The volcanic landscape of Lanzarote is famed for its distinctive rock formations, so you’d expect rock climbing to be a popular sport here. However without big peaks most serious rock climbers overlook the island, leaving rock climbing here more to the enthusiast on a family holiday or the trekker looking for a bit more adventure.
One form of organisation rock climbing that can be found here is boulder climbing or as locals know it Bloque Escalada. Organised events to train newcomers to the sport how to read the rocks take place in March at Barranco de la Espoleta in Guatiza, although those who are already experienced at climbing will find suitable rocks across the island to attempt solo.
Lanzarote rocking climbing isn’t confined to boulders however: there’s rock faces of between ten and twenty metres that can be scaled with the aid of ropes such as those at Los Bolas de Órzola. Those who haven’t brought their own equipment with them will find relatively regular events taking place across the island. Typically these have low fees due to being offered by rock climbing enthusiasts to cover their costs rather than commercial operations.
Those who are new to the sport and want some instruction prior in basic technique and safety prior to scaling rocks themselves should seek training at one of the adventure clubs on the island such as CDDAL. These can teach both absolutely beginners and those who have one of the internationally recognised levels and will also show you some of the best climbing spots on the island.
As well as traditional rock climbing other associated sports take place on the island such as pot holing. Caves formed by volcanic activity are found through the island and offer suitable locations for all levels of experience, from those who simply want to walk inside one to serious climbers looking for complicated descents of over a hundred metres.
