Do you want to see what happens when the Atlantic decides to play drums and uses the coastline as its personal percussion instrument? Just point your car down from Timanfaya towards the El Golfo trail and Los Hervideros.
The wild Atlantic below Timanfaya National Park creates scenes where you stop caring about Instagram and start holding onto the railing. We visited the most unique spots on the island’s southwest coast—and they’re absolutely worth it. In our personal guide, we’ll show you where the ocean literally “boils” (Los Hervideros), why Charco de los Clicos glows emerald-green, and why the El Golfo trail is one of the island’s most dramatic and beautiful hikes.
Get ready for volcanic cliffs, black sand, and a wind that reminds you who’s in charge here.
Volcán Bermeja: The Perfect Start to a Wild Volcanic Adventure
A small introduction to a big wilderness. Our first stop was the Volcán Bermeja quarry. A short one-kilometre trail starts at the parking area, showing you everything a proper volcanic warm-up should include: solidified lava flows, a small cave, and a faint path that leads all the way to the crater of Caldera de Chozas.
Officially it’s “unmarked.” Unofficially it’s “come—but pay attention.”
Even from here it was clear that the day would belong to the wind. On Lanzarote the wind doesn’t blow; it exists as a separate entity that gently reminds you who rules this island.
A Beach Where You Don’t Swim—You Simply Stand and Respect It
From above we saw the dark coastline: black sand, razor-sharp lava rocks, waves as tall as a three-storey building.
Swimming? Only for adrenaline geniuses. Our group didn’t include any, so we prudently chose life and moved on.
Los Hervideros – Where the Ocean Boils
If you want to witness the wildest possible show of water and rock, Los Hervideros is the kind of stage where even Poseidon would nervously tap his foot before the premiere.
The cliffs are riddled with underwater caves formed when lava from the 18th-century Timanfaya eruptions cooled faster than it could finish its last sentence. Ever since, the ocean has been crashing into them with such force that it literally “boils” between the rocks.
Hence the name Los Hervideros – “the boiling pots.”
And yes—when the Atlantic is in one of its working moods, it really does look like something is cooking under the cliffs.
From the pathways, viewpoints, and rock windows you hear the rumble, feel the vibration, and sometimes watch the spray shoot up so high that even the locals take a step back. We were lucky—strong winds, angry waves and a crowd of tourists wearing the same facial expression: respect.
El Golfo Fishing Village: A Contrast of Colours and Fresh Fish
Just a few minutes by car and you’re in El Golfo—a tiny fishing village designed, it seems, entirely around contrast: black sand, white houses, blue ocean, and a green lake just around the corner.
Several restaurants here serve fresh fish with the proud look of “we pulled this out of the ocean this morning.”
The atmosphere is slow, salty and human.
Charco de los Clicos: The Green Lagoon and the Olivine Hunters
A comfortable kilometre-long trail leads from the village to the famous green lagoon, a lake that looks as if nature decided to experiment with modern art—surrounded by fire and ocean.
The lagoon formed when a volcanic crater from the Timanfaya eruptions was flooded, and its vivid emerald colour comes from the algae Ruppia maritima.
A black-sand beach separates it from the ocean and absorbs light so efficiently that you feel like you’re standing on freshly cooled charcoal.
The whole area below Montaña del Golfo is rich in olivine, a green gemstone you can find so often that you start wondering whether the island produces it in a secret factory. Collecting it right at the lagoon is forbidden, but around Volcán Bermeja we saw dozens of treasure hunters.
The lagoon even starred in several Almodóvar films, giving the whole place an extra cinematic drama. Even without cameras, you have the feeling someone is preparing a movie scene just for you.
Pardelator de El Golfo Trail Worth Every Step
The other side of El Golfo has an even more irresistible energy. The El Golfo trail is a knockout.
Every year a 10.5 km race takes place along these cliffs, running all the way towards the border of Timanfaya National Park. The route winds through lava fields, over rocky outcrops, and at times so close to the ocean that you taste salty spray on your lips.
We hiked it—and one thing is certain: it’s just you, the cliffs, the wind, the rough volcanic rock and an Atlantic that never sleeps.
It’s one of those trails that makes you say: this is what hiking can be—raw, wild, and beautiful.
🥾 Practical Tips for Hiking on Lava
👟 Gear & Safety on Volcanic Trails
Footwear is everything. Forget sandals or beach shoes. Volcanic rock is extremely sharp and uneven. You need sturdy, closed hiking shoes with a thick sole.
Layers: Lanzarote is windy. The wind here has the temperament of a mischievous creature. Bring a windbreaker you can easily put on or take off—temperatures change quickly.
Water & Snacks:
Between El Golfo and Timanfaya there are no shops. Always carry enough water (at least 1.5 L per person for a longer hike).
🗺️ Orientation & Movement
Trail marking: Expect unmarked sections. “Non-existent paths” are a real thing here. Rely on navigation or an offline map (AllTrails or Mapy.cz work great).
Leave only footprints: Stay on the path. Even if it’s not as strictly protected as inside Timanfaya, volcanic fields are fragile.
⚠️ Respect the Atlantic (Los Hervideros)
Stay behind barriers:
Waves at Los Hervideros can surprise you. Never approach the cliff edge for a photo. Salt spray is fine—but a direct wave is not.
Check the tide:
High tide means the most dramatic “boiling” effect. If you want the full show, time your visit accordingly.
💰 Olivine & Souvenirs
Charco de los Clicos: Collecting olivine at the lagoon itself is prohibited.
If you want your tiny green treasure, explore beaches and areas around Volcán Bermeja—collecting is usually tolerated there.
Wild El Golfo Trail Under Timanfaya
The El Golfo trails and Los Hervideros are, for us, the rawest and most beautiful proof of Lanzarote’s volcanic power. What was your wildest experience in the Canary Islands? Share your tips in the comments! 💬
