Lanzarote has many surprising places that look like they’re straight out of a fantasy novel or science fiction film. La Grieta de Montaña Blanca is a great example: it’s an unusual natural formation where, if you know anything about geology, you can read the island’s history over the centuries and follow the traces of its many volcanic eruptions.
In fact, not just one but three volcanic crevices (one larger than the others) have formed here on the slopes of Montaña Blanca volcano at an altitude of 600 m. This stunning sight was revealed when the side of the volcano cracked and the crevices show the different strata of lava from volcanic eruptions and sedimentary layers formed over the ages. The volcanic crevices are wide enough to fit a person and you can walk along this spectacular, twenty-metre-long corridor of petrified lava with uneven, stratified walls. Once you’ve reached the end of the lava tongue you have to turn around and retrace your steps because there’s only one way in and out.
- History of La Grieta de Montaña Blanca and reasons to visit
- How to get to La Grieta de Montaña Blanca
- What to see nearby
- Where to stay in Lanzarote
History of La Grieta de Montaña Blanca and reasons to visit
The Grietas de Lanzarote are geological formations that were produced when lava from volcanic eruptions cooled on top of the rock underneath.
Entry to La Grieta de Montaña Blanca in Lanzarote is free and it’s well worth visiting, particularly if you like geology and discovering new things about how the land beneath us was formed. If you decide to visit the crevices, please remember that there aren’t any towns or shops nearby that sell food and water, so you should bring water with you at the very minimum. You should also remember to wear sunscreen and a hat because there is very little shade here, at least until you’re inside the crevices and can finally shelter from the sun.
How to get to La Grieta de Montaña Blanca
It isn’t that easy to get to La Grieta de Lanzarote without a guide to help you because there aren’t any signposts along the road. The best thing to do is to park your car in the car park just off the LZ-35 at the point that joins San Bartolomé and Tías municipalities. Then follow the path that leaves the car park and crosses beneath the road. You’ll soon come to the main, deepest crevice – the other two are on either side of it.
What to see nearby
La Grieta de Montaña Blanca has views of unique landscapes that are just as beautiful as other stunning places on the island. Many of the island’s most important towns are close by, including tourist area Puerto del Carmen (just 7 km), Arrecife, the capital (9 km) and San Bartolomé (4 km), as well as gorgeous beaches such as Los Pocillos, Playa Grande, Playa Quemada and Playa Honda. Playa Honda has a popular street market where you can buy local handcrafted and ecological goods.
Another nearby town that is worth combining with your visit to La Grieta de Montaña Blanca is La Geria; this is Lanzarote’s wine region where the vineyards are protected by volcanic ash in a unique method of viticulture.
Where to stay in Lanzarote
If you’d like to have an unforgettable experience during your stay in Lanzarote and for your excursion to La Grieta de Montaña Blanca, we recommend the Barceló Teguise Beach – Adults Only, a sophisticated four-star adults-only hotel with guest rooms, luxury suites and two pools; the Barceló Lanzarote Active Resort, which has modern rooms, two restaurants and an outdoor pool, perfect for families; and the Barceló Lanzarote Royal Level, which is right on the seafront and set in a stunning volcanic landscape with subtropical gardens and amazing sea views. It has 155 magnificent rooms and a wide range of à la carte restaurants and bars. All these options are just moments from Montaña Blanca and are fantastic value for money.
