One of the best ways to see and experience Lanzarote is to hire a car and explore at your own pace. As the island not only boasts loads of great attractions but also lots of unique scenery to enjoy en-route.

Valley of 1,000 Palms & Valley de Temisa

A tour around these two verdant valleys in the north of the island is one of the most scenic drives on Lanzarote. A touch of additional drama is created by the Corniche-like tight, winding roads and hairpin bends. But it´s well worth the effort as you'll be rewarded with some really stunning views.

The two valleys are adjacent to each other and are the greenest spots on Lanzarote. Thanks to the fact that they receive more moisture than anywhere else on the island both in terms of rainfall and overnight cloud precipitation.

As a result, these valleys are home to a great deal of plant life and offer a welcome contrast to the more arid scenery found elsewhere. They are also an ideal destination for a Guided Walk.

Directions

From Tahiche, take the LZ10 through Teguise and Los Valles in the direction of Haria . This road winds down into the village giving panoramic views of the surrounding Valley of 1,000 Palms.

The turning into the neighbouring Valle de Temisa is at the foot of the descent into Haria. Take the right hand turn for Tabayesco before entering Haria. Or explore the village first and retrace your steps.

Alternatively, the Valle de Temisa can be accessed via the LZ1 by taking the turning for Tabayesco just before reaching Arrieta.

Things To See & Do

Miradors – Lookout Points

The Risco de Famara Famara massif is one of the highest points on the island. And as a result there are some great miradors or lookout points to discover, where you can just park up and drink in the views.

Take a small detour from the LZ10 for Las Nieves, just after passing through Los Valles. Here you´ll find the fittingly titled Hermitage of the Clouds - dedicated to the Virgin of las Nieves to whom the locals have prayed for rain for many centuries.

Past the chapel lie various outcrops of rock that afford the most incredible views down to Famara below, over to Graciosa and back down to the center and south of the island.

Just ten minutes drive away, you can take in some equally breath-taking views down to the opposite coastline at the Mirador Valle del Palomo. Which is little more than a lay by on the LZ10 in the north of the island. But the vista down to Arrieta, Mala and Guatiza is well worth pulling over for.

Haria Market

An atmospheric small-scale market numbering 30-40 stalls takes over the main plaza in Haria every Saturday morning until around 2pm.

As well as a variety of artisan products, such as dolls, lacework and jewellery you can also buy breads, wines, cheeses and organic fruit and vegetables, which are grown locally in the fields surrounding the village.

Exploring Haria

Haria itself is well worth a visit whatever day of the week as its a very picturesque village with lots of crumbling old houses (although increasingly these are being bought up and renovated).

Its natural beauty is probably best attested to by the fact that this is the spot where César Manrique chose to retire - and he was also buried here in the cemetery - which lies on the outskirts of the village as you drive towards Arrieta.

There´s also an old barranco or watercourse that runs right through the centre of the village. Take a stroll along it and enjoy seeing Haria from a different perspective.

Or enjoy a bite to eat. Los Tres Hermanos in the main square is especially well placed for people watching on market day. But for something quieter and more scenic head out of Haria on the road towards the Mirador del Rio and try Meson La Frontera, which has a terrace offering great views of the surrounding countryside.

Round off your tour with a drive into the neighbouring valley of La Temisa and the village of Tabayesco. Here you´ll see man made terracing built into the hillsides at vertigo inducing heights.

Back in the 19th century local farmers intensively cultivated an indigenous plant on these hillsides called Barrilla. Which was used in the production of soap and which was an important island export. 

Tabayesco sits just above the seaside village of Arrieta - where you can also enjoy some excellent tapas right by the beach at the little Chiringuito Bar (they also produce a fantastic giant paella at weekend lunchtimes). Or alternatively head down to Casa De La Playa for great seafood.