If you’ve ever dreamed of running in a place where the scenery takes your breath away (and not just because of the physical effort), Lanzarote with its beautiful neighbouring island of La Graciosa is the place for you. Our island offers you much more than sun and beach: it’s a true paradise for those who enjoy outdoor sports, and especially for lovers of trail running.
You’ve never run in the mountains, but you enjoy hiking? You like running on asphalt and you want to try new experiences? You’re a confirmed fan of trail running looking for new challenges with unforgettable views? Then read on because this post is for you.
Trail running in Lanzarote and La Graciosa: much more than running
Trail running is not just a sporting discipline; it’s synonymous with freedom and disconnecting from the daily stress of life to connect with your very essence. It’s connecting with nature, feeling the earth beneath your feet and letting the landscape be your guide.
Lanzarote and La Graciosa share something magical – each of their routes brings unforgettable postcard images: lava fields, trails winding through ancient volcanoes, cliffs dropping down to the Atlantic, viewpoints overlooking infinite views and a light that exists nowhere else in the world. All this in a climate that is never too hot or too cold – what more could you ask for?
We’ve gone out to test run two of the most spectacular areas of the island to show you what it means to run in Lanzarote. What’s more, we’ve done it in two different ways, just as you might do it: alone, looking for connection and silence, and in a group, enjoying the energy, motivation and pleasure of a shared moment in nature with friends. You can see both experiences in the videos that accompany this blog.
Spoiler: you’re going to want to put on your trainers, cap and sunglasses so you can get out there and discover them yourself.
Route 1: Los Ajaches Natural Park – a landscape that is very much our own, Trail running in its purest form.
For this route, we accompanied a solo runner into the imposing Los Ajaches Natural Park. Located in the south of the island, this protected area offers a landscape that is very much ours, with its ochre and golden tones, a mixture of rock and sand, the taste of saltpetre on the air and endless views of the Atlantic Ocean. Its ravines, ridges and slopes shaped by the winds of Lanzarote form a scenery that looks like something from another planet.
The trails are varied: some more gentle, others more technically challenging, with slopes that will put your legs to the test.
But every effort brings its reward: the sea views, the contrast of colours between the reddish earth and the deep blue of the Atlantic, and the feeling of being in the middle of nowhere. Running alone here is a gift for the soul. Ideal for those seeking disconnection, calm and a physical and mental challenge.
Route 2: El Bosquecillo and Guinate – trail running with views of the Chinijo Archipelago
On this second route the atmosphere changes: you’ll see five of us running together through northern Lanzarote. From El Bosquecillo with its panoramic views from the top of the Risco de Famara, we start a route that takes us along paths that seem to hang from the sky, with breathtaking views of the Chinijo Archipelago and the island of La Graciosa. The descent from Guinate takes us down to Playa del Risco: a corner of paradise that you’ll have almost to yourselves… provided you feel ready for the climb back up to the car!
Here the trail is greener, with areas of low vegetation and a slightly cooler climate. The route combines compact dirt sections, moderate climbs and fun descents. It’s a perfect plan to share with a group, motivating each other, stopping at the viewpoints, sharing an energy bar and running on with smiles on your faces. Because yes, a get-together with friends can also be about running for a while.
Never done trail running before? Here are four reasons to try it out in Lanzarote:
If you’re curious about trail running but haven’t yet taken the plunge, Lanzarote is an ideal place to get started. Why?
- Because there are routes for all levels, from quick hikes with little gradient to real mountaineering challenges.
- Because the climate is perfect all year round, with mild temperatures and little rainfall.
- Because the scenery motivates you to keep going, even when your legs say otherwise.
- Because you can do it at your own pace, walking, jogging or running, alone or in company.
If you’re coming to trail running from hiking, a good starting point is simply to change your approach: do your usual routes a little faster, try a couple of slopes, wear shoes with better grip and carry a small backpack with water. As for the will to go on… Lanzarote will provide that in spades. But don’t forget your sunglasses and cap – the sun shines all year round on our island!
And if you’re already into trail running… Lanzarote is waiting for you
If you are already a lover of trail running, you’re guaranteed to fall in love with Lanzarote. Here you can combine holidays and quality training in a unique environment. Can you imagine running along a trail with sea views, finishing the route on a beach and taking a dip in the Atlantic as a reward? Well, that’s a possibility on offer here every day.
In addition, you can complement your outings with other sports such as cycling, swimming or yoga, or simply enjoy the local gastronomy, the tranquillity of the landscape and the special energy of the island that makes 68.7% of tourists who visited Lanzarote in 2024 want to repeat their visit.
Lanzarote has several trail running competitions that you’ll love
Could there be a better way to explore a destination than running on its trails? Lanzarote has several trail running competitions that you’ll love: from the challenging Haría Titán and Famara Total, with their impressive slopes and unforgettable views from the top of the Risco de Famara, to the Lanzarote Running Challenge, a four-day challenge of trail, road and even sand running! Different dates, different landscapes, but the same feeling that will accompany you in all these races: the feeling of running through one of Europe’s most unique landscapes.
None of the dates of these sporting events suit you (this year at least)? No problem: whatever the date of your trip, here are some recommendations for routes that you shouldn’t miss during your stay.
Recommended routes for trail running in Lanzarote
In addition to Los Ajaches and El Bosquecillo, these are other ideal areas for trail running on the island:
- La Geria: rocky tracks between traditional vineyards. The socos, volcanic stone walls that protect each vineyard from the wind, create an extraordinary landscape and are part of the heritage of the so-called “heroic grape harvest”. Pure contrast.
- Caldera Blanca: an impressive crater in the centre of the island with panoramic views of both the east and west coast of Lanzarote.
- Risco de Famara: technical sections, spectacular views, endemic vegetation and some magical mists that will remain etched in your mind.
- Montaña Roja (Playa Blanca): short but intense, this is an ideal route if you want to enjoy the sunset from a privileged point of view.
And if you want to take advantage of your trip to discover La Graciosa, these are our recommendations for exploring its unique and unspoilt nature. After enjoying the feeling of running in a place that’s out of this world, you’re sure to come back again and again!
Recommended routes for trail running on La Graciosa:
- Circular route to Montaña Amarilla: an ideal route for beginners that leaves from Caleta de Sebo and skirts the spectacular Playa de Los Franceses beach before heading towards Montaña Amarilla. The bravest (and fittest) will dare to climb to the top.
- Northern route to Playa de las Conchas: one of the most iconic routes of the island. You know all those paradisiacal photos that appear online if you search for La Graciosa? You’ll find them all there. This is what enjoying the scenery means.
- Complete circuit of La Graciosa: a route for those who don’t want to miss anything on the island. Approximately 20km long, this route will allow you to discover the treasure that is our neighbouring island.
Are you up for it?
Trail running in Lanzarote and La Graciosa is not only for elites and extreme adventurers.
It’s for you, someone who enjoys sport, nature and discovering new landscapes.
It’s for you, someone who may never have run in the mountains before but likes to feel your body and mind connect when you’re out exploring.
And it’s also for you, someone who already knows how magical trail running can be and wants to experience it in a unique place.
Put on your running shoes, choose your pace, and go for a run in Lanzarote. We’re out there waiting for you on the trails.
