Lanzarote: Hike the North of Lanzarote

The best part of this northern Lanzarote hike is the variety packed into three and a half hours. You climb La Corona Volcano, walk through green valleys near Los Helechos, and finish beside the high Famara cliffs with La Graciosa spread across the sea. It is a volcanic walk with more than one kind of scenery.

I like the small group of up to 14 people, which gives the local guide room to explain the island without turning the walk into a moving crowd. I also like the mix of geology and daily life: you pass local vineyards, see endemic Macaronesian plants, and learn how Lanzarote’s people adapted to this stark island.

The main consideration is the walking surface. Expect gravel paths, uphill and downhill sections, and open terrain, so this is not a gentle sightseeing stroll. Comfortable shoes and steady footing matter, and the route is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.

Key points to know before booking

• Two volcanic stops in one morning: Climb La Corona Volcano, then continue to Los Helechos Volcano.
• Famara cliffs at 500 meters: The route ends with broad views toward La Graciosa and the Chinijo Archipelago.
• A small group format: The tour is limited to 14 participants and runs in English or Spanish.
• A local guide adds context: You learn about volcanic origins, native plants, vineyards, and life on Lanzarote.
• Snacks and water are included: You do not need to carry provisions for a full day, but other food is not provided.
• The $47 price is reasonable: For a guided half-day walk with two sites, transport between volcanoes, water, and snacks, the cost offers solid value.

Why this northern route feels different

Lanzarote is famous for black lava fields and dramatic volcanic scenery, but the north gives you a more varied picture of the island. Here, volcanic cones sit beside vineyards, green valleys appear in the folds of the terrain, and the land eventually breaks into the tall cliffs of Famara.

That variety makes this tour more rewarding than a single viewpoint stop. You are not simply driven to a crater, given time for photos, and taken back. You walk between points, notice how the ground changes, and get a clearer sense of how Lanzarote was formed.

The route also introduces the Chinijo Archipelago, the group of islands and islets visible from northern Lanzarote. La Graciosa is the star of the view. From the Famara cliffs, it appears across the water in a setting that feels far removed from the island’s resort areas.

I would choose this outing if you want a half-day in nature but do not want to spend an entire day on a demanding trek. It gives you real walking time while keeping the program focused and manageable.

La Corona Volcano, vineyards, and the first climb

The morning begins at 9:45 a.m. at the meeting point in La Iglesia de Yé. This northern village is the starting point for the first major section, the climb up La Corona Volcano.

La Corona is an extinct volcano, and the walk takes you toward its crater. The climb gives you a useful introduction to Lanzarote’s volcanic character because you see the cone up close rather than only from a road or distant lookout.

The route passes local vineyards. That detail matters because Lanzarote’s vineyards are not ordinary fields. The island’s dry conditions and volcanic soil have shaped a distinctive way of growing grapes, and seeing the vines during a walk connects the geology to local farming.

Do not expect a paved path all the way to the top. The surface includes gravel, with ascending and descending sections. The climb may be straightforward for people who regularly walk on uneven ground, but it will feel more physical than a town walk.

At the summit, the crater is the main reward. You can pause to look back over the surrounding area and take in the scale of the volcanic cone. The guide can also help explain the island’s origins, turning the stop into more than a photo break.

Bring shoes with a firm sole. Trainers may work if they are supportive and in good condition, but soft fashion shoes are a poor match for loose gravel. Comfortable clothing is also important because the route includes exposed walking and changing effort levels.

Los Helechos Volcano and the green valleys

After La Corona, the group makes a very short drive of about two minutes to Los Helechos Volcano. This transfer is small but useful. It allows the tour to connect two volcanic areas without asking you to walk along roads or repeat the same terrain.

Los Helechos offers a different feel from the first stop. Instead of focusing only on the crater, the route moves through green valleys and onward toward the Famara cliffs. The contrast is one of the most appealing parts of the morning.

The greenery should not be read as a thick forest walk. Lanzarote remains a dry island, but the valleys can support plant life that looks surprisingly fresh against the volcanic ground. The route is also a good place to notice endemic plants from Macaronesia, the Atlantic region that includes the Canary Islands.

This is where a guide can add real value. A local guide can point out plant life you might otherwise pass without noticing and explain how the island’s natural conditions shaped settlement and farming. The tour is conducted in English or Spanish, so you should choose the language that lets you ask questions comfortably.

The path continues through open ground toward the cliffs. You will want to keep an eye on footing rather than staring at the view every second. The route includes uneven surfaces, and the mix of walking and scenery rewards a steady pace.

The Famara cliffs and views of La Graciosa

The final section reaches the Famara cliffs, described at around 500 meters high. This is the visual high point of the tour. From the cliffs, you look across toward La Graciosa and the wider Chinijo Archipelago.

The view is broad and uncluttered. Instead of seeing only one crater or a close volcanic wall, you get the meeting point of land and sea, with the island group beyond. It gives the walk a strong finish and explains why the northern route is worth choosing over a shorter volcano visit.

You should allow time to enjoy the view, but remember that the cliffs are a natural setting rather than a formal attraction with railings and facilities described in the tour details. Stay attentive to your surroundings and follow the guide’s instructions.

The Famara section also provides the best sense of distance. Earlier, the route is about craters, paths, plants, and vineyards. Here, the scene opens outward. You can see how the north of Lanzarote connects to the islands offshore and why this part of the island has such a strong identity.

