Want to avoid the crowds at the top attractions of Lanzarote?
The island still has a few hidden gems for you to discover. I have gathered some of my favorites in this article.
Those Lanzarote secret places are not completely "secret" (nothing is), but you will find a lot fewer tourists than at other attractions for a better experience.
Volcanoes, beaches, rock formations... Let's discover Lanzarote, off the beaten track.
Map at the end of the article.
Before all my tips + photos, here are my favourites for Lanzarote:

My favorite platform to rent a car in Lanzarote: Discovercars

My favorite boat tour: Papagayo beaches by catamaran

My favorite day trip in Lanzarote: Timanfaya + El Golfo + Los Hervideros + Wines

My favourite places to stay to explore the island :
- Playa Blanca, close to Papagayo - my favourite hotel: Princesa Yaiza Resort or see best-rated hotels
- Costa Teguise, convenient for exploring - my favourite hotel: Barcelo Teguise Beach or see best-rated hotels
- Puerto del Carmen, the most active - my favourite hotel: Aqua Suites or see best-rated hotels

// In this article, no ads, no sponsored posts. Just some affiliate links.
If you purchase through them, I get a commission at no extra cost to you (Disclosure).
#1 - Picon Valley - Lanzarote secret place

- About the Picon Valley -
There is nothing official about this location. It is an abandoned quarry.
But the erosion is creating amazing rock structures that photographers will love.
The picon formations left standing are made of small volcanic ashes and fragile but fascinating with the volcanoes behind.

- Location -
North of Lanzarote - How to get there -
10min drive from Costa Teguise
Puerto del Carmen to the Picon Valley = 30min drive
GPS coordinates in my eBook. - Practical tips -
No facilities at all.
Visit at sunrise or sunset to get the orange color of the surrounding volcanoes!
#2 - Bajo de la Montana - Lanzarote off the beaten track

- About Bajo de la Montana -
One of the many volcanic wonders of the island of Lanzarote.
However, this one has no paved road access, so not many people visit.
The crater has been partially eaten by the sea and what is left is the intense red color.
You can even climb to the top.

- Location -
Middle of West Coast - How to get there -
Accessible only by 4WD, all trail bikes or hiking
From La Costa or La Santa
Puerto del Carmen to Bajo de la Montana = 35min drive (end of road on track) - Practical tips -
No facilities at all.
Plan time to explore all around and find different perspectives.
Need to rent a car in Lanzarote?
#3 - Playa del Pozo

- About Playa del Pozo -
Near Playa Blanca, Papagayo beach is one of the most famous beaches in Lanzarote.
But there are several beaches along the way.
In between the beaches with a carpark, is Playa del Pozo. It offers beautiful sand, turquoise water and black rock formations.
SO when everybody is fighting for a spot in Papagayo, walk a little further away to get a more peaceful experience.
Learn more on my Papagayo beaches article

- Location -
South-East tip of Lanzarote - How to get there -
Unpaved road access - fee to enter the area by car
Or walk from Playa Blanca (free access) - under 2km
Puerto del Carmen to Playa Blanca (if going on foot) = 30min drive - Practical tips -
No facilities - no shade
One bar at Papagayo
Those beaches are shared with nudists
#4 - Guided walks in Timanfaya National Park

- About the guided walks -
Everybody knows about the Timanfaya National Park (see my article with all my tips). It is the highlight of any trip to Lanzarote. The 51sqm (21sqmi) area of protected land is covered with lava and volcanic features in all their shapes and colours.
The main way to visit is on the bus tour. But it means you cannot go out and take pictures or stop whenever you want.
If you are booking your trip early, you might have a chance to grab one of the spots on a guided walking tour (by a ranger).
Those walks take you along service roads in small groups. But places are limited. A privileged way to discover the national park!

- Location -
Departure from Yaiza or other location, check information on your booking email. - How to get there -
You can see the different options and book on this website: reservasparquesnacionales.es
Book early - Practical tips -
Tours last 3 hours. There is no shade.
Wear proper walking shoes, bring water, hat and sunscreen.
Don't bring a heavy tripod. This is a walk without clear stops. No time to set up your tripod.
I really enjoyed the Tremesana walk with historical fig trees and breathtaking landscapes.
All these Lanzarote hidden gems and all my favorite places are included (with GPS coordinates) in my travel guide eBook that helps you easily plan your trip:
Plan your perfect trip around Lanzarote!
- 7 easy-to-plan maps
- 55 Scenic locations in Lanzarote
- 19 Scenic locations in Fuerteventura
- Planning tips + Best times
- 140+ large photos to decide where to go
- GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
#5 - Tenesar - Lanzarote hidden gem

- About Tenesar -
Tenesar is sometimes referred to as the 'lost village' of Lanzarote.
It is isolated, away from other touristic places, so people don't visit.
Yet, it is home to a charming small village, waves crashing on basalt rocks and bright red crabs!

- Location -
North of the Timanfaya National Park
Middle of North Coast - How to get there -
Narrow road (but paved)
15min drive from Mancha Blanca
Puerto del Carmen to Tenesar = 35min drive - Practical tips -
Many locals come here during the weekends. So if you want peace and quiet, avoid it.
Drive West of the village to find the best area for crashing waves. And look at the dark rock to spot the crabs!
#6 - Playa de las Conchas (La Graciosa)

- About Playa de las Conchas -
La Graciosa is a small island North of Lanzarote, accessible by ferry from the North of Lanzarote.
It is considered part of Lanzarote.
Because of the need to take a boat the lack of roads on the island, you will see lesser crowds on La Graciosa.
And if you head to Playa de las Conchas, you could be almost alone, because it is at the other end of the island (and as I said, there are no paved roads).
This beach is stunning!
It offers a large golden sand area and small sand dunes, view of Isla de Montana Clara, and its own volcanic cone: Montana Bermeja rising to 154m.
It is one of the largest sandy area around Lanzarote - 400m long and 100m wide.

