The Timanfaya National Park, located on the island of Lanzarote, in the Canary Islands, is a unique place in the world where the power of geological forces is revealed in all its splendour. With its red, black and ochre volcanic soils, volcanic cones and solidified lava fields, Timanfaya offers a spectacular and mysterious panorama, worthy of another world. This park, which covers more than 50 km², attracts thousands of visitors every year who are fascinated by its lunar landscapes and impressive geothermal phenomena.
Timanfaya National Park is the result of violent volcanic eruptions that occurred between 1730 and 1736, followed by another series of eruptions in 1824. These eruptions have radically transformed the landscape of Lanzarote, covering nearly a quarter of the island with lava and ash. More than 100 volcanoes formed during this period, creating a rugged and arid terrain, where vegetation is almost non-existent. Today, this desolate but beautiful landscape is a true testament to the power of the Earth.
The geothermal phenomena observable in Timanfaya are a major attraction of the park. In the visitor center, the El Diablo Restaurant, designed by architect César Manrique, allows visitors to see these geothermal events up close. This one-of-a-kind restaurant uses the natural heat of the ground to cook food: the grills are cooked directly on a grill placed above an opening in the ground, where the geothermal heat is intense.
Park rangers also perform impressive demonstrations for visitors. For example, when they pour water into a hole dug in the ground, the water instantly evaporates in the form of a geyser, proof of the heat still present below the surface. These demonstrations allow us to grasp the geological power that continues to animate the bowels of Timanfaya.
To preserve the integrity of this fragile ecosystem, access to the park is strictly regulated. Visitors cannot walk freely through the lava fields, but there are several options to discover the park safely and eco-friendly.
Bus Tour (Ruta de los Volcanes): One of the most popular ways to explore Timanfaya is to board a bus that travels along the Ruta de los Volcanes. This 14 km circuit, with audio commentary, allows you to admire the most impressive volcanic landscapes of the park and to better understand the history of the eruptions and the formation of the relief.
Guided hike : For walking enthusiasts, guided hikes are organized on authorized trails. Accompanied by a guide, visitors can learn about Timanfaya's geology and unique ecosystem, while walking through the heart of the lava fields.
Camel ride : At the entrance to the park, visitors also have the opportunity to take a camel ride through the volcanic fields. This activity, both fun and original, is very popular with families.
Although the soil of Timanfaya seems barren, it is home to a particular ecosystem, adapted to the extreme conditions of this volcanic land. Some resistant plants, such as lichens, manage to grow on volcanic rocks and play a crucial role in the regeneration of the ecosystem. These colored lichens bring a touch of green and yellow to the landscapes, in contrast with the black of the lava.
The park's wildlife is also unique, with species of insects, lizards, and birds that have adapted to this harsh environment. Birds such as kestrels and marsh harriers fly over volcanoes, while Canary Island lizards find refuge in the crevices of volcanic rocks.
The Timanfaya National Park is also marked by the influence of César Manrique, a Lanzarote-born artist, who played an essential role in the preservation of the island and in the harmonious integration of art into the natural landscape. Manrique designed the El Diablo Restaurant, ensuring that it blends seamlessly with Timanfaya's natural setting. Through his work and vision, Timanfaya has become a model of environmental preservation and sustainable tourism, attracting visitors from all over the world while preserving the authenticity of the place.
Timanfaya National Park is much more than just a tourist site: it is a place of contemplation, where you can admire the power of nature and its ability to shape exceptional landscapes. Whether it's to explore its volcanic landscapes, discover its geothermal phenomena, or simply feel the raw energy that emanates from this ever-changing land, Timanfaya is a must-see destination for all nature and geology lovers.
Timanfaya is distinguished by the richness of its colors and geological formations. Volcanic rocks come in a variety of hues: from intense red to deep black, shades of ochre, yellow and even green. These colours are due to the mineral composition of the soil, enriched in iron and sulphur, and to the chemical reactions caused by heat. The solidified lava fields form strange landforms, with craters, fissures and lava tubes reminiscent of science fiction landscapes.
Visitors can observe many volcanic cones, including the famous Mountain of Fire (Montaña del Fuego), a volcano that is still active at depth. Although the eruptions have long since stopped, geothermal heat is still present below the surface. A few meters below the ground, temperatures reach more than 100°C, and they exceed 600°C at only ten meters deep.