Lanzarote Trail (GR131)

You leave Montaña Blanca behind as the trail gradually descends. Skirting the southern slopes of Montaña Guatisea, you drop down into the open plains near San Bartolomé. This is the island’s agricultural heart — windmills on the horizon, dry fields, and a landscape shaped by lava and sun.

Beyond San Bartolomé, the silence grows. The route follows quiet tracks and old dirt roads through a wide, open terrain. Occasionally, you’ll pass ruins in the lava fields — reminders of a time when people tried to farm this stubborn ground. It’s a long stretch of solitude and stillness.

As you approach Teguise, the trail climbs gently once more. Soon, the old capital of Lanzarote appears ahead — whitewashed buildings, a historic church, and the Castillo de Santa Bárbara watching from the hill above. Another stage done, and a real cross-section of the island behind you.

You leave the historic streets of Teguise and head straight into the mountains. The climb begins almost immediately as the GR131 rises gently at first, then steadily toward the spine of the island. With every step, the views expand — across the heart of Lanzarote and out toward the Atlantic Ocean.

Near the summit of Peñas del Chache, the highest point on the island, the trail levels off. This ridge walk is a highlight of the entire GR131: wide-open skies, volcanic valleys, and views that stretch across the Famara cliffs to La Graciosa on a clear day. This is Lanzarote turned epic.

The descent into Haría is a dramatic one. A series of sweeping switchbacks takes you down into the Valley of a Thousand Palms, where lush greenery contrasts sharply with the dry slopes above. As you arrive in the village of Haría, white houses peek out from the trees — an oasis to end your day.

You leave Haría, where palm trees sway between the whitewashed houses. The trail quickly climbs out of the village and leads you onto lava paths heading north. The silence is striking — just your footsteps and the soft crunch of volcanic gravel beneath your boots.

The landscape opens up as you walk along the flanks of the impressive Monte Corona. This is Lanzarote in its rawest form: black lava fields, rugged hills, and the occasional cactus unfazed by the dryness. You’ll pass old craters and gaze over the vast, open north of the island. It feels like walking on the moon, with views of the Atlantic on the horizon.

The descent into Órzola is gentle. The scent of the sea greets you as the ocean draws closer with every step. Once in the small fishing village, your trek comes to an end. The GR131 finishes here, but your journey doesn't — from Órzola, you’ll travel back to Arrecife. Time for a cold drink and a deep breath. You did it.