Lanzarote Timanfaya National Park … Live the volcanoes!

Timanfaya National Park is also known as The Fire Mountains. It is the main attraction of the island of Lanzarote; we will tell you why and how enjoy your trip. We just anticipate you that it is an experience you will never forget!

Why visit the Timanfaya National Park?

Timanfaya has been declared  national park in 1974. It represents the best natural environment of volcanic origin in the Macaronesian region. It’s been created during the eruptions occurred in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The last eruptive episode took place in 1824. We can still see its destructive power, reaching temperatures of  610ºC to a depth of 13 metres. The Park is a protected area surrounded by volcanoes and covered with lava. The largest eruption recorded in the area had a duration of  6 years, between 1730 and 1736.  More than 100 volcanoes became active and devastated part of the island.

It represents one of the main parts of the Lanzarote Biosphere Reserve, established by Unesco in 1993. 

We can find lava in a multitude of shapes and colors  and it generates different feelings. The most common sensation  among the visitors of the  park is to be transported to another place. Something similar to the Moon, it’s something unique and impressive. We recommend you to book one of the best excursions in Lanzarote with First Minute Travel.

The footprint of César Manrique

Cesar Manrique, famous artist from Lanzarote, considered this area an imposing and alive art. He decided to use the Islote de Hilario as the setting for his work.

The Islote de Hilario is a must see during the visit of the Timanfaya National Park. The main characteristic is the presence of thermal anomalies, the highest recorded in the Canary Islands.

The artist designed the restaurant called El Diablo. From there you can enjoy a majestic panoramic view of the Timanfaya National Park and it’s volcanic landscapes. In this restaurant he included a natural oven, which uses the warmth of the earth to prepare unique dishes.

The volcanic activity continues nowadays. And we can see the heat emanated by the earth thanks the geothermal experiments that take place next to the restaurant:

• The steam geyser, which arises when cold water is introduced into an underground hole.

• The fire pit that allows to see the spontaneous combustion of dry shrubs.

Here you have further details.

Visiting Timanfaya

You have the chance to discover the Timanfaya National Park from several perspectives. We propose 3 options suitable for all pockets:

• Bus tour:Â Â this is the most common way to visit the park. There are different organized tours, which pick you up from your accommodation in the main resorts in Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise or by the cruise terminal.

 

You can book an express tour to the Timanfaya or a half-day/full day trip that will also allow you to enjoy the sightseeing in Lanzarote.  Have a look at the following options of a full day  Grand Tour or at the South Tour, which includes the visit to the Green Lake by the village of El Golfo and the cliffs of  Los Hervideros.

• Camel Ride: the camel ride is one of the most popular activities of  the island. Walk on the backs of a camel in an spectactular environment of the Timanfaya National Park. You can learn more here.

• Visitors Center:Â you can not miss the visitor center of Timanfaya! There you will have the opportunity to enjoy a peculiar demonstration of a volcanic eruption. You will also learn about the geological history, flora and fauna of the area. There is a large scale representation of the park and the alignment of the volcanoes. It is advisable to visit it during the hottest hours of the day. (Open from 9am to 5pm).

Enjoy the excursion!

Which is the duration of the tour by bus?

The route of the volcanos takes around around 30 to 40 minutes. There is an audio pre recorded in several languages that explains what you are seeing around you.

On which side of the bus is better to take a sit?

Both sides are worth it. Surely you’ll end up standing up to try to see what’s on the other side.

Can I take pictures from the bus?

At no time along the route of the volcanoes at the Timanfaya you can leave the bus to take a photograph due to the protection of the landscape. But we assure you that you can take some spectacular photos also from the bus.

Please keep in mind that the road is quite narrow and maybe high at some points of the route and you may get impressed… But don’t worry, the drivers are very professional and they will make you enjoy the experience .

Do not hesitate to leave us your comment if you  already visited the Timanfaya National Park with us. We are convinced you liked it.

Photo Credits: First Minute Travel