In the Canary Islands, public buses are known as guaguas, and they’ll take you to countless magical corners of our islands. If you want to discover this form of sustainable mobility on Lanzarote and La Graciosa, we can suggest several itineraries that don’t need a car, and that are so different, genuine and exciting that you’ll be happy to forget the steering wheel forever.

If you’re staying in Arrecife, you’re in luck because for a few days you’ll have a window open onto the most beautiful marina in the Canary Islands. The avenue is lined with historical monuments, which you can admire on foot or from your bike, cycling safely in one of the bike lanes that border this part of the coast. Get into stress off, consciousness on mode, let the breeze ruffle your hair and feel yourself becoming just one more part of the island’s huge biodiversity.

If you are interested in ornithology, take note of the friendly Kentish plover (Charadrius alexandrinus), which nests on the islet of Castillo de San Gabriel, and can usually be seen fussing around, pecking in the rock pools. 

In these calm waters that offer all the services of the urban beach of El Reducto, you can rent a paddleboard and enjoy the endless Atlantic through a sport that’s very accessible to any level of fitness.

The advantages of the capital don’t end here. Right on the seafront, very close to the city’s Cabildo (town hall), is the bus station offering guaguas that depart to the most local and authentic Lanzarote villages. Pack a bottle of water, a hat and your sunscreen and jump onto one of the lines heading off to the volcanic white of Caletón Blanco, the beach of Las Caletas or the fishing village of Punta Mujeres. 

Here’s a piece of advice: make time to enjoy the journey as much as the destination – Lanzarote offers unique landscapes, stories and encounters. José Saramago, winner of the Nobel Prize for literature and and illustrious resident of the municipality of Tías, expressed it with his succinct genius: “The journey never ends. The end of one journey is only the beginning of another.“

Take note of the public transport lines that will take you to almost any corner of the island from the Arrecife interchange. And remember that just a few kilometres from the capital are the magnificent beaches of Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise and Playa Honda, perfectly connected to the capital throughout the day.

Total (and real) disconnection in the south

In Lanzarote, “everything important is hidden and everything is close by”, as Alexis Ravelo used to say. This reflection must surely have inspired the curiosity of the many visitors who are seeking the slow travelexperience on our island. Take a stroll, take off your watch, silence your phone, get on a southbound bus and start making footsteps in the direction you want to go, because, yes, it’s possible to do all that here.

You’ll understand what we’re talking about if you decide to spend the day at one of the beaches in the municipality of Yaiza, whose crystal clear waters are capable of soothing the soul. For those with the spirit of a Robinson Crusoe, the best option in the south are the natural pools of Los Charcones de Janubio. Warning: access to these volcanic formations is somewhat difficult and we recommended visiting at low tide. However, the prize is spectacular: a hidden corner of crystal-clear waters in emerald and deep blue tones that will take a long time to erase from your memory.

Don’t forget another point of interest in this area: Playa Blanca is a fishing village that preserves its seafaring essence in the restaurants along the seafront avenue, many of which specialize in local dishes. Don’t miss out on an authentic gastro experience. A ball of gofio blanched in fish broth, a plate of limpets and island rock fish are genuinely pleasures from another world.

As for public transport, Playa Blanca has a station with six public transport lines that connect the town with Arrecife, the airport, Puerto del Carmen and Yaiza. In addition, on Sundays line 13 runs to the Teguise arts and crafts market, departing at 9 am and returning at 1:30 pm.

By the way, if you are staying in La Caleta de Famara, you can take advantage of guagua line 20, which connects the village with Arrecife from Monday to Friday, and get off at one of the inland villages it passes through: Mozaga, Tao, and San Bartolomé.

And for those who are fans of nudism, the island again offers happiness in the form of a natural pool. El Charco del Palo is a naturist-friendly pool where you can take a walk, enjoy the sea and even go shopping naked in the supermarket.

For walkers: On this occasion, we suggest hiking to the pools from Haría to Mala. The walk takes about 90 minutes along rural trails, and is a beautiful experience, as long as the weather is good. 

And, of course, this series of ecofriendly suggestions wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the place that is a world benchmark for sustainability: La Graciosa. The eighth Canary Island has completely renounced asphalt and, in fact, the few vehicles present have full authorization and are subject to the regulations of the natural park. Visit and you’ll soon see that utopia has become a reality!

The island is reached by boat, with frequent departures from Órzola throughout the day. Once in Caleta de Sebo, you can rent a bike or, just walk to beaches such as Las Conchas or La Francesa. We can guarantee that immersing yourself in this community where humans and nature coexist in perfect harmony is a plus for the senses. Put on your hat and leave the noisy world behind you. 

• Buy a bus pass at Arrecife’s bus station.
• Always carry water, sunscreen and sturdy footwear for rocky areas.
• Don’t hesitate to sign up for excursions to any of the wonderful corners of the island that you don’t think you can reach under your own steam.