Discover Lanzarote’s hidden gems.

Lanzarote is one of the most visited islands of the Canary Islands.

This island stands out because of its unique landscapes of white sandy beaches, lava fields and small natural oases. It is full of contrasts, which makes it an ideal holiday destination.

By the way, did you know that Lanzarote has lots of hidden gems that few people know about?

These secluded places promise a unique and unforgettable experience.

From secret beaches and to volcanic caves, there are many places you cannot afford to miss. In this post, we will discover some of Lanzarote’s best hidden gems.

Cueva de Órzola (Órzola cave)

The fishing village of Órzola can be found on the north coast of Lanzarote.

It is the island’s most northerly town and one of the most charming fishing villages still today. You can hire a boat in the harbour which will take you to the neighbouring island of La Graciosa, or simply stop and enjoy watching the fishing boats coming and going.

It is a small village that keeps its traditions alive and survives alongside the influx of tourists without losing its essence. So, if you are not just passing through, you will discover that there is much more to Órzola than meets the eye.

To do so, it’s better to come by car without being pressed for time.

Eat when you are hungry and have a rest when you need to, although our first hidden gem is not far from the centre.

Head towards Órzola beach located just under a mile from the village. You can get there by car via a dirt track or walk along the coast and discover treasures along the way.

Once you reach the beach, check if the tide is low, as this is the only way to get to the cave. To access it, you need to climb over a rocky wall located at the end of the beach.

Wear appropriate footwear so you don’t slip on the wet stones.

Once you cross this small hurdle, you will find a tiny cove dominated by a cave. It is not very deep, but with a good outlook from the inside, it rewards you with very professional photos of the coast.

After visiting the cave and taking the obligatory photos, enjoy the rest of your day sunbathing on the beach or eating delicious seafood platters served in the local restaurants of Órzola.

You can find other tourist areas nearby, such as Los Jameos del Agua or La Cueva de los Verdes.

Playa del Risco (El Risco beach)

Continuing in the north of Lanzarote, but now on its western side.

To get to this wild beach you first need to climb to the village of Ye located at the foot of La Corona volcano. From there, located just over a mile away, you will find the Bajada del Risco de Famara, which is the starting point of a track that leads you to this hidden gem of Lanzarote.

The path you are about to take is called El Camino de los Gracioseros and it was formerly used by the residents of La Graciosa to take their wares to the inhabitants of Lanzarote.

Take a good look around because this area is full of history of the Canary Islands.

And when you reach your destination, you’ll enjoy the best beach on the island, not only for its wild beauty, but also the unusual absence of tourists, which is greatly appreciated after the hike.

Bear in mind that the intensity of this track requires a minimum level of fitness, as you’ll need to carry everything you need to spend a day there and enjoy the endeavour. It’s advisable to take plenty of food and water, as you won’t find anything for miles around.

Also, make sure you protect yourself from the sun and wind with sunscreen, a hat, comfortable clothing and suitable footwear. Some parts of the path may be steeper and you’ll need to have a good grip for both the descent and the ascent.

Once you are at the beach, save some energy for the return trip, as it may be slightly harder after an idyllic day at the beach. While it may take you a little over half an hour for the descent, the return trip could take twice as long, so keep calm and enjoy the landscape.

El Bosquecillo (The Little Forest)

If you are already familiar with Lanzarote and would like to discover one of its truly native areas, that place is, without a doubt, El Bosquecillo.

Even though the island is known for its scarce vegetation, there is a hidden gem on the ridge of El Risco de Famara: an area where several trees managed to take root despite the prevailing wind, and their low height gives this place its name.

A recreational area has been set up here for island residents who take advantage of the cooler months of the year to enjoy a day out with a barbecue and good company.

There is a children’s play area, tables, barbecue facilities, as well as several trails leading here and there, which make this area the perfect spot for getting away from mass tourism and the beach.

Moreover, the impressive views of the Chinijo Archipelago make this place a favourite spot among locals, and for good reason.

La Cueva de las Cabras (Goat cave)

Not far from El Bosquecillo, you will find this cave, which is becoming a pilgrimage site for its breath-taking sunset views.

Its name is clear. In the past, it was used by local shepherds to protect their flock, but it is no longer used today, to the delight of hikers who come to visit it.

Make the most of your day at El Bosquecillo to go on this short route and take in the Caleta de Famara from the top of El Risco.

Remember that this area is quite steep and full of loose stones, so we recommend you wear good footwear.

Mirador de Guinate (Guinate viewpoint)

Continue around El Risco de Famara, but this time a bit further south towards the village of Guinate.

At first sight, this little village doesn’t have much to offer visitors, except for Canary Islands nature in its purest form.

However, if for mobility reasons, you have been unable to enjoy the views of El Risco from one of the areas mentioned above, there is a viewpoint in Guinate which is easily accessible by car.

There, you can enjoy views of the Chinijo Archipelago that are just as impressive as from any other point of El Risco, without having to complete a hiking route.

