The entire northwest coast of Lanzarote is dominated by the narrow Famara Mountains, which resemble monumental sea cliffs rather than real mountains.
At their maximum height they reach up to 697 metres above sea level, making them one of the island's most impressive natural landmarks.
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Out-of-this-world views
The Famara mountain range is actually the eastern edge of a huge volcano that erupted millions of years ago during the Miocene period.
The Famara mountain range stretches 30km long and just over 2km wide in a north-south direction, and roughly two-thirds of its length runs along the ocean coastline, creating many places of incredible views of environments so remote and exotic to us.
The bare dry mountain slopes falling into the azure sea look like a clash of worlds of moonscape and endless water. On the other side, the mountains drop only gently inland and the slopes are fertile, dotted with many fields and lush green tufts of grass.
The most beautiful views of the cliffs themselves can be seen from both sides of the coast: south of Famara Beach and north of Risco Beach, with the southern Playa de Famara being much easier to reach by car and bus.
There are also breathtaking views from the many viewpoints at the top of the cliffs, along which various roads meander, most of which can be reached by car:
- Mirador del Observatorio (Peñas del Chache) - The view at the southern end of the cliffs, where the wide plains, ocean and beaches open up far below you. One of the most beautiful views in Lanzarote, the path from the car park is a total of 2 km long and runs on flat ground (see map)
- Mirador Rincón de Haria - The not so well known viewpoint by the dirt road near the village of Haria provides spectacular views of Famara beach and the surrounding plains, as well as the cliffs on the other side. It is located in a mountain saddle and can be reached by car on a dirt public road from the centre of Haria (see map)
- Mirador Caldera - the viewpoint in the middle of the cliff belt near Máguez, accessible by car on a dirt road (see map)
- Mirador del Río - the most visited viewpoint on Lanzorte, which we write about in a separate site detail
Camino Risco Famara hiking trail
A unique experience for lovers of long treks, the hiking trail winds along the entire length of the base of the cliffs from north to south. It takes you into a completely deserted landscape where you can hear only the roar of the sea and the wind.
Although the Famara cliffs are very steep, the trail follows their contours and requires no specific skills, just good footwear and fitness, especially considering the length. Of course, it is only possible to take a short section there and the same way back again.
The best place to start is at the viewpoint near the village of Ye, from where you will have a steep descent and then a more gradual path all the way up and down to Famara beach.
- Route length - 12.5 km
- Route map
Accommodation near Famara cliffs
The centre of hiking around the Famara Cliffs is the village of Haría, where you will find most of the accommodation, mostly in smaller family apartments. Prices range between 73 eur and 110 eur.
Personally, we would recommend the absolutely gorgeous fully equipped apartments Finca la Fuentecilla in the hills above the village, where you'll spend time amidst green and black volcanic fertile soil with breathtaking views of the peaceful eastern slopes.
A good starting point, especially if you are travelling without a car, will be the town of Teguise, from where several bus routes run. Take a look at the accommodation offers in Teguise.
How to get to the cliffs
We recommend that you drive to the top of the cliffs. This is the only way you will have the chance to stop at the many viewpoints and enjoy the scenic roads winding up and down the many switchbacks. The distance to the village of Haría, the main centre in the area, from the airport is 35 km.
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The villages of Haría and Máguez can be reached by bus, with lines 7 and 8 running from Arrecife and Teguise respectively.
If you want to go on the Camino Risco Famara, only use line 8, which ends in the village of Yé. Get off at the "Cruce de Guinate" stop, where you will walk about a kilometre to the viewpoint at the start of the route. Line 26 only runs on weekdays and Saturdays, it does not run on Sundays and public holidays.
Back from Famara beach, which you can reach on foot, line 20 runs to Arrecife on weekdays, and throughout the week you can take line 31 to the Costa Teguise resort and the inland town of Teguise.
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Discover all the places to see in Lanzarote.
