You can’t talk about Lanzarote without mentioning the Timanfaya National Park – a unique place and an absolute must-see on the island. The park offers a volcanic landscape that clearly shows the origins of the island. Keep reading to discover what awaits you on your visit and how to make the most of it.
What is Timanfaya National Park?
Timanfaya National Park is the most iconic destination in Lanzarote and ranks among the island’s natural wonders. It’s an enormous volcanic landscape covering nearly a quarter of the island (5,107 hectares).
The name Timanfaya comes from the volcanic mountains that form the heart of the park. The landscape looks like it’s from another planet.
Location
Timanfaya National Park is located in the south of Lanzarote, precisely between the towns of Yaiza and Tinajo. To the west, it borders the El Golfo coast.
The Volcanic Eruptions of 1730-1736: How the Park Was Born
This region is home to most of the volcanoes that erupted during the island’s greatest eruption – from 1730 to 1736. During this period, over 100 volcanoes became active, destroying entire villages under lava and a third of the island’s agricultural land.
Another eruption occurred in 1824 – the last one ever recorded on the island.
Why It’s Spain’s Only Geological National Park
The park was declared a national park in 1974 and is the only one in the Spanish national parks network protected primarily for its geological value – not biological.
Timanfaya is part of Lanzarote’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (since 1993). Its geological importance is recognised worldwide – NASA even used the terrain as an analogue for Martian terrain.
The park is strictly protected: you can’t hike without a guide, only tourist buses are allowed inside, and collecting rocks or materials is forbidden.
What to See at Timanfaya National Park
On your visit to the island, Timanfaya is an essential destination. The park is a geological treasure with volcanoes and other volcanic wonders like geysers. You can’t walk around freely – access is controlled to protect the park.
Montañas del Fuego (Mountains of Fire)
The park’s immense geological importance is clear from arrival. The main attractions include the Montañas del Fuego – a series of volcanic peaks dominating the landscape. Some of these mountains reach heights of up to 600 metres.
The most famous peaks are Montaña de Timanfaya, Montaña Rajada and Volcán Nuevo del Fuego. You can see them from the tourist bus by taking the Ruta de los Volcanes – a round trip circuit of 14 km.
Islote de Hilario and Geothermal Demonstrations
This is the only place where tourists can get off the bus. On Islote Hilario, tour guides demonstrate the power of the volcanoes’ underground heat sources.
The temperature below the surface is about 400°C. Volcanic activity still exists beneath the park. For example, some areas on the ground reach extreme temperatures. Visitors can experience this directly thanks to the park’s geyser demonstrations.
Another must-experience is dining at El Diablo restaurant, designed by César Manrique. This unique restaurant uses the volcano’s geothermal heat for cooking – food is completely cooked using the geothermal energy from the ground.
The Volcanic Landscape: Craters, Lava Fields and Colours
Get ready to be amazed by your first impression of Timanfaya. The park’s vastness combined with its lunar appearance creates a unique experience.
The park’s surface is a mosaic of black basalt, red volcanic ash and fine picón gravel – the dark granular material covering most of the terrain. Frozen lava flows, collapsed lava caves and jagged ravines make the landscape look as if the eruptions happened last week.
Fauna and Flora – More Life Than Expected
During your visit, you’ll admire not only the volcanoes but also nature’s resilience after the eruptions. This is evident in the diversity of plants you’ll encounter along the way. There are over 200 lichen species that have established themselves in this region.
You’ll see endemic species like Tabaiba and Cardón, which have evolved to thrive in dry soils and high temperatures. These and other species testify to nature’s ability to regenerate.
The park is also home to fascinating animal diversity. Several endemic bird species have adapted to the volcanic environment and enrich the park’s biodiversity. The park was declared a Bird Protection Zone (ZEPA) in 1994.
How to Get to Timanfaya National Park
As mentioned, the park is located between the towns of Yaiza and Tinajo. To access it, take the LZ-67 road.
