Timanfaya National Park, also known by some as The Mountains of Fire. It is the main attraction of the island. Here we tell you the reasons and we tell you how to make the most of your trip. We anticipate that it is an experience you will never forget!
Why visit the Timanfaya National Park?
Timanfaya, declared a national park in 1974, represents the best natural systems of volcanic origin in the Macaronesian region. It has its origin in the eruptions occurred during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The last eruptive episode took place in 1824. We can still see its destructive power, reaching temperatures of up to 610ºC to 13 meters deep.
The Park is a protected area surrounded by volcanoes and covered with lava belonging to the eruptions that took place there. The largest eruptions recorded in the area lasted for 6 years, between 1730 and 1736. More than 100 volcanoes became active and devastated part of the island.
It is 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 that transmit to us through the retina, an infinity of sensations. The most repeated and commented sensation among the visitors to this park is to be transported to another place. Something similar to the Moon, is something unique. Also, by bus it is very easy to access, so we recommend that you book one of the best excursions in Lanzarote with First Minute Travel.
The footprint of César Manrique
The artist from Lanzarote, Cesar Manrique, considers this area an imposing and alive work of art. So Manrique decided to use Islote de Hilario as the setting for his work.
The Islote de Hilario is one of the main elements around which the visit to the Timanfaya National Park takes place. It is one of the most original islets of the Canary Islands. The main characteristic of this is the presence of thermal anomalies, being right in this area where the highest of the Canary Islands are recorded.
The artist designed the El Diablo restaurant on this islet. From where you can enjoy a majestic panoramic view of the Timanfaya National Park. In this restaurant he included a natural oven, which uses nothing more than the warmth of the earth to prepare unique food dishes. Undoubtedly, one of the most impressive works of art in the world.
The volcanic activity continues today. And we can also see the heat that emanates from the earth in the 2 experiments that take place next to the restaurant. The steam geyser, which arises when cold water is introduced into an underground hole. And the fire pit, where you can see the spontaneous combustion of some dry shrubs.
Natural oven Timanfaya National Park, Restaurante El Diablo, Lanzarote
You can see a little more� here.
Visit Timanfaya
You can know Timanfaya from several perspectives; we propose 3 options adapted to all pockets and watches.
– Bus tour
This is the main way to see the park. There are different organized tours, which pick you up from your accommodation in the main resorts Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise or the cruise terminal. These include the visit and the route of the volcanoes route on the same bus
You can book an express excursion that covers the trip to Timanfaya. Or, a half-day or day trip that will take you to a deeper experience with other interesting stops in Lanzarote. Look at this option of a 1 day tour gran tour, for example, or this south, with the Green Lake in the town of El Golfo and the cliffs of Los Hervideros.
– Camel ride
Another very touristy stop is the camel ride. The camel ride is one of the most popular activities of the island, it walks on the backs of a camel in an environment as spectacular as that of the Timanfaya National Park, you can learn more here.
– Visitors Center
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 more about the geological history, flora and fauna of the area. It has 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
How long is the bus tour?
The route of the volcano route lasts 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 do I feel?
Both sides are worth it. Surely you’ll end up standing up to try to see what’s on the other side. We recommend the left side when getting on the bus, since it is a little more interesting because of the views at the top of 2 stops.
Can I take pictures from the bus?
You can not leave the bus, at any time along the route of the volcanoes, within the Timanfaya National Park, to take a photograph. Due to the protection of the landscape. But rest assured, rest assured that you will be able to take some spectacular pictures.
Keep in mind that the road is narrow and maybe somewhat elevated at some points of the route, rather you may get impressed … But do not worry about anything, the drivers are very professional and will make you enjoy the experience to the fullest .
Do not hesitate to leave us your comment if you have made your trip to the Timanfaya National Park with us. We are sure that you will have enjoyed the experience.
Route of the Volcanoes in Bus First Minute Travel, Lanzarote
Photo Credit: First Minute Travel