Timanfaya National Park in Lanzarote

If you’re getting ready for your trip to Lanzarote, this article should interest you. I’ve put together a complete guide to Timanfaya National Park in Lanzarote. I had heard it was one of the must-sees on Lanzarote, and I can definitely confirm it! As soon as you enter the park, you feel like you’ve landed on another planet: Mars.

The landscapes are breathtaking—you don’t know where to look first: between volcanic craters, lava fields that are more or less recent, fumaroles, all in shades of red, purple, and black. You can tell it’s a wild and impressive place where nature has clearly taken over. Honestly, only in Lanzarote can you enjoy this experience and these landscapes. I recommend you don’t skip it. Believe me, as you make your way through the park, you quickly understand why Timanfaya is the heart of the island of Lanzarote.

And for the little backstory, Timanfaya is the result of six consecutive years of almost continuous volcanic eruptions (between 1730 and 1736). These eruptions completely transformed this area of the island and its landscapes. Entire villages disappeared under lava and ash. Among these villages was Timanfaya, which gave its name to the park. Even today, volcanic heat is very much present. That’s what you see during the park’s demonstrations. I won’t say more for now, haha!

To make the most of your visit and not miss anything during your time in Timanfaya, I’ve prepared a list of must-sees. Even if the visit is fairly quick, between 1h30 and 2h, it can happen that you miss something. Honestly, that would be a shame! And it’s also a chance for me to share my experience of Timanfaya with you.

La Ruta de los Volcanes is kind of the highlight of a visit to Timanfaya. To give you an idea, as soon as we got out of our car, we hopped straight onto an official bus for the panoramic route. It’s the only way to discover the park from the inside and get up close to the craters and lava fields. It’s a protected park to preserve its unique volcanic landscapes, whereas back in the day locals used the volcanic heat for family or friends’ barbecues. Needless to say, today we’re far from that reality.

Back to the route: it lasts about 40 minutes. It must be done by bus—no private vehicles are allowed. Since we arrived early, we didn’t have to wait, even though you quickly notice everything is well organized to make the visit as smooth as possible. Still, I think in high season it must get busy during the day.

On the bus there’s a multilingual audio track: Spanish, English, and German (in that order). To listen in French or Italian, you need to download an app using a QR code in the bus (so no worries—you’ll be able to listen to the explanations, which are really interesting).

Right from the start, it’s a feast for the eyes: everyone on the bus is in awe, no one talks. We listen and above all we look (or rather admire). You don’t face this kind of volcanic scenery every day. The road winds through an ever more impressive setting, between huge craters, red and black rocks, and frozen lava flows. You even feel small in front of these otherworldly scenes.

The bus makes a few stops at specific viewpoints to admire the Fire Mountains (Montañas del Fuego) from different angles. I take the opportunity to capture these moments and these landscapes, which are so unique and hard to describe. The audio guide explains the history of the park and the famous 18th-century volcanic eruptions. It tells how residents had to leave and abandon everything to rebuild their lives in another part of the island. To give you an idea, more than 200 km² were covered and ravaged by lava. Plus, this land used to have massive fruit and vegetable production that was even exported to other Canary Islands. It also explains how life gradually returned to this area.

A tip that matters: go in the morning, as early as possible, at opening time. Quite a few tour buses arrive with large groups, so waiting times are longer and it can get in the way of your visit. That would be a shame—it’s better to fully enjoy this exceptional place, right? Also, get your camera or phone ready: almost every turn offers a great photo. But don’t forget to simply enjoy these incredible landscapes too!

Right after the Ruta de los Volcanes, the bus drops you at El Islote de Hilario. It’s the plateau where we parked, up high in the middle of the Montañas del Fuego. Here, you can watch three geothermal demonstrations/experiences. These demos show that the ground beneath the surface is very hot—scorching even—up to 600 °C. It shows that the volcanoes are still somehow alive.

On site, there’s a different guide for each demonstration. The first experience is without a doubt the most impressive: the guide pours cold water into a hole and, a few seconds later, a massive column of scalding steam shoots out like a geyser. The geyser can rise up to 10 meters! It’s a hit every time! I watched it two or three times in a row, since it’s over very quickly. What’s a bit of a shame is that everyone crowds together for a while to get their Insta video or pic, without really listening to the explanations.

Right after that, a little further on, another guide simply drops a few twigs into a cavity dug just a few meters deep. The twigs catch fire immediately, like a natural barbecue—with the smell and smoke to go with it. That’s when you realize how much heat there is just beneath our feet, without going deep.

