Tourists looking to not only witness but also experience Lanzarote’s volcanic beauty must not miss a hike to Caldera Blanca. This stunning volcanic crater sits within Parque Natural de Los Volcanes’ otherworldly landscape and is home to one of the most incredible hiking routes on the island. If you’re a nature lover down for a good exercise, exploring the cauldron-like natural wonder is just the ‘wow’ outdoor adventure for you.
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History of Lanzarote’s Largest Caldera
Volcanic eruptions 3,000 to 5,000 years ago created the breathtaking Caldera Blanca. Its name translates to “white crater volcano” in English, as the ancient volcanic cauldron is covered in whitish rocks, layers of ash, and other materials—a complete contrast to the surrounding sea of black lava formed during the Timanfaya eruptions of 1730 to 1736.
Besides remaining untouched, preserving its remarkable bright color and circular shape, Caldera Blanca was historically used by locals for grazing and farming. Its distinct topography acts as a natural shield from Lanzarote’s harsh winds. Not to mention, the basin has higher humidity and accumulates rainwater, creating an agricultural oasis in an otherwise arid landscape.
Hiking the Caldera Blanca Trail
The Caldera Blanca Hiking Trail is an incredible experience that takes visitors far from the bustle of Lanzarote’s major resort towns and into nature’s beautiful calm. This majestic crater, with its massive 1,200-meter-wide rim that stands at the height of 458 meters, is the perfect vantage point for a 360-degree view of the entire island.
Apart from the vistas, what makes the Candera Blanca Trail extra appealing is the freedom to hike independently it offers. You don’t need to get a permit, book a guide, or pay any fees—just explore when you want at your own pace (but of course do check the weather forecast to make sure you maximize the experience).
The round trip spans up to ten kilometers and is relatively flat, so the trail is accessible for most hikers. Some even hike with their kids! Starting the journey on foot at the car park, the initial path leads through fields and fields of lava, with the dramatic panorama of La Caldereta and Caldera Blanca accompanying visitors along the way.
After about 25 to 30 minutes of easy, non-strenuous walk, you’ll reach La Caldereta, the smaller of the two craters, before continuing your journey to the basin of the star attraction. From the caldera floor, you must ascend to the top of Caldera Blanca via a gradual steep climb on a nice path. As you reach the rim (the lowest part), the vast crater unfolds right before your very eyes, and it’s quite the stunner.
This is the turnaround point for hikers who don’t have enough time to complete the rim walk or are perhaps discouraged by the heights or the intense wind. But if you want to take in more breathtaking vistas, continue your walk along the ridge (we recommend going clockwise) up to the peak, where there’s often a gathering of fellow nature lovers and hikers. There’s a gentle ascend but nothing extreme (except the breeze at times).
Once you reach the caldera’s summit, you’ll be greeted by the otherworldly beauty of Montañas del Fuego in Timanfaya National Park, along with the gigantic cliffs of Famara and the neighboring island of La Graciosa farther away.
The gradual descent on your way back makes the return trip faster and easier. Some also spend a bit more time on the smaller caldera on their return journey.
Traveler Tips
- During warmer months, start your hike early in the morning to avoid the uncomfortably sticky midday heat, as there is no shade or shelter out there. On the other hand, in cooler months, consider going a little later, maybe around noon, to avoid the crowds.
- There are no facilities along the way, so bring ample water and snacks.
- No flip-flops! Instead, wear sturdy hiking shoes or trainers, as the trail can be rocky and uneven.
- The Lanzarote sun can be quite unforgiving even in cooler months, making wearing sun protection absolutely necessary.
- While parking at the start of the trail is free, it can fill up quickly. Allow some extra time and bring a lot of patience.
- Strictly stick to marked trails to avoid accidentally damaging the protected landscape and getting lost.
- Your ascent is guaranteed to be windy, but it can be extra intense on some days. For a pleasant experience, keep an eye on the weather and bring a jacket or windbreaker for warmth. Also act accordingly.
- While it’s family-friendly, the rocky and steep parts of the trail may make it challenging for little ones. Staying close to supervise and provide assistance is crucial to keeping them safe.
- There are no free public toilets along the way, so if you have to go, make your way to Ermita de Los Dolores before or after the hike.
Dining Options
Need to refuel before or after the hike? Here are some highly recommended dining options near the trailhead:
Restaurante Teleclub de Mancha Blanca
Located in the neighboring hamlet, this cozy teleclub (a village social center) is a favorite stop for hikers returning from Caldera Blanca, as well as Timanfaya visitors. Their best-sellers include croquettes (chicken, fish, cheese, and mushroom varieties most especially) and octopus dishes, like grilled octopus, Galician-style octopus, octopus and prawn stew, and stewed octopus with chickpeas. Also leave a good space for their grilled cheese with honey and mojo sauce, gofio mousse (a traditional Canarian dessert), and wrinkled Canarian potatoes with mojo.
Casa Ignacio
Stepping into Casa Ignacio pretty much feels like entering a Lanzarote home—rustic, spacious, bright, and immaculately clean. Most importantly, the food, served in generous portions at reasonable prices, is simple yet mouthwatering in every bite. You can’t go wrong with pairing their traditional Canarian offerings, like goat meat stew, wrinkled potatoes with mojo, fish croquettes, and grilled smoked cheese, with the homemade passion fruit liqueur. Then, enjoy a slice of goat cheesecake to complete your authentic Canarian cuisine experience.
Restaurante Majo Picón
Tinajo’s Majo Picón masterfully adds an international and contemporary twist to traditional Canarian fare. Their squid salad, roasted aubergine, lentil croquetas, goat meat in a bao bun, goat and beef burger, gofio mousse, and Iberico pork cheeks are perfect for refueling after a Caldera Blanca hike. For an extra treat with big flavors, also try the grilled baby squids, cuttlefish, or octopus served in a special sauce!
How to Get There
By Bus
To reach Mancha Blanca, hikers must first head to Arrecife. They can take bus number 16, 52, or 53 from there. The latter two bus lines also connect La Santa (if you’re in or around that area) to the hamlet. The stop is right before and after Teleclub de Mancha Blanca, which is just a short walk to the trailhead.
By Car
Drive from Arrecife via the LZ-20 road toward Mozaga, then continue to Mancha Blanca via LZ-409 and LZ_46. From Playa Blanca, take the LZ-2 to Yaiza, then switch to LZ-67. Wherever on the island you’re coming from, simply type “Volcanic Trail Parking” or “Parking Rando Caldera Blanca” on Google Maps to find your way to the off-road car park.
An Unforgettable Hike on Caldera Blanca
Are you a seasoned hiker or nature lover who doesn’t mind a long but easy walk? The fascinating Caldera Blanca trail is open to anyone looking for an unforgettable adventure without any restrictions. The hike guarantees rewarding views and a tranquil environment that make it a must-try for anyone visiting Lanzarote.