Access is easy from anywhere on the island. While you can drive yourself, public transport and guided tours in Lanzarote also make getting to the park convenient.
Is There a Public Bus Service to Timanfaya?
There is no public bus service that takes you directly to Timanfaya National Park. Regular routes (Line 16 or 6) only go as far as nearby towns like Yaiza or Tinajo. To complete the journey, you’ll need to combine public transport with a taxi or book a guided tour.
How to Visit Timanfaya: All Options Explained
You may be wondering what’s the best way to explore the park? There are guided tours and free options available.
Beyond visiting the park, the experience also includes visiting El Diablo restaurant and the visitor centre with exhibitions.
Guided Tours and Routes
Several tour options are available to explore Timanfaya. You can drive to different park entrances and park your car in the car park.
The main routes are:
- Ruta Tremesana: This 3-hour guided hike covers 3.5 km of the park and 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.
- Ruta Costera Corta: This is also a guided route covering 2 km and taking 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 starts at El Golfo.
- Ruta Costera Larga: This is a 5-hour hike covering nearly 10 km. You’ll see the entire volcanic coast of the 18th-century eruptions. You can do it independently, starting from Playa de Madera in Tinajo.
- Ruta de los Volcanes: This is probably the most popular option for tourists. It’s a guided bus tour covering 12 km in about 45 minutes. The tour starts at Isleta de Hilario. You must buy your tickets at the Montañas del Fuego Tourist Centre – this includes the tour and access to the Montañas del Fuego artistic, cultural and tourist centre.
Visitor Centres and Educational Exhibitions
The park has a visitor centre with information on the region’s geological history, its fauna, flora and conservation efforts. It’s an ideal starting point to learn about Timanfaya National Park.
Camel Rides at Timanfaya
Another option is a camel ride, which offers a unique perspective of the landscape. The route extends 250 metres and the ride lasts 20 minutes.
No prior booking is needed. You can enjoy a camel ride daily from 9:30am to 3:30pm south of Timanfaya Mountain.
Tips for Planning Your Visit to Timanfaya National Park
- Wear comfortable clothes and appropriate shoes.
- Use sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat or cap.
- Book tours in advance, especially during peak season.
- Use a transfer service in Lanzarote for safe and reliable transport.
- Keep in mind that you can’t get off the bus during the Ruta de los Volcanes tour. However, it stops at certain locations for landscape photography.
Environmental Protection Measures
Several protection measures have been put in place to preserve this natural environment. For example, access restrictions help protect sensitive habitats.
Additionally, ecosystem health is monitored and environmental education is a high priority.
Sustainable Tourism Practices
Some sustainable practices include:
- Limiting the number of daily visitors.
- Hiking on designated trails to avoid impacting nature.
- Integrating local gastronomy to support the local economy.
Rules and Restrictions in the Park
- Drones are not allowed.
- Collecting rocks or volcanic materials is forbidden.
- Use only authorised roads and trails.
Nearby Attractions
Beyond visiting Timanfaya National Park, there are other attractions to explore on the island. Don’t miss the César Manrique Foundation or La Geria.
Beyond the volcanic landscapes, you can also enjoy the coastlines. Lanzarote has magnificent golden sand beaches and crystal-clear water. Popular activities include surfing, diving and whale watching.
Visit Timanfaya National Park and enjoy this natural gem of Lanzarote. It offers breathtaking scenery and a unique experience.
Resources
- https://www.reservasparquesnacionales.es/real/ParquesNac/usu/html/listado-actividades-oapn.aspx?cen=6
- https://www.gobiernodecanarias.org/parquesnacionales/timanfaya/
Abdel Samouh is a tourism professional specialising in the Canary Islands, with a solid track record in visitor experience management on Lanzarote. His career has centred on promoting the island's landmark attractions and enhancing transfer and excursion services across this volcanic destination.
