Lanzarote is often best explored on foot. As the island offers a wealth of hidden beauty spots and breathtaking views. Along with some fascinating coastal walks. Here we take a look at five of the best routes on Lanzarote.
Mirador de Haria
This isn’t a particularly long walk but it culminates in an amazing view of the bay at Famara, so it’s well worth the hike. First drive into Haria town centre, passing the main Plaza de la Constitución and the Plaza León y Castillo where the Saturday morning market is held. At the end of the road heading out of Haria towards Maguez, there is a sharp left turn, signposted as taking you back towards Arrecife. Take this turning and continue until the next intersection. Here, take the right hand turning and drive on for approximately a kilometre. The road turns into a dirt track, with several fincas alongside it. There is usually space to park here and begin the walk.
Follow the dirt track as it rises up above Haria. It takes fifteen minutes or thereabouts to get to the top, where a look out point has been created, with incredible views over the side of the cliff and down towards the beach and the village at Famara.
Femes
As one of the highest villages on the island, Femes has great views of the surrounding countryside, particularly from the balcony down towards Playa Blanca. There are several dirt tracks crossing the mountain range of the Atalaya de Femes, one of which descends to sea level close to Playa Quemada. This pathway can be picked up just behind the restaurant Casa Emiliano in the village of Femes. It curves up to the crest of the mountain and then begins its descent via two barrancos, Barranco de la Casia and Barranco de los Dises.
On either of these tracks it is a considerable trek down to the sea and one that requires proper footwear. The most effective way of accomplishing this walk is to arrange some form of transport at the foot of the Atalaya, in Playa Quemada for example, and to make one’s way to an agreed pick up point. Otherwise it’s a long trek back up to the top.
Mala to Teguise
This is a considerable up-hill walk, which will take several hours to complete, so it is advisable to bring plenty of liquids and something to eat as well. The walk starts in Mala, just by the little town chapel, which is on the left hand side of the main road almost as you are leaving the village.
Park your vehicle here and once you have walked past the chapel, take the gravel road to the right which crosses the main motorway with a bridge. Once on the other side of the northern bypass road, the track begins to ascend the hills that flank the dam – the Embalse de Mala – where winter rainfall is collected.
Continue up this dirt track to the top of the dam and then on towards a tiny hamlet of several houses. Follow the track through the hamlet round to the right and then the path swings left, giving the first view of the military listening post that commands the highest spot on the island.
The path keeps climbing until it reaches an intersection, with the Wind Farm – or Parque Eolico – on your left. The pathway continues until it reaches the road, almost opposite the listening post. Follow the road for 600 metres or so, taking care of the traffic as this a busy route, until you see a turning off to the right, signposted for Las Nieves.
Take this road, which has lovely views of the terraced hillsides surrounding the village of Los Valles, until you reach the chapel at Las Nieves, which has a large gravel car park in front of it. On the far side of the car park there are the most stunning views down to Famara and across the southern half of the island.
A dirt track leads from Las Nieves towards Teguise, which is visible in the distance. This track will take you past another military base as it wends its way towards the former capital and will bring you out close to the college and football ground in Teguise.
Puerto del Carmen to Arrecife
The coastal promenade which runs from Puerto del Carmen all the way to Arrecife is perfect for those who wish to stretch their legs without hiring a car to do so.
The walk runs from the Avenida de las Playas of Puerto del Carmen, through Matagorda and Playa Honda and on to Arrecife. With numerous bars and restaurants bordering the front, there are plenty of places to rest and seek liquid refreshment.
For the return journey, the bus service that operates between Arrecife and Puerto del Carmen can be picked up at the Parque Islas Canarias, just after the yellow Cabildo building and just before you enter the city.
Playa Blanca to Papagayo Beaches
The six coves that make up the beaches at Papagayo are well worth a visit, especially for those staying in Playa Blanca. The beaches are now easily accessible by walking along the sea front promenade which extends from one end of Playa Blanca to the other, right up to the Papagayo Arenas Hotel. From here it is only a few hundred metres more to the first beach at Papagayo.
