Orzola: Coastal Landscapes and Routes on the GR-131

Orzola lies at the northern tip of Lanzarote and offers views of the islets of the Chinijo Archipelago. If you’re looking for hotels in Orzola, the coast, hiking trails and cultural heritage offer different points of reference for planning your trip. The town is a good choice for anyone looking to discover Lanzarote’s northern coastal landscape or include the GR-131 in their plans.

Coast, Beaches and Protected Landscape

Orzola has unspoilt beaches with golden sand. Its small sandy beaches include Los Caletones, Caletón Blanco and Caleta del Blanco. They are characterised by limited development, crystal-clear water and very calm seas. On the shore, ochre-coloured sand contrasts with black rock. This combination gives the coastal landscape its distinctive character.

Orzola borders the Monumento Natural de La Corona. Its protected landscape includes a volcanic cone, lava flows and an extensive malpaís lava field. The first section of the Camino Natural from Orzola to Playa Blanca begins at the harbour and leads into this protected area, with its vast malpaís lava field.

The GR-131: Hiking and Cycling

The Camino Natural de Lanzarote, also known as the GR-131, passes through Orzola. The route is 71 kilometres long and divided into five stages. It is suitable for hiking, and cycling is also possible along a very large part of the route. The 71 kilometres refers to the entire route, not just the section through Orzola.

If you’re interested in the GR-131, the information about its stages and the different ways to use the trail are useful points of reference: they show the overall length of the route and that it is suitable for both hiking and, along a large part of it, cycling. The first stage from Orzola to Playa Blanca starts at the harbour. It leads from the harbour into the Monumento Natural de La Corona protected area.

Sea Connections and Boat Trips

A sea connection links Orzola with Caleta del Sebo on La Graciosa. The crossing takes about 20 minutes. It is operated by Líneas Marítimas Romero, Biosphera Express, Water-Taxi and Sea Taxi La Graciosa; departures are available from both harbours and there is a wide range of timetables. Check the timetable before your trip if you plan to make the crossing.

Boats also run from Orzola harbour to La Graciosa and through the marine reserve around Lanzarote’s northern islets. If you’re planning such a trip, check the specific connections and excursions before you travel. The sea connection to Caleta del Sebo and trips through the marine reserve are two useful options to consider if you’d like to experience your stay from the sea as well.

Salt Pans and Archaeological Traces

The Salinas de Órzola are a historic, ethnographic, artistic and architectural heritage complex. They belong to the type of new salt pans with stone lining that is characteristic of Lanzarote. The layout and some ancillary structures have survived at the salt pans. These features make the site a subject in its own right alongside the natural and coastal landscape.

The Cueva de Órzola is also part of the town’s history. It is a natural cave in a lava flow. Materials found inside the cave indicate that it was used by the Indigenous population. The salt pans and the cave represent two different traces of the past: a heritage complex with distinctive construction and a site with archaeological evidence of earlier use.

Local Cuisine

Orzola has restaurants serving fish, seafood and other local dishes. If you have a particular restaurant or dish in mind, check what is available before your trip.

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

Return to the main travel overview: Haria.