You cannot talk about Lanzarote without mentioning Timanfaya National Park, an unparalleled place and a must-see destination on the island. The park encompasses a volcanic landscape that stands as the clearest evidence of the island’s origins. Keep reading to discover what to expect during your visit and tips to make the most of it.
What is Timanfaya National Park?
Timanfaya National Park is Lanzarote’s most iconic destination; it stands out as one of Lanzarote’s natural wonders. It is a vast volcanic landscape that covers almost a quarter of the island (5107 hectares).
The name Timanfaya comes from the volcanic mountains that are the heart of the park, and the landscape looks like something from another planet.
Location
Timanfaya National Park is located in southern Lanzarote, specifically between the towns of Yaiza and Tinajo. To the west, it borders the El Golfo coast.
The 1730–1736 volcanic eruptions: how the park was born
This area hosts the majority of the volcanoes formed during the island’s largest eruption, which lasted from 1730 to 1736. During that period, over 100 volcanoes became active, burying entire villages under lava and destroying a third of the island’s farmland.
A further eruption followed in 1824, the last recorded on the island.
Why it’s Spain’s only geological national park
Declared as a national park in 1974, it is the only national park in the Spanish network classified primarily for its geological rather than biological value.
Timanfaya is part of the Lanzarote UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (1993). Its geological importance is international — it has even been used by NASA as an analogue for Mars-like terrain.
It is strictly protected; you cannot walk there without a guide, no other vehicles than the bus tours can enter, and it is prohibited to collect rocks or any other material.
What to see inside Timanfaya National Park
When visiting the island, Timanfaya is a must-see destination. The park is a geological treasure where you’ll marvel at the volcanoes and other volcanic wonders, such as geysers. You cannot wander freely; access is controlled to protect the park.
Montañas del Fuego (Fire Mountains)
The park’s immense geological importance is evident the moment you arrive. Among its main attractions are the Montañas del Fuego (Fire Mountains), a series of volcanic peaks that dominate the landscape. Some of these mountains reach heights of up to 600 metres.
The most recognisable peaks include Montaña de Timanfaya, Montaña Rajada, and Volcán Nuevo del Fuego. You can see them from the bus tour, taking the Ruta de los Volcanes, this is a 14 km circular route.
Islote de Hilario and the geothermal demonstrations
This is the only area where tourists can get off the bus. At Hilario Islet, tour guides demonstrate the power of the volcanoes’ underground heat.
The temperature below the surface is around 400°C. Beneath the park’s surface, volcanic activity continues. For instance, some areas of the ground reach high temperatures. Visitors can witness this through geyser demonstrations at the park.
Another unmissable experience is dining at El Diablo Restaurant, designed by César Manrique. This unique eatery uses geothermal heat from the volcano to cook its food, where food is cooked entirely using geothermal energy from the earth below.
The volcanic landscape: craters, lava fields and colours
Prepare to be amazed by your first impression of Timanfaya. The vastness of the park combines with a lunar-like appearance to offer a unique experience.
The surface of the park is a patchwork of black basalt, red volcanic ash, and fine picón gravel — the dark granular material that covers much of the terrain. Lava flows frozen in mid-motion, collapsed tubes, and jagged gullies make the landscape look as though the eruptions happened last week.
Wildlife and flora — more life than you’d expect
During your visit, you’ll not only admire the volcanoes but also witness nature’s resilience after eruptions. This is evident in the variety of plants you’ll encounter along the way. There are more than 200 species of lichens that have colonised this space.
You’ll see endemic species such as tabaiba and cardón, which have evolved to thrive in arid soils and high temperatures. The presence of these and other species highlights nature’s capacity for regeneration.
The park is also home to a fascinating array of fauna. For instance, several endemic bird species have adapted to the volcanic environment, enriching the park’s biodiversity. The park was designated a Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA) in 1994.
How to get to Timanfaya National Park
As we mentioned, the park is between the towns of Yaiza and Tinajo, to get there, you have to drive to the LZ-67 road.
