Walking holidays in Lanzarote – spectacular routes for villa holidays
Lanzarote’s rugged coasts and otherworldly national parks are made for walking. Whether you’re on a family getaway or an intrepid hiking adventure with your partner, this Canary island gem’s spectacular interiors stretch from the shores of Playa Blanca on to the Timanfaya National Park, then northwards to the Mirador del Rio and back again. To put it simply, walking holidays in Lanzarote open you up to the best of Spain’s allures beyond the mainland.
Timanfaya National Park
Image by Son of Groucho, used under CC License (CC by 2.0)
When most people think of Lanzarote, the arid Mars-like hills and volcanos of Timanfaya National Park are the first images that spring to mind. It’s a far cry from the idyllic beaches which line popular towns like Playa Blanca and Matagorda, but still equally tranquil in its own, perhaps more wild, way.
Unescorted walking isn’t permitted here, but there are a number of tours which you can easily book onto. Buses run frequently from El Diablo, an unusual restaurant that grills food using volcanic heat, to the Ruta de los Volcanoes. This will take you through the vast craters of Montanas del Fuego (aka the “Fire Mountains”) – a spectacle in their own right.
The Ruta de Tremesana tour runs a few times a week, taking participants across lava fields with commentary from a supervisory ranger. It’s geared towards walkers with moderate fitness levels, and it’s recommended that you bring sturdy boots which you feel comfortable in, along with a good supply of water. Luckily, Timanfaya National Park is just a short drive from Playa Blanca and easily accessible from the island’s other hotspots.
Mirador del Rio
For something a little tougher, hike to the clifftop structure named Mirador del Rio. Start by driving to the village of Ye, situated just north of Corona Forestal Nature Reserve. It takes around an hour and a half to get to Ye from the island’s southern tip, so drives here and back are easily achievable within a day.
From Ye, you can park and walk to all the way to the Mirador del Rio viewpoint. The walk itself is littered with panoramic vistas looking over the Atlantic Ocean, but keep your eyes on the path ahead and save yourself for the far-stretching scenery yet to come.
Mirador del Rio’s tip is like something out of a James Bond movie, complete with a café and bar which overlook La Graciosa, a volcanic island located around two kilometres from Lanzarote. In true Bond fashion, order a martini (shaken, not stirred) and soak up the Canarian vistas before heading back.
Playa Blanca
You don’t need to go to rural regions to enjoy walking holidays in Lanzarote. Start from the Playa Dorada beach in Playa Blanca, then follow the promenade towards the harbour and along the nearby coast. Continue along until you reach the lighthouse, then make your way back to the bustling bars and restaurants that make up this coastal town.
If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, you can always continue towards Punta del Papagayo, the southernmost tip of Lanzarote. It’s a 10-kilometre walk, though, so you might want to arrange for a taxi to take you back into town. The area surrounding Playa Blanca is both beautiful and simplistic. You can step out the front door of your villa and wander aimlessly along the shoreline, simply letting the cool Atlantic breeze wash over you as you take in this rich, varied setting.
Take the next steps in planning your Lanzarote walking holiday and look at some of the properties Villa Plus offers on the island.
By Isabella Perkins, a freelance travel writer best known for writing about self-catering holidays. Her writing tends to have a family focus, and she is in the middle of writing a new travel guide due to be published next year.