Visiting Yaiza
Yaiza is the southernmost town on Lanzarote in the Canary Islands. This part of the island is where the first settlers arrived in the Canaries, an area historically known as El Rubicón. The name Yaiza itself is believed to come from the language of the Majos, the indigenous people who lived on the island before the arrival of those early colonizers. Today, Yaiza is a quiet little town of immaculately white, remarkably well-preserved buildings that contrast sharply against the dark, desert backdrop left behind by the volcanic eruptions that swept this part of the island between 1730 and 1736.
One of the prettiest villages on Lanzarote
Yaiza has plenty of appeal, featuring desert plains and rolling valleys backed by the mountains of the Timanfaya National Park, dotted with palm trees and traditional white cottages. Key sights in town include the 17th-century Church of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios and the Casa de la Cultura Benito Pérez Armas, a prime example of colonial architecture featuring wooden balconies and staircases.
The town borders the Los Ajaches natural monument, a volcanic mountain range running along the coast that formed from an eruption 15 million years ago. From Yaiza, a total of seven hiking trails lead out to explore these cliffs, reaching their highest point at Atalaya, at 608 metres in elevation. These cliffs hide some of Lanzarote's most iconic beaches, such as Playa de Papagayo, frequently ranked among the finest stretches of sand in the Canary Islands.
While you are here, you can explore the volcanic hills of Timanfaya National Park on foot via the Tremesana trail, by coach, or on camelback. The Fire Mountains rise up through a stark, almost lunar landscape where vegetation struggles to take root. Make sure to check out Los Hervideros, hollows carved out of ancient lava flows by ocean waves and sea spray to create a winding maze of natural grottoes, corridors, and blowholes.
Exploring southern Lanzarote
The southern end of Lanzarote around Yaiza is full of character. Beyond the glowing red tones of the volcanic rock, the southern part of Lanzarote hosts two major resort areas, Playa Blanca and Puerto Calero.
Nearby sights include the Janubio salt flats with their ochre color gradients and the neighboring wine country of La Geria, where rugged volcanic terrain gave rise to a unique method of winemaking.
When to go
The Canary Islands enjoy pleasant weather year-round, staying mild in winter and sunny in summer without getting overly hot, thanks to their island setting.
How to get there
The port of Playa Blanca, next to the Marina Rubicón yacht harbour, handles regular ferry connections to and from the neighboring island of Fuerteventura. Otherwise, Yaiza is reachable from the airport in Arrecife in 20 minutes by car or via bus line 60.
