Missing Hiker Located Safely in Northern Lanzarote After Search Operation
A missing hiker in northern Lanzarote was located safely on Thursday evening, 1 October, after losing contact with a friend while walking in the Ye area of Haría.
The incident happened around the Camino de Las Rositas, an area popular with walkers because of its dramatic volcanic landscape, steep slopes and views towards the Risco de Famara and the Chinijo Archipelago.
According to reports published on 2 October, the woman had been walking in the area and had gone down the Camino de Las Rositas. A friend became concerned after losing contact with her and contacted the Policía Local to report that she could not establish where her friend was.
A search operation was then activated in northern Lanzarote.
Police, Guardia Civil officers and firefighters from the island's emergency services took part in the search, with a drone also used to help locate the missing hiker. The search was eventually brought to a successful conclusion when another hiker found the woman in the area.
She was reportedly disorientated when she was located.
An ambulance from the Servicio de Urgencias Canario (SUC) attended the scene. After receiving medical attention, the woman was taken by ambulance to Hospital Doctor José Molina Orosa in Arrecife for further assessment.
The search operation was subsequently stood down.
Why the Camino de Las Rositas deserves care
The Camino de Las Rositas is associated with the historic Camino de los Gracioseros, one of Lanzarote's best-known walking routes. The trail descends from the Ye/Las Rositas area towards the Risco de Famara and Playa Bajo el Risco, with spectacular views across the coastline and towards La Graciosa.
It is a beautiful part of Lanzarote, but the landscape is rugged and the route includes steep, rocky sections. Local hiking information describes the Camino de los Gracioseros as a demanding route, with significant changes in elevation and sections where there is no conventional road access.
For tourists looking for things to do in Lanzarote, the area can be an unforgettable place to explore, but it is important not to underestimate the terrain simply because the route is popular.
Lanzarote hiking safety advice
If you are planning a hiking trip in northern Lanzarote, particularly around Haría, Ye, Famara or the Risco de Famara, a few simple precautions can make a big difference.
Take plenty of drinking water, especially when temperatures are high, and wear proper walking shoes with good grip. Check the weather before setting out and allow enough time to complete the route in daylight.
It is also sensible to tell somebody where you are going and roughly when you expect to return. Carrying a fully charged mobile phone can be extremely useful, although visitors should not rely on having a signal everywhere in the more remote parts of the island.
If you are unfamiliar with the area, consider using an established route and carrying a map or trusted navigation app. The volcanic terrain can look very different on the ground from what it appears to be on a map.
A reminder for visitors and residents
Thursday's incident ended with the hiker being found and taken to hospital, but it also highlights why preparation matters when exploring Lanzarote's more remote landscapes.
The island is famous for its beaches, resorts and volcanic scenery, but some of its most spectacular walking routes pass through exposed and rugged terrain. Routes around the Risco de Famara can involve steep climbs and descents, loose volcanic rock and limited shade.
For anyone searching for Lanzarote hiking routes, walking in Haría, the Camino de los Gracioseros or things to do in northern Lanzarote, the scenery is certainly worth discovering — provided the route is matched to your experience and you are properly prepared.
Most importantly, if you become lost or separated from your route, avoid taking unnecessary risks. Contact emergency services as soon as possible and provide your location if you can.
Emergency number in Spain: 112.
