Overview
The Lanzarote GR131 trail covers approximately 70km of this volcanic island and, on this eight day, self-guided holiday, you walk it from north to south. Starting in the small harbour town of Órzola and finishing in Playa Blanca in the south, the trail skirts volcanoes and valleys, including Timanfaya National Park, the Los Ajaches mountain range and Valley of a Thousand Palm Trees. Hike up to some superb viewpoints on the 23-km long ridge, Famara Cliffs, and explore traditional island towns of Teguise and Yaíza. If you want to explore the green and rugged heart of Lanzarote, this is a superb way to do it.
- Risco de Famara
- Lanzarote GR131
- Teguise
- Playa Blanca
- Yaíza
- Timanfaya National Park
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Lanzarote
Welcome to Lanzarote. Transfer from Arrecife Airport to the hotel in Arrecife and capital of Lanzarote. Depending on the time of arrival, we recommend visiting the volcanic lagoon, El Charco de San Ginés, San Ginés church and the waterfront Castillo de San Gabriel.
- Accommodation: Hotel Lancelot or similar in Arrecife
Day 2: Orzola – Haría | 14.3km
You are transferred (30mins) to the northern coastal town of Orzola, where the GR131 begins. Follow an ascent up the slope of Risco de Famara (the 23km-long Famara cliff) as far as Mirador del Rio viewpoint, which has great views over the island of La Graciosa. From here, the path follows the edge of Risco de Famara, skirting the western flank of the ancient volcano, La Corona. After passing the village of Máguez, the route starts a gentle descent towards the Valley of a Thousand Palm Trees. The pretty mountain village of Haría is located in the centre of this valley where tonights accommodation is. We highly recommend a visit to the César Manrique House Museum in Haría, the founder of sustainable policies on the island, and exemplary artist.
- Accommodation: La Casa de Los Naranjos or similar in Haría
- Walking for the day: 14.3km, ↑630m ↓355m
Day 3: Haría – Teguise | 13.9km
Start climbing up through the valley until you get to Risco de Famara again. The GR131 runs between the viewpoints of Risco and Cueva de Las Cabras as far as Las Nieves Hermitage. From here, it’s is a long descent in a southerly direction to San José Hermitage. Shortly after, you arrive at Teguise, where you spend the night. Dating back to the 15th century, Teguise boasts some architectural beauties, including Church of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, Santo Domingo Convent, Spinola Palace, Casa Museo del Timple and Casa-Museo del Emigrante Canario.
- Accommodation: La Mimosa B&B or similar in Teguise
- Walking for the day: 13.9km, ↑339m ↓322m
Day 4: Teguise – Coníl | 19.6km
Today, the route runs through the central plain of Lanzarote, from the village of Teguise to Coníl. Start by heading to San Bartolomé, where we recommend a visit to the bakery Pasteleria Lolita. From San Bartolomé, go around the volcanic cone of Montaña Guatisea, and continue to the village of Montaña Blanca. A little further on, after going around the volcanic cone of Montaña Blanca, which gives its name to the village, you come to La Candelaria Church on the outskirts of Coníl. You are transferred from here back to Arrecife.
- Accommodation: Hotel Lancelot or similar in Arrecife
- Walking for the day: 19.6km, ↑357m ↓359m
Day 5: Coníl – Yaíza | 12km
You are transferred back to Coníl again to pick up your walk, which runs parallel to the Timanfaya National Park, heading south. This is a more densely populated area with myriad houses scattered around. After Mount Tinasoria, the GR131 begins to ascend towards Las Casitas, skirting the southern flank of Caldera Riscada and entering an arid mountainous area where the Los Ajaches mountain range begins. Continue on to Yaíza where you spend the night, a town that’s considered one of the best-preserved towns of the Canary Island archipelago.
- Accommodation: Hotelito La Era or similar in Yaíza
- Walking for the day: 12km, ↑212m ↓292m
Day 6: Yaíza – Playa Blanca | 15km
The last stage of the Lanzarote GR131 takes you to the resort town of Playa Blanca, starting with a gentle climb up the northern flank of the Los Ajaches mountains as far as Las Breñas. Continue across lava fields as far as Los Hervideros, with views across to the neighbouring islands of Lobos and Fuerteventura. A little further on, the first tourist developments appear of Playa Blanca, which also has a great beach for swimming before you are transferred back to Yaíza for the night.
