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 features a volcanic landscape that clearly shows the island’s origins. Keep reading to find out what awaits you during your visit and how to make the most of it.
What is Timanfaya National Park?
Timanfaya National Park is the most emblematic destination on Lanzarote and ranks among the island’s natural wonders. It’s a massive volcanic landscape covering almost a quarter of the island (5,107 hectares).
The name Timanfaya comes from the volcanic mountains that form the park’s heart. The landscape looks like it’s from another planet.
Location
Timanfaya National Park sits in southern Lanzarote, specifically 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 area is home to most of the volcanoes that erupted during the island’s greatest explosion – 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 Spain’s national park network protected primarily for its geological – not biological – value.
Timanfaya is part of the Lanzarote UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (since 1993). Its geological significance is recognized worldwide – NASA even used the terrain as an analog for Martian terrain.
The park is strictly protected: you can’t hike without a guide, only tour buses are allowed inside, and collecting rocks or materials is forbidden.
What to See in Timanfaya National Park
During your island visit, Timanfaya is an essential destination. The park is a geological treasure with volcanoes and other volcanic wonders like geysers. You can’t roam freely – access is controlled to protect the park.
Montañas del Fuego (Fire Mountains)
The park’s enormous geological significance is evident right on 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 meters.
The most famous peaks are Montaña de Timanfaya, Montaña Rajada, and Volcán Nuevo del Fuego. You can see them from the tour bus by taking the Ruta de los Volcanes – a 14 km round-trip route.
Islote de Hilario and the Geothermal Demonstrations
This is the only place where tourists can exit the bus. On Islote Hilario, tour guides showcase the power of the volcanoes’ underground heat sources.
The temperature below the surface is around 400°C. Volcanic activity still exists beneath the park. For example, some ground areas reach extreme temperatures. Visitors can experience this firsthand with the park’s geyser demonstrations.
Another must-do 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 geothermal energy from the ground.
The Volcanic Landscape: Craters, Lava Fields, and Colors
Be prepared to be amazed by your first impression of Timanfaya. The park’s vastness combined with its moon-like 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 just 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 settled in this area.
You’ll see endemic species like Tabaiba and Cardón, which have evolved to thrive in dry soils and high temperatures. These and other species showcase nature’s ability to regenerate.
The park also hosts a 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 Area (ZEPA) in 1994.
How to Get to Timanfaya National Park
As mentioned, the park sits between the towns of Yaiza and Tinajo. To get there, take the LZ-67 road.
Access is easy from anywhere on the island. While you can drive yourself, public transport and guided tours on Lanzarote also make reaching the park practical.
Is There Public Bus Service to Timanfaya?
There’s 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. 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 might wonder how best to explore the park? There are guided tours and free options available.
Besides the park visit, the experience also includes visiting El Diablo restaurant and the visitor center with exhibitions.
Guided Tours and Routes
Several visiting options are available to explore Timanfaya. You can drive to different park entrances and park your car in the parking lot.
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 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 hike covering nearly 10 km. You’ll see the entire volcanic coastline from 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 begins at Isleta de Hilario. You must buy your tickets at the Montañas del Fuego Tourist Center – this includes the tour and access to the Montañas del Fuego artistic, cultural, and tourist center.
Visitor Centers and Educational Exhibitions
The park has a visitor center with information about the region’s geological history, its fauna, flora, and conservation efforts. It’s an ideal starting point to get to know Timanfaya National Park.
Camel Rides in 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 advance reservation needed. You can enjoy a camel ride daily from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM south of Timanfaya Mountain.
Tips for Planning Your Visit to Timanfaya National Park
- Wear comfortable clothing and appropriate shoes.
- Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat or cap.
- Book tours in advance, especially during peak season.
- Use a transfer service on Lanzarote for safe and reliable transportation.
- Keep in mind you can’t exit the bus during the Ruta de los Volcanes tour. However, it stops at certain points for photographing the landscape.
Environmental Protection Measures
Several protection measures have been implemented 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 daily visitor numbers.
- Hiking on designated trails to avoid impacting nature.
- Integrating local gastronomy to support the local economy.
Rules and Restrictions Within the Park
- Drones are not permitted.
- Collecting rocks or volcanic material is forbidden.
- Use only authorized roads and trails.
- Park only in designated areas.
Nearby Attractions
Besides visiting Timanfaya National Park, there are more attractions to explore on the island. Don’t forget to visit the César Manrique Foundation or La Geria.
Beyond the volcanic landscapes, you can also enjoy the coastlines. Lanzarote has wonderful 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 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.
