Los Ajaches
Los Ajaches is one of Lanzarote’s most important natural landscapes, occupying much of the island’s southern region in the municipality of Yaiza. This ancient volcanic massif is considered the oldest part of Lanzarote and offers a striking contrast to many of the island’s more visited resort areas. With its dry mountain slopes, eroded ravines, rocky tracks, and wide views towards the coast, Los Ajaches is a rewarding area for walkers interested in geology, scenery, and the wilder side of the island.
The landscape here has been shaped over millions of years. Unlike some of Lanzarote’s more recent volcanic areas, Los Ajaches shows the effects of long-term erosion as much as volcanic activity. Over time, wind and water have carved ravines, worn back slopes, and exposed the rugged structure of the massif, creating a terrain that feels older, drier, and more weathered than many other parts of the island.
This area is not only geologically significant, but also historically important. Los Ajaches and the surrounding Yaiza المنطقة contain archaeological remains that reflect earlier human activity on the island, including caves, engravings, and traces of former farming. These features add cultural depth to a walk through the area, showing that this landscape has long been used, crossed, and understood by the people of Lanzarote.
One of the most notable ways to experience the area is on foot. A popular route begins in the village of Femés and follows a roughly 6-kilometre path through the Los Ajaches landscape. The walk includes tracks, footpaths, and uneven ground, with a noticeable incline in places, making it more demanding than a simple coastal stroll. Although not an extreme hike, it is best suited to walkers with a reasonable level of fitness and suitable footwear.
The route is especially appealing for those who enjoy open, arid scenery. Walkers can expect dry slopes, stony paths, exposed ridges, and wide views across southern Lanzarote. In calmer and more sheltered sections, the landscape supports hardy vegetation adapted to the island’s dry conditions, including low brushwood and species such as Canary Island spurge.
Wildlife is another part of the appeal. The quiet, open terrain of Los Ajaches makes it a good place to spot birds, particularly steppe birds in the drier inland areas and birds of prey overhead. In places where the route or surrounding viewpoints approach the coast, seabirds may also be seen along the cliffs and shoreline. Visitors with an interest in nature may find the area especially rewarding in the quieter hours of the day.
The scenery throughout Los Ajaches feels remote and unspoilt. This is not a landscaped or heavily developed walking area, and that is part of its appeal. The rougher terrain, muted colours, and exposed geology give the route a strong sense of place and help visitors understand Lanzarote beyond its beaches, resorts, and better-known visitor attractions.
Walkers should prepare properly before setting out. The route can be hot, dry, and exposed, especially during the warmer months, with limited shade along the way. Sturdy footwear is recommended, and it is important to carry drinking water, food, and sun protection. Starting earlier in the day is usually more comfortable, particularly in summer.
Los Ajaches is ideal for travellers who enjoy walking, geology, natural history, and quieter landscapes. It is also a good option for visitors staying in or near Yaiza, Playa Blanca, or Femés who want to explore a more rugged and less commercial part of southern Lanzarote. The nearby Papagayo coastline and other southern attractions can also be combined with a visit to the area.
A walk through Los Ajaches offers a different perspective on Lanzarote. Rather than dramatic visitor centres or resort promenades, it provides ancient terrain, eroded volcanic scenery, native plant life, wildlife, and a strong sense of the island’s geological past. For those willing to take the trail at a steady pace, it is one of the most rewarding natural routes in southern Lanzarote.