Lanzarote: Hike the North of Lanzarote

REVIEW · LANZAROTE

Lanzarote: Hike the North of Lanzarote

  • 4.918 reviews
  • 3.5 hours
  • From $47
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Operated by Geotrekking Lanzarote · Bookable on GetYourGuide

Traveller rating★ 4.9 (18)Duration3.5 hoursPrice from$47Operated byGeotrekking LanzaroteBook viaGetYourGuide

Volcano steps and cliff views in one hike. This 3.5-hour trek in Lanzarote’s north pairs the climb up La Corona with crater views, then finishes with the big open outlook from the Famara cliffs toward La Graciosa. The main drawback is that it’s a proper hike with gravel paths and uphill-downhill effort, so you’ll want good shoes and realistic expectations.

I like the way the route mixes “wow” geology with walking you can actually enjoy. You’ll pass local vineyards on the way to the volcanoes, then shift into wilder terrain where colors show up in the plants and flowers as you move toward the cliffs. If you hate uneven ground, this probably won’t feel relaxing.

The small-group setup also makes the experience feel personal. With a max of 14 people and a live guide in English or Spanish, you get time for questions while still covering two volcano areas and the Famara viewpoint stretch.

Key things you’ll notice on this north Lanzarote hike

Lanzarote: Hike the North of Lanzarote - Key things you’ll notice on this north Lanzarote hike

  • La Corona Volcano crater views after a climb that’s steady, not a scramble
  • Local vineyards along the route, a quick taste of how people work with this volcanic ground
  • Los Helechos Volcano valley walking with greener stretches and plant life
  • Famara cliffs (about 500 meters high) delivering the best look at La Graciosa
  • Chinijo archipelago viewpoints from a barren, sculpted side of Lanzarote that feels remote

Why this north Lanzarote hike feels different

Lanzarote: Hike the North of Lanzarote - Why this north Lanzarote hike feels different
Lanzarote can surprise you even if you’ve seen volcano scenery before. This hike works because it connects three distinct moods in one half-day: volcanic crater up high, calmer “valley-green” walking in the middle, then wide-open cliff views at the end. The timing is short enough that you’re not wiped out, but long enough that the scenery changes in a way that feels like a real journey.

What makes it especially worth your time is the mix of places that show Lanzarote’s volcanic origin, not just one single viewpoint. You’re seeing craters and caldera-type features around La Corona, then moving to another volcanic zone at Los Helechos, and finishing at Famara—the kind of cliffs that make the sea and neighboring islands look close enough to touch.

You also get a guide who doesn’t just point. They connect what you’re seeing to how Lanzarote’s people live and farm here. Even a short stop by vineyards matters, because it shows how this island’s history isn’t only in rocks. It’s also in how locals grow grapes on volcanic ground.

You can also read our reviews of more hiking tours in Lanzarote

Getting started: meeting at La Iglesia de Yé

Lanzarote: Hike the North of Lanzarote - Getting started: meeting at La Iglesia de Yé
You meet at 9:45am at La Iglesia de Yé (La Iglesia de Yé is your reference point). Going early is a smart move on Lanzarote, since the light tends to be good for long sightlines from the cliffs later.

This tour runs for about 3.5 hours, so you’re not signing up for an all-day commitment. It’s also set up for a small group (up to 14 people), which helps if you want to stop and look without feeling like you’re in a traffic jam.

If you want pickup, it’s optional. The day before, the operator contacts you to confirm your pickup time based on your accommodation. If you’re on your own for the meeting point, it’s still an easy plan: show up, meet your guide, and get moving.

Stop 1: climbing La Corona and reaching the crater

Lanzarote: Hike the North of Lanzarote - Stop 1: climbing La Corona and reaching the crater
The first real “big moment” is La Corona, an extinct volcano and a natural monument. Your climb takes you up along gravel paths—more hiking than scrambling—and when you reach the top, you’re rewarded with views over the crater.

What I like about starting here is that it sets the tone. Before you even get to the famous cliff viewpoint, you understand the terrain you’re walking on. It becomes easier to notice how the volcanic shapes guide everything around you: the way routes thread through slopes, the way plants cling to patches of soil, and the way the horizon opens when you gain height.

Along the way, you also pass unique vineyards. That matters more than it sounds. When you see grapevines and cultivated areas near volcanic formations, it clicks that Lanzarote’s story isn’t only about eruptions. It’s also about adaptation: working with the island’s harsh, dry-looking ground and making it productive.

A practical note: since this is an uphill-and-downhill day, pace yourself early. If you sprint the first climb, you’ll feel it when you’re walking again later toward the cliffs.

The short transfer to Los Helechos Volcano

Lanzarote: Hike the North of Lanzarote - The short transfer to Los Helechos Volcano
After La Corona, there’s only a very short drive to the second site: Los Helechos Volcano. This break is useful. It gives your legs a reset before the next walking section.

Once you’re at Los Helechos, the vibe changes. The route goes through green valleys, which is a nice contrast to the more barren volcanic views you’ve just been standing over. This is where you start seeing Lanzarote’s plant life in a more “lived-in” way—exactly the kind of contrast that makes this hike feel more than just a long climb.

The walk here isn’t described as a technical hike, but you’re still on paths that can be uneven. Plan on careful steps, especially if the ground looks dusty or loose.

The Famara cliffs stretch and the La Graciosa view

Lanzarote: Hike the North of Lanzarote - The Famara cliffs stretch and the La Graciosa view
The highlight payoff comes at Famara, where you walk toward the cliffs roughly 500 meters high. The cliffs are a dramatic finish: from there, the sea and neighboring islands open up in a way that makes you understand why this part of the island gets so much attention.