And during the last demonstration, the guide turns over the lapilli (small lava stones) with a shovel that releases smoke, and places a small handful in each of our hands. The lapilli are at 80 °C, so you have to pass them quickly from one hand to the other to avoid burning yourself. I think it’s a good way to wrap up the geothermal experiences. You can really feel a particular heat in the palms of your hands. And all our senses have been awakened: sight, smell, and finally touch. I find it’s a well-thought-out sequence yet again. The only small downside, once again, is that it’s starting to get crowded and the demos are done quickly to avoid long waits. I would have liked to enjoy them even more and in a calmer way, even though I went in the morning, at the best time.

And to continue this sensory journey, you can move on to taste at the famous El Diablo restaurant. It was shaped and created by César Manrique—the artist behind several works built around Lanzarote’s landscapes, like Jameos del Agua and the Jardín de los Cactus. I won’t lie: it’s quite expensive, and tables fill up fast. The restaurant is fully glazed, with a panoramic (360°) view over the park’s unique landscapes.

To top it all off, all the dishes are grilled using the volcano’s heat. That’s what gives them their distinctive flavor. Whether it’s chicken, fish, or meat, everything is cooked on a grill over a natural heat shaft. Let’s say it’s the grand finale to extend the Timanfaya experience. And if there’s no availability, or you prefer to save your budget for other activities, you can simply go for a drink and admire the view.

For a unique moment, note that it’s possible to visit Timanfaya in the evening, with a romantic dinner included. If you’re there in high season, you can also take a guided tour with skip-the-line access for a day in Timanfaya.

To get off the beaten path and discover Timanfaya differently, the Ruta de Tremesana is a beautiful trail to follow. It’s the only hike allowed inside the park. However, you do need to book in advance, as it must be done with an official guide. In my case, unfortunately, there were no more spots left, even though I booked well ahead. However, I did take a guided hike in Los Volcanes Park just next door.

To explain better, the hike starts in the village of Yaiza, at the edge of the park. From there, a shuttle picks you up and takes you to the hiking trailhead. You’ll walk among lava fields, craters, and black and red hills. You’ll feel very small in the heart of this volcanic spectacle. At least, that’s how I felt on my other hike.

The hike is very accessible: plan about 3 km round trip on fairly flat terrain. In terms of time, that’s between 2h and 2h30 of walking, with several stops for the guide’s explanations. Group size is limited to 15 people, so it will be peaceful, with no noise or cars.

As I was saying, even if I didn’t do exactly this one, I did a similar one not far away. So I recommend taking hiking shoes, water, and a cap or hat. I can tell you that in the moment you don’t feel it because it doesn’t seem that hot, but the sun is strong. Especially since there’s no shade along the path. So, are you tempted?

If you can’t do the Ruta de Tremesana hike, I recommend the Ruta del Litoral. It’s really different but just as stunning to discover. Here, there are no craters or red and black hills, but rather black lava edged by a rather rough ocean.

For this hike, head to the small village of El Golfo (that’s where I stayed, and it was a really cute spot) or to Playa del Paso. The hike lets you follow the south coast, then the limits of Timanfaya National Park, all the way to Los Hervideros. Fair warning: it’s quite long—between 10 and 12 km one way. But the advantage is that you can just do a portion of it, no problem.

In any case, the panorama is exceptional. On one side, you’ll have the sea, with huge waves that can reach 8 or 9 meters. On the other, there’s an expanse of lava with rocks in different shapes. You wouldn’t think the lava has been frozen for 300 years: it’s still very black, and the shapes are sharp and distinctive. Since it’s a fairly long hike, it’s peaceful. You’ll cross paths with few people. Plus, you’ll move to the rhythm of the wind and the waves—it’s a great way to disconnect.

In terms of accessibility, it’s between easy and moderate. But you need to be well equipped: walking shoes, water, and a hat or cap. Otherwise, you might quickly regret it, because you won’t find anything along the way. Also, to avoid getting too sunburned, I recommend setting out in the morning, because the sun is strong. As a bonus, if you start from El Golfo, take the opportunity to stop at Charco Verde (the famous green lake I’ll mention again below!).

Personally, I find the Ruta del Litoral to be a complete hike in the heart of Lanzarote’s nature. It feels great to admire breathtaking scenery without the crowds.

Since we’re on the topic of hikes in Lanzarote, I invite you to read our dedicated article.

If you prefer to visit the national park with a guide—which can also be very interesting—there are several guided excursions for 3-hour visits or 6 hours, for example as well.

To plan a combo day with Timanfaya National Park, here are a few spots to discover close to the park.

As I mentioned just above, Charco Verde (also called Lago Verde) is a little hidden gem at the exit of the village of El Golfo (20 minutes from Timanfaya). I was only a 5-minute walk from my accommodation, so I was able to see it several times. It’s a lagoon of intense green—almost neon when it’s sunny—nestled among red and black cliffs. The contrast between the colors is just incredible.

