La Corona volcano in Lanzarote: a natural wonder not to be missed
Would you like to visit one of the most impressive volcanoes in the Canary Islands? Then you must visit La Corona volcano, located in the north of Lanzarote, in the municipality of Haría. This volcano is responsible for the malpaís de la Corona, a landscape of petrified lava that stretches all the way to the coast.
In addition, hidden within the volcano are the famous volcanic tubes, such as the Cueva de los Verdes and the Jameos del Agua, which are unique tourist attractions in the world. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about La Corona volcano: its history, its hiking route, its curiosities, and tips for visiting it. Read on and get ready to discover a natural jewel of Lanzarote!
The history of La Corona volcano
La Corona volcano is one of the youngest volcanoes on Lanzarote, having formed approximately 21,000 years ago during the Quaternary period.
Its eruption was extremely violentand lasted several months, producing a vast lava flow that covered much of the island's northern region.The lava solidified upon contact with air and water, creating the malpaís de la Corona—an arid, irregular terrain characterised by its black and reddish hues, which contrast beautifully with the green crops and palm groves in the area.
La Corona volcano rises to a height of 609 metres and features a crater approximately 300 metres in diameter. From the summit, visitors can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the island and the Atlantic Ocean. The volcano takes its name from the crown-like shape of its volcanic cone, which integrates seamlessly into the Guatifay platform, near the Famara cliffs.
The hiking route to La Corona volcano
One of the best ways to explore La Corona volcano is by taking a hiking route around its perimeter and crater. This circular route is approximately 3 kilometres long and can be completed in about an hour and a half.
The difficulty level is low to moderate, though caution is advised due to the slope and the risk of falling into the crater. The route starts and ends in the village of Ye, situated at the foot of the volcano, where you can park your car near the chapel of San Francisco Javier. From there, follow the road heading south, surrounded by vineyards, until you reach the base of the volcano.
Climb up the western slope, following the path marked with stone milestones, until you reach the edge of the crater. You can walk along the rim and take in the stunning views, but proceed with caution, as there is no protective barrier. Descend via the eastern slope, along a steeper and rockier path, to return to your starting point.
Curiosities of La Corona volcano
La Corona volcano is not only a place of stunning natural beauty but also one of significant scientific and cultural interest. Here are some fascinating facts about this remarkable volcano:
The origin of Jameos del Agua and Cueva de los Verdes
La Corona volcano is the source of some of the longest volcanic tubes in the world. These tubes were formed when lava cooled on the surface while continuing to flow beneath. They extend for approximately 8 kilometres, with 1.5 kilometres submerged under the sea, forming the Tunnel of Atlantis.
Within these tubes lie the Cueva de los Verdes and the Jameos del Agua, natural caves that have been adapted for tourism, featuring lighting, music, and artistic installations. In the Jameos del Agua, visitors can also observe an endemic species of blind and albino crab, Munidopsis polymorpha, which exists only in this unique location.
Origin of unique natural spaces
La Corona volcano is home to two distinct natural habitats: the sparse tabaibal and the subterranean ecosystem. The sparse tabaibal is a type of plant formation typical of arid areas, consisting of succulent plants such as the sweet tabaiba, cardón, verode, and bejeque.
The subterranean ecosystem develops within the volcanic tubes, hosting a wide variety of species adapted to the darkness, humidity, and lack of nutrients. These include fungi, bacteria, spiders, insects, and crustaceans.
La Corona volcano has also borne witness to the history and culture of Lanzarote. The majos, the island’s ancient inhabitants, utilised the fertile volcanic soil to grow cereals, fruits, and vegetables. They also sought refuge in the caves to escape attacks from pirates and conquerors.
In the 19th century, the cultivation of cochineal, an insect used to produce red dye, replaced traditional crops such as vines and sugar, which had declined. Today, La Corona volcano is a popular tourist destination and forms part of the Chinijo Archipelago Natural Park, which also includes Lanzarote’s smaller islands such as La Graciosa, Alegranza, Montaña Clara, Roque del Este, and Roque del Oeste.
Tips for visiting the La Corona volcano
If you plan to visit La Corona volcano, here are some tips to help you make the most of your experience.
The best time to visit is between October and May, when temperatures are milder and the risk of rain is lower. In summer, the heat can be intense, and the sun can burn your skin. It is advisable to avoid the central hours of the day and to bring sun protection, a hat, and plenty of water.
To get to La Corona volcano, you can travel by car, bus, or bicycle. If you go by car, take the LZ-1 road from Arrecife to Órzola, and then the LZ-201 to Ye. If you go by bus, take line 9 from Arrecife to Órzola, and then line 7 to Ye. If you go by bicycle, follow the same route as by car, but bear in mind that the journey includes steep and winding stretches. Once in Ye, park your vehicle at the San Francisco Javier hermitage and continue on foot along the trail to the volcano.
When hiking the volcano, wear comfortable footwear suitable for volcanic terrain, as the ground can be slippery and sharp. Bring warm clothing, as it can be cold and windy at the summit. Don’t forget a camera or mobile phone to capture the stunning views of the volcano and its surroundings.
Finally, respect the natural environment by not leaving any rubbish behind and avoiding any disturbance to the wildlife. Enjoy your visit responsibly!
