The Northern Cliffs & Valleys hiking tour

REVIEW · LANZAROTE

The Northern Cliffs & Valleys hiking tour

  • 5.015 reviews
  • 4 to 5 hours (approx.)
  • From $50.58
Book on Viator →

Operated by Blackstone Treks Tours · Bookable on Viator

Volcanic cliffs and palm valleys, no fuss. This guided walk from Máguez to Haria turns Lanzarote’s North into something you can actually read, not just see. I love the hassle-free hotel pickup and I love how the guide connects plants, farming, and geology to the terrain under your feet. One drawback to plan for: there’s a steep climb and descent with spots close to cliff edges, so it’s not the best fit if you fear heights or you’re not feeling steady on your feet.

After pickup, you’ll drive to Máguez, start walking through valleys, and reach the edge of the Archipelago Chinijo Natural Park for big ocean views. If the wind behaves, you’ll get a longer break looking out toward Penedo Bay and La Graciosa. Then it’s downhill into Haria, famous for the One Thousand Palm Tree Valley, plus a market atmosphere on Saturdays, before you head back to Máguez.

The hike takes about 4 to 5 hours with a moderate fitness level. You’ll be in English, in a small group (up to 16), with light refreshments, snacks, and bottled water included, plus a driver to handle the minivan. If you want help with footing, walking poles are available on request, and you’ll get a mobile ticket for the day.

Key Points at a Glance

The Northern Cliffs & Valleys hiking tour - Key Points at a Glance

  • Pickup and drop-off that saves you time in most Lanzarote resort areas, with one stated exception (Playa Blanca)
  • Cliff-edge viewpoint in the Chinijo area with ocean views and a stop that can run longer if it’s not too windy
  • One Thousand Palm Tree Valley entry through Haria plus a market stop when it’s open
  • Small-group hiking for up to 16 people so the pace stays human
  • Moderate hike with one real steep section that’s close to cliff edges in places
  • Refreshments and water included to keep you moving without thinking about snacks every 30 minutes

Getting Picked Up in Lanzarote Without Wasting Your Morning

The Northern Cliffs & Valleys hiking tour - Getting Picked Up in Lanzarote Without Wasting Your Morning

I appreciate tours that remove friction. Here, the logistics are built in: you’re offered pickup from your Lanzarote accommodation (in Costa Teguise, Arrecife, Puerto del Carmen, and Puerto Calero). For the Playa Blanca area, transfers aren’t included, so if you’re based there, confirm what’s possible before booking.

Once you’re collected, you head to the start in Máguez. The meeting point is C. las Casillas, 4, 35541 Máguez. Even though you may be picked up, it’s still useful to know where you’ll end up: the tour finishes back at the meeting point.

Why this matters: the North of Lanzarote is where you come for scenery, not for parking lots. With an air-conditioned minivan doing the driving, you spend your energy on the hike itself instead of logistics.

The Máguez Start: Valleys First, Then the Cliff Lookout

The day begins with a drive to Máguez, then you start hiking from the spot where the walk takes off. The trail works in stages: first, you cross beautiful valleys, then you work your way to the dramatic edges of the Archipelago Chinijo Natural Park.

This is where the guide work makes a difference. You’re not just following a line in the dirt. You’re learning how Lanzarote’s volcanic story shows up in the terrain you’re walking across: how shapes formed, why some areas look the way they do, and how people farmed and used the land around these cliffs.

At the viewpoint, you get breathtaking coastal perspective. It’s the kind of spot where you naturally slow down, because the ocean and the rock meet with force. And unlike some hikes where the best view is a quick photo stop, here you’re given time to actually take it in.

Penedo Bay and La Graciosa: A View Break That Depends on Wind

The Northern Cliffs & Valleys hiking tour - Penedo Bay and La Graciosa: A View Break That Depends on Wind

There’s a special stop built into this route: the cliff viewpoint overlooking Penedo Bay and La Graciosa Island. The timing and length depend on weather, specifically wind.

If it’s not too windy, you’ll enjoy a longer break from the edge, which is worth it. On Lanzarote, wind can be one of the difference-makers between enjoying a view and just surviving it. So if you show up on a blustery day, expect that this part may be shorter.

Practical tip: bring a layer even in warm seasons. On cliffs, your body temperature can drop faster than you expect, especially during pauses when you stop moving.

Haria and the One Thousand Palm Tree Valley: Market Energy and Local Food Clues

Next, you head to Haria, a charming village at the bottom of the One Thousand Palm Tree Valley. This part of the hike feels like a change in character. You’re moving away from the cliff drama and into a village rhythm where palm-covered terrain and daily life meet.

If your tour date falls on Saturday, Haria’s handicraft market is operating, and that adds a real sense of place. You can wander the atmosphere, and you’ll likely find local staples to snack on or buy later, like goat cheese, jams, and traditional mojos (Canarian sauces). Even if you don’t plan to buy anything, it’s a useful cultural pause.

Then you work your way back toward Máguez. The return segment isn’t described as a rushed finish, so you can expect it to feel like part of the loop rather than a separate chore.

Trail Reality Check: When Moderate Means One Tough Moment

This hike is labeled moderate, and that’s mostly accurate. But the key detail is that there’s one particularly steep climb and descent, and it can be close to cliff edges. That’s the part that can change the whole experience.

