Walking in Lanzarote

Since Lanzarote has become an increasingly popular destination for walking, many of the hiking routes on the island are now signposted accordingly. And, as said, there are also providers of guided hiking tours in Lanzarote. Whether you are a beginner or have been walking in other regions of the world before, this impressive island offers the right hiking area for everyone. On the one hand, you can comfortably hike over plain volcanic ash deserts and explore the frozen lava tubes. On the other hand, the more experienced can also climb the volcanoes and take a look inside. Before you go off, this article will give you the most important information and the best tips about walking in Lanzarote.

Where does the Passion For Walking Come From?

In earlier times, hiking was a way of traveling, because not everyone could afford horses or even carts. However, the love for nature prompted people to pursue this activity for leisure or even sport. Documents show that the first hikes took place around 1350. Initially, however, this hobby was only possible for the privileged and wealthy. It wasn’t until the end of the 19th century, when living conditions improved for the general public, that hiking gradually developed into a popular sport. Nowadays it is no longer just an irrelevant leisure activity, but rather an important sector of global tourism. Countless holidaymakers are on the trails and paths in almost every corner of our planet every day. And certainly also in Lanzarote.

Walking Tours in Lanzarote

Is hiking in Lanzarote worthwhile?

Walking in Lanzarote is particularly worthwhile because some of the most impressive natural monuments are only accessible on foot. Even those who love a variety of landscapes will enjoy the hiking terrain in Lanzarote. Because if you think that Lanzarote only has black wasteland, you are very wrong. The contrasts range from the rocky coasts and bizarre lava formations to miles of white sandy beaches and plant-covered valleys. And nature lovers will also be captivated by the island’s unique, partly endemic flora and fauna. Trained mountain hikers, though, will hardly find a real challenge in Lanzarote. The Peñas del Chache, the highest mountain in Lanzarote, is just 671 meters high.

When is the best time to go walking in Lanzarote?

It’s not for nothing that Lanzarote is called the Island of Eternal Spring. The temperatures are pleasant and remain almost the same all year round, justifying this name. You can therefore arrive at any time of the year. This makes it easy for hikers to plan their time in Lanzarote.

But especially in the winter months from November to March, hiking tours on the volcanic island are particularly worthwhile, among other things because it is too cold in the rest of Europe. But there is another advantage in winter. After the few short rain showers this time of year, the vegetation on the island comes to life with powerful colors. It still stays quite warm in the mountains and it is mostly dry, so you could take a guided hiking tour every day.

In summer, however, there is no rain at all and the temperatures are generally a little higher. At the same time, the trade winds from the northeast provide you with the necessary cooling. However, the vegetation largely disappears.

Is Walking in Lanzarote Suitable For Everyone?

You can generally answer this question with yes. Because there are only a few age restrictions for hiking, both upwards and downwards. The most important thing for participation is that you are healthy. When choosing the right hiking tour, there are some criteria to consider. You can tell whether you are physically fit for a tour by looking at the altitude and length of the route in kilometers, for example. Sometimes good surefootedness is also required, as the hiking routes lead over slippery gravel paths. You should therefore always inquire about the nature of the surroundings and the underground. You should also avoid hiking along high cliff edges if you are afraid of heights.

On our website we list the difficulty level of the hiking tour. This is an indicator of the walking speed, the nature of the ground, the distances as well as inclines and descents. The level of difficulty is given on a numerical scale. The more demanding the tour, the higher is the specified number and vice versa. In addition to the difficulty, also check the individual information that can be found in the detailed descriptions of our guided hikes. To do this, click on “Please Note!” and “Services & Prices”. Please make a realistic evaluation of whether this tour is suitable for you.

Why Should You Take a Guided Walking Tour in Lanzarote?

• Instruction and advice: The licensed hiking guides know the region in which you are hiking in detail and prepare you accordingly for the terrain.
• Minimizing risks: A professional guide knows how to provide first aid In the event of an accident. Also help can be requested quickly if necessary. And there is basically no risk of getting lost.
• Changes in the weather: In the winter half-year, the conditions of the weather can change rapidly, which can also affect the condition of the ground. A guide knows exactly how to guide you safely through difficult conditions.
• Transfer service: With your rental car you will often not be able to reach the most beautiful hiking routes because you are not allowed to leave the asphalt roads. And if you do so, you are not insured in the event of damage. This is not a problem for the guided hikes, because the transfer service takes you there via the gravel slopes.
• Information: The hiking guides have extensive knowledge of Lanzarote. During the hike you will therefore receive a lot of information about the origin, history and nature of the island. And by the way, the guide also has some insider knowledge to share.
• Additional services: Pick-up service, snacks, drinking water, photo service and hiking sticks are mostly included services. Some hiking guides also rent hiking shoes for an extra charge. You can find out which services are available in the tour descriptions under “Services & Prices”.

