Balcón de Femés

Balcón de Femés is a viewpoint in the village of Femés, in the municipality of Yaiza on Lanzarote, known for one of the widest panoramas over the southern part of the island. The terrace itself is modest — barely twenty metres long and five metres wide — sitting right by the village's main square next to the historic San Marcial church, yet its small size does nothing to diminish the view that draws visitors travelling toward Playa Blanca.

Where is it and how do you get there?

Femés sits at more than 350 metres above sea level, on the road connecting Playa Blanca with the interior of Lanzarote. The easiest way to reach it is by car: the drive from Playa Blanca takes around fifteen minutes, and about half an hour from Arrecife. The narrow road winds through hills in a series of bends, and the viewpoint itself is right on the roadside at the level of the church square, so no climbing or hiking is needed to take in the panorama.

What can you see from the viewpoint?

The terrace looks out over the El Rubicón plain, the former Janubio salt flats, the rugged Los Ajaches massif — protected as a natural monument — and the coastline around Playa Blanca. Looking further out to sea, beyond the La Bocaina strait that separates Lanzarote from Fuerteventura, clear days reveal Lobos island and the northern coast of Fuerteventura. Turn the other way, toward the northeast, and the jagged volcanic hills of Timanfaya National Park, popularly known as the Fire Mountains, come into view. Few spots on the island fit both the volcanic interior and a neighbouring island into a single frame.

What else is worth seeing in the village?

Femés is considered one of the oldest and best-preserved settlements on Lanzarote. Right on the square above the viewpoint stands the 18th-century Ermita de San Marcial de Limoges, dedicated to the island's patron saint, who is also venerated as co-patron of the diocese covering the Canary Islands. The plain white architecture of the church and the surrounding houses is a typical example of Lanzarote's vernacular building style: simple forms, lime-washed walls and dark-painted window frames. A restaurant with its own terrace overlooking Playa Blanca sits right on the square too, popular with travellers passing between the coast and the island's interior.

Can you go hiking from here?

Femés is the starting point for several walking routes. One climbs to the Atalaya de Femés, the highest point in the south of the island, where the views stretch even further and the ground underfoot is the black volcanic rock typical of Lanzarote. The trails begin right next to the church, making the viewpoint a natural launch point for a short stroll or a longer hike into the surrounding hills.

When is the best time to visit?

Morning hours generally give the clearest views, before the afternoon haze sets in and while the sun sits lower. On days without the Saharan kalima wind, visibility tends to be at its best, improving the odds of spotting Lobos and Fuerteventura. Because Femés sits well above the coast, temperatures here feel noticeably cooler than in Playa Blanca, so a light layer is worth packing even in summer.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee for Balcón de Femés? No, the viewpoint is open to everyone and free of charge, located on the village's public square.

How much time should you allow for a visit? The viewpoint itself takes 10–15 minutes to enjoy, but it's worth staying longer to see the square, the church and perhaps eat at the nearby restaurant — around an hour in total.

Can you see Fuerteventura from here? Yes, on days with good visibility you can see Lobos island and the northern coast of Fuerteventura across the La Bocaina strait.

Is there parking in Femés? Yes, there are parking spaces around the square and along the main road through the village, though they can fill up during peak season and busy hours.