Lanzarote has no high mountains — its highest point is just over 670 metres — but it has some of the most unusual walking in the Canary Islands. You can walk into the crater of a volcano, follow the rim of a caldera more than a kilometre across, zigzag down 400-metre cliffs to a beach reachable only on foot, and cross lava fields left by the eruptions of the 1730s. Most routes are short and well marked, and none needs special equipment.
What makes Lanzarote different is the exposure: there is almost no shade anywhere, the trade winds blow hard on the ridges, and many of the best routes run through protected natural areas with strict rules. This guide covers eight routes, from an easy hour inside a crater to a steep descent of the Famara cliffs, with the facts you need to plan each one, and explains how to walk inside Timanfaya National Park, where you can only go with a guide.
Which Hike Is Right for You?
Most Iconic
The island's widest crater, with a walk around its rim and views over the lava fields.
Best for Families
An almost flat 4 km loop that takes you inside a volcanic crater.
Most Dramatic
A steep old path down the Famara cliffs to a wild beach facing La Graciosa.
Most Unique
The only way to walk inside the national park — free, but you must book.
The 8 Routes at a Glance
| Route | Area | Distance | Time | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caldera Blanca | Mancha Blanca | ~10 km return | ~3 h | Moderate |
| Volcán del Cuervo | Mancha Blanca–Tinajo | ~4 km loop | 60–90 min | Easy |
| Volcán de la Corona | Ye, Haría | ~5 km loop | ~1.5 h | Moderate |
| Camino de los Gracioseros | Ye–Guinate | Steep descent and climb back | ~3 h return | Hard |
| Peñas del Chache & the Famara clifftop | Ermita de las Nieves | Short walks | 30–60 min | Easy |
| Femés–Playa Quemada | Los Ajaches | 8.3 km one way | ~2.5 h | Moderate |
| Ruta de Tremesana | Timanfaya (guided) | ~3 km | ~3 h with transfer | Easy |
| Montaña Bermeja & Las Conchas | La Graciosa | Varies | Half to full day | Easy–moderate |
Distances and times are approximate and depend on where you park and your pace. Add time for wind and heat.
The 8 Best Hikes in Lanzarote
I. Caldera Blanca
Parque Natural de Los Volcanes · ModerateThe classic Lanzarote hike. From a car park just outside Mancha Blanca, about 1.5 km north of the Timanfaya visitor centre, the path crosses a field of rough, dark lava from the 18th-century eruptions to reach Caldera Blanca, an old volcano whose pale crater — about 1,200 metres wide — is the largest on the island. On the way you pass the small Caldereta, whose crater you can look into with barely a detour. The climb to the rim isn't long, but the ground is loose, and walking the rim to the summit at 458 metres gives views over the lava fields of Timanfaya to the sea.
There is no shade at all, and the car park often fills by midday, so start early and carry at least 1.5 litres of water each. Bring a windproof layer for the rim. No permit is needed, but this is a natural park: stay on the marked path.
II. Volcán del Cuervo
Parque Natural de Los Volcanes · Easy · Family-FriendlyIf you only do one walk, make it this one. An almost flat loop on compact gravel circles the cone of El Cuervo — one of the volcanoes of the 1730 eruptions — and then, halfway round, passes through a natural breach in its wall so you can walk right inside the crater, surrounded by walls of black, red and ochre rock. It takes little more than an hour, with minimal climbing, which makes it the best introduction to Lanzarote's volcanoes and the easiest with children.
The car park takes only about 30 cars, so arrive early. Stay on the path and don't take rocks or ash: the crater is a protected geological site.
III. Volcán de la Corona
North of the Island · ModerateLa Corona erupted around 21,000 years ago, flooding the north-east of the island with the lava that formed the Malpaís de la Corona — and the lava tube that now holds the Cueva de los Verdes and Jameos del Agua. From the church in Ye, a path climbs gradually through farmed fields, then zigzags more steeply up to the lip of the crater for a view down into it and across the north of the island.
The rim and the crater are fragile and protected: walking along the ridge towards the peak or scrambling into the crater is not allowed, and wardens check. The edge is crumbling and often very windy, so keep back for photos. Combine the walk with the Cueva de los Verdes and Jameos del Agua, a few minutes away.
IV. Camino de los Gracioseros (Famara Cliffs)
Risco de Famara · HardFor centuries, the people of La Graciosa climbed this path up the Risco de Famara — cliffs that rise to around 600 metres — to trade at the markets of Lanzarote. Today it is the most spectacular walk on the island: a cobbled path that zigzags down the cliff face to sea level, past the salt pans of El Río, among the oldest in the Canary Islands, to the beach of Bajo el Risco, with La Graciosa just across the strait.
The descent is the easy part; the climb back up is long and steep, so allow plenty of time and water. There are no facilities or lifeguards at the bottom, and the sea can be rough — swim only if conditions are calm. Avoid the route in strong wind or after rain.
