Caldera Blanca - Lanzarote

A very nice, fairly easy hike to discover the magnificent Caldera Blanca and the 360° view from the summit over the entire Volcanoes National Park.
To be done on a clear, not too windy day, otherwise it's a bit sporty on the ridge.

Details

316254
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 5.80 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 40 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,125 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,145 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,483 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 479 ft

Photos

Description of the walk

Start: From Mancha Blanca, reach the car park at El Islotito.

(S/E). From the car park, follow the path through the lava fields, otherwise it's impassable. Walk through the lava fields to the fork. It's bound to be a bit hot. Reach the Caldera fork.

(1) Note: Here you can choose to go right or left.
If you go right, the climb is more athletic, and you'll reach the first low ridge, where you can admire the view and take a refreshment break sheltered from the wind.

(2) Resume the climb to the summit, following the ridge and reaching it quickly.

(3) Here you'll discover an incredible view of the national park to your right and a breathtaking view of the Caldera to your left. Beyond to the East and West, the coastline is clearly visible.
Start the descent by continuing around the caldera via the ridge. Continue on until you reach the starting point for the final descent.

(4) Start your descent. Note: If you descend before this point, you will find yourself on very steep and slippery terrain. What's more, you'll soon be back in the black lava and therefore the heat.
Return to the starting fork.

(1) Take the outward route back to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 814 ft - Place called El Islotito
  2. 1 : mi 1.43 - alt. 636 ft - Carrefour de la boucle
  3. 2 : mi 2.55 - alt. 866 ft - Picnic/ viewpoint
  4. 3 : mi 3.05 - alt. 1,460 ft - Summit
  5. 4 : mi 3.99 - alt. 863 ft - Start of the descent
  6. S/E : mi 5.8 - alt. 814 ft - Place called El Islotito

Notes

Start: From Mancha Blanca, reach the car park at El Islotito.

Refreshments: ⚠️ Bring plenty to drink, as the black lava fields can get very hot.

Reviews and comments

4.9 / 5
Based on 117 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.8 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.9 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
fabduch
fabduch

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 23, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Be sure to follow the route in an anti-clockwise direction, as indicated in the description. If you are walking the route in a clockwise direction, make sure you wear shoes with good-grip soles rather than just trainers, as the descent is very slippery.
It is also advisable to avoid this route on very windy days.

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User 2292884

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 28, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Hike with a beautiful view of the crater and the surrounding area, a fairly busy route at the end of January. No particular difficulty in terms of walking, but for someone who is afraid of heights, like me, the arrival at the ridge (which you have to walk along for a while) is quite impressive: the path is wide, but there is a drop on both sides. You can park in the fairly large car park at the start if you have an SUV-type vehicle.

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User 822858

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 07, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

To be done in the direction indicated and on a windless day.

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jolarando
jolarando
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 05, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

We did it counterclockwise as indicated in the description. Going the other way, the descent is more dangerous, quite steep and slippery.
Superb view at the top.

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Zoxence
Zoxence

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 07, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very pleasant hike with splendid views, the downside being that, as it is very well marked, there are many hikers on the trail. Very windy at the summit.

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lesignal
lesignal

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 09, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

We did this hike on 9 January 2026. The weather was fine and windy. The trail was very busy up to the fork. We chose the right-hand option, which was a little less crowded. The climb is steeper but more enjoyable. The descent is gentle. The view is magnificent.

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ffrantz
ffrantz

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 21, 2025
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : Not used / Not applicable
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A superb, easy and original walk. The 360-degree view from the highest point is breathtaking.
It's easier to follow the suggested route and the views are more beautiful.
To avoid the crowds, set off early: we started at 9am.
We couldn't find the free bus, so we parked at the edge of the village just before the start. Note that you can park closer to the start by taking a bumpy dirt road, but again, be sure to arrive early as parking spaces are limited and not very secure.
This extended the walk to 11.7 km, and it took us 3 hours to complete.
On the ridge, the path is wide and easy, even if you're afraid of heights.

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User 15166821

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 06, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very beautiful hike that takes you close to Timanfaya National Park. There are lots of people on the trail. The climb is challenging but gradual. I think it's important to follow the route in the right direction because the descent is easier.

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Vieux débris toxique
Vieux débris toxique

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 18, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Very easy to follow as you just need to follow the path through the middle of the lava. A very beautiful route. No particular difficulties. Nothing to say about vertigo: it's safe and peaceful.
Definitely worth a visit

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BOYER9
BOYER9

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 28, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful and impressive trail in the middle of the lava. An easy climb to the summit and the opportunity to walk around the crater make this hike very interesting. Bring water, sunglasses and a hat.

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nebula
nebula

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 14, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A superb hike that is a must on Lanzarote! Be careful if you have children, as it is very windy on the ridge and therefore dangerous. The start is very poorly signposted; follow the Visorando link to get to the car park

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nannyfab
nannyfab

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 20, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very fine route, with beautiful views from the crater. Beware of the strong wind on the crater. If you are prone to vertigo, do not attempt this route.
The climb is steady and not too difficult.

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Annick84
Annick84

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : May 26, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

No need to be a pro; this trail is signposted from end to end, as it is in the Timanfaya park; in fact, it would be impossible to walk outside it, as it is a sea of lava.
The view is breathtaking on arrival; there's nothing very "technical" about this hike, but it's tricky because of the violent wind that blows all the time.
wind.

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SandrineG
SandrineG

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 18, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Access by bus from the hermitage of Our Lady of Sorrows in Macha Blanca, as the car park is now closed.
Free bus, leaving every half-hour.
The same applies to the Caldeira de les Cuervos hike.

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fzutterman
fzutterman

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 21, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Superb ridge route. It's actually better to do the traverse this way, otherwise the descent would be a bit tricky.

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