Timanfaya National Park is one of the prime attractions on the Canary Islands owing to its volcanic landscape containing calderas and geothermal activity. Located in the southwestern region of Lanzarote, this protected area covers nearly 20 square miles and contains 25 volcanoes, like the famous Montañas de Fuego, one of the most energetic volcanoes in Lanzarote.
As you traverse through the park, you’ll be amazed by its breathtaking scenery of black, red, and ochre lava fields, which create an otherworldly vision. As one could imagine, experiencing Timanfaya National Park is one of the best pursuits in Lanzarote, so i strongly advise it.
A bit of background: the park’s largest eruption occurred in 1730, completely transforming the island of Lanzarote. In total, nine towns were buried under molten lava, and inhabitants were forced to evacuate. The eruption also created new volcanoes and brought lava to the sea’s surface. The most recent eruption took place in 1824, and a year later, Timanfaya was declared a National Park.
If you want to see this incredible landmark, keep reading to learn how to visit Timanfaya National Park, what to see, and other tips.
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Things to do in Timanfaya National Park
Timanfaya is one of the most significant national parks in Spain, hence there will be no shortage of activities available here. Below are my top recommendations that you cannot overlook.
1. Timanfaya Route of the Volcanoes bus tour
The most prominent Route of the Volcanoes tour is a very popular bus adventure in Timanfaya National Park. Travel by vehicle (or guagua, as locals describe) and enjoy dramatic views of the park`s volcanic landscape. The outing departs from the Islet Hilario Visitor Center every quarter hour and passes volcanic craters, lava fields, and mountains covered in volcanic ash.
The route is about nine miles and takes 30 minutes to complete. Along the way, there are around five stops where panoramic views of the Montaña Rajada, the Corazoncillo caldera, and the Nuevo del Fuego volcanic vent can be observed. Moreover, this Timanfaya National Park bus tour includes narration concerning the history of the park and other interesting facts.
Take into account that the only method to explore this area is by bus since the volcanic land must not be trodden. Not only does this preserve Timanfaya’s incredible landscape, but it’s also a safety measure since the soil is still warm.
Following the tour bus, you have the option to observe volcanic condition demonstrations, such as witnessing wood instantly ignite upon touching stones excavated from the soil layer and guides cooking food outdoors by exploiting the underground thermal energy. Another exhibit involves guides pouring water into holes in the terrain only to have it blast upwards like a natural fountain.
2. See Timanfaya’s “El Diablo” statue
The iconic statue, El Diablo de Timanfaya, is undeniably symbolic of Lanzarote’s Fire Mountains, and many locals consider it a national emblem.
This statue depicts a miniature devilish figure holding a five-pronged pitchfork and was designed by renowned Lanzarote artist César Manrique, who often promoted the environmental value of the Canary Islands through his work.
El Diablo’s background originates from an ancient local tale that recounts the story of a lavish ceremony that was interrupted by volcanic eruptions. Rocks and lava were propelling in all directions, and suddenly, the groom realized his bride had been crushed under the debris. As he hastened to lift the boulder with a pitchfork, onlookers lamented that it was too late, saying “poor devil.”
3. See the camels at Timanfaya
A common activity at the Timanfaya National Park is taking a camel ride. However, we chose not to partake in this experience as we try to avoid attractions utilizing animals. Even so, I recognize this is a popular guided excursion at Timanfaya, so if you go to the dromedary station, you can take a 20-minute ride on one of the camels. The camels walk along the edge of the mountain and the ride costs €10.
That said, you can enjoy everything that Timanfaya has to offer and fully experience this Lanzarote park without climbing onto a camel.
4. El Diablo restaurant at Timanfaya National Park
Restaurante El Diablo is one of the most novel places to dine, not only in Lanzarote but anywhere. At this restaurant within Timanfaya NationalPark, you can eat dishes cooked geothermally, and visitors from all over come here to witness these intriguing cooking methods.
The restaurant’s outdoor cooking areas reach high temperatures using subterranean heat sources. In addition to tasty menu items, there are also viewing areas and a store, among other amenities.
5. Timanfaya Visitor Center & Interpretation Center
The Timanfaya Visitor Center is highly recommended during your trip to this Lanzarote park. Here, you can gain further insight into the geological and morphological history of Timanfaya’s remarkable landscapes.
I propose taking benefit of the traveler core`s displays, which detail the progression of Timanfaya`s volcanoes. There are additionally numerous points of view where you can get wonderful photos of Timanfaya National Park.
That said, the most intriguing part of the Visitor and Interpretation Center is the volcanic eruption simulator, which occurs every hour. The simulation is accompanied by narration from an expert guide, who can also answer your inquiries.
The Timanfaya Visitor Center and Interpretation Center is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm.
