Playa Blanca is the popular resort town in the south of Lanzarote and nestled between its hotels you will find an isolated dormant volcano, the Red Mountain.
To join the crowds and hike Montaña Roja de Playa Blanca you will take a 1¾ miles roundtrip lollipop loop gaining approximately 500 feet of elevation on a fairly steep and sometimes slippery path of volcanic gravel.
Finding the trailhead isn’t difficult because you will always see people walking the route, but the GoogleMaps location isn’t right – so park on Calle España near the intersection of Calle Montaña Guardilama, or you can use the coordinates: 28.867409, -13.849717.
Even if you don’t have a car, it isn’t hard to walk from the beach if you are staying in the area. The first part of the trail is pure monotonous elevation gain, but it only lasts a half mile. Then you are at the top of the crater with sublime views out into Playa Blanca and all of Lanzarote on clear day.
Walking the circuit around the crater you can see out to the hills of nearby Papagayo Beach, another fantastic hike.
Further along the rim you can spot Faro de Pechiguera, the lighthouse in town which you can walk to from the promenade along the sea.
Beautiful views stretch out all the way to the cluster of craters which is Timanfaya National Park.
The summit of the volcano is marked by a triangulation station used for geodetic surveying.
It is possible to walk into the center of the crater, barren aside from a small patch of shrubs – do note that this is another steep and slippery path.
If you want to avoid crowds, visit early in the morning. This would also be a lovely spot to catch the sunset, as the hike down is so quick.
It’s a wonderful trail, the Canaries are a hikers paradise. Thanks for stopping by Jen!
Thank you for this visit to the Playa Blanca, Canary Islands, Julie. Based on your photos, the Red Mountain hike has a beautiful reward in the vista.