More than just exercise, walking in Lanzarote and La Graciosa is a form of meditation in movement. Each step taken on the black, red or golden earth is an act of connection with a place that is telling its story through the landscape. Hiking here is more than just moving from one point to another – it’s about stopping time, opening the senses and letting yourself be amazed by an environment that changes at every turn of the path.
The islands, shaped by volcanic eruptions and centuries of human adaptation, offer hikers a unique landscape of contrasts: craters open to the sky, petrified lava fields, cliffs that fall away into the Atlantic, hidden ravines and plains painted in salt and silence. Here, beauty doesn’t shout out loud, but it still says it all.
La barrilla: a humble plant that has shaped the landscape
Among the many stories hidden in the land of Lanzarote, there is one that has marked the island’s economy, ecology and geography for centuries: the history of the Canary Island barilla or iceplant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum).
This hardy and humble-looking plant was a source of wealth for the island during the 18th and part of the 19th centuries. It was important for the extraction of soda, an essential component in the manufacture of soap and glass. The slopes and arid areas of Lanzarote were filled with iceplant crops, perfectly adapted to the dry, saline climate.
The boom in this industry not only brought economic activity, but also shaped the agricultural landscape, with terraces and structures that can still be seen today from hiking trails, especially in areas such as Guatiza or Los Valles. Although the industry fell into disuse with the arrival of industrial chemical processes, the iceplant continues to grow freely, recalling a past of ingenuity and adaptation.
Flora and fauna that will accompany you as you walk
As you walk through our wonderful island landscapes, you’ll discover nature that is silent, resilient and endlessly surprising. In addition to the iceplant, here are some of the most characteristic species that you will be able to see:
- Tabaibas (euphorbias) and verodes (Kleinia neriifolia), plants adapted to volcanic soils.
- The Canary Island spurge, a sculptural cactus that survives with hardly any water.
- The Atlantic lizard peeking through the hot rocks.
- The Egyptian vulture, a bird of prey that flies majestically above the cliffs and ridges.
- Shearwaters and plovers, small coastal birds that nest in quiet coastal areas.
- And, if you’re lucky, some specimens of the Canary Islands stonechat, a small bird endemic to the islands.
Responsible hiking: taking care of what gives so much pleasure
Taking all the above into account, and especially considering that this territory is marked by its enormous, diverse natural heritage, it is vitally important that hikers follow some tips to help conserve the protected areas of both islands. Walking in Lanzarote and La Graciosa is a privilege, and as such, deserves to be treated with respect.
Here are some key recommendations to ensure your experience is sustainable:
- Leave no trace: Always carry a bag to collect your waste, no matter how small.
- Only walk on marked trails: Going off-trail will damage the fragile flora and can erode the volcanic soil. The island’s trails are perfectly marked, as PR (white and yellow blazes) and GR (white and red blazes).
- Do not uproot plants or take stones away with you: The beauty of the island is in the whole, not in a souvenir.
- Avoid making loud noises: Remember that you are sharing the environment with wildlife and other hikers.
- It is forbidden to make fire or smoke in natural areas: The risk of fire is high and the damage irreversible
Essential routes in Lanzarote and La Graciosa
If you want to discover this corner of the Atlantic on foot, here are some recommended routes, ideal for all levels:
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Caldera Blanca (Tinajo)
This circular route surrounds and ascends one of Lanzarote’s most impressive craters.
Level: Medium
Distance: 10 km
The best: The views from the top to the Parque Natural de los Volcanes and to Timanfaya.
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Barranco del Quíquere (Puerto del Carmen – Puerto Calero)
A beautiful, easy coastal path that offers walkers a landscape of rocks, caves and sea views.
Level: Easy
Distance: 5 km round trip
Perfect for: Sunset and spotting seabirds.
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Haría – Bosquecillo – Mirador de Guinate
A hike through the green north of the island, through palm groves and alongside cliffs to viewpoints over La Graciosa.
Level: Medium-Difficult
Distance: 12 km approx.
Ideal for: Those looking for a contrast in vegetation, altitude and endless views.
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Ruta de los Ajaches (Femés – Playa del Pozo)
Crosses part of the oldest massif of the island, with spectacular views to the south and to Fuerteventura.
Level: Medium
Distance: 8-10 km
A journey through geological time.
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Sendero Montaña Amarilla – Playa de La Cocina (La Graciosa)
This is an unforgettable walk where time stands still and your feet are stepping on a land that seems newly created.
Level: Easy
Distance: 6 km round trip
The best: Walking next to the sea, you’ll discover virgin beaches. You can also climb (if you feel up to it) up to the Montaña Amarilla to contemplate the contrast between the ochre of the volcano and the turquoise of the water and enjoy the absolute silence.
- Recommendation: take the ferry from Órzola and spend the day on the island. Walking here is an almost mystical experience: no cars, no noise, just nature in its purest state. Ideal for those looking for a relaxed, intimate walk, deeply connected with the landscape.
In short, hiking on these two islands means immersing yourself in their geological, cultural and human history. It means feeling the trade winds caressing your face as the sun slips between the volcanoes. It means noticing how life sprouts through the ash, how silence has texture, and how the past can still be heard in every stone. So now you know – put on your boots, fill up your water bottle, and get out there to explore Lanzarote and La Graciosa. Step by step. Breath by breath. Because here, walking is coming home to yourself.
