Canary Islands Walking - Lanzarote

Our trip starts in Puerto del Carmen, a coastal resort town on the south east of the island, known for its beautiful beaches and long promenade called Avenida de las Playas, which stretches for several kilometres. For those arriving on time, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 7pm for the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner afterwards. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to arrive at any time. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive at Arrecife Airport (ACE) which is around 15 minutes drive from our hotel. Should you miss the meeting, your leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up. Our hotel is situated in a quiet location in Puerto del Carmen near the old centre and old port. Restaurants, cafes and the beach are a short walk away. Its location makes for a great base from which to strike out and explore the whole of Lanzarote.

Today we explore the south of the island, driving 30 minutes to Femes, a small village at the base of the southern mountains. Our walk takes us on a well-marked trail through the lunar, remote landscape of the Ajaches hills. Lanzarote is an island of volcanic origin with a long history of eruptions, the most significant being the Timanfaya eruptions throughout the 1730s and 1824, which shaped the landscape we walk through. Arriving at the coast, we follow the coastal path to reach Playa Quemada. This small seaside village maintains its charm with secluded beaches, idyllic coves and a handful of restaurants offering freshly caught seafood. Today's moderate 10 kilometre/6.2 miles walk is expected to take approximately four hours with a total ascent of 480 metres/1,312 feet and descent of 800 metres/2,624 feet.

Our walk today begins from Maguez village close to the northwest coast. We follow the path along the top of the cliffs of Famara, first to the Montana del Gayo with spectacular views across the Atlantic and surrounding cliffs and finally reach the Mirador del Rio. Mirador del Rio is a 475 metre/1,558 feet high viewpoint located at the edge of the Famara cliffs, built into the lava rock. The building, designed by local artist Cesar Manrique, wonderfully blends into the landscape, the floor-to-ceiling glass windows and outdoor walkway enhance the panoramic views overlooking the Rio Strait, between Lanzarote and the island of La Graciosa. In the afternoon we drive back to Puerto del Carmen. Today's leisurely 12 kilometre/7.35 mile walk is expected to take approximately four-and-a-half hours with a total ascent of 550 metres/1,804 feet and descent of 350 metres/1,148 feet.

Today we drive to the centre of the island and walk through the volcanic scenery of Timanfaya - the most dramatic lunar landscape of black lava dotted with craters. Our walk starts close to Mancha Blanca village; we follow wide and narrow dirt paths surrounded by volcanic lava varying in both size and shape. At the end of the walk, we drive to La Geria. La Geria is famed for its unique vineyards; the local farmers have devised an ingenious way to cultivate wine in this harsh environment, creating funnel-shaped pits protected with low dry stone walls in which to grow Malvasia grapes. There are Bodegas (wineries) dotted along the road selling the honey-coloured sweet wine, we will visit one and try some of the delicious Malvasia grape wines produced in this volcanic landscape, a testament to the island's resilience and ingenuity. Today's leisurely 10-kilometre/6.2-mile walk is expected to take approximately four with a total ascent and descent of 150 metres/495 feet.

Today has been left free to relax or explore the region more. It is possible to take a day trip to La Graciosa - this small arid island has a population of less than 700, with unpaved sand roads, isolated beaches, a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna and a slow pace of life that makes you feel like you're stepping into a different country. On the island, there is an enjoyable self-guided walk that takes you to Playa Francesca, and shorter or longer walk options can be discussed with your tour leader. The ferry to La Graciosa leaves from Orzola which is a 50-minute taxi ride from Puerto del Carmen. Another option today is to visit Jameos de Agua, designed by Cesar Manrique, Lanzarote's most influential architect. The venue has been built in the volcanic cave system formed by the eruptions of the Corona volcano; it features a swimming pool, restaurant and bar. This could be combined with a visit to La Graciosa as it is located on the way or it is a 40 minute taxi ride from Puerto del Carmen. Today's optional self-guided 11-kilometre/10.6-mile walk is expected to take approximately six hours with a total ascent and descent of 200 metres/492 feet.

This morning, we begin our discovery of Lanzarote, driving north to Haria, a pretty village of low-lying white-washed buildings situated in the fertile Valley of the Thousand Palm Trees. Walking across the surrounding hills we pass cultivated plots of fig trees and grape vines. Reaching the clifftop area of Bosquecillo there are numerous wooden benches where we can take a rest and soak in the views down the cliffs to Famara beach. The Famara Cliffs are an impressive sight, rising to over 500 metres/1,640 feet high and stretching along the coast for 15 kilometres/9.3 miles. Continuing, we make our descent down a rocky path to Famara beach to be rewarded with 5 kilometres/3.1 miles of golden sand, backed by the dramatic cliffs and panoramic views across to La Graciosa island. Located between the fishing village of La Caleta de Famara and the base of the impressive cliffs, Famara Beach is Lanzarote's surfing hotspot. In the afternoon we transfer back to the hotel, stopping en route for a stroll through the lovely centre of Teguise, Lanzarote's old capital. Today's moderate 12-kilometre/7.4-mile walk is expected to take approximately four-and-a-half hours with a total ascent of 350 metres/1,148 feet and descent of 610 metres/2,132 feet.

Today we drive from Puerto del Carmen to the outskirts of Guatiza where we start walking along trails leading down to the coast. We take the coastal path along the rugged coastline, passing some traditional salines that are still operating. This area is shaped by an ancient volcanic eruption in the vicinity, of the village of Arrieta, arriving in the early afternoon. There is time to explore this typical Canarian fishing community, relax on the golden sands of Playa de la Garita or take a swim in the ocean. Then, we drive back to the hotel with a stop at Cesar Manriques Cactus Garden. El Jardin de Cactus is the last great work of César Manrique in Lanzarote, a fascinating creation that houses about 4,500 specimens of cactus of about 500 species from five continents. Today's moderate 15 kilometre/9.3 mile walk is expected to take approximately five-and-a-half hours with an ascent of 100 metres/328 feet and descent of 250 metres/820 feet.

The trip ends after breakfast in Puerto del Carmen There are no activities planned today, so you are free to are free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you need to depart from Arrecife Airport (ACE) which is around 15 minutes drive.