This is where you’ll see views toward La Graciosa and the Chinijo archipelago from a more stark, sculpted side of nature. One reason this works is that cliffs remove distractions. You’re not looking at “stuff” filling the scene—you’re looking at shape, distance, and the relationship between land and water.

You’ll also be walking through areas with endemic plant life tied to La Macaronesia. The route is designed so you’re not just walking for mileage; you’re walking with stops and explanations, so you notice the smaller details. In the better moments, you can spot colorful flowers carpeting parts of the trail area, which turns the hike into something that feels both photogenic and educational.

The only potential drawback here is timing and comfort. The cliffs section can mean you’ll be on your feet while stopping for views. If you’re someone who gets uncomfortable standing still for long stretches, you may want to take it as a slow walk with short pause breaks rather than “one long stare at the horizon.”

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How the tour’s “volcano + valley + cliffs” flow pays off

Lanzarote: Hike the North of Lanzarote - How the tour’s “volcano + valley + cliffs” flow pays off
Some hikes show you one viewpoint and call it a day. This one does something smarter: it changes the ecosystem feel and the geological story as you go.

  • La Corona teaches you to read volcanic forms: how craters and slopes shape what you can see.
  • Los Helechos adds variety with greener valleys and plant life, so the hike doesn’t feel monotonous.
  • Famara gives the payoff: the archipelago view, especially La Graciosa, where the island geometry becomes obvious.

That flow is also great for your photo strategy. You get elevation early, then different textures mid-route, then your biggest horizon views at the end. If you’re traveling with limited time on Lanzarote, that sequencing helps you maximize the “best scenes” without feeling like you missed the real highlight because you spent too long elsewhere.

Your guide makes the difference (and it’s not just facts)

Lanzarote: Hike the North of Lanzarote - Your guide makes the difference (and it’s not just facts)
The tour is guided with a live local guide, in English and Spanish. That’s important because Lanzarote’s scenery can look similar if you’re just passing it on your own. A good guide helps you connect what you’re seeing to why it matters.

From what I’ve heard about guides in this area, you might get someone like Alejandro, who’s been described as experienced with strong Lanzarote knowledge and a friendly, sympathetic manner. Even if your guide isn’t Alejandro, the point is the same: you should expect real explanations, not only route announcements.

If you like asking questions—about the volcanoes, plants, or how locals work the land—this is the style of hike where your curiosity gets answered. With small group size, you won’t feel pushed aside while you look and ask.

Pace, terrain, and what to wear

Lanzarote: Hike the North of Lanzarote - Pace, terrain, and what to wear
Plan on a real walking day even though it’s only 3.5 hours. The route includes gravel paths, ascending and descending on volcanic terrain, and a final cliffs walk where your legs stay working while your eyes keep roaming.

What to bring is simple and worth following:

  • Comfortable shoes (grip matters on loose gravel)
  • Comfortable clothes (layers are often wise in coastal areas where conditions can shift)

If you’re the kind of traveler who prefers flat, smooth paths, this tour may feel more effort than you expected. If you’re comfortable hiking short-to-medium distances on uneven ground, you’ll likely enjoy it a lot.

One more practical tip: bring water and snacks energy from the provided supply as your baseline, not as the only fueling plan you rely on. The tour includes snacks and water, but other food isn’t included, so if you’re the type who needs a full meal, you’ll want to sort that separately.

Price and value: why $47 can make sense here

Lanzarote: Hike the North of Lanzarote - Price and value: why $47 can make sense here
At about $47 per person for a 3.5-hour guided hike, you’re paying for more than transportation. You’re buying three things that are hard to replicate casually:

  • Access to specific volcanic and cliff viewpoints in one coherent route
  • A guide who can interpret what you’re seeing across multiple stops
  • A small group (max 14), which makes stops feel human-sized

The snacks and water included also help keep the experience smooth. And since the duration is half-day, the cost-to-time ratio works well if you’re trying to fit active experiences around beach time or a dinner plan.

If you plan to do the same route on your own, you’d need a lot of local know-how to choose the right viewpoints efficiently and make the hike feel connected. Here, you’re essentially paying for that local “map in your guide’s head,” plus the structure.

Who should book this hike (and who should skip it)

This experience is a strong match if you want:

  • Scenic hiking with volcano views and crater scenery
  • A finish at Famara cliffs with big outlooks toward La Graciosa
  • A guided day where you learn what you’re seeing, including plant life tied to La Macaronesia
  • A small group feel instead of a bus-tour vibe

It’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. The walking and terrain aren’t designed for that.

Also, if you’re traveling with very limited hiking comfort—like needing flat ground only—think twice. The tour isn’t described as a gentle stroll. It’s a hike with climbs, descents, and gravel paths.

Should you book this tour?

Book it if you want a single morning (or half-day) that checks multiple Lanzarote highlights: La Corona, Los Helechos, and the Famara cliffs view toward La Graciosa. If you like geology that you can actually walk through—and you don’t mind uneven ground—this is a great use of time.

Don’t book it if you’re looking for a fully level, easy walk or you need wheelchair-friendly access. And if you hate hiking climbs even when they’re short, you may find the gravel ascents tiring.

If your plan is flexible, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve-now option with pay-later convenience (so you can lock in a spot without immediate payment).

FAQ

How long is the hike?

The duration is about 3.5 hours.

Where do I meet the guide?

Meet at 9:45am at La Iglesia de Yé.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is optional. The day before, the operator contacts you to confirm your pickup time in your accommodation.

What’s included in the price?

Snacks and water, plus a tour guide.

What language is the tour guide?

The guide is available in English and Spanish.

Is the group size small?

Yes. It’s limited to a small group of up to 14 participants.

What should I bring?

Wear comfortable shoes and bring comfortable clothes.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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