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 is home to a volcanic landscape that clearly shows the island’s origins. Keep reading to find out 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 emblematic destination in Lanzarote and is among the island’s natural wonders. It’s a vast 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 comes from another planet.
Location
Timanfaya National Park is located in the south of Lanzarote, specifically between the municipalities of Yaiza and Tinajo. To the west, it borders the coast of El Golfo.
The Volcanic Eruptions of 1730–1736: How the Park Was Formed
This area is home to most of the volcanoes that formed during the island’s largest eruption between 1730 and 1736. During this period, over 100 volcanoes were active and destroyed entire villages under lava and a third of the island’s farmland.
In 1824, another eruption occurred, the last 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 network 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 has even used the terrain as an analog for the Martian surface.
The park is under strict protection: you cannot walk without a guide, only tourist buses have access, and collecting stones or material is forbidden.
What You Can See at Timanfaya National Park
When visiting the island, Timanfaya is an essential destination. The park is a geological gem full of volcanoes and other volcanic wonders like geysers. You cannot walk freely: access is controlled to protect the park.
Fire Mountains
The park’s enormous geological significance becomes clear upon arrival. The main attractions include the Fire Mountains: a series of volcanic peaks that dominate the landscape. Some of these peaks reach heights of up to 600 meters.
The most famous peaks are Mount Timanfaya, the Cracked Mountain, and the New Fire Volcano. You can see these from the tourist bus when you take the Volcano Route, a 14 km round trip.
Hilario Island and Geothermal Demonstrations
This is the only place where tourists can get off the bus. On Hilario Island, guides demonstrate the power of the heat sources beneath the volcanoes.
The temperature beneath the surface is about 400°C. There is still volcanic activity under the park. For example, some ground areas reach extreme temperatures. Visitors can experience this during the park’s geyser demonstrations.
Another must-have experience is dining at El Diablo restaurant, designed by César Manrique. This unique restaurant uses the volcano’s geothermal heat for cooking: food is cooked entirely using geothermal energy from underground.
The Volcanic Landscape: Craters, Lava Fields, and Colors
Be prepared to be overwhelmed by your first impression of Timanfaya. The vastness of the park combines with a moon-like appearance to create a unique experience.
The park’s surface is a mosaic of black basalt, red volcanic ash, and fine picon gravel, the dark granular material covering most of the terrain. Solidified 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 not only admire the volcanoes but also witness nature’s resilience after the eruptions. This is reflected in the diversity of plants you’ll find along the way. There are over 200 lichen species that have colonized this space.
You’ll see endemic species like Tabaiba and Cardón, which have adapted to dry soils and high temperatures. These and other species demonstrate nature’s regenerative ability.
The park is also home to fascinating fauna diversity. Several endemic bird species have adapted to the volcanic environment, enriching the park’s biodiversity. The park was declared a Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA) in 1994.
How to Get to Timanfaya National Park
As mentioned, the park is located between the municipalities of Yaiza and Tinajo. To get there, use the LZ-67 road.
Access is easy from any point on the island. Although you can drive yourself, public transportation and guided tours in Lanzarote are also very convenient for accessing the park.
Is There a Public Bus to Timanfaya?
There is no public bus service that takes you directly to Timanfaya National Park. Regular bus lines (Lines 16 or 6) only take you to nearby villages like Yaiza or Tinajo. To complete the journey, you’ll need to combine public transportation with a taxi or book a guided tour.
How to Visit Timanfaya: All Options Explained
Wondering how to explore the park best? There are guided tours and free options.
In addition to visiting the park, the experience includes a visit to El Diablo restaurant as well as the visitor center and its exhibits.
Guided Tours and Routes
There are several visiting options to explore Timanfaya. You can drive to different entrances of the park and park your vehicle.
The main routes are:
- Tremesana Route: This guided walk takes 3 hours and 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 municipality of Yaiza. Groups are small and the tour is free.
- Short Coastal Route: This is also a guided route that is 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 the tour is free. It starts in El Golfo.
- Long Coastal Route: This is a 5-hour walk covering almost 10 km. You’ll see the entire volcanic coastline of the 18th-century eruptions. You can tackle it independently, starting from Playa de Madera in Tinajo.
- Volcano Route: This is probably the most popular option for tourists. It’s a guided 12 km bus tour that takes about 45 minutes. The tour starts on Hilario Island. You must buy your tickets at the Montañas del Fuego Tourist Center, which includes the tour and access to the Montañas del Fuego Art, Culture and Tourist Center.
Visitor Centers and Educational Exhibits
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 for getting 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 and the ride lasts 20 minutes.
No prior reservation is required. You can take a camel ride daily from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. south of Mount Timanfaya.
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.
- Use a transfer service in Lanzarote for safe and reliable transportation.
- Note that on the Volcano Route bus tour, you cannot get off the bus. However, there are 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 fragile habitats.
Additionally, the health of ecosystems is monitored and environmental education is a priority.
Sustainable Tourism Practices
Some sustainable practices include:
- Limiting daily visitor numbers.
- Walk only on designated trails to avoid impacting nature.
- Integrate local gastronomy to support the community’s economy.
Rules and Restrictions in the Park
- Drones are not allowed.
- Collecting stones or volcanic material is forbidden.
- Use only authorized roads and trails.
- Park only in designated areas.
- Pets are not allowed to protect species and ecosystem balance.
Nearby Attractions
Besides visiting Timanfaya National Park, there are more attractions on the island to explore. Don’t forget to visit the César Manrique Foundation or La Gería.
Beyond the volcanic landscapes, you can also enjoy the coastlines. Lanzarote boasts wonderful golden sand beaches and crystal-clear water. Popular activities include surfing, diving and whale watching.
Visit Timanfaya National Park and enjoy this natural jewel of Lanzarote. It offers breathtaking landscapes and a unique experience.
Resources
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.
