Lanzarote Buggies

Buggy tours are now a firm favourite with visitors to Lanzarote, and it is not hard to see the appeal. Our island’s dramatic volcanic landscapes, winding farm tracks and open stretches of countryside create the perfect setting for a bit of off-road adventure.

Joining a guided buggy tour means you can take the wheel of your own two-seater and follow your guide along dusty tracks that wind through ancient lava fields, the vineyards of La Geria and peaceful villages tucked away from the usual tourist routes. It is a fantastic way to spend a few hours, and the scenery you encounter is truly unique to Lanzarote.

It is worth noting that you will not find road buggies or quads for hire here; all buggy adventures on Lanzarote are run as guided tours.

Buggy tours here on Lanzarote tend to follow a tried and tested routine that works well for visitors. You are usually picked up from your hotel or a nearby meeting spot and taken to the base where the buggies are waiting. After a friendly safety briefing and a simple introduction to the controls, you will find the buggies are easy to drive, with automatic transmission and no clutch to worry about. As long as you have a full, valid driving licence, you can take the wheel, while your passenger can simply sit back and enjoy the ride. Each buggy is built for two, with seatbelts and a sturdy roll cage overhead for peace of mind.

After the briefing, the adventure begins as you follow the guide in a small convoy, weaving through some of Lanzarote’s most striking landscapes. The guide keeps everyone together, pausing at scenic viewpoints and the best photo spots, often using simple hand signals or a quick chat to keep things running smoothly. The route takes you along a mix of farm tracks, compacted dirt trails, and the occasional stretch of tarmac between quiet villages. While the pace is relaxed and safe, the ever-changing terrain, full of bumps, dips, and loose volcanic gravel, means there is never a dull moment behind the wheel.

The most popular route takes you inland from the resorts and into the heart of La Geria, Lanzarote’s unique wine region. Here, between the Timanfaya volcanic landscape and the central mountains, you’ll find rows of Malvasia vines growing in sheltered hollows, each one protected by a low stone wall known locally as a zoco. Exploring La Geria by buggy is something special, as you travel right through the vineyards along tracks that are off-limits to regular cars and coaches. Most tours pause at a local bodega, such as Bodega La Geria or Bodega Rubicon, where you can sample a glass of Lanzarote wine and soak up the atmosphere.

The route also winds along the southern edge of the Timanfaya lava fields, where you can look out across the striking black landscape towards the Fire Mountains, all without needing to enter the national park. Some tours meander through the peaceful villages of Uga, Yaiza or Macher, where daily life has a gentle rhythm far removed from the bustle of the coast. Depending on your chosen tour, you might also cross the fertile plains near San Bartolome or make your way up to the Femmes viewpoint, which offers sweeping views over the southern coastline.

The whole experience is usually spread out over three to four hours with plenty of stops along the way. It might not seem like a long distance, but on these winding tracks and at a relaxed pace, you’ll find the time passes quickly. The ever-changing scenery means there’s always something new to catch your eye, making the experience both comfortable and memorable.

If you are considering a buggy tour here on Lanzarote, be ready for a little dust – it is all part of the fun. Our volcanic landscape means that the vehicle ahead will often kick up a gentle cloud of grey grit, and by the end of your adventure you will likely find a fine layer of Lanzarote dust on your clothes and skin. I always suggest wearing something comfortable that you do not mind getting a bit dusty, and it is wise to steer clear of white or pale colours unless you want to take home a special reminder of your day. Closed shoes are essential, as the pedals and footwell are open to the elements. Trainers or sturdy walking shoes are ideal.

Most tour operators will offer you goggles and a buff or bandana to help keep the dust at bay. If you wear contact lenses, I recommend keeping your goggles on for the whole ride – volcanic grit in your eyes is something best avoided. Even when the sky is cloudy, the Lanzarote sun can be surprisingly strong, so do not forget your sunscreen. A cap or hat that fits comfortably under a helmet is also a good idea. Some tours provide helmets, while others do not, so it is worth checking when you book. I always bring a small bottle of water, my driving licence, and of course, a camera or phone to capture the beautiful views along the way.

Buggy tours are a popular way to explore Lanzarote, and you will find several companies offering much the same experience. Tours set off from all three main resorts: Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca. Most operators include hotel pickup and drop-off, which makes things easy and means you can simply relax and look forward to your adventure.

Some of the best-known names are Lanzarote Buggy Fun, Island Buggies Lanzarote and Volcano Buggies. Prices usually fall between 80 and 120 euros per buggy for a full tour, and that is for the vehicle, not per person, so it is good value if you are sharing. If you are travelling solo, you can still take part and pay the same rate. For those who just want a taste of the experience, a few companies offer shorter two-hour routes at a lower price.

It is a good idea to book ahead, particularly from November to March when Lanzarote fills up with visitors from northern Europe looking for some winter sun. Most companies make it easy to reserve online, either directly or through excursion platforms. You can also arrange your tour at your hotel reception or at one of the many excursion shops in the resorts, though you might find prices are a little higher if you book through an agent.

If you are after a little more excitement than a buggy can offer, or simply fancy something different, you might like to try a quad bike tour. Many of the same local operators run these trips along the same scenic routes. Riding a quad is a more physical, open-air experience, perfect for those who enjoy a hands-on, motorcycle-style adventure. Prices are much the same as for buggy tours, and you will still need your driving licence. The same advice about dust and suitable clothing applies here too.

Some tour companies even offer mixed groups, so buggies and quads can travel together. This is a great option for couples or friends who want to share the adventure, even if you each prefer a different set of wheels. It is always worth asking about this when you book.

If you set out on a morning tour, you will usually find the air cooler and the trails a little less dusty, thanks to the gentle moisture that settles overnight. Afternoon tours can feel warmer and the dust is drier underfoot, but the light often becomes magical as the sun begins to dip, making it a favourite time for photographers. As a general rule, I recommend mornings in the summer months and afternoons in winter, so you can make the most of the island’s changing light and temperatures.

The buggies are not road-legal here, so you will need to join an organised tour with a licensed guide. In my experience, this is a real plus, as the guides know the island’s hidden tracks and can lead you to spots you might never discover on your own.

If you are based in Playa Blanca, you will find the buggy base conveniently close to the La Geria route, which means less time travelling and more time out on the trails. From Costa Teguise, the transfer takes a little longer, but the northern routes sometimes include stretches that those starting in the south do not get to see.