As I am sure you will have realised, Lanzarote is a volcanic island and after the volcanoes erupted in the 1700’s, it formed many mountains and numerous craters which we now have the priveledge to expore. There are tons of walks to discover across this incredible landscape but here are 3 beautiful hikes in Lanzarote.

I have highlighted my favourite hikes in Lanzarote which have breathtaking views once you hit the top.

#1 – Playa del Risco (El Mirador)

Think Jurrasic Park meets the beach.

Right now (February/March) the island is green and so the cliffs down to the beach remind me of Jurrasic Park. During the summer months the cliffs will return to their natural browns, though will still be as beautiful.

This walk is a steep one, although doable for those who are relatively fit.

There is a beautiful beach at the bottom! See here for the best beaches in Lanzarote.

How long does it take to walk to Playa del Risco?

Duration:

1.5 hours round trip (+ extra hours to soak up the sun at the beach).

I timed the walk back up the steep cliff side and it took a total of 48 minutes, with 3 short rest breaks. The way down was slightly quicker, although you need to take care as there is loose gravel.

Is it safe to walk to Playa del Risco?

Terrain:

The path down is clearly marked and easy to find. It can be slippy at parts due to the loose gravel however it is doable. Just take it easy 🙂

If you aren’t very fit, you will most probably struggle on this hike. Coming back up is tough, however making this journey, you will be rewarded with the softest sand, and a clear view of La Graciosa island.

It is definitely worth the trip.

How to get to Playa del Risco (El Mirador)

Drive to the famous El Mirador del Rio. When you arrive you will see multiple cars parked on your left-hand side. Don’t park here, keep driving and follow the coastal road round to the left. This road is stunning, with incredible views overlooking La Graciosa.

Make sure you keep an eye on the road and not on the views (it’s a hard task!).

Follow the coastal road all the way until it veers off left inland. You will then see a sign for parking on your right hand-side and you will be taken down a cobble path. Opposite the entrance to the car park is a small boutique hotel.

Park your car, take your belongings with you and head towards the cliff. You will find the stairs that take you down to the start of the path.

In summary, here is the most important information you need to know about hiking to Playa de los Riscos

Address: Mirador del Rio
Opening hours: 24/7
Entrance fee: Free
Hike duration: 1.5-2 hours total walk time plus time to enjoy the beach
Great for: Exercise lovers, hikers, adventurers, beach lovers
Not so great for: People very scared of heights (it’s not that bad I promise!). Unfit people (the hill back up is tough!) / have the correct footwear to walk across the rocks (trainers are fine).

3 Beautiful Hikes in Lanzarote

#2 – Caldera Blanca

Caldera Blanca is one of 3 beautiful hikes in Lanzarote and should NOT be missed. It is a giant crater overlooking the famous Timanfaya National Park.

The greatest bonus about visiting Caldera Blanca is that it is part of the National Park, however it is under a different protection, meaning you can visit it without restrictions!

This crater is huge! You can walk all the way around the top and see 360 views of the island from here. It overlooks both Famara/La Graciosa and the National Park of Timanfaya.

How long does it take to climb Caldera Blanca Lanzarote?

This is a tricky question to answer because it depends solely on your level of fitness, and whether you stop to take tons of photos like I do. The amount of time it takes to climb Caldera Blanca will also vary depending on whether you decide to talk round the top of the entire crater.

Here is a breakdown of what it took me to do each of the stages (I walk relatively fast).

+ 35 minutes from the car park to the bottom of the crater

+ 10 minutes from the bottom of the crater to the lowest point of the crater top

+ 35 minutes from the lowest point of the crater to the highest point (walking left)

+ 45 minutes from the highest point back to the lowest point in the opposite direction (completing a full circle). Take note that this way is a bit more challenging and a small section does require you to make small climbs.

+ 40 minutes back to the car

+ 30 minutes for rest stops / photos

How long does it take to walk the Caldera Blanca volcano?

In summary, it depends on your level of fitness, and how fast you choose to walk it. It took me a total of 3.15 hours including a few short rests and photo opportunities.

Terrain in Caldera Blanca:

Okay, so the terrain changes throughout the walk. From the carpark to the bottom of the crater, you walk across big stones that have been used to carve out a path. After a while my ankles began to ache so if you have supportive shoes, take them with you.

Scaling up the side of the crater is easy, it’s the typical dirt path that you find across the island.

Once you are up the top of the crater, there is a mix of dirt path, and rocks such as these shown below in the photo.

