Want to avoid the crowds at Lanzarote’s main attractions?
The island still has some hidden gems for you to discover. These hidden gems on Lanzarote aren’t completely “secret” (nothing is), but you’ll find far fewer tourists.
Volcanoes, beaches, rock formations… Let’s discover Lanzarote, off the beaten track – map at the end of the article.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Our favorite car rental platform: DiscoverCars
1 – Stratified city / Picon Valley – Lanzarote’s “secret” place
Why we love
There’s nothing official about this location. It’s an abandoned quarry.
But erosion has created some amazing rock structures that photographers will love.
The remaining picon formations are made of small volcanic ash and are fragile but fascinating with the volcanoes behind them.
It is also known as Los Roferos or Antigu Rofera.
Practical information
- Location
North Lanzarote - How to get there
10 minutes by car from Costa Teguise
30min drive from Puerto del Carmen - Advice
No installations at all.
Visit at sunrise or sunset to get the orange color of the surrounding volcanoes! - Find out more in our dedicated article
Why we love
This is a formation on the side of the 600m-high Montaña Blanca volcano. 3 cracks have formed.
The cracks aren’t very long, but they are quite narrow, reminiscent of a miniature version of the canyons in Arizona and Utah.
We loved the different-sized crevasses with beautiful lines carved into the rock, as well as the views towards Puerto del Carmen and the sea. And it’s easy to get to!
Practical information
- In the heart of the island of Lanzarote
- Not far from the airport
- Puerto del Carmen to Las Grietas = 10 min
- Las Grietas is easily accessible by car. The parking lot is located along the LZ-35 road, between the towns of San Bartolomé and Tias.
- From the parking lot, you don’t even have to cross the busy road. There’s a tunnel under the road.
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Lanzarote
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- A small car is all you need.
- But you can also choose a larger one if you wish, as the parking spaces are rather large.
- Demand is high, so book early.
3 – Bajo de la Montana – Lanzarote off the beaten track
Why we love
One of Lanzarote’s many volcanic wonders.
However, it has no access by tarmac road, so few people visit it.
The crater has been partially eaten away by the sea, and what remains is a deep red color.
You can even climb to the top.
Practical information
- Location
Mid west coast - How to get there
Accessible only by 4WD, mountain bike or trekking.
From La Costa or La Santa
Puerto del Carmen to Bajo de la Montana = 35min drive (end of road on dirt track) - Advice
No installations at all.
Set aside some time to explore the surrounding area and find different perspectives.
4 – Playa del Pozo
Why we love
Close to Playa Blanca, Papagayo beach is one of Lanzarote’s most famous beaches.
But there are several beaches along the way.
Playa del Pozo lies between beaches with parking facilities. It offers magnificent sand, turquoise water and black rock formations.
So when everyone’s fighting for a spot at Papagayo, walk a little further for a more peaceful experience.
To find out more, read our article on Papagayo’s beaches.
Practical information
- Location
Southeastern tip of Lanzarote - How to get there
Access by unpaved road – fee to enter the area by car
Or on foot from Playa Blanca (free access) – less than 2km
Puerto del Carmen to Playa Blanca (on foot) = 30min drive - Advice
No facilities – no shade
A bar in Papagayo
These beaches are shared with nudists
WITH OUR GUIDE PLAN YOUR DREAM TRIP TO lanzarote
All the information you need for your trip:
- 7 maps that make planning easier
- + 75 pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- + 140 photos to help you choose
5 – Guided walks in Timanfaya National Park
Why we love
Everyone knows Timanfaya National Park(see our article with all our tips). This is the highlight of any trip to Lanzarote. This 51-square-meter protected area is covered with lava and volcanic elements in all their shapes and colors.
The tour is mainly by bus. But that means you can’t go out and take photos or stop whenever you like.
If you book your trip in advance, you may be lucky enough to get one of the places on a guided walking tour (by a ranger).
These walks take you along service roads in small groups. But places are limited. A great way to discover the national park!
Practical information
- Location
Departure from Yaiza or another location, please check the information on your booking e-mail. - How to get there
You can see the different options and book on this website: reservasparquesnacionales.es
Book early - Advice
Tours last 3 hours. There’s no shadow.
Wear suitable walking shoes, bring water, a hat and sunscreen.
Don’t bring a heavy tripod. It’s a walk with no specific stops. No time to set up your tripod.
We really enjoyed the Tremesana walk with its historic fig trees and breathtaking scenery.
Why we love
Tenesar is sometimes referred to as Lanzarote’s “lost village”.
It’s isolated, far from other tourist spots, so people don’t visit it.
Yet it’s home to a charming little village, waves crashing on basalt rocks and bright red crabs!
Practical information
- Location
North of Timanfaya National Park
In the middle of the north coast - How to get there
Narrow (but paved) road
15 minutes by car from Mancha Blanca
Puerto del Carmen to Tenesar = 35min drive - Advice
Many locals come here at weekends. So if you want peace and quiet, avoid weekends.
Drive to the west of the village to find the best area for crashing waves. And watch the dark rock for crabs! - Find out more in our Tenesar article.
