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Is Lanzarote dangerous? 8 hazards to know
Lanzarote's volcanic landscape is the attraction and the hazard at once: sharp lava fields, ground that is still hot below the surface at Timanfaya, and cliffs with no fencing. Famara on the exposed north-west coast is the island's most dangerous stretch of water, and the constant trade wind quietly amplifies both the surf and the driving risk.
- 1High risk
- 5Medium
- 2Low
- 8Tracked
Every hazard in Lanzarote
Ordered by danger level. Each entry is a zone in the Dangers Here hazard database, with the same wording the app shows on the map.
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Famara & West Coast Surf
HighAtlantic swells and rip currents on exposed beaches like Famara drown swimmers. Swim only at lifeguarded beaches and obey the flag system.
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Timanfaya Volcanic Fields
MediumSharp, unstable lava rock and ground that is extremely hot just below the surface. Stay on marked routes and official tours and wear sturdy closed shoes.
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Famara Cliffs & Peaks
MediumTrails on loose rock with exposure to wind bring falls and navigation risks. Wear proper footwear, carry water, keep back from edges, and tell someone your route.
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Lanzarote — Road Accidents
MediumOpen roads tempt speeding, and crosswinds and roundabouts catch out unfamiliar tourists. Drive within limits, hold the wheel firmly in gusts, and take care on roundabouts.
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Lanzarote — Calima
MediumThe calima is a hot, dusty Saharan wind that spikes temperatures and harms air quality, sometimes grounding flights. Stay indoors and avoid exertion during episodes.
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Lanzarote — Strong Sun
MediumThe subtropical sun burns skin quickly and the open volcanic landscape offers little shade. Use SPF 30+, wear a hat, and seek shade at midday.
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Famara Cliffs & Mirador del Río
LowClifftop viewpoints cause falls, especially when visitors cross barriers for photos or are caught by gusts. Stay behind railings and back from crumbling edges.
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Lanzarote — Man o' War
LowPortuguese man o' war and jellyfish drift onto beaches seasonally, sometimes forcing closures. Heed purple flags, do not touch beached specimens, and rinse stings with seawater.
Lanzarote safety questions
Is Lanzarote safe for tourists?
Lanzarote is safe for most visitors, but our hazard database tracks 8 distinct risks there, 1 of them rated high. The high-rated ones are Famara & West Coast Surf. Most incidents involving visitors come from these rather than from crime.
What is the biggest danger in Lanzarote?
Famara & West Coast Surf — Atlantic swells and rip currents on exposed beaches like Famara drown swimmers. Swim only at lifeguarded beaches and obey the flag system.
When is the riskiest time to visit Lanzarote?
Risk in Lanzarote is seasonal for several hazards. Our database flags these periods: Episodic; Seasonal. Hazards outside those windows are present year-round.
Is it safe to swim in Lanzarote?
We track 2 water-related hazards in Lanzarote: Famara & West Coast Surf, Man o' War. Swim at lifeguarded beaches, obey the flag system, and never swim alone or after drinking.
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More on these hazards
Deeper guides to the hazard types found in Lanzarote.