You can’t talk about Lanzarote without mentioning the Timanfaya National Park – an unparalleled destination and a must-see on the island. The park encompasses a volcanic landscape that is the clearest proof of the island’s origins. Keep reading to find out what awaits you on your visit and get tips on how to make the most of it.
What is Timanfaya National Park?
Timanfaya National Park is Lanzarote’s most iconic destination 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 heart of the park, and the landscape looks like it’s 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 1730–1736: How the Park Was Created
This area is home to most of the volcanoes that were created during the island’s largest eruption, which lasted from 1730 to 1736. During this period, over 100 volcanoes became active, burying entire villages under lava and destroying a third of the island’s agricultural land.
Another eruption followed in 1824, the last one ever recorded on the island.
Why It’s Spain’s Only Geological National Park
Designated a national park in 1974, it is the only national park in Spain’s network classified primarily for its geological rather than biological value.
Timanfaya is part of the Lanzarote UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (1993). Its geological significance is international – it has even been used by NASA as an analogue for Mars-like terrain.
It is strictly protected; you cannot walk there without a guide, only bus tours are allowed to enter, and it is forbidden to collect stones or any other material.
What You Can See in Timanfaya National Park
During your visit to the island, Timanfaya is a must-see. The park is a geological treasure where you’ll marvel at the 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 immense geological significance is evident from the moment you arrive. Among the main attractions are the Montañas del Fuego (Mountains of Fire), a series of volcanic peaks that dominate the landscape. Some of these mountains reach heights of up to 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 when you take the Ruta de los Volcanes – a 14 km round trip.
Islote de Hilario and the Geothermal Demonstrations
This is the only area where tourists can get off the bus. On Hilario Island, tour guides demonstrate the power of the volcanoes’ underground heat.
The temperature beneath the surface is around 400°C. Below the park’s surface, volcanic activity continues. For example, some ground areas reach high temperatures. Visitors can experience this through geyser demonstrations in the park.
Another essential experience is dining at El Diablo restaurant, designed by César Manrique. This unique restaurant uses geothermal heat from the volcano to cook its food – meals are prepared entirely with geothermal energy from the earth.
The Volcanic Landscape: Craters, Lava Fields, and Colors
Prepare to be amazed by your first impression of Timanfaya. The vastness of the park combined with its moon-like appearance creates a unique experience.
The park’s surface is a patchwork of black basalt, red volcanic ash, and fine picón gravel – the dark granular material covering much of the terrain. Lava flows frozen in motion, collapsed tubes, and rough gullies make the landscape look as if the eruptions happened last week.
Fauna and Flora – More Life Than Expected
During your visit, you won’t just admire the volcanoes but also experience nature’s resilience after eruptions. This is evident in the variety of plants you’ll encounter along the way. There are over 200 species of lichen that have colonized this space.
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 underscores nature’s ability to regenerate.
The park also hosts a fascinating diversity of fauna. For example, several endemic bird species have adapted to the volcanic environment and enrich the park’s biodiversity. The park was designated as a Bird Protection Area (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 need to take the LZ-67 road.
Access is straightforward from anywhere on the island. While driving is an option, public transportation and guided tours in Lanzarote also make getting to the park comfortable.
Is There Public Bus Service to Timanfaya?
There is no public bus service that takes you directly to Timanfaya National Park. Regular bus lines (lines 16 or 6) only go as far as nearby municipalities like Yaiza or Tinajo, so you’ll need to combine the trip with a taxi or book a tour to cover the final leg.
How to Visit Timanfaya: All Options Explained
You might be wondering how best to explore the park. There are guided tours and free tours available.
In addition to sightseeing in the park, the experience includes a visit to El Diablo restaurant 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 entrances of the park and park your car in the parking lot.
The main routes are:
- Tremesana Route: This 3-hour, 3.5 km guided walking tour through the park 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.
- Short Coastal Route: 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.
- Long Coastal Route: This is a 5-hour hiking tour of nearly 10 km. You’ll see the entire volcanic coastline created by the 18th-century eruptions. You can do it independently starting from Playa de Madera in Tinajo.
- Volcano Route: This is perhaps the most popular option for tourists. It’s a guided bus tour covering 12 km in about 45 minutes. The tour begins on Hilario Island. You must buy your ticket at the Montañas del Fuego Tourist Center; this includes the tour and access to the Montañas del Fuego Art, Culture and Tourism Museum.
Visitor Centers and Educational Exhibitions
The park has a visitor center that provides information on the geological history, flora, fauna, and conservation efforts of the region. 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 booking is required. You can take 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 high season.
- Consider using a Lanzarote Transfer service for safe and reliable transportation.
- Note that you cannot get off the bus during the Ruta de los Volcanes tour; however, it will stop at certain points for landscape photography.
Environmental Protection Measures
Several protection measures have been implemented to safeguard this natural environment. For example, restricted access areas help preserve 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 enjoy nature without impacting it.
- Integrating local gastronomy to support the local economy.
Rules and Restrictions in the Park
- Drones are not permitted in the area.
- Collecting stones or volcanic material is forbidden.
- Use only authorized roads and paths.
- Park your car only in designated areas.
Nearby Attractions
Beyond visiting Timanfaya National Park, there are more attractions on the island to explore. Don’t miss the César Manrique Foundation or La Geria.
Beyond volcanic landscapes, you can also enjoy coastlines. 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.