7 – Playa de las Conchas (La Graciosa)
Why we love
- About Playa de las Conchas –
La Graciosa is a small island to the north of Lanzarote, accessible by ferry from the north of Lanzarote.
It is considered part of Lanzarote.
Because of the need to take a boat and the lack of roads on the island, you’ll see fewer crowds on La Graciosa.
And if you head for Playa de las Conchas, you could be almost alone, as it’s at the other end of the island (and as we said, there are no paved roads).
This beach is breathtaking!
It offers a large area of golden sand and small sand dunes, a view of the Isla de Montana Clara, and its own volcanic cone: Montana Bermeja , which rises to 154m.
This is one of the largest sandy areas around Lanzarote – 400m long and 100m wide.
Practical information
- Location
La Graciosa Island
North-western tip of the island - How to get there
5.5 km of sand and dirt track
15min 4WD cab ride (pick up at port)
1h15 to 1h30 to reach the sand dunes on foot in one direction (no shade at all)
Ferry from Puerto del Carmen to Orzola = 45min drive - Advice
No installation required.
Bring everything you need, because you’re far from everything.
If you’re visiting by 4WD, plan an hour’s return with your driver. - Book your ferry and book your 4WD tour
8 – Arcos de los Caletones (La Graciosa)
Why we love
Let’s continue on to the island of La Graciosa. It’s not all beaches.
You can also find stunning cliffs where the lava flow met the ocean. This created basalt columns and fascinating shapes, including the famous arch that gives Caleton de los Arcos its name.
Once again, we love the colors and the contrast with the black volcanic rock: the golden sand, the blue sky and the red volcano – Montana Bermeja
Practical information
- Location
La Graciosa Island
North coast of the island - How to get there
20 minutes by 4WD cab from the port.
1h45 / 2h one-way walk (without shade) - Advice
Take the time to appreciate it from every angle
No installations – take everything you need with you
If you book the island sightseeing tour with the 4WD cab, it should include this stop.
CHOOSING A HOTEL IN Lanzarote
Choosing where to stay:
Select by hotel type:
- 5-star hotels
- Best boutique-hotels
- Best adults-only hotels
- Best all-inclusive hotels
- Best hotels for families
Our favorite: Hotel Cala Lanzarote – See prices, photos and availability
Select by city:
9 – Montana Roja
Why we love
It’s located right next to one of the island’s main seaside resorts, but few people climb this mountain to enjoy the view!
Overlooking Playa Blanca, Montana Roja (the red mountain, because of its color) is a volcanic crater that rises to 194m.
A beautiful walk takes you to the top and around the edge with superb views of the southern tip of Lanzarote.
On a clear day, you can also enjoy views of Lobos Island and the north coast of Fuerteventura.
Practical information
- Location
North coast of Lanzarote
East of Playa Blanca - How to get there
1h15 round trip from the last houses (including the 20min around the shore)
2.6km walk – 150m ascent from Playa Blanca
Puerto del Carmen to Montana Roja = 30min drive - Advice
No installations
Wear good shoes
Free access - Find out more in our article on hiking.
WITH OUR GUIDE PLAN YOUR DREAM TRIP TO lanzarote
All the information you need for your trip:
- 7 maps that make planning easier
- + 75 pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- + 140 photos to help you choose
10 – The Northern Caletones and the Caleton Blanco Lagoon
Why we love
- About the Northern Caletones and the Caleton Blanco lagoon –
Looking for something different with calm, shallow waters?
Dark rocks, white sand, dunes and turquoise water for soaking and relaxing.
The whole region offers something completely different, away from the crowds.
Take time to explore and jump into the lagoon for a refreshing dip!
Practical information
- Location
North coast of Lanzarote
East of Orzola - How to get there
Accessible only by car or on foot from Orzola.
Orzola to the lagoon = 3 minutes by car
Puerto del Carmen to lagoon = 45min drive - Advice
Wear good shoes, as the small black lava rocks can be sharp.
No installations.
The Telamon Wreck is gone
In the industrial district of Arrecife lay the wreck of the Telamon ship.
On October 31, 1981, carrying tropical tree trunks, she encountered a storm in the Bocaina Strait between Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, her hull took on water and the captain asked to call at Lanzarote. But it sank before it arrived.
It has been dismantled and is no longer visible.
What to see in Lanzarote away from the crowds – Map and selection
What is off the beaten path?
We know that some people won’t agree. The notion of “secret” or “off the beaten track” is a matter of perception;
We selected places where we were alone or almost alone.
But as tourism to Lanzarote grows, these places will become increasingly popular too.
Here’s a map to help you locate our selection of 10 secret spots above.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Lanzarote
- Best of
Most beautiful landscapes
Best things to do in Lanzarote
Most beautiful beaches
Most beautiful villages
Best boat tours
César Manrique’s attractions
Secret places, off the beaten track
Most beautiful hikes
- Practical advice
25 tips for a successful trip to Lanzarote
How to get around
How to rent a car in Lanzarote
Driving tips
Where to stay in Lanzarote
Best hotels in Lanzarote
Best excursions
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 1 week – 10 days
