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HolidayLanzarote Guide

Holiday in Lanzarote

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Hiking Lanzarote

If Lanzarote is a surfers paradise then ardent walkers and hikers can also be delighted at Lanzarote`s charms. Ok so the scenery is not too green but what Lanzarote lacks in colour is more than made up for in the uniqueness of the landscape. One minute you can be scrambling across black lava sand, the next across tough and abrasive rocks thrown up from the centre of the earth in violent volcanic eruptions 3 to 5 thousand years ago. You can be on tarmac roads a little above sea level or on coastal cliffs a towering 500 metres down to the sea. Hike through an endless sea of malpais or through a myriad of luxuriant palms.
  Lanzarote is the lowest of all the Canary Islands so there are a wealth of routes for hikers on the island to be enjoyed of varying difficulties.The climate of the island means hiking can be enjoyed all year round although July,August and September should be avoided because of the excessive heat, Also it should be noted some of the walks on the highest points should be avoided when excessively windy weather prevails. There are also times when the Calima descends. This is excessive hot winds carrying sands from Africa.This can last a few days up to a week. It is advised that hikers should avoid these conditions.Needless to say it is always a good idea to plan your hiking route to either finish on a beach for a nice dip followed by a bite to eat or at many of the islands local bars or eateries tucked away in tiny villages and hamlets.

You can hike independently on Lanzarote the only restriction being the National Park of Timanfaya. There are guided walks in the Park which have to be booked via the Tourist office in Macheda just after the park entrance..Really you need to book about 2 months in advance. There are four guided walks per week for groups of about 14 people Click here for an information map of the Rutas within the Park.The pdf is in Spanish.Translate it using google translate. If you are an experienced hiker and used to using maps then most of the routes are of medium difficulty. If you`re inexperienced it may be an idea to use one of the guided walking companies on the island. The Lanzarote cabildo has made a Plan de Senderos which includes 24 treks in various parts of the island. For absolute beginners there are still plenty of good walks especially along coastal routes.

chain of volcanos

Above can be seen one of the chains of extinct volcanoes with

Caldera Blanca in the centre.

When hiking/driving in Lanzarote you need proper maps/guide books. The Lanzarote Gazette highly reccomends David Brawns 2nd Edition 2009 Walking Guide to Lanzarote. With excellent maps and information including bus timetables and GPS wayfinders this Guide is absolutely essential. Also included are the routes for 39 walks of varying difficulty throught the island..Check out our shop site for all your needs including sports/leisure wear etc.

There are two or three companies that specialise in hiking and or mountain biking tours in Lanzarote. They are based in the north of the island on the Costa Teguise.In the north of the island you can hike from one side of the island to the other or you can take in the treks on La Graciosa after a trip across the mile wide strait that is called El Rio. Several of Manrique`s tourist attractions are in the north of Lanzarote so some good walks can be planned to incorporate these. You can hike up the highest volcano on the island, Monte Corona, or cross Los Riscos with spectacular views to Graciosa and down to Caleta de Famara beach. You can walk down through the valley of the palms to the beautiful village of Haria and coastal walks in and around Orzola and Charco de Palos give a different aspect to the treks with beautiful sandy beaches and harsh black lava outcrops. The south of the island offers hikes from Femes high up on the range of volcanoes that give Playa Blanca its warmer microclimate. Or venture across Los Ajaces the higher land that gives way to the famous Papagayo Beaches. In the south west you can hike in and around the quaint fishing village of El Golfo which fringes the National Park of Timanfaya. Although this area is fairly level and low lying it is tough underfoot because of the unforgiving and abrasive lava malpais that makes up nearly one quarter of Lanzarote.. All you need to enjoy God`s fresh air
anywhere on the island is a good stout pair of walking boots or trainers for some of the coastal walks and inland walks, plenty of water, sunscreen and some extra layers of clothing in your backpack to put on when hiking in the more exposed areas as it can be quite cool with the constant winds .Of course a lightweight windproof jacket is adviseable plus headgear to protect you from the sun.Dont forget your camera too to record the fantastic views when you are hiking in Lanzarote.

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