Camino Risco Famara

Camino Risco Famara is a long, linear hike along the base of the Famara cliffs in northern Lanzarote, moving through a remote, windswept desert feel. The route is typically done as a one-way out and back, with most hikers starting near the village of Ye and finishing at Famara Beach (or reversing back from there).

Expect a serious amount of climbing and descending for the distance. Public route summaries put it at roughly 12 km one-way (about 7.5 miles) and around 800 m of elevation gain, including a steep, zig-zag descent if you begin from the northern cliff tops.

The terrain is primarily volcanic and often rocky, with loose gravel and rocky patches that demand sure footing. Even where the route follows the contours rather than requiring technical scrambling, the combination of steepness and footwork requirements is what pushes it into expert difficulty.

A common way to run the hike is to descend from near Ye to the Playa del Risco via the Camino de los Gracioseros, then continue along the coast at the cliff base before turning around. This coastal stretch stays highly exposed to wind, with long, secluded walking along the cliff frontage.

The line through the area includes the salt pans known as Salinas del Río before reaching the sandy Playa del Risco. After that, the route continues south along the cliffs at the water’s edge until you reach the turnaround point you chose.

Plan for limited practicality on the ground: there are no water sources or facilities along the route, so carry enough water and food for the full time you’ll be out. The cliffs can be susceptible to landslides, and sections may be closed or affected after instability.

More information: Famara cliffs, Lanzarote - all you need to know - Cestee, Camino Risco Famara in Canarias - Pacer Walking App, Camino Risco Famara Trail - Wikiloc