The route begins at Playa Blanca in the south of the island and ends at Orzola in the far north of Lanzarote after 4 or 5 days of walking (depending on your preference). The final stage then takes you to the idyllic island of La Graciosa.

Each stage is different and a treat for the senses:

First, we will ascend the arid and forgotten slopes of the mysterious Ajaches Mountains.

We will cross the vineyards of the unique landscape in La Geria.

The dormant volcanoes of Timanfaya will lead us to believe that the world has come to an end.

We will walk along the solitary northern coastline beside the roaring Atlantic Ocean to finally cross the chasms and cliffs of the Macizo de Famara, rising 600 metres above sea level at some points.

The end reward will be to cross over to the impressive island of La Graciosa after arriving in the small fishing town of Orzola, the northernmost town in Lanzarote.

This comes after not only passing through some spectacular landscapes but also several beautiful and authentic picture postcard towns, where we will sleep and get to know island life first hand, far removed from the hustle and bustle of mass tourism.

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The VULCAN WALK LANZAROTE is a bona fide hiking challenge. Even though the height differences are not huge, the type of terrain can make all the difference. Wearing good shoes is essential. Please read the “FAQ” section on our home page. It is focused on cyclists, but also applies perfectly well to walkers.

STAGE 1: PLAYA BLANCA to UGA

17,5 KMS / 900 Mts. ALTITUDE GAIN

We will set off from Playa Blanca and the idyllic beaches of Papagayo to ascend the solitary crests of the Ajaches Mountains. This will give us an amazing bird’s eye view over some of the driest and most inhospitable terrain in Lanzarote, with the Atlantic Ocean observing us from both sides. The small town of Femés will provide a brief respite while we prepare ourselves to ascend the Atalaya de Femés, one of the highest points in Lanzarote. From here, we will enjoy a spectacular descent with views of Timanfaya National Park that will lead us to the end of our first stage in the town of Uga, a place reminiscent of villages in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco.

If you are feeling confident, this first stage can be extended with an extra section that crosses the Playas de Papagayo to explore the mysterious ravines of the Ajaches Mountains. Including this extra section, the stage can be extended to 21.5 kilometres and a total ascent of 1,200 metres.

This first day we can offer 2 easiest options.

STAGE 2: UGA to TINAJO

21 KMS / 350 Mts. ALTITUDE GAIN

Leaving the town of Uga, we will venture into the globally unique landscape of La Geria. This is where local farmers have transformed the countryside from a volcanic desert into a gigantic lunar landscape dotted with vineyards. The fantastic Malvasia wine is produced from these vineyards. Don’t miss the opportunity to taste this wonderful wine at one of the wineries you will find along the way before starting your journey through Timanfaya National Park.

This is unquestionably a very special stage. Whereas La Geria no doubt took your breath away, what awaits you in Timanfaya is almost impossible to describe with mere words.

The ragged volcanic peaks of Timanfaya now loom above us as we leave La Geria behind. The most recent eruption here was less than 200 years ago. Vegetation has yet to reconquer the land and erosion has had very little effect on the landscape. This is undoubtedly from another world with dried lava flows of all shapes and colours. The last section of the stage will return us to civilisation as the lava gives way to farmland and agriculture once more near the town of Tinajo, our destination for today.

STAGE 3: TINAJO to CALETA DE FAMARA

18,5 KMS / 250 Mts. ALTITUDE GAIN

This is a long and very solitary stage that will bring us back to the Atlantic Ocean. The fields of Tinajo will lead us on a gentle descent to the little village of El Cuchillo. From here we will climb the mountain with the same name and will walk over its spectacular ridge. From the top we will descent, crossing a real desert till the village of Soo. From here we will walk among really ancient volcanos until arriving to the Northwest coast of Lanzarote.

Once at the coast, a series of tracks and paths over blindingly white sand, will lead us along the edge of the ocean to the surfer’s paradise of Caleta de Famara. The Risco de Famara guides us in the distance like a lighthouse, standing as our next and last obstacle before reaching Orzola, the final destination on our adventure before La Graciosa.

From Caleta de Famara we start the conquest of the cliffs of el Risco, the highest poin t of Lanzarote and a succession of more than 20 kms of cliffs, in some points over 600 meters over the sea level.

In a hard and constant climb we will reach the highest area of Lanzarote and from here we will “fly” over the terrifying abysses, to descend through the Malpaso valley, a vegetal oasis where we can even find pine trees (an incredible thing given the dryness of Lanzarote), until we reach to the Valley of a thousand Palms and its beautiful towns of Haría and Maguez, where we will finish the stage.

 

 

STAGE 6: LA GRACIOSA

13 KMS / 250 Mts. ALTITUDE GAIN

All that awaits us now is our final reward. We will take a boat across to the idyllic and virgin island of La Graciosa. Here we will enjoy an easy walk to the peak of Montaña Amarilla, passing by the spectacular beaches of Franceses and La Cocina.

However, if you want a really special prize, stay an extra day or even more on the island of La Graciosa to explore and enjoy a couple of days far removed from the hubbub of civilisation. More walking, cycling, diving, lonely beaches, beauty, tranquillity, gastronomy… whatever you decide. Can you imagine a better reward?

Do you want to come? Ask for a no obligation quote by filling in the form you will find by clicking on the button in the top-right corner of this page.

 

Also it’s possible to walk together the 4th and 5th stages, before going to La Graciosa Island. In that case the stage will be as follows:

STAGE 4: CALETA FAMARA to ORZOLA

26 KMS / 1.500 Mts. ALTITUDE GAIN

This stage can be divided in two:

STAGE 4: CALETA DE FAMARA to HARIA                       STAGE 5: HARIA to ORZOLA

11 KMS / 700 Mts. ALTITUDE GAIN      15 KMS / 800 Mts. ALTITUDE GAIN

The toughest stage of the Vulcan Walk Lanzarote. It cannot be said that this is the most beautiful stage, although it is indeed stunning, but it is the longest and toughest stage because of the various ascents. This stage can be divided in two.

From Caleta de Famara, we set off to climb the Risco de Famara – a series of cliffs over 20 kilometres long that rise to over 600 metres above sea level at some points. Following a tough and constant climb, we will reach the highest part of Lanzarote. From here, we continue along the terrifying chasms, constantly rising and falling through surprisingly green valleys despite the dry climate of Lanzarote.

This is a day of choices. The stage can be divided as explained to spend a night in the lovely town of Haría, capital of the Valle de las Mil Palmeras. Alternatively, the route can continue from Haría to the more distant town of Orzola. However, there is another option to include a much more wild and demanding section that skirts the town of Haría and runs along almost the entire length of Risco de Famara. In any case, the reward is to reach the fishing town of Orzola, the penultimate destination on the Vulcan Walk in Lanzarote. La Graciosa is waiting for us!