Cueva de los Siete Lagos (Cave of the Seven Lakes)

If you are searching for places that will take your breath away, then the Cueva de los Siete Lagos is undoubtedly one of these.

Although it is located very close to the Cueva de los Verdes, to get there you should go with someone who knows the area very well, as access to it is quite difficult and entry was restricted until recently.

For this reason, don’t be surprised if the cave is closed with a gate when you get there, as many careless people enter it without taking the necessary safety measures.

Bear in mind that, unlike the nearby Cueva de los Verdes, this is a natural cave without any human intervention, that is to say, there are no lights or paths properly adapted for the constant stream of visitors.

Even though access to it is not recommended, if you are one of the lucky ones to be accompanied by an expert, you should take into account the following: bring water, appropriate clothing and footwear, carry waterproof headlamps or torches with fully charged batteries and always follow the instructions of the person guiding you on this adventure. Oh, and don’t forget your swimwear!

Once you get inside, the path unfolds as an easy-to-follow round trip, since there is only a single volcanic tunnel without any forks and the path has been marked out by other hikers.

Some parts of the tunnel are narrow, so you have to crawl and demonstrate your skills as an explorer, but the effort is all worth it in the end.

This tunnel flows into the ocean, so halfway along the route you will find lakes with crystal clear water where you can dive in and have a swim, and even explore a few more caves by swimming underwater between them. However, if you don’t take the necessary diving gear, you won’t be able to continue discovering the rest of the tunnel, as it continues underwater from that point on.

Since it forms part of the famous Túnel de la Atlántida (Tunnel of Atlantis), the Cueva de los Siete Lagos often serves as a study site for geologists and speleologists from all over the world.

The best way to discover it is to visit it with friends who are researchers and who would be willing to take you on an adventure with them.

Otherwise, we recommend you visit the next cave, which although drier, forms part of the same volcanic tunnel and is just as captivating as this one.

La cueva de la paloma (Cave of the Dove)

If you like climbing, you will find several ways to practise your skills at the entrance to this cave.

However, if you are more fond of walking, this route will not disappoint.

It is very close to the Cueva de los Verdes, so we recommend you leave your car on the same road that leads to the popular tourist centre.

Bear in mind that, like the Cueva de los Siete Lagos, here you won’t find any lights or marked paths adapted for visitors, so you should proceed with care.

This cave has an entrance and an exit, so when you have finished the route, you will have two options for getting back to your car: go back the way you took inside the cave or come up to the surface and walk to the car. If you choose the second option, bear in mind that the exit is through the Cueva de Montaña de La Corona cave, so you will need to walk down a nearby road to reach your car.

Barco telamón (Telamón ship)

Close to Arrecife, in the direction of Las Caletas, you will find a small beach with a big secret: the Telamón shipwreck.

This ship was a Greek cargo vessel which, in 1981, sustained damage and sank. It was abandoned by the crew and eventually by the shipping company, as there was no way of recovering it.

Ever since, it has become the focus of curious visitors and explorers wanting to get close to the boat and take a photo. The more intrepid swim up to it and some have even inspected it by diving inside.

Without a doubt, Telamón has become a unique feature of the Lanzarote coastline over the last few decades.

However, if you would like to see it in all its decaying splendour, you need to be quick, as it was recently announced that it will be dismantled because of those who defy all logic just for a picture.

Instead, you can take an equally spectacular photo from the beach, without taking any unnecessary risks.

Las Grietas (The Cracks)

On the side of Montaña Blanca volcano, erosion and the passage of time have created some unique structures deep in the rock, revealing different sedimentary layers from various volcanic eruptions.

These formations are known as Las Grietas which are, as their name suggests, the cracks that have opened on the side of the volcano due to erosion caused by water and wind.

As a result, we can now observe the different layers without having to cut into the land or being experts on the matter, as the lines that differentiate one eruption from another are clearly visible.

Barranco del Quíquere (Quiquere cliffs)

This post hasn’t included much about beaches, as we really wanted you to discover other hidden gems of Lanzarote.

However, if there is one area that stands out on the coast, this is it.

The Barranco del Quíquere is well-known to the locals, but not so much to tourists, as its access is not signposted and not everyone prefers rocks to sand.

Although if you are someone who enjoys a quick dip without the sand, this is the place for you.

It is a prime area of the coast where you can swim in crystal clear waters and dry off in the sun on the rocks.

Faro de Pechiguera (Pechiguera lighthouse)

This lighthouse is one of the unique places to visit in Lanzarote you can’t afford to miss.

Located on the south of the island, Pechiguera lighthouse has been guiding vessels crossing the Bocaina Strait for decades. Over the years, it was updated and then a new lighthouse was built, and the old one was left to the delight of romantics.

Located next to a steep cliff, the abandoned lighthouse is the ideal backdrop for capturing the spectacular sunsets that can be seen here.

It is the perfect place to steal a kiss from your loved one and create new memories.

This article was written with all the love we feel for Lanzarote. We hope that you enjoy its hidden gems as much as we have enjoyed writing this section.