You can’t talk about Lanzarote without mentioning the Timanfaya National Park – an incomparable and essential destination on the island. The park is home to a volcanic landscape that powerfully reflects the island’s origins. Keep reading to discover what awaits you during your visit and get tips to make the most of it.
What is Timanfaya National Park?
Timanfaya National Park is the most iconic tourist destination in Lanzarote and ranks among the natural wonders of Lanzarote. It’s a vast volcanic landscape covering nearly a quarter of the island (5,107 hectares).
The name Timanfaya comes from the volcanic mountains that form the park’s heart, and the landscape looks like it’s from another planet.
Location
Timanfaya National Park is located in southern Lanzarote, precisely between the municipalities of Yaiza and Tinajo. To the west, it’s bordered by the El Golfo coastline.
The 1730–1736 Volcanic Eruptions: How the Park Was Formed
This area is home to most of the volcanoes formed during the island’s greatest eruption, which lasted from 1730 to 1736. During this period, over 100 volcanoes were active, burying entire villages under lava and destroying a third of the island’s farmland.
Another eruption occurred in 1824, the last recorded on the island.
Why It’s Spain’s Only Geological National Park
Declared a National Park in 1974, it’s the only park in Spain’s national network classified primarily for its geological value rather than biological value.
Timanfaya is part of Lanzarote’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (1993). Its geological importance is international – NASA has even used it as an analogue for terrain similar to Mars.
It’s strictly protected; you can’t walk through it without a guide, only bus tours are allowed, and it’s forbidden to collect stones or any other material.
What You Can See at Timanfaya National Park
When you visit the island, Timanfaya is a must-see stop. The park is a geological treasure where you’ll enjoy the volcanoes and other volcanic wonders like geysers. You can’t walk freely; access is controlled to protect the park.
Mountains of Fire
The park’s immense geological importance becomes clear as soon as you arrive. Among the main attractions are the Mountains of Fire, a series of volcanic peaks that dominate the landscape. Some of these mountains reach heights of nearly 600 meters.
Among the most recognizable peaks are Montaña de Timanfaya, Montaña Rajada, and Volcán Nuevo del Fuego. You can see them from the bus tour if you take the Ruta de los Volcanes – a 14 km circular route.
Hilario Islet and Geothermal Demonstrations
This is the only area where tourists can get off the bus. At the Hilario Islet, tour guides demonstrate the power of the volcanos’ underground heat.
The temperature below the surface is around 400°C. Beneath the park’s surface, volcanic activity continues. For example, certain areas of the terrain reach very high temperatures. Visitors can experience this through geyser demonstrations in the park.
Another experience not to miss is dining at Restaurante El Diablo, designed by César Manrique. This unique restaurant uses the volcano’s geothermal heat to cook its dishes – food is cooked entirely with the earth’s geothermal energy.
The Volcanic Landscape: Craters, Lava Fields, and Colors
Prepare to be amazed by your first impression of Timanfaya. The park’s immensity combined with its otherworldly appearance offers a unique experience.
The park’s surface is a mosaic of black basalt, red volcanic ash, and fine picón – the dark granular material covering much of the terrain. Frozen lava flows, collapsed tubes, and jagged ravines make the landscape seem like the eruptions happened last week.
Flora and Fauna – More Life Than Expected
During your visit, you’ll admire not just the volcanoes, but also experience nature’s resilience after the eruptions. This is reflected in the variety of plants you’ll encounter along the way. There are over 200 species of lichens that have colonized this area.
You’ll see endemic species like tabaiba and cardón, which have evolved to thrive in dry soils and high temperatures. The presence of these and other species highlights nature’s ability to regenerate.
The park also is home to a fascinating diversity of wildlife. For example, several endemic bird species have adapted to the volcanic environment and enrich the park’s biodiversity. The park was designated as a Special Protection Zone for Birds (ZEPA) in 1994.
How to Get to Timanfaya National Park
As mentioned earlier, the park is located between the municipalities of Yaiza and Tinajo. To get there, you must take the LZ-67 road.
Access is easy from anywhere on the island. While driving is an option, public transport and guided tours in Lanzarote also make the journey to the park comfortable.
Is There a Public Bus to Timanfaya?
There is no public bus service that takes you directly to Timanfaya National Park. Regular bus lines (line 16 or 6) only go to nearby municipalities like Yaiza or Tinajo, so you’ll need to combine the journey with a taxi or book a tour to cover the last leg.
How to Visit Timanfaya: All Options Explained
You might be wondering what’s the best way to explore the park. There are guided tours and free tours.
In addition to visiting the park, the experience also includes a visit to Restaurante El Diablo, as well as the visitor center and exhibitions.
Guided Tours and Routes
There are several tour options to explore Timanfaya. You can drive to various park entrances and park your car in the parking lot.
The main routes are:
- Ruta Tremesana: This is a mandatory 3-hour guided hiking tour covering 3.5 km through the park. 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, 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 starts from El Golfo.
- Ruta costera larga: This is a 5-hour hiking tour covering approximately 10 km. You’ll see the entire volcanic coastline, created by the 18th-century eruptions. You can do it independently from Playa de Madera in Tinajo.
- Ruta de los Volcanes: This is perhaps the most popular option for tourists. It’s a guided bus tour of 12 km taking about 45 minutes. The tour starts at the Hilario Islet. You must buy your ticket at the Centro Turístico Montañas del Fuego; this includes the tour and access to the Museo de Arte, Cultura y Turismo Montañas del Fuego.
Visitor Centers and Educational Exhibitions
The park has a visitor center that provides information about the region’s geological history, flora, fauna, and conservation measures. It’s an ideal starting point to familiarize yourself with Timanfaya National Park.
Camel Rides at Timanfaya
Another option is a camel ride, which offers a unique perspective of the landscape. The route is 250 meters long and the ride lasts 20 minutes.
No prior reservation is required. You can enjoy a camel ride on the south side of Timanfaya mountain from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
Tips for Planning Your Visit to Timanfaya National Park
- 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.
- Note that during the Ruta de los Volcanes tour, you can’t get off the bus; however, it will stop at certain points for landscape photos.
Environmental Conservation Measures
Several protection measures have been put in place to preserve this natural environment. For example, restricted access areas help conserve sensitive habitats.
Additionally, ecosystem health is monitored and environmental education is a priority.
Sustainable Tourism Practices
Some sustainable practices include:
- Limiting the number of daily visitors.
- Walking on designated trails to enjoy nature without affecting it.
- Incorporating local gastronomy to support the local economy.
Park Rules and Restrictions
- Drones are not allowed in the area.
- It is forbidden to collect stones or volcanic material.
- Use only authorized routes and trails.
Nearby Attractions
Beyond visiting Timanfaya National Park, there are plenty of other attractions to explore on the island. Don’t miss the Fundación César Manrique or La Geria.
Beyond the volcanic landscapes, you can also enjoy the coastline. Lanzarote boasts golden sand 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 stunning landscapes 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.
