If you’re looking for a place off the beaten track, with little-built lava landscapes, we recommend the small village of Tenesar.
Here are some useful tips for planning your visit to Tenesar in Lanzarote.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is visiting Tenesar worth it?
Yes, Tenesar deserves a visit.
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!
It’s one of our favorite places off the beaten track.
What you can see
Driving off the beaten track
To start with, the road is far from buildings, with majestic volcanic landscapes.
We love driving on roads surrounded by lava fields. It’s always very impressive, with a feeling of living after an apocalypse. Especially when there’s no one around!
The Tenesar road is paved all the way.
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.
Volcanic landscapes
On the last few kilometers to reach the village, the road takes you past the Montana Teneza volcano. We haven’t found any certified data, but it seems that the summit is at an altitude of 370m.
Apparently, some people climb it, but there are no hiking trails.
You can still admire it from the road.
The contrast of white houses
The village is a collection of white cube-shaped houses typical of the Canary Islands, especially Lanzarote. They are covered with lime.
And here, they provide an impressive contrast to the very black lava rock.
Beneath this lime, many houses are built with volcanic stone, which is abundant in the area!
The shutters are usually painted green or blue.
Apparently, the houses are, in fact, illegal; they are not lived in all year round, but only on weekends and vacations.
Lava cliffs
But the most interesting thing about Tenesar is the lava cliffs.
They are similar to those at Los Hervideros, but here there are no trails and few tourists. On the other hand, you may come across local fishermen.
Here too, the columns were formed when boiling lava met the sea.
And erosion, over time, has created some interesting shapes.
You can continue hiking a little further south, to see an arch and other rock formations caused by erosion. But wear good shoes!
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:
Waves crashing at high tide
We recommend visiting at high tide to see the waves crashing against the rock formations and splashing in all directions. Just take good care of yourself!
We could stay for hours admiring the spectacle of nature: the power of lava against the power of my sea!
In some lava cavities, the shape triggers water eddies. It’s not easy to take photos, though…
Red crabs
But in the end, what surprised us most were the red crabs.
Their color was very vivid, especially with the contrast against the black volcanic rock.
There were quite a few. And once again, we took the time to sit back and observe them against the shapes of the rocks and the waves that often washed over them. One wonders how they manage to hang on!
However, we can’t guarantee that they’ll be there in every season or tide…
Tenesar beach: Playa Teneza
To the east of the white houses, you’ll also find a small beach: Playa Teneza, with a tiny bit of black sand.
Paragliding
It’s also a popular spot for paragliding.
See paragliding options in Lanzarote.
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
Tenesar in Lanzarote: access
Where is Tenesar
- North of Timanfaya National Park
- In the middle of the west coast
- 15 minutes by car from Mancha Blanca
- Puerto del Carmen to Tenesar = 35 min drive
- From Playa Blanca = 40 min drive
- From Costa Teguise = 40 min drive
- Here’s a map to help you locate our selection of 10 secret spots above.
Access and parking
Narrow (but paved) road. No particular difficulty.
No access by public transport or organized tour.
You can simply park around the village and along the start of the cliffs.
Visiting difficulties
Visiting the village is easy.
If you want to explore the small lava cliffs, we recommend you wear walking shoes for greater stability.
Useful tips for visiting Tenesar
Schedules and prices, how long, best time
- Free access
- Allow 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on your fascination for waves and crabs.
- We recommend visiting at high tide, to see the spectacle of crashing, splashing waves.
- Avoid weekends, as this is a popular place for locals to relax.
Eating out
It’s a fishing village with no special facilities.
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