If you’re comfortable on uneven ground and you don’t mind exposure, you’ll likely find it exciting rather than stressful. If you have a fear of heights or you’re not confident with your footing, this is the consideration to take seriously.

Also, the tour operates in all weather conditions, with guidance to dress appropriately. That means the trail may feel more demanding if conditions are slick, windy, or just hotter/cooler than expected. You’ll be walking for hours, so pace yourself early, and don’t wait until you hit the steep section to start paying attention to your legs and breath.

Guides Who Explain the Why: Raquel and Jose’s Approach

The Northern Cliffs & Valleys hiking tour - Guides Who Explain the Why: Raquel and Jose’s Approach

The biggest reason this tour earns such strong marks is the guidance. I love hikes where the guide gives you something to notice, because it turns the walk into learning without turning it into a lecture.

In particular, Raquel stands out for the way she connects what you see to how the island works: flora and fauna, farming practices, and the geology that shaped what’s around you. That kind of explanation changes how you interpret every new bend in the trail. Suddenly, the island’s features stop looking random and start looking intentional.

Another name that shows up is Jose, with feedback highlighting how informative he was and how he kept the group enjoying the walk. The common thread: you get a guide who pays attention to both the route and the story behind it.

One more bonus: the tour is described as English-speaking, and it also notes that a guide may be multi-lingual. Translation style can vary by day, but you should still expect clear instruction for the hike itself.

What You Get for $50.58: Value Beyond the View

The Northern Cliffs & Valleys hiking tour - What You Get for $50.58: Value Beyond the View

At $50.58 per person, this feels like solid value if you want guided insight plus transport. Here’s what’s included that reduces your out-of-pocket costs:

  • Professional guide and also a local guide (and you’ll have a driver/guide on board)
  • Air-conditioned minivan
  • Transfers to and from your accommodation, with the stated exception for Playa Blanca area
  • Light refreshments, plus snacks and bottled water
  • All taxes, fees, and handling charges
  • Walking poles on request
  • Mobile ticket

What’s not included is important: lunch and drinks/food beyond what’s specified. If you’re the type who needs a full meal after a hike, plan to eat after you return to Máguez or from Haria if timing works out.

So the real value question isn’t just the cost. It’s whether you want someone to:

1) drive you to the right start,

2) keep you safe through the steep/cliff-adjacent parts, and

3) teach you how to read Lanzarote’s volcanic terrain while you’re still close enough to smell the plants and feel the ground.

If yes, this price makes sense.

Timing, Weather, and How to Dress for an Outdoors Day

The tour runs in all weather conditions, with the advice to dress appropriately. At the same time, it notes that the experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll get offered a different date or a full refund.

So what should you do? Plan like it’s an outdoor hike first. Bring layers. Expect wind at the coast. Wear shoes with grip for uneven ground, especially with that steep section.

Also, the duration can shift based on group composition, traffic, and weather. In other words, don’t schedule a tight dinner reservation right after pickup time. Build in some breathing space.

Who Should Book This and Who Should Skip It

You’ll likely love the Northern Cliffs & Valleys tour if you want:

  • a guided hike that explains Lanzarote instead of just moving you from point A to B
  • cliff views plus a village stop in Haria
  • small-group hiking with a cap of 16 people
  • a day that includes transport, water, and snacks so you can keep your focus on the trail

You might want to reconsider if:

  • you have a fear of heights or feel uncomfortable around cliff-edge sections
  • you’re not confident with steep climbs and descents on rough ground
  • you need long sit-down meal breaks, since lunch isn’t included

If you’re visiting Lanzarote’s North and you want an outing that feels both active and informative, this is a strong fit.

Should You Book the Northern Cliffs & Valleys Hike?

I’d book it if you’re the kind of traveler who enjoys learning while moving: volcanic geology you can actually see, plants and farming you can connect to the land, and ocean views you get time to appreciate. The combination of pickup, small-group size, and included snacks makes it easy to say yes without turning the day into a planning project.

I’d pause before booking if heights make you uneasy. The steep section close to cliff edges isn’t a scare story, it’s a real part of the hike. If you know you’ll tense up there, you may not get the relaxed enjoyment you’re aiming for.

If you’re willing to meet the terrain with steady shoes, a layer for the wind, and a mindset for one tough climb, this tour delivers a memorable slice of Lanzarote’s North.

FAQ

How long is the Northern Cliffs & Valleys hike?

It’s about 4 to 5 hours, depending on group composition, traffic, and weather conditions.

Where does the tour start and end?

The meeting point is C. las Casillas, 4, 35541 Máguez, Las Palmas, Spain, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is pickup available from my Lanzarote hotel?

Pickup is offered in Costa Teguise, Arrecife, Puerto del Carmen, and Puerto Calero. Transfers are not included for the Playa Blanca area, and if you’re not in the listed areas you should contact the provider before booking.

What level of fitness do I need?

You should have a moderate physical fitness level.

Is English available?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

Are snacks and drinks included?

Light refreshments, snacks, and bottled water are included. Lunch is not included, and food or drinks beyond what’s specified are not included.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 16 travelers.

More Hiking & Trekking Tours in Lanzarote

More tours in Lanzarote we've reviewed

Explore Lanzarote