Lanzarote Walk - El Golfo and Charco de los Clicos
Starting
point:
El
Golfo – Large car park on the edge of the village.
|
Map
I
have found this to be the best map for both walking routes and driving, from
Discovery Walking Guides Ltd
Lanzarote
Tour and Trail Map 1:40,000 scale
|
Distance:
6.6 miles
|
Traffic light rating:
(For explanation see My
Walks page)
More great Lanzarote
Walks
|
Click
the PDF logo above to give a printable version of this walk without the
photos.
|
If you need to buy any
hiking equipment/clothing before your trip see the Hiking
Store
Introduction:
El Golfo is a small fishing village
on the rocky volcanic west coast of Lanzarote. It has a number of
restaurants which line the coastal side of the road where one can enjoy a
meal or a drink watching the waves pound the coast. There is nothing to the
west until you get to America so there is nothing to temper the full force
of the Atlantic. In consequence, waves crash into the land. In addition to
sun protection and water, the other essential is to ensure your camera is
fully charged for I defy anyone to complete this walk without spending some
time trying to catch a shot of the perfect splash!
For the same reason, although this walk is
only some 6.5 miles, it is likely to take longer than you expect. In
addition to the waves, you are likely to be distracted by the sculptures
formed by the volcanic lava.
The route has been created across the lava
and is therefore mostly easy to follow and in places, is marked by lines of
small boulders at the edge. There is not really anywhere else to go. An odd
stretch is less clear but if you look carefully, I doubt you will have a
problem finding it. It is important not to leave the path as in addition to
the distinct danger of tripping and injuring yourself, there are bubbles in
the lava. You will probably spot one of these as I did next to the path. It
must have been 15+feet deep and 20/30 ft wide. The top overhung so anyone
falling in would never get out without ropes/ladders, even assuming they
survived the fall.
Charco de los Clicos is a very unusual
lagoon. Its waters are coloured a vivid green by Ruppia-Maritima algae and
its setting in black sand and with red cliffs around make for an outstanding
spectacle. As a result, it is on all the tourist bus trips. You could park
and do the walk from here but you are likely to find yourself wandering
along with large parties. In any case in my opinion, the best view of the
lagoon is from a viewing area above it. I have therefore started this walk
from El Golfo but begin with a short diversion to look down on the lagoon.
The walk starts at a large car park at the
entrance to El Golfo village. In the unlikely event that this is full, there
is another car park at the other end of the village or street parking.
To get to El Golfo, take the LZ 702 from
Femes or the LZ 704 from Yaiza.
There are no refreshment opportunities during
the walk other than your packed lunch.
Start:
Begin in the car park and with your back to the road, go straight ahead.
Follow the roped walkway to the Charco de los Clicos viewing area – only a
couple of hundred yards.
Return to the car park and walk along the
road through the village. The start of the footpath is at the end of the
road.
Follow the footpath across the lava field and
eventually it drops down to a wide dirt road. Turn left here and follow it
down to Playa del Paso. This is a good stop for your sandwiches and a drink
whist you sit and watch the waves. A sign says no picnicking!
Return to the spot where you joined the dirt
road and follow it straight ahead (do not take the route to Playa del
Cochino). The dirt road passes a barrier and the “devil” sign of the
Tymanfaya National Park.
Stay on the road as it passes an impressive
villa on the left. Just after this, come to an unusual pair of white
gateposts and turn right immediately after these.
Follow the dirt road until it joins the LZ
702. Turn right to return to El Golfo -
about half a mile. It is a fairly quiet road and for much of its
length, you can walk on the scrubland at its side.
All information on this
site is given in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of any
damage, loss or injury which might result from acting on it.
|