Access is straightforward from anywhere on the island. While driving is an option, public transport and guided tours in Lanzarote also make getting to the park convenient.
Is there a public bus to Timanfaya?
There is no public bus service that takes you directly into Timanfaya National Park. Regular bus lines (Line 16 or 6) only go as far as nearby towns like Yaiza or Tinajo, so to complete the journey you will need to combine public transport with a taxi or book a tour.
How to visit Timanfaya: all your options explained
You might wonder about the best way to explore the park. There are guided and free tours available.
Besides touring the park, the experience includes visiting the restaurant El Diablo, as well as the visitor centre and exhibits.
Guided Tours and Routes
Several tour options are available to explore Timanfaya. You can drive to different entrances of the park and leave your car in the parking area.
The main routes are:
- Tremesana Route: This 3-hour, 3.5 km guided walking tour of the park is mandatory. You must book at least 25 days in advance. The meeting point is in the town of Yaiza. Groups are small, and the tour is free.
- Short Coastal Route: This is also a guided route, 2 km long, and takes about two and a half hours. You’ll see the island’s coastal landscape. You must book at least 25 days in advance, and it’s free. It departs from El Golfo.
- Long Coastal Route: This is a 5-hour, almost 10 km walking tour. You’ll see the entire volcanic coastline formed by the 18th-century eruptions. You can do it independently, starting from Playa de Madera in Tinajo.
- Volcano Route: This is perhaps the most popular option for tourists. It’s a guided bus tour covering 12 km in about 45 minutes. The tour begins at Hilario Islet. You must purchase your ticket at the Montañas del Fuego tourist centre; this includes the tour and access to the Montañas del Fuego Art, Culture, and Tourism Centre.
Visitor Centers and Educational Exhibits
The park features a visitor centre offering information on the area’s geological history, flora, fauna, and conservation efforts. It’s an ideal starting point to familiarise yourself with Timanfaya National Park.
Camel rides at Timanfaya
Another option is a camel ride, offering a unique perspective of the landscape. The route is 250 metres long, and the ride lasts 20 minutes.
No advance booking is required. You can take the camel ride on the south of the Timanfaya mountain from 9:30 to 15:30 h.
Tips for Planning Your Visit to Timanfaya National Park t
- Wear comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear.
- Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat or cap.
- Book tours in advance, especially during peak season.
- Consider using a Lanzarote Transfer service for safe and reliable transportation.
- Keep in mind that you cannot leave the bus during the Ruta de los Volcanes tour; however, it will stop at specific points for photos of the landscape.
Environmental Protection Measures
Several conservation measures have been implemented to protect this natural environment. For instance, restricted access areas help preserve vulnerable habitats.
Additionally, ecosystem health is monitored, and environmental education is prioritised.
Sustainable Tourism Practices
Some sustainable practices include:
- Limiting the number of daily visitors.
- Hiking on designated trails to enjoy nature without disturbing it.
- Integrating local gastronomy to support the local economy.
Rules and restrictions inside the park
- Drones are not allowed in the area.
- Collecting rocks or volcanic material is prohibited.
- Use only authorised roads and paths.
- If driving, park only in designated areas.
- Pets are prohibited to preserve species and the balance of the ecosystem.
- Do not collect plants. Observe the plants without disturbing them.
Nearby Attractions
Beyond visiting Timanfaya National Park, there are more attractions on the island to explore. Be sure to visit the César Manrique Foundation or La Geria.
In addition to volcanic landscapes, you can also enjoy the coastlines. Lanzarote boasts golden sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. Popular activities include surfing, diving, and whale watching.
Visit Timanfaya National Park and enjoy this natural gem of Lanzarote. It offers breathtaking landscapes and a one-of-a-kind experience.
Resources
- https://www.reservasparquesnacionales.es/real/ParquesNac/usu/html/listado-actividades-oapn.aspx?cen=6
- https://www.gobiernodecanarias.org/parquesnacionales/timanfaya/
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