Lanzarote Walking Holidays: A Volcanic Escape for Hikers and Adventurers
Discover the Real Lanzarote: A Walking Holiday Beyond the Resorts
The name Lanzarote used to be a byword for lobster-red sunburns, cold beer, and all-inclusive package holidays. And while those sun-drenched escapes still exist, anyone who visits this extraordinary Canary Island and ignores its wild natural beauty is missing out on something truly special.
Lanzarote is like nowhere else on Earth. In parts, it resembles the Moon—stark, surreal, and utterly compelling.
For more ideas beyond the beaches, see:
👉 Alternative Things to Do in Lanzarote
A Landscape Like No Other: Volcanic Peaks, Black Sands, and Hidden Valleys
Lanzarote’s volcanic terrain is at once eerie and captivating. Picture charcoal-black slopes dotted with emerald oases, lonely stretches of coastline, ancient whitewashed towns, deep ravines, and fields farmed in the same way for centuries.
Its compact 327 square miles hold a kaleidoscope of geological wonders—lava fields, green lagoons, remote sea caves, and palm-filled valleys. Add to that traditional markets, tucked-away restaurants, and barely-touched villages, and you have a destination ripe for slow, immersive travel.
Walking Lanzarote: The Best Way to Explore the Island
For those who love to explore a place on foot, Lanzarote offers an unforgettable walking holiday. Trails crisscross the island—from rugged volcanic ridgelines to gentle countryside paths and quiet coastal tracks. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just enjoy a good countryside ramble, there’s a walk here to suit every pace and ability.
Many of these hikes can be enjoyed independently, and routes are increasingly well-marked. A little pre-planning, a good map (or GPS app), and some sturdy walking shoes are all you need to uncover the real Lanzarote.
Recommended reading:
👉 Best Hiking Trails in Lanzarote
Why Base Yourself in Arrecife?
While most tourists flock to the resorts, Arrecife, the island’s capital, offers a more authentic Canarian experience. I stayed at the three-star Hotel Lancelot, right on the seafront across from a broad sandy beach. Unlike the resort towns, Arrecife draws mainly Spanish visitors—meaning the nearby restaurants cater to locals, not tourists. All the better for those of us who appreciate genuine flavours and proper value.
Explore more:
👉 Food and Culture Guide to Arrecife
Choosing Your Walks: Easy Rambles to Lofty Vantage Points
Walking options range from gentle four-hour strolls to more demanding day hikes with steep ascents. On a recent trip, I focused on moderate walks—perfect for soaking in the scenery and taking plenty of photographs along the way.
The Vineyards of La Geria: Farming in the Lava Fields
One of the most fascinating walks took us through the La Geria wine-growing region, just outside the village of Uga. Here, each vine is planted in a shallow pit dug into black volcanic grit, protected by a semi-circular stone wall. These ingenious growing methods allow crops to survive in an arid, windy environment not far from the Sahara Desert.
Haria and the Valley of a Thousand Palms
Another day took us inland to Haria, a sleepy village nestled in the lush “Valley of a Thousand Palms.” Our visit coincided with market day, so we stocked up on local treats for a picnic, then set out for the island’s highest point.
The ridge walk south offered panoramic views in every direction. After a breezy lunch beside an old chapel, we continued toward Teguise, the former capital. Few tourists venture here, and we were rewarded with cold beers and the best olives I’ve ever eaten in a sun-drenched plaza.
Suggested link:
👉 Exploring Haria and Traditional Lanzarote Villages
Northern Views and Cancelled Ferries
Yet another hike began in the upland village of Maguez, where we climbed past meadows and farmland toward Monte Caron and Los Helechos. The views just kept getting better until we could see the whole northern tip of Lanzarote, including La Graciosa, its tiny island neighbour.
Sadly, strong winds meant ferries to La Graciosa were cancelled on our day off, but the consolation prize was a lazy wander through Arrecife’s historic quarter, enjoying tapas by the inner harbour.
Recommended:
👉 Where to Eat and Drink in Arrecife
Walking Timanfaya: Into the Heart of the Volcano
One of the most surreal walks was through the Timanfaya National Park, where vast lava fields stretch across the landscape like a frozen sea of stone. We ended the hike in the fishing village of El Golfo, where a seafood lunch brought us back down to Earth in the most delicious way possible.
A Perfect Winter Sun Walking Destination
With temperatures in the high teens and low twenties throughout the cooler months, Lanzarote makes a superb autumn or winter escape for walkers. The scenery is out of this world, the food is excellent, and the experience of walking from village to village, ridge to coast, is simply unforgettable.
Plan your trip:
👉 Top Winter Sun Destinations for Walkers
Final Thoughts
Lanzarote is more than a sun-lounger destination. For those who explore it on foot, it reveals an elemental, almost spiritual landscape—one shaped by fire and wind and time. Walking here isn’t just about exercise; it’s about understanding a place deeply, slowly, and on your own terms.
Whether you're planning your own route or joining a guided walking tour, Lanzarote promises views you'll never forget, meals that feel richly earned, and a sense of connection that goes far beyond the beach.
