Travelling round Lanzarote without a car

Perhaps the title of this post will leave the reader a little confused, but the fact is, it’s true: it is possible to get around Lanzarote, have fun and explore places without having to rely on a car. There are many reasons why you don’t need to have a car in Lanzarote: maybe you don’t want to spend a large part of your holiday budget on a hire car and petrol; because your plans are more relaxed and don’t include that much travel; due to last-minute unexpected events; because you care for the environment, etc. Added to all this, the growing tourism model that focuses on sustainability plus the flatness of the island terrain (whose height above sea level is never more than 700 m) are all factors that make the idea of going without a car not seem so outlandish after all.

If it still seems implausible to you, here’s a list of various ways to get to know Lanzarote without having to pick up any car keys.

First transport method: the guagua for the locales, the bus for all others

As in all provinces in Spain, there is a public transport service in Lanzarote. Here is it the bus and it’s called ‘Intercity Bus Lanzarote’. Its services are geared more towards the use that locals make of them (and their times) as opposed to tourists, meaning that, if your trip to Lanzarote is to include many excursions, you’ll have to prepare and arrange your plans well in advance. But don’t be discouraged: it only means you have to be a little more forward-thinking and organised. The guagua is quite cheap as the price of all tickets is usually between one and five euros (never more). They also conveniently connect all the municipalities on the island. The biggest issue with this method of transport is that it doesn’t go to all the regular tourist attractions, such as some viewpoints or parts of the natural parks or reserves. This simply means, though, that on certain occasions you’ll have to take a taxi or walk to the place you want to visit. You also need to remember that, for good or bad, the buses are usually very punctual, requiring good time management skills.

Second transport method: by bicycle

As we’ve mentioned before, Lanzarote is a very flat island. This means that the option of getting round by bike shouldn’t be underestimated. For some time now, various bike-hire businesses have been springing up across the island that rent them out at very competitive prices (depending on the number of days you need the bike) and offering various types of models, although most of them are mountain bikes. The good thing is that over the course of several days you can easily visit different parts of the island along very scenic routes whilst simultaneously doing some sport. The downside is that you need to be physically fit to ensure you don’t end up with cramp or an injury.

Third transport method: on foot

If you don’t plan to move round Lanzarote much but rather take things a little easier during your time here, you can easily get around on foot. The island is divided into several municipalities that are well connected and of a smallish size, meaning you can get around them walking without any major problems. For hiking enthusiasts, there are also many attractive routes that will permit you to discover impressive corners of Lanzarote.

Which municipalities in Lanzarote can you visit by guagua, bike or on foot?

Arrecife

Arrecife is situated in the eastern zone of the island. Although it is the smallest municipality on the island, it is the most populated and is the capital of Lanzarote. There are many things to do and places to visit here, and you can easily get around on both foot and bicycle. With regard to the guagua, there are many connections with the other municipalities, meaning you can also enjoy this transport method to travel outside Arrecife.

What is there to see in Arrecife?

San Ginés Lagoon
San Ginés Church
San José Castle
San Gabriel Castle
Las Bolas Bridge
El Reducto Beach

Órzola

In the case of Órzola, the best way to get there is by bus from Arrecife. It is the last stop on the journey from the capital meaning you can enjoy the views along the way without worrying whether you’ve passed the stop or not. This town is in Haría, in the northeast of Lanzarote. The places most recommended to visit in Órzola are:

Órzola centre
La Cantería Beach
La Laja Lagoon
La Graciosa. Here we should explain that La Graciosa is a small island to the north of Haría and that you need to go by boat to visit it. The company Líneas Romero organises various trips there throughout the day. Prices vary between thirteen and twenty-six euros and the journey takes approximately twenty-five minutes.

Puerto del Carmen(Tías)

Puerto del Carmen belongs to Tías, in the southeast of Lanzarote. It is the best-known and most touristic town in the zone and, given it’s very close to Arrecife, why not hire a bike and cycle there on this environmentally-friendly means of transport? You can also enjoy the volcanic landscape in the zone. If you prefer to catch the bus, it will take you approximately forty minutes to reach Puerto del Carmen from Arrecife.

Highlights worth visiting in Puerto del Carmen include its promenade and beaches, especially Los Pocillos, Playa Grande and Playa Chica (next to the Hotel Fariones).

Playa Blanca(Yaiza)

You can see Fuerteventura from Playa Blanca in Yaiza. And what’s more, the company Líneas Romero uses Playa Blanca as its embarkation and disembarkation point for the ferry that crosses every day to Fuerteventura. This means that, just like making a visit to La Graciosa from Órzola, you could also consider crossing the sea to Fuerteventura when you visit Playa Blanca. Highlights in this town are its beaches (especially Playa Dorada, Playa Flamingo and Playa Papagayo) and its shops.

Famara (Teguise)

Playa de Famara (situated in the Caleta de Famara to be exact) needs no introduction. If you do a Google search for “Lanzarote”, the best images will probably show photos of Famara. The renowned artist and architect César Manrique, born in Lanzarote, spent his summers on this impressive beach with its six kilometres of sand.

It’s easy to get there as a bus from Arrecife takes tourists right to the beach. It is the first and last stop on the route meaning that getting there is not at all complicated.

Teguise

Teguise is the largest municipality in Lanzarote. It lies between Haría and Arrecife, in the east of the island. When in this municipality tourists can visit Costa Teguise, that, together with Playa Blanca and Puerto del Carmen, form the most touristic triangle of towns in Lanzarote. Its beaches, and particularly Playa de Las Cucharas, Playa del Jablillo and Playa Bastián, and the centre of the town in general, have plenty of attractive leisure and recreational options, with something to suit everyone.