I had seen videos on social media several times. But when you see it in real life, it’s striking! However, it’s a protected area: you can’t go down to swim there, even if from afar you feel like getting closer or even diving in. You’ll have to stay on the lookout point, which offers very beautiful views of the lake.

If you want to continue exploring, you can stroll along the black beach. And to end the day on a high note, I recommend eating at one of El Golfo’s local restaurants, especially at Pescador. I promise the food is excellent—I had a blast!

Just a few kilometers from Charco Verde, Los Hervideros is another natural must-see on Lanzarote’s west coast. This place is truly magical: it’s the meeting point between the lava flows of Timanfaya volcano and the Atlantic Ocean. You can weave between caves, rock arches, and water-sculpted cliffs. By the way, the name Los Hervideros means “the boiling ones,” and I must say it perfectly matches how I felt there. The water crashes powerfully against the volcanic rocks. As you wander among the rocks, you see the water churning and hear it sound as if it’s boiling.

Of course, if you can wander among the rocks, it’s because the site has been developed with paths and viewpoints carved into the lava. A magnificent natural spot not to be missed!

If you continue along the coast, you’ll come across the Janubio salt pans. Another impressive site! These are the largest salt pans in the entire Canary archipelago, and the view is breathtaking!

To give you an idea, you’ll be facing rectangular basins in different colors: white, beige, light pink, and golden. This palette of colors is what makes it so beautiful to see. They’re produced by the crystallization of salt. Since the 19th century, these salt pans have been used to produce sea salt for preserving fish. Even today, the harvest is done by hand using traditional methods. In short, you’ll get an unbeatable view from the lookout—don’t miss it!

As usual, I’ve put together a practical corner with the questions that come up most often. You’ll find all the essential information about Timanfaya.

To fully enjoy Timanfaya, I recommend going very early. It opens at 9:00 a.m. But in high season, it’s best to be there by 8:30 a.m., even before opening. I arrived at 9:15 a.m. on the dot. Good thing I did, because right after I arrived, cars started piling up in the parking lot, even though staff are there to keep arrivals and departures flowing. For your info, the park closes at 5:45 p.m., with last entry at 4:30 p.m., every day.

For your stay, we recommend comparing rental car prices, for example with DiscoverCars, a comparison tool we now use daily on our trips!

This is really the question everyone asks before going! In reality, it all depends on your preferences and what you want to do. For a classic visit—including the Ruta de los Volcanes (by bus) and the geothermal demonstrations—you can do it in 1h30 to 2h. By the way, I recommend stopping by the gift shop. Personally, I found it to be a good shop, with real souvenirs to bring back or give, not just tourist traps. The jewelry and magnets are made in Lanzarote, with sand from the island, for example. However, if you don’t arrive early, you’ll need to plan more time on site, even for a classic visit.

If you also want to eat on site at El Diablo restaurant, add two more hours. That brings you to a total average of three to five hours—about a good half day. Don’t worry, you can do it without stress and combine the visit with the spots mentioned just above, like Los Hervideros or the Janubio salt pans.

Finally, if you plan to hike in the protected areas, like the Ruta de Tremesana, plan for a full day to really enjoy it. I think this already gives you a good idea of how much time to plan in Timanfaya.

The answer is: no! You can drive up to the entrance of Timanfaya National Park. Once inside, you can’t drive around as you please—you just park. That’s normal, since it’s a protected area and has been a national park since 1974 in order to protect and preserve the Montañas del Fuego.

To explain better, you’ll drive up to Islote de Hilario, where there’s a large parking lot (though never quite large enough for so many visitors). Once parked, you’ll either take the bus to do the Ruta de los Volcanes, or you’ll walk to the three geothermal demonstrations. That’s basically how it works!

In recent years, prices have gone up, but I still think it’s worth it. Even if the classic visit may seem quick, we’re talking about a protected park that requires upkeep and real preservation. And as visitors, we leave with unforgettable images! Here are the current rates:

For non-residents:

• €22 per adult
• €11 for children aged 7 to 12

For Canary Islands residents:

• €17.50 per adult
• €8.75 for children aged 7 to 12

For Lanzarote residents:

• €2 regardless of age, from 7 years old

Tickets are purchased directly at the park entrance. You can also book them online in advance. I recommend doing it ahead of time because, even though capacity is large, there is still a daily visitor limit. Plus, it’ll save you time, especially if there are traffic jams at the entrance.

A little tip: if you plan to do several visits in Lanzarote, there are combo tickets:

• Timanfaya National Park + Jameos