What Should You Consider When Booking?

As already mentioned, please inform yourself exactly about the personal requirements for the desired hiking tour. As said, you will find everything you need to know for this under the points “Please note!” and “Services & Prices”. If you are sure that you have chosen the right tour, we recommend booking in advance if possible. This specially applies in the months of October to April, when most of the walking enthusiasts come to the island. At this time, the demand for guided hikes in Lanzarote is particularly high. Therefore, book a few weeks in advance so that your spaces are reserved.

What Should You Bring With You When Hiking in Lanzarote?

• Firm shoes: It is best to wear hiking boots. If you don’t have any with you, we recommend closed shoes with a good profile so that you can have a good grip on any surface.
• Drinking water and snacks: Pack one to two liters of water per person in your backpack. An energetic snack should not be missing either. Bananas and energy bars are particularly good.
• Sun protection and hats: On most hiking trails in Lanzarote there is no shade for kilometers. It is therefore imperative that you protect yourself adequately from the intense sunlight. It’s best to wear UV-impermeable shirts and a cap. And please apply sunscreen with the highest sun protection factor. This also applies to the winter half year.
• Rain protection and jackets: Weather changes can occur quickly. Especially in the winter, you should carry something with you in your backpack.
• First aid kit: If a small accident happens, a first aid kit is more than helpful. The guides have something for the emergency on the guided hikes.

Where Can You Hike in Lanzarote?

Walking in Costa Teguise

If you go walking north from Costa Teguise you will reach the nearby crater rim of the Guanapay volcano. From its top you have a fantastic panoramic view of Lanzarote. The fortress Castillo de Santa Bárbara is also located on the volcano. It was built to protect the old capital Teguise from pirates. You can visit a small museum inside.

Walking in Arrecife in the East

This route is just a few minutes’ drive from Arrecife. From here you can hike to one of the highest volcanoes on the island. The Montaña Blanca is about 600 meters high and is very close to the village of Güime. Once at the top you will be surprised by a breathtaking panoramic view of Arrecife, the Timanfaya National Park, Graciosa and even to Fuerteventura.

Walking in Puerto del Carmen

From Puerto del Carmen you are quickly in La Asomada. From this mountain village you hike to the 503 meter high volcano Montaña Tinasoria. It is part of a volcanic accumulation. Seen from above, this area is reminiscent of the lunar surface. Once at the edge, you can walk around the crater and have a great view of the extinguished gorge.

Walking in Puerto Calero

From Puerto Calero you can take an easy hike to the rocky beach of Playa Quemeda. This march takes about 45 minutes. The path always leads you along the beautiful coast of Lanzarote. Once you have reached your destination, you can have a snack with freshly caught fish in the El Pescador restaurant before your return journey.

Walking in Playa Blanca

From Playa Blanca in the south of Lanzarote you hike on an easy route to Montaña Roja, the red mountain. This extinct volcano rises majestically in the middle of the tourist buildings of Playa Blanca. From Playa Blanca you can alternatively hike to what are probably the most beautiful beaches on the island: the Playas Papagayo.

Walking in La Graciosa

You can also go hiking on the small island of La Graciosa in the north of Lanzarote. You can quickly reach La Graciosa by ferry via the small coastal town of Caleta de Sebo. From here it goes through the Archipiélago Chinjo Natural Park. You will hike between the two volcanoes Montaña Pedro Barba and Montaña del Mojón.

The Flora and Fauna of Lanzarote

What kind of vegetation can you find in Lanzarote?

Due to the scarcity of water, the vegetation on the island remains rather sparse overall. Water-storing and dry-resistant plants such as milkweed, lichens or shrubs characterize the landscape here. Nevertheless, the island still offers 13 endemic plant species, which means that these only exist in Lanzarote. In the wetter north of the island you can find, for example, the Canary Island date palm and some types of fern. The Canary Island pine tree also grows at higher altitudes and at the highest point of the Famara cliffs there is a small remnant of a laurel forest thriving.

What Kind of Animals Are There in Lanzarote?

On your hikes you will mostly find rabbits, mice, some birds of prey such as falcon and osprey as well as the Eastern Canary Lizard. But the wildlife in Lanzarote is also characterized by some special features. For example, the wild goats at some point ran away from their original owners. And particularly fascinating is the small albino cancer that lives in the underground lake in Jameos del Agua. Actually, this species has so far only been found at a sea depth of several thousand meters. How he got to the cave in Lanzarote has not yet been clarified.