People who enjoy photography will find several useful subjects: the crater forms, gravel paths, the color of the plants, the cliffs, and the view toward La Graciosa. Still, I would not treat this as a photo-only excursion. The walking is the point, and you need to stay comfortable on your feet.

What the guide adds to the walk

A guided hike is especially useful in volcanic country. At first glance, a field of dark rock can look simple. With explanation, you begin to see the difference between a crater, a volcanic cone, a valley, cultivated ground, and plant life adapted to the island.

The tour includes a live guide in English or Spanish. The group limit of 14 keeps the setting more personal than a large coach excursion. A guide can keep the pace together, explain the stops, and help the route feel connected rather than like two unrelated volcano visits.

Alejandro is one guide associated with this experience, and he is described as having strong knowledge of Lanzarote and extensive excursion experience. You should not assume he will lead every departure, but if he is your guide, you can expect the tour to benefit from his familiarity with the island.

The local angle is important. You learn not just about eruptions but also about the people of Lanzarote, the vineyards, and the plants that survive in the island’s conditions. That makes this a better choice for someone who wants context along with scenery.

Group size, timing, and transport

The experience lasts 3.5 hours, making it easy to fit into a morning or combine with another activity later in the day. The stated meeting time is 9:45 a.m. at La Iglesia de Yé.

The meeting point is clear, but pickup may also be available. One day before the tour, the provider will contact you to confirm a pickup time at your accommodation. Since pickup is described as optional, check the exact arrangement when booking rather than assuming transport is included from every part of Lanzarote.

The short drive between La Corona and Los Helechos is a practical advantage. It saves energy for the walking sections and keeps the route focused on the two volcanoes and Famara. There is no indication that this is a long sightseeing drive, so you should think of transport as a brief link between trails.

A group of 14 is small enough for questions and guide interaction, but it is not a private hike. If you want a completely personal pace or a route adapted just for you, this format may feel limited. For most people, though, the group size is a good middle ground.

Is $47 a fair price?

At $47 per person, the tour offers good value for a guided half-day in a scenic part of Lanzarote. The price covers the guide, snacks, water, the short transfer between volcanic sites, and access to a route that links several distinct settings.

You are paying for more than a viewpoint. The morning includes a volcano climb, a second volcanic area, green valleys, vineyards, endemic plants, and the Famara cliffs. A guide also saves you from having to plan how to connect these places yourself.

The value is strongest if you want interpretation. If you only need a trail and prefer to walk alone, you may not need a paid excursion. But if you want help understanding the island’s volcanic origins and local life, the cost is sensible.

Other food is not included, so do not expect a meal. Snacks and water are supplied, which should cover the tour itself, but you may want to eat beforehand or plan food for later, especially if you find uphill walking tiring.

Who should choose this hike?

This tour suits you if you enjoy active sightseeing, uneven paths, and views that improve as you walk. It is a good match for people who want something more substantial than a short scenic stop but less than a full-day trek.

It also works well for visitors who want to see northern Lanzarote beyond the main resort areas. The route brings together natural features and local details, including vineyards and native plants, without requiring a full-day commitment.

You should think twice if you have mobility limitations, use a wheelchair, or are uncomfortable on gravel and slopes. The route includes ascents and descents, and the tour is specifically not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Families and mixed-ability groups should consider the walking surface carefully. The tour data does not provide an age limit or a detailed difficulty grade, so you should ask the provider if you are unsure about a child or participant’s ability to manage the route.

What to bring for a comfortable morning

Wear comfortable shoes with good support and clothing suited to walking. The basic advice is simple, but it matters here because the trail includes gravel and uneven volcanic ground.

Water and snacks are included, so you do not need to carry supplies for a long expedition. Still, a small day bag can be useful for personal items and anything you want available during the walk.

Plan to be ready at the meeting point by 9:45 a.m. If you are using accommodation pickup, watch for the confirmation message the day before and make sure you understand the pickup time.

The tour operates in English and Spanish. If language is important to your enjoyment, select the option that lets you follow explanations about geology, plants, and local life without effort.

Should you book the northern Lanzarote hike?

Book it if you want two volcanoes and the Famara cliffs in one compact morning, with a guide who can explain the island beyond its postcard views. The combination of craters, vineyards, green valleys, native plants, and La Graciosa gives you a fuller picture of northern Lanzarote.

Skip it if you want a flat walk, private transport throughout, or a relaxed sightseeing trip with little physical effort. The gravel paths and slopes are a real part of the experience, not a minor detail.

For active visitors, the $47 price is fair, the small group is practical, and the scenery is varied enough to keep the morning interesting from La Corona to the cliffs. Bring proper shoes, arrive ready to walk, and this is a strong choice for seeing the north on foot.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet?

The meeting point is at La Iglesia de Yé, with the scheduled meeting time at 9:45 a.m.

How long does the hike last?

The experience lasts 3.5 hours.

Which places does the route visit?

The tour visits La Corona Volcano, Los Helechos Volcano, the green valleys near Los Helechos, and the Famara cliffs, with views toward La Graciosa and the Chinijo Archipelago.

Is accommodation pickup available?

Optional pickup is available. One day before the tour, the provider will contact you to confirm the pickup time at your accommodation.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live guide operates in English and Spanish.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

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