V. Peñas del Chache and the Famara Clifftop
The Island's Highest Point · EasyAt about 672 metres, Peñas del Chache, in the Famara massif, is the highest point on Lanzarote — but its summit is occupied by an Air Force installation and is closed to walkers. The reward is nearby: from the Ermita de las Nieves, a small chapel on the road between Teguise and Haría, you can walk out along the top of the Risco de Famara for vertiginous views down to the beach of Famara and across to La Graciosa. It's an easy outing that combines well with the village of Teguise. The clifftop is unfenced and the wind can be fierce, so keep well back from the edge.
VI. Femés to Playa Quemada (Los Ajaches)
Monumento Natural de Los Ajaches · ModerateThe Los Ajaches hills, the oldest part of Lanzarote, are a world away from the lava fields of the north. From the village of Femés, with its famous viewpoint over Playa Blanca, a narrow path descends through a quiet valley with goats and old farm ruins to the small black-sand cove of Playa del Pozo, a good place for a swim, and then along the cliffs to the fishing village of Playa Quemada, where a few restaurants serve fresh fish. Plan your return before you start: there is no bus back to Femés.
VII. Timanfaya: The Guided Walks
Timanfaya National Park · Free, Booking RequiredWalking on your own is not allowed inside Timanfaya National Park. The only way to explore it on foot is on the free guided walks run by the park: the Ruta de Tremesana, an easy walk through the eruption landscape, and a longer guided route along the park's coast. Places are few and go quickly, so book as soon as your dates are fixed. The coach tour from the Islote de Hilario, the Ruta de los Volcanes, is a separate visit that is included in the park ticket — see our Timanfaya National Park guide.
If you can't get a place, the volcanoes of Los Volcanes Natural Park, just outside the national park — including Caldera Blanca and El Cuervo above — show the same landscape, and guided volcano hikes run there too.
VIII. La Graciosa: Montaña Bermeja and Playa de las Conchas
Ferry from Órzola · Easy–ModerateLa Graciosa, reached by ferry from Órzola in about 25 minutes, is made for walking and cycling: there are no paved roads, only sandy tracks. The classic route crosses the island from the port of Caleta de Sebo to Playa de las Conchas, a long golden beach at the foot of the red cone of Montaña Bermeja, with the islet of Montaña Clara offshore. You can climb Montaña Bermeja for the view, and return the same way or by 4x4 taxi. Take plenty of water, sun protection and cash, and be careful swimming at Las Conchas, which has strong currents. See our getting around guide for the ferries.
Cross from Lanzarote to the island without roads and spend the day walking or cycling its sandy tracks.
Guided Hikes and Tours
A guide brings the volcanoes to life — and takes care of transport and route-finding.
Walking Tour in Los Volcanes Natural Park
A guided walk among the volcanoes next to Timanfaya.
Check Prices →
Volcano Hike: The Timanfaya Eruptions
Walk the landscape created by the 1730–1736 eruptions with a guide who explains how it formed.
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Paragliding Flight in Lanzarote
A tandem flight from the Famara cliffs, with the beach and the Atlantic below.
Check Prices →Rules, Safety and What to Pack
Stay on the Path
Most routes cross protected areas. Leaving the path, taking rocks or ash, and building stone piles are forbidden.
No Shade
Start early, wear a hat and carry at least 1.5 litres of water each — more in summer.
Check the Wind
Ridges and cliff edges are often very windy. Skip the clifftop routes on windy days.
Proper Shoes
Volcanic rock is sharp and loose. Trainers with a good grip are the minimum.
Best Season
October to April is most comfortable. See our best time to visit guide.
Staying Connected
A Yesim eSIM keeps maps and weather on your phone at the trailhead.
Where to Stay for Walkers
For walking, a base in the centre or north of the island saves the most driving. For the full picture, see our where to stay in Lanzarote guide.
Finca Marisa
A small rural finca minutes from Caldera Blanca and El Cuervo.
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La Casa de los Naranjos
An eight-room manor house close to La Corona, the Famara cliffs and Órzola.
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Casa Serena 10
A quiet adults-only guest house, central for both Los Ajaches and the volcanoes.
Check Prices →Frequently Asked Questions
Our Honest Verdict
If you only have time for one walk, choose Volcán del Cuervo for an easy hour inside a crater, or Caldera Blanca for a proper half-day hike. Experienced walkers shouldn't miss the Camino de los Gracioseros down the Famara cliffs, and anyone with a few days on the island should try to book a place on the free Tremesana walk in Timanfaya. Start early, carry more water than you think you need, and stay on the path — these landscapes are as fragile as they are spectacular.
For the rest of your trip, see our Lanzarote travel guide and 5 days in Lanzarote itinerary.