Northern Lanzarote: Day Trips and Tours from Lanzarote

Located in the Canary archipelago just off the west coast of Africa, the island of Lanzarote has been declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

While its southern stretch is popular for its lava fields and beach resorts, visitors to the northern region will find a haven of quiet coves and dazzling artworks waiting to be explored.

Day trips to northern Lanzarote from Lanzarote enable you to hop between the most breathtaking natural attractions, including lava tunnels, traditional villages and sculpted gardens.

Here's all you need to know about northern Lanzarote, one of the most exciting day trips from Lanzarote.

How to get to northern Lanzarote from Lanzarote?

Lanzarote covers a land mass of almost 850 square kilometers, and its northern stretch includes destinations such as Jameos del Agua, Guatiza and Mala.

From Lanzarote to northern Lanzarote by car

You can make the journey to northern Lanzarote along the LZ-1, which travels all the way from Arrecife to the village of Órzola at the northernmost tip of the isle. You can drive anywhere on the island in less than an hour.

From Lanzarote to northern Lanzarote by public transport

You can also make the jaunt to northern Lanzarote by using the island’s extensive network of buses. These cover the majority of destinations on the isle and run reliably throughout the day.

The Line 9 bus runs between Arrecife and Órzola, stopping at tourist hotspots, such as Jameos del Agua.

Guided tour to northern Lanzarote from Lanzarote

Alternatively, you can book a guided excursion to northern Lanzarote and relax knowing all of the details are taken care of.

These tours last between 2 and 8 hours, depending on the activity you participate in, and you can usually request a hotel pickup.

What is the typical itinerary?

Each day trip to northern Lanzarote has its own unique itinerary. However, most begin with a convenient accommodation pickup by a friendly guide at a predetermined time.

From there, you’ll journey up the isle, stopping at several destinations along your route. These typically include the volcanic site of Cueva de los Verdes, as well as the man-made green haven of Jameos del Agua.

You may visit some of the traditional villages where you can stretch your legs and admire local goods. One such village is Haría, which is known for its location inside a palm-lined valley.

If your excursion lasts all day, you can expect there to be a designated stop for lunch, which may or may not be provided by your operator.

What kinds of tours are available to go to northern Lanzarote?

There are several different options available when considering a day trip to northern Lanzarote.

Guided tour to northern Lanzarote from Lanzarote

On this day tour to northern Lanzarote, you’ll first travel to Cueva de los Verdes — a tunnel complex formed by the eruption of La Corona Volcano approximately 4,000 years ago.

You’ll then journey on to the lava caves of Jameos del Agua. Lastly, you’ll visit Haría village, which is famed for its endless groves of swaying palm trees, where you can wander the white-washed buildings and stop for a local lunch.

César Manrique day tour to Northern Lanzarote from Lanzarote

On this northern Lanzarote day tour, you’ll journey through the “Valley of a Thousand Palm Trees,” explore the intricate lava tunnel of Cueva de los Verdes and discover several enchanting coastal villages.

Passing by an aloe museum, you’ll discover the prickly pear plantations of Guatiza before stepping inside the former home of César Manrique, where you’ll find a selection of paintings displayed in his art studio.

Buggy day tour of northern Lanzarote from Lanzarote

Hopping in a 4x4 at Costa Teguise, you’ll enjoy a thrilling ride over the bumpy terrain of Lanzarote. You’ll visit Guatiza Quarry, which was expertly sculpted into a magnificent garden by César Manrique, as well as the village of El Mojón, known for its artisanal ceramics.

Discover the 16th-century settlement of Teseguite, along with the seaside resort of Charco del Palo and the historic cliffside church of Ermita de las Nieves before ending your ATV adventure in Lanzarote.

How much does a day trip to northern Lanzarote from Lanzarote cost?

Day trips to northern Lanzarote range in cost depending on the group size and what is included in the day trip.

A guided day trip to Northern Lanzarote costs approximately €50 per person for a small group, and includes entry fees to the relevant attractions.

If you go on a tour that focuses on the works of César Manrique, you can expect to pay €70 each in a small group, with entrance fees included.

Alternatively, you can opt for a thrilling 3-hour buggy tour across Lanzarote for €180 per couple. Broken down, the cost per person is €90.

What will you see and do?

Cueva de los Verdes

Cueva de los Verdes stretches for almost 8 kilometers and is formed of a lava tunnel, carved out by the La Corona volcanic eruption.

The complex of tunnels and caves was used as a refuge in the 16th, and 17th centuries, to hide the residents of the island from the Berber pirates who traveled across the seas from northern Africa.

Today, it's an incredible tourist attraction lit up to enhance its natural beauty. You may even catch a concert here!

Jameos del Agua

Nearby Cueva de los Verdes lies Jameos del Agua, which is a culture and tourism center, as well as a lava cave complex. The Canarian artist César Manrique has worked with nature to create a tranquil sanctuary in a hollow of the lava tunnels.

This natural space features a vibrant turquoise pool and is lined with lilting palm trees, as well as other native plants, and there is also a natural auditorium. Jameos del Agua provides a rich ecosystem, home to over 70 endemic species.

When is the best time to visit Northern Lanzarote?

The Canary Islands experience hot, dry summers and mild winters, which makes planning a day trip to northern Lanzarote feasible year-round.

If you choose to visit the isle during the summertime, you’ll experience long sunny days with temperatures that average around 28 degrees Celsius.

What other day tours can you do from Lanzarote?

• Day trips to Timanfaya from Lanzarote
• Day trips to La Graciosa from Lanzarote
• Day trips to Fuerteventura from Lanzarote
• Day trips to La Geria from Lanzarote
• Day trips to Lobos Island from Lanzarote
• Day trips to La Corona Volcano from Lanzarote

Travel tips

• Northern Lanzarote day tours typically include some walking so ensure you wear suitable footwear.
• Bring your camera to capture some of the spectacular attractions of Lanzarote to show your loved ones at home.
• If you participate in a summertime tour, be prepared for the heat with a sunhat, sunscreen and plenty of water.