Watch Out For…

Once you arrive at the bottom of the crater, it is pretty hard to spot the path going up the side of the volcano.

You will see a few abandoned rock walls (looks like where they used to keep animals). Standing next to these walls, facing the direction of the crater, walk to your left. There is a slightly visible path that will easily make you question if you are going the right way. You are.

After a few minutes, look out for the path to your right that leads up the side of the crater.

How to get to Caldera Blanca

Head to Google Maps and type in “Volcanic Trail Parking”. If you are not currently in Lanzarote, you may need to add the postcode to help you find it easier: 35560 Tinajo, Las Palmas.

Follow the maps and you’ll arrive at an off-road car park. Park your car, take your belongings and follow the footpath through the lava fields towards the crater.

Be Aware: It is illegal to walk off the outlined paths in the National Park of Lanzarote. This is both a protection to the incredible landscape, but also to yourself. The lava is known for sinking and it can be dangerous if you stand on an area that isn’t as stable as you think.

TIP! Take a jumper with you, the wind at the top is cold! (This may not be necessary in the middle of summer – but I wouldn’t know).

In Summary, here is the most important information you need to know about hiking Caldera Blanca Lanzarote:

Address: Volcanic Trail Parking, 35560 Tinajo, Las Palmas
Opening hours: 24/7
Entrance fee: Free
Hike duration: 3-4 hours depending on fitness level/rest time
Great for: Exercise lovers, hikers, adventurers
Not so great for: People very scared of heights (it’s not that bad I promise!). People who don’t want to do a long walk / have the correct footwear to walk across the rocks (trainers are fine!).

Number 3 on my 3 Beautiful Hikes in Lanzarote lists is:

#3 Montaña Negra + Volcan El Cuervo

Volcan El Cuervo is a crater that you can explore in Lanzarote and is actually a UNESCO world heritage site.

The walkway to the crater is spectacular as you are surrounded by lava fields, with the fire mountains in the background.

How long does it take to hike Volcan El Cuervo Lanzarote?

Volcan El Cuervo is approximately a 15-20 minute flat walk from the car park. When you arrive at the bottom of the mountain, you can walk either left, all the way around the crater, or right, a shortcut to the centre.

I would not class this as a hike, however it is definitely worth a visit, especially as you’ll already be in the area ready to tackle Montaña Negra.

Spend some time wondering around the site, then make your way back to the carpark.

Across the road you will see a big mountain – this is Montaña Negra.

It’s time to climb it.

There is a clear path at the right hand side of the mountain but it is SO steep. Instead of going this way, walk to the left-hand side of the mountain and you will find a more accessible path. The route zig-zags up the side of it which makes it way safer than going to other way.

3 beautiful hikes in Lanzarote

How long does it take to hike Montaña Negra?

If you walk at a steady pace, this hike will take you around 35 minutes.

The view from the top is one of my favourites on Lanzarote. You can see the ocean on all 4 sides of the island from up there giving you an all-round view of Lanzarote.

Plus, you get to see the famous Volcan El Cuervo from above!

What amazes me the most is the contrast in colours this island has, and they are clearly visible from this view point. The black lava rocks, the red firey mountains, the green plants, oranges, yellows, the blues and turquoise waters. It is honestly a vast colour palette.

As a photographer I also noticed the shadows that the clouds portray on the land which make the landscape even more impressing from above.

This hike is a constant incline so can be heavy on the legs but is it 100% worth the climb!

How to get to Montaña Negra & Volcan El Cuervo

Volcan El Cuervo is a popular tourist spot so you simply need to type it into Google Maps and it will take you straight there.

Once you are on the long stretch of road from Tias towards Tinajo, simply look out for the car park, which is located around 200 metres after the ‘Welcome to the Municipality of Tinajo’ sign, on the left hand side.

In Summary, here is the most important information you need to know about hiking Volcan El Cuervo:

Address: Volcan El Cuervo, Tinajo
Opening hours: 24/7
Entrance fee: Free
Hike duration: 1 hour
Great for: Sightseeing, History/nature lovers, easy walking

In Summary, here is the most important information you need to know about hiking Montaña Negra:

Address: Volcan El Cuervo, Tinajo
Opening hours: 24/7
Entrance fee: Free
Hike duration: 1.15 hours total walk plus rest time/photo opportunities
Great for: Hikers, physically fit individuals

I love this island, and I really hope you love it too!

If you do any of the 3 beautiful hikes in Lanzarote that I have outlined above, I’d love to here about your experience. Leave a comment below or send me a message on Instagram here.