El Golfo Circular about 2 hours, between 6 and 7 kilometres. Fairly flat walk rising to about 50m at the top of the sea cliffs. The path is well marked, but with stretches of volcanic cobbles which can be sharp and uneven under foot.
Directions
From the roundabout on the LZ-2 on the south side of Yaiza, take the LZ704. Follow the signs for the small village of El Golfo LZ-703 (about 10 minutes) and park at the end of the road next to the children’s play area.
Click on the map above to open a google maps view in a new tab.
The Walk
Head out along the coastal path. You will be walking into the National Park, so take note of the display board for points of interest and restrictions. The first leg of the walk offers impressive views of the rugged coastline formed as the lava crashed into the sea. There are areas of both old and new lava flows (albeit almost 300 years ago). These are delineated by the stark black lava sections and the areas collineated by the many lichens and succulent plant species.
The first leg descends to a dirt road, left and you can visit Playa del Paso, right starts you on the next leg of the walk.
This second leg of the El Golfo Circular, follows the old LZ-705 through both old and new lava flows. Notice how the newer black lava flowed around some landscape features forming the Islotes (small islands). The Islote de Halcones being a prime example on your left hand side.
After about 30-40 minutes, take the right hand fork in the road turning sharply back towards the sea and the village.
After passing a few small holding the path turns sharply to the left heading directly towards the main road. Look for the small path which will take you directly back to the car park. Don’t worry if you miss it, the dirt road comes out on the main road and you can simply loop back to the village from there.
Lago Verde (Green Lake)
At the entrance to the village is a small car park. Here there is a well signposted short walk around the headland to the lake itself. El Golfo is a half-submerged volcanic cone, which over time has been eroded by the sea. This erosion exposes the many stratified coloured layers.
At the foot of the crater wall is Lago Verde, a half-moon-shaped green lagoon filled with volcanic minerals and micro-organisms. The local name for this lagoon is Charco de los Clicos after an edible shellfish once found there.
The small village of El Golfo is famous for its many restaurants. No particular recommendations just follow your nose. Perfect for a pre or post walk coffee or a spot of lunch. Also a favourite spot for dinner by the sea and a glorious sunset.