- Location -
La Graciosa island
North-West end of the island - How to get there -
5.5km of sand and dirt track
15min ride by 4WD taxi
1h15 to 1h30 to reach the sand dunes on foot one-way (no shade at all)
Puerto del Carmen to Orzola ferry = 45min drive - Practical tips -
No facilities at all.
Bring all you need, as you are far from everything.
If you are visiting by 4WD, plan a return time with your driver.
I don't drink coffee
But I like other drinks and foods!
Do you enjoy the free content you find on my blog? All my tips and practical information, without intrusive advertising...

#7 - Caleton de los Arcos - Lava Arch (La Graciosa)

- About Caleton de los Arcos -
Continuing on the island of La Graciosa. It is not all about beaches.
You can also find amazing cliffs where the lava flow has met the ocean. It has created basalt columns and fascinating shapes, including the famous arch that gives its name to Caleton de los Arcos.
Once again, I love the colours and contrast with the black volcanic rock: the golden sand, the blue sky and the red volcano - Montana Bermeja

- Location -
La Graciosa island
North coast of the island - How to get there -
20min ride by 4WD taxi from the port.
1h45 / 2h walk one-way (no shade) - Practical tips -
Take the time to appreciate if from all angles
No facilities - take all you need with you
If you book the touristic tour of the island with the 4WD taxi, it should include this stop.
#8 - Telamon Shipwreck - Lanzarote off the beaten path (plus visible)
- About the Telamon -
In the industrial neighborhood of Arrecife, you can find the wreck of the Telamon boat.
There have been discussions to remove it for years, but nothing has happened so far. It is still here for our photographic pleasure.
On 31st October 1981, carrying tropical tree trunks, it ran into a storm in the Bocaina Straits between Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, its hull sprung a leak and the captain requested to port in Lanzarote. But it sunk before arriving.
Note:
L'épave a été démantelée et n'est plus visible.

- Location -
Central East Coast of Lanzarote
North of Arrecife - How to get there -
You can only visit with a car or walk from Arrecife
10min drive from the center of Arrecife
10min drive from Costa Teguise
Puerto del Carmen to Telamon = 15min drive - Practical tips -
Easy access, close to the road.
Where to stay in Lanzarote?
My tips:
- Most enjoyable Resort Town - Playa Blanca - see best rated accommodations
- Main resort town (without car & nightlife) - Puerto del Carmen - see best rated accommodations
- Best location to be able to explore Lanzarote - Costa Teguise - see best rated accommodations
- Coastal Charm and Quiet - Punta Mujeres - see best rated accommodations
- Scenic Views - Famara Beach - see best rated accommodations
- Original & isolated - La Graciosa - see best rated accommodations
More tips on my article about where to stay in Lanzarote
#9 - Montana Roja

- About Montana Roja -
It is located right next to one of the major resort on the island, yet not many ascend this mountain to enjoy the views!
Overlooking Playa Blanca, Montana Roja (the red mountain, due to its colour) is a volcanic crater towering at 194 m (626ft).
A nice walk takes you to the top and around the rim with great views of the South end of Lanzarote.
On a clear day, you can also appreciate views of the Lobos Island and the North coast of Fuerteventura.

- Location -
North Coast of Lanzarote
East of Playa Blanca - How to get there -
1h15 return hike from the last houses (including the 20min around the rim)
1.6mi walk (2.6km) - 150m ascent from Playa Blanca
Puerto del Carmen to Montana Roja = 30min drive - Practical tips -
No facilities
Wear good footwear
Free access
#10 - North Caletones & Caleton Blanco Lagoon

- About the North Caletones and the Caleton Blanco Lagoon -
Looking for something different with calm shallow waters?
Dark rocks, white sand, dunes and turquoise water to soak and relax.
The whole area offers something completely different away from the crowds.
Take the time to explore and jump into the lagoon to cool down!

- Location -
North Coast of Lanzarote
East of Orzola - How to get there -
Only accessible by car or walking from Orzola
Orzola to the lagoon = 3min drive
Puerto del Carmen to the lagoon = 45min drive - Practical tips -
Wear good shoes, the small black lava rocks can be sharp
No facilities.
Lanzarote hidden gems - Map and selection
What is off the beaten path?
I know that some people will disagree. The notion of the "secret" or "off the beaten path" is a question of perception;
I selected places where I was alone or almost alone.
But, as Lanzarote tourism grows, those will become increasingly popular too.
Map of Lanzarote secret places
Below is a map to help you locate my selection of 10 hidden places above.

Map of hidden gems in Lanzarote
GPS coordinates of all these locations (and more!) can be found in my eBook.
Want to see more of the best Lanzarote has to offer?
- 21 Best things to do in Lanzarote - read article
- Best Lanzarote Photography Locations - read article
- Lanzarote Attractions by César Manrique - read article
- Best Lanzarote Volcanoes - Tours & Photos - read article
- Best places to stay in Lanzarote - read article
- Lanzarote in Winter - read article
Planning a trip to Lanzarote?
Check out my travel guide to help you plan:
Plan your perfect trip around Lanzarote!
- 7 easy-to-plan maps
- 55 Scenic locations in Lanzarote
- 19 Scenic locations in Fuerteventura
- Planning tips + Best times
- 140+ large photos to decide where to go
- GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
Want to see more of Lanzarote?
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