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 island’s origins. Keep reading to find out what to expect during your visit and how to make the most of it.
What is Timanfaya National Park?
Timanfaya National Park is the most iconic 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 volcanoes that form the heart of the park. The landscape looks like it’s 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 coastline.
The 1730–1736 Volcanic Eruptions: How the Park Was Created
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 and destroyed 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 park system protected primarily for its geological – rather than 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 Mars terrain.
The park is strictly protected: you cannot hike without a guide, only tourist buses are allowed inside, and collecting stones or materials is forbidden.
What You Can See in Timanfaya National Park
When visiting the island, Timanfaya is an essential destination. The park is a geological treasure with volcanoes and other volcanic wonders like geysers. You cannot roam freely – access is controlled to protect the park.
Montañas del Fuego (Mountains of Fire)
The park’s enormous geological significance becomes evident upon arrival. The main attractions include the Montañas del Fuego – a series of volcanic peaks that dominate 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 tourist bus when you take the Ruta de los Volcanes – a 14 km round-trip route.
Islote de Hilario and Geothermal Demonstrations
This is the only place where tourists can leave the bus. At Islote Hilario, guides demonstrate the power of the volcanoes’ underground heat sources.
The temperature beneath the surface reaches about 400 °C. Volcanic activity still exists under the park. For example, some ground areas reach extreme temperatures. Visitors can experience this firsthand in the park’s geothermal demonstrations featuring geysers.
Another essential experience is dining at El Diablo restaurant, designed by César Manrique. This unique restaurant harnesses the volcano’s geothermal heat for cooking – food is prepared entirely using geothermal energy from the earth.
The Volcanic Landscape: Craters, Lava Fields, and Colors
Be prepared for a breathtaking first impression of Timanfaya. The park’s size 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 surface. Solidified lava flows, collapsed lava caves, and jagged ravines make the landscape look as if the eruptions happened just last week.
Flora and Fauna – More Life Than Expected
During your visit, you won’t just admire the volcanoes but also nature’s resilience following the eruptions. This is evident in the variety of plants you’ll encounter along the way. Over 200 lichen species have established themselves 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 fascinating animal diversity. Several endemic bird species have adapted to the volcanic environment and enrich the park’s biodiversity. The park was designated a Special Bird Protection Area (ZEPA) in 1994.
How to Get to Timanfaya National Park
As mentioned, the park is located between the towns of Yaiza and Tinajo. To get there, take the LZ-67 road.
Getting there is easy from anywhere on the island. While you can drive yourself, public transportation and guided tours on Lanzarote make reaching the park practical.
Is There Public Bus Service to Timanfaya?
There is no public bus service that takes you directly into Timanfaya National Park. Regular bus lines (Lines 16 or 6) only go to nearby towns like Yaiza or Tinajo. To complete your journey, you’ll need to combine public transportation with a taxi or book a guided tour.
How to Visit Timanfaya: All Options Explained
You might be wondering how to explore the park best? There are guided tours and free options available.
Beyond the park visit, the experience also includes dining at El Diablo restaurant and visiting 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 three-hour guided hike covers 3.5 km of the park and is required. 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, lasting 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 five-hour hike covering almost 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, 12 km long, lasting 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 measures. It’s an ideal starting point to learn about Timanfaya National Park.
Camel Rides in Timanfaya
Another option is a camel ride, offering a unique perspective on the landscape. The route is 250 meters long and the ride lasts 20 minutes.
No advance reservation required. 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 that you cannot leave 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 prioritized.
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.
Park Rules and Restrictions
- Drones are not permitted.
- Collecting stones or volcanic material is forbidden.
- Use only authorized roads and trails.
Nearby Attractions
Beyond visiting Timanfaya National Park, there are more attractions on the island to explore. 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 sandy 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.
