Caldera Blanca is an extinct volcano near Tinajo, on the Canary island of Lanzarote, crowned by a massive crater. It rises out of lava fields laid down by later eruptions. A marked trail crosses them to the foot of the volcano, climbs to the rim and follows it round to the summit. The name means white caldera, after its pale slopes, which stand out against the dark lava around them.
Caldera Blanca
Massive volcanic crater with an exposed rim path, reached on foot across a lava field near Tinajo.
- Accessibility
- Not suitable for wheelchairs or limited mobility: the route crosses rough lava fields and climbs a steep path to an exposed crater rim.
- Parking
- Free public car park on open ground (Parking Caldera de Montaña Blanca), about 2.9 km from the crater in a straight line; no toilets. The Mancha Blanca visitor centre car park is also free, for its visitors only.
- Difficulty
- Moderate to demanding hike on a marked trail: a walk of around 20 minutes across lava fields, then a steep climb to the rim and summit. Full loop 3.5–4 hours with breaks; up and back about 2 hours. Exposed, windy rim; slippery sections on the descent; no shade.
- Transport
- Nearest bus stop: Mancha Blanca, about 4.1 km from the crater in a straight line.
- Address
- Caldera Blanca, 35560, Las Palmas, Spain
What makes it special
The reveal comes at the top of the first climb. You crest the slope and the whole crater opens below you, a huge round bowl with the path running along its edge.
The walk in is half the point. It crosses lava fields that look barely cooled: rough, dark rock, almost nothing growing, and a silence broken mostly by the wind. From the rim the trail turns steep and works its way round to the summit. At the top the view takes in the crater, the sea of lava around it and the volcanic cones beyond, and most people stop here for a long while before finishing the circuit and walking back the same way.
Good to know
- No toilets at the car park or at the crater, and no drinking water nearby: carry plenty and set out prepared.
- There is no shade on the lava or on the climb. Bring a hat and sun cream.
- The full loop up, round the rim and back takes 3.5 to 4 hours with breaks; climbing to the top and retracing your steps takes about 2.
- The rim is exposed and windy, and on gusty days the walk gets hard. Bring a wind layer and sturdy shoes.
- Some sections on the way back down are slippery underfoot.
Getting there
The walk starts from a free car park on open ground (Parking Caldera de Montaña Blanca), about 2.9 km from the crater in a straight line. From there a path heads out across the lava fields and reaches the foot of the mountain in around 20 minutes. The trail then climbs to the first viewpoint on the rim and continues round the crater to the summit. The route is marked, with guideposts along the way.
The car park at the Mancha Blanca visitor centre is free too, but it is for the centre's visitors. The nearest bus stop, Mancha Blanca, lies about 4.1 km from the crater in a straight line, so coming by bus adds a long walk to an already long hike.
Best time to visit
Best: early morning on a calm day.
Avoid: the middle of the day in summer, and windy days.
The route has no shade from the car park to the summit, so heat builds fast on the bare lava, and strong gusts on the exposed rim turn the circuit into hard work.
Sun & daylight
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Caldera Blanca on the map
The crater rim is unfenced and exposed, and strong gusts sweep it on windy days — keep back from the edge and turn round if the wind makes walking difficult. Parts of the descent are slippery, so watch your footing.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does the Caldera Blanca hike take?
The full loop up to the summit, round the rim and back takes 3.5 to 4 hours with breaks. Climbing to the top and retracing your steps takes about 2 hours.How hard is the hike?
The trail is well marked and needs no climbing skills, but it is long, the ascent to the summit is steep, the rim is exposed to the wind and some sections on the way down are slippery. You need to be reasonably fit and wear sturdy shoes.Where do you park for Caldera Blanca?
At a free car park on open ground (Parking Caldera de Montaña Blanca), about 2.9 km from the crater in a straight line. A path crosses the lava fields to the foot of the mountain in around 20 minutes.Are there toilets or water on the route?
No. There are no toilets at the car park or at the crater, and no drinking water nearby, so bring all the water you need.