Guinate offers several distinct points of interest for a trip: the heights of the Risco de Famara, trails to the viewpoint, a paleontological site and a seasonal festival tradition. Agricultural and pastoral activity also shapes the local character. These themes highlight different aspects—landscape, natural history, cycling and local traditions—and can be arranged according to your personal travel interests.

High-altitude trails and plant life

The Mirador de Guinate lies in the highest part of the Famara mountain range. The route there runs through the heights of the Risco de Famara; the Chinijo Archipelago can be seen from this route. Elevation and views are therefore at the heart of the experience. If you choose your excursion for its landscape, you can focus on the Mirador route. Trail conditions can change, so check the latest situation before going for a hike.

Plant life is also associated with specific locations. The Guinate and Famara rockroses grow in very limited areas, including the Risco de Guinate. Helianthemum bramwelliorum and Helianthemum gonzalezferreri are endemic to Lanzarote and classified as critically endangered. These plants add a botanical perspective to the landscape. The official classification may be updated by the relevant authorities.

Fossils and natural history

The paleontological site of Guinate is the only known site in the Canary Islands with remains of Cory’s shearwater (Calonectris diomedea Cory). Finds include fossil bones and eggs of this bird, fossil nests of sand bees, and remains of land snails from the Helicidae family. The site thus brings together traces of different animal groups. Its sediment dates from the last interglacial, at the beginning of the Upper Pleistocene, around 135,000 years ago. This offers a different way to explore Lanzarote’s natural history than the present-day views at the Risco: here, the focus is on fossil finds and their geological context.

Hiking and cycling

The Vereda de Guinate is part of the Haría Extreme circular route, as noted in a municipal report from 2020. The Mirador route is also worth considering when choosing a trail: its defining features are its elevation and views of the Chinijo Archipelago. If you would rather consider a cycling route, Guinate is an interesting point along the 31-kilometre Recorrido Haría. This gives you a choice of hiking and cycling options with different highlights. Check the latest route conditions and information before cycling.

Local character and festival season

Guinate is shaped by strong agricultural and pastoral activity. The local calendar includes the patron saint festivals in honour of Nuestra Señora de Lourdes, celebrated in the first half of February. Festivities include traditional island games, folk music and traditional cuisine. The specific programme and dates may vary from year to year. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival season, check the dates for the relevant year.

When planning your trip, you can therefore choose what to focus on in Guinate: the Mirador route for elevation and views, the site for paleontological discoveries, or the Lourdes celebrations for a seasonal glimpse of local traditions. The Recorrido Haría cycling route adds a cycling option to this selection.

Discover more destinations: Punta De Mujeres, Orzola, Charco Del Palo, Ye, Arrieta, Mala, Tabayesco

Return to the main travel overview: Haria.