Montana Corona

Climbing Montaña Corona from Maguez to the south has to be one of Lanzarote’s finest walks.

This handsome flat-topped (except from the north) crater is the area’s premier landmark, and one of Lanazarote’s most recognisable features.

You approach along a charming and fascinating dirt lane, through tilled fields and with the superb form of the volcano dead ahead.

You can then assault the high sourthern rim, on a path recommended by the Sunflower guide but of which there was little evidence in 2018.

Walkopedia carried on along the track, round to the east of the cone and past the pass, after huge views of the east coast have opened up, then took a steep path by a quarry to the left which soon turns into a delightful traverse around the flank, gradually gaining a bit of ground, until you turn left along the top of a wide wall for a bit, then turn left again for a 20 minute slog up the steep hillside to the northern rim, which is a much lower break in the high, flat rim. This path is unmarked but not hard to follow. You can then walk on to Ye, or return to Maguez as Walkopedia did, in 2hrs 20m and we estimate 8.5km from the outskirts of Manguez.

The crater is properly dramatic, a deep inverted cone with an attractive mix of red earth and green-grey lichen covered rock – it is relatively damp up here. The high crags beetle commanding above you, but somehow didn’t invite exploration on the day – a shame, as the views from the top are huge and all-round. A circuit of the rim is apparently doable, but, to be honest, doesn’t look much fun. The view back from the north rim, along the high ridge-plateau to the north, is attractive, especially in scudding-cloud light.

You can also climb to the northern rim from Ye, but this looks relatively dull if a lot quicker.

Delightful wildflowers when we were there, in Spring.

This is strenuous walking. Come prepared, including carrying enough water.

Lanzarote - Sunflower guides: 31 varied walks, including this one although it does not mention the lateral path. Recommended. Find relevant books on Amazon.

Our friends and partners Responsible Travel have a selection of walking and other holidays here.

See our Maguez Area page for more walks in the immediate area; and our Lanzarote page for more general and practical information and photos.

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