In the Parque Natural de los Volcanes, a narrow footpath begins at a car park near Mancha Blanca, leading past a smaller caldera, the Montaña La Calderata, and then up to the rim of the Caldera Blanca.
The name Caldera Blanca (meaning ‘White Cauldron’) is very apt for the whitish appearance of the two craters.
Formed a million years ago, they rise like islands in a sea of black lava, which date back to the volcanic eruptions between 1730 and 1736. With a diameter of around 1,200 metres and a height of 458 metres, the Caldera Blanca is one of the largest volcanic calderas on Lanzarote and we expected great views from the top.
A good path was built through the lava, and we easily reached the Caldereta, which is open on one side, and we could have a look into the crater.
We used the GPS track from our Rother Guide and were supposed to cross the lava between the 2 craters. We first thought it would be impossible to find a way through the lava, which the locals call malpaís -bad land, as there was no marked track. But with the GPS track, we managed in the end to find a route through it.
On the other side, we had an easy climb up the big crater. When we had reached the rim, the view inside and around was breathtaking.
From here, it was clear to see how all the lava from the eruptions of 1730-36 had made its way between and around the two old volcanoes and towards the sea.
We will finally leave the volcano area and will look for a beach instead, as the weather is improving – more soon!