Two series of zirconium and lanthanum oxide based catalysts were synthesised, characterised (XRD, ESCA, BET) and tested for their effectiveness in the oxidative coupling of methane (OCM). Starting materials and the preparation method (ZrO2 and wet impregnation, ZrO(NO3)2.xH2O + La(NO3)3.6H2O and coprecipitation) determined the bulk composition of the catalysts (ZrO2 + La2O3, La2O3 * 2ZrO2). Doping with alkali (Li, Na, K) or alkaline earth metal (Mg, Ca, Sr) increased the selectivity to hydrocarbons. The best C2-hydrocarbon yields were obtained with the Sr-doped ZrO2 + La2O3 catalyst (16.1%) and the Li-doped La2O3 * 2ZrO2 catalyst (17.3%).