- Accommodation: Hotelito La Era or similar in Yaíza
- Walking for the day: 15km, ↑75m ↓245m
Day 7: Rest day
We have included a rest day here so that you can visit Timanfaya National Park, the César Manrique Foundation in Tahiche or an array of other tourist sights. These include the wine-growing area of La Geria, El Golfo and Las Salinas de Janubio, all of which are very close to Yaíza. Playa de Papagayo near Playa Blanca is a swimming heaven.
- Accommodation: Hotelito La Era or similar in Yaíza
Day 8: Departure
Departure after breakfast.
What to expect
Accommodation
Accommodation on this tour includes a mix of mostly small, locally-owned hotels. They have been carefully selected based on a variety of criteria including their location, warm hospitality, fine local food or commitment to responsible tourism. All rooms have en-suite or private bathrooms.
Click to view default hotels
- Hotel Lancelot (Arrecife)
- La Casa de Los Naranjos (Haría)
- La Mimosa B&B (Teguise)
- Hotelito La Era (Yaíza)
Hotels are subject to availability. In the event of a particular hotel being fully booked for your chosen dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.
Meals
Breakfast is included on all days. When no restaurant location is available en route, lunches and snacks can either be bought from local shops or packed lunches can be pre-ordered from your hotel the night before. Dinner is available either at the accommodation or from restaurants in the local area.
Difficulty and terrain
This holiday is rated moderate to strenuous and is suitable for experienced walkers. It is necessary a good physical condition, steady walk and lack of vertigo. Some parts of this trail include passages with slippery loose stone. Although most of this trail is roomy enough, certain sections are quite aerial and require caution. Using hiking poles is highly recommended.. (read more about difficulty grades).
When to go
This trip is available throughout the year. The flexibility of self-guided holidays means that there are no fixed dates, and you can start your trip on any date.
The best time to visit Lanzarote is from September to May. Although very hot from June to August, the trade winds can keep the temperatures within limits.
For more information, see our blog on Best time to go to Spain
Getting there
Click to view travel options
Our recommended airport for this tour is Lanzarote Arrecife Airport (ACE)
A private transfer from Lanzarote Arrecife Airport is included in your package.
From Yaíza, there is a regular bus service to Lanzarote Arrecife Airport (161). For more information visit Intercity Bus Lanzarote.
Inclusions
Included
- 7 overnight stays in private en-suite rooms
- 7 breakfasts
- Video briefing with our local representative on arrival
- Arrival airport transfer
- Transfer from Arrecife to Orzola on day two
- Transfer from Coníl to Arrecife on day four
- Transfer from Arrecife to Coníl on day five
- Transfer from Playa Blanca to Yaíza on day six
- Luggage transport between accommodations (one bag per person up to 20kg)
- Digital route descriptions and GPS tracks
- Printed map
- 24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative
Excluded
- Airfare, departure transfer and transfers not explicitly listed as included in the programme
- Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Personal expenses
- Local tourist taxes and entry fees (payable on-site)
- Any items not explicitly listed as included
- eSIM data for international travel (get an eSIM)
Options, extras and supplements
- If you’re travelling in a group, a supplement applies to group members who would like to have a room of their own
- This holiday is available for solo travellers. A supplement will be charged as accommodation and luggage transfer costs are not shared (we never mix and match – solo travellers will be accommodated in single rooms)
- Extra nights available on request
- Departure airport transfer
- Pole rental
Spain’s legal requirement for personal information
Please note: in December 2024, the Spanish government introduced a new law making it a legal obligation for all visitors to Spain to share personal details with their accommodations and car rental companies. Consequently, as we book your accommodation for you, we are obliged to pass these on to our local partners on the ground. After booking your holiday, we will send you a form to complete requesting all the legally-required information, including: name, nationality, gender, passport number, DOB, address, phone numbers and email address. This applies to all travellers aged 14 and over. If you are travelling with people under 14 years old, you need to declare your relationship to them. We apologise for any inconvenience. For more information, see here.
