canariesguide

Hiking in Lanzarote: the island's most beautiful volcanic trails

Hiking in Lanzarote takes you through one of the most spectacular volcanic landscapes in the Canaries: extinct craters, frozen lava flows and coastal paths battered by the trade winds. This guide adds to our Lanzarote page with the routes not to miss.

In a nutshell

  • Caldera Blanca: the most popular volcanic crater to hike, freely accessible.
  • Femés – Playa Quemada: an accessible coastal trail in the south of the island.
  • The interior of Timanfaya National Park can only be visited on a guided tour, no free hiking allowed.
  • Arid volcanic terrain: water, a hat and sunscreen are essential.

Caldera Blanca, the island's most popular hike

The hike to Caldera Blanca, a huge extinct volcanic crater, remains Lanzarote's most popular route. The trail sets off from the hamlet of Mancha Blanca, crosses a lava field (malpaís), then climbs to the crater rim, offering a panoramic view over the whole island. Allow roughly 3 to 4 hours round trip, with no real technical difficulty but strong sun exposure and no shade along the way.

Femés – Playa Quemada: the southern coastal trail

This trail links the hilltop village of Femés to the small fishing village of Playa Quemada, tracing the island's south coast. An accessible hike of around 2 to 3 hours, with fine views over the Atlantic and the Ajaches massif.

The interior of Timanfaya: guided visits only

Unlike the island's other trails, the interior of Timanfaya National Park can't be explored on a free hike: access is either by the official tourist bus (Ruta de los Volcanes) or, for a limited number of walkers, via a guided hike booked ahead through the park. Check our Timanfaya page to plan your visit.

Gear and practical tips

  • Bring plenty of water: there are few, if any, refill points on the volcanic trails.
  • Closed hiking shoes: the lava and ash ground can be sharp or unstable underfoot.
  • Sun protection and a hat: very little shade on most routes.
  • Wind: the north coast and ridges can be very exposed, so pack a windbreaker.

    • And to compare destinations, head back to our Canary Islands guide.

    Frequently asked questions

    What is Lanzarote's most popular hike?

    Caldera Blanca, an extinct volcanic crater reached from Mancha Blanca, in 3 to 4 hours round trip.

    Can you hike freely inside Timanfaya National Park?

    No, the interior of the park can only be visited by official tourist bus or on a guided hike booked in advance; no free access is allowed.

    What gear should you bring for hiking in Lanzarote?

    Plenty of water, closed shoes, sun protection and a windbreaker: the volcanic terrain offers little shade and the wind can be strong along the ridges.

    What's the hiking trail in the south of the island?

    The coastal trail between Femés and Playa Quemada, around 2 to 3 hours, with views over the Atlantic and the Ajaches massif.