6. Tremesana Route, a guided tour through Timanfaya
The Tremesana Route is a trail that extends nearly two miles through a limited access region of Timanfaya. Taking this route allows appreciating a diversity of volcanic structures and basaltic reliefs, in addition to environmental changes made by Lanzarote inhabitants seeking to cultivate and conserve the land.
This intense Lanzarote volcano hike typically takes around three hours, and at times feels otherworldly. Be aware that you cannot do the Tremesana Route independently, so to participate, make sure to reserve your spot ahead of time. It`s complimentary, but it`s one of the most spectacular hikes in Lanzarote, so aim to book at least a month before your trip.
7. The Timanfaya Coastal Route, a walking tour through Timanfaya National Park
Timanfaya’s Coastal Path is another hike in Timanfaya National Park, one that you can do independently or with a guide. We opted to book the led excursion so we could gain more knowledge about the landscape. We completely loved it, plus it was free!
During the excursion, we were granted a splendid panoramic view of the Route of the Volcanoes in Timanfaya as well as the rock structures along the coastline. Comparable igneous stone constructs parallel to the shoreline are likewise found in the park grounds and underwater.
If you wish to independently complete this 1.5-mile hike, you should be aware that it originates in the town of El Golfo. It entails a slightly more challenging route than the Tremesana Route and typically takes around three hours to finish.
Timanfaya National Park entrance fee & hours
The entrance fee to Timanfaya National Park is €12 for adults and €6 for children under 12. You can pay for your tickets in cash at the ticket office or pay online through this website. Your Timanfaya National Park ticket includes the bus tour, parking, and access to the Visitor Center & Interpretation Center.
If you’re traveling around Lanzarote and plan on visiting several attractions on the island, consider obtaining a visitor card to save money. There are cards for 3, 4, 5, or 6 attractions, which you can purchase at the Cueva de los Verdes, at MIAC – Castillo de San José, the Cactus Garden, the , the Mirador del Río, or Timanfaya’s Montañas del Fuego.
There are also various ticket combinations, which you can see here.
Timanfaya’s ticket office opens at 9:30 am and closes at 3:30 pm, with the last Route of the Volcanoes bus tour departing at 4 pm.
How to get to Timanfaya National Park
The simplest route to tour Timanfaya National Park involves renting a car in Lanzarote. You can examine pricing here. Reaching the park is uncomplicated since only one road leads there, the LZ-67. From this point, take the exit to the Islet Hilario Visitor Center, representing the principal entrance where one can observe Lanzarote’s Fire Mountains.
As soon as you take the exit, you’ll see the access point, which is where you can obtain your ticket or present your Lanzarote tourist pass.
If you prefer not to drive, you can book a private transport service online in advance, which is very convenient. Additionally, organized trips to Timanfaya National Park depart from different locations on Lanzarote, providing another option if you do not want to operate a vehicle yourself.
Excursions to Timanfaya National Park
There are various choices if you prefer reserving a guided trip to Timanfaya National Park. For instance, this excursion departs from Costa Teguise, Arrecife, Playa Honda, Puerto del Carmen, Puerto Calero, or Playa Blanca. It will take you to the national park allowing you to traverse the Route of the Volcanoes through the Fire Mountains, plus you’ll visit the Cueva de los Verdes and the Jameos del Agua.
If you enjoy trekking through nature, I suggest considering this excursion, one of the finest tours in Lanzarote, which leaves from Costa Teguise, Playa Blanca, or Puerto del Carmen. During the led walk, you’ll witness the most stunning scenery of Timanfaya National Park.
It takes just an hour and a half to drive to Beacon from New York City, which is why it’s one of the best NYC weekend escape destinations.
Other tips for visiting Timanfaya National Park
Below are some tips based on my experience to help ensure the best visit to Timanfaya on your own:
- If you plan on traversing the Timanfaya volcano route, try to take the first transportation vehicle (guagua) so you can reach the trail before the light conditions become too harsh.
- Timanfaya National Park appears even more stunning on overcast days, so don’t worry if the sky is cloudy.
- Do not overlook to book your place ahead of time if you want to take one of the guided excursions inTimanfaya. These small gatherings are complimentary, so spots fill up quickly.
- Wear comfortable, closed-toe footwear for hiking expeditions. Otherwise, your guide might not allow you to participate in the hike.
- Remember that you can fully enjoy Timanfaya without riding the camels.
- Along with comfortable shoes, bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water.
- The climate within Timanfaya National Park is consistent annually, so it’s always a good time to visit.
Timanfaya National Park map
Finally, here is a map of Timanfaya National Park that shows all the major attractions referenced in this guide. Downloading it before your trip and consulting it while organizing your itinerary can help plan your route.
That’s it for me! Now you have all the crucial knowledge required to devise an exciting visit to Timanfaya National Park. Please feel free to pose any questions or concerns you may have, or to share your experience in this Lanzarote park. Enjoy exploring the volcanoes ofTimanfaya!
