less than 1 hour
- Distance: 2.9 km
- Height difference: 48 m
- Difficulty: Easy
- See the route
Montana Colorada is located along the LZ56 between the villages of Mancha Blanca and La Asomada. This volcano undoubtedly owes its name to the multicolored hues that change with the light. This Lanzarote hike takes you around this volcanic cone dating back to the Timanfaya eruptions.
Particularly well-marked (and in several languages), the trail includes explanatory panels on the environment. The terrain is flat and the trail requires no special equipment. Families are welcome!
6. Montana Ganada viewpoint
- Duration: approx. 1h45
- Distance: 6.6 km
- Difference in altitude: 167 m
- Difficulty: Medium
- See the route
This Lanzarote hike begins in the municipality of Haría. This is one of the « white villages » of northern Lanzarote, in the heart of the Valley of a Thousand Palms. A dirt track climbs up to the Mirador de Montana Ganada, a lookout point overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. From here, you can enjoy beautiful panoramic views of Caleta de Famara and the island’s rural areas.
This fairly easy loop is best done in a clockwise direction. Beware of slippery stones and clay puddles when it’s raining! Finish with a visit to the sumptuous town of Haría, one of the most beautiful on the island.
7. Tinaguache’s Montana
- Duration: approx. 1h15
- Distance: 4.7 km
- Difference in altitude: 221 m
- Difficulty: Medium
- See the route
A wilderness to be admired with a little effort. Because the path is steep on this hike in Lanzarote!
Climbing the Montana de Tinaguache (east coast) requires good shoes and strong calves. Once at the summit, a superb view of the volcanoes to the north and the ocean to the south awaits you. You can even see the island’s airport!
Your walk will take you past exceptional local flora adapted to the harsh climate and reddish volcanic soil. Short but intense, this itinerary is well worth the detour for the richness of the ecosystem it traverses.
8. La Caldera de Los Cuervos
- Duration: about 1 hour
- Distance: 4.2 km
- Height difference: 83 m
- Difficulty: Easy
- See the route
Let’s round off our selection of the best hikes in Lanzarote with this very special walk. It takes you into the crater of a volcano!
Located in a unique setting, it faces the Black and Red Mountains and Timanfaya National Park. The traverse begins along a perfectly marked path surrounding the crater. An opening allows you to enter and observe this astonishing magma setting.
The area is protected and it is forbidden to leave the path. Birds of prey have taken up residence on the slopes of the Caldera de Los Cuervos during their nesting season. You could be fined heavily if one of the (many) environmental protection officers catches you off the trail…
Although it’s a very popular route, it’s nonetheless one of the island’s most emblematic hikes. Don’t hesitate to make the most of it when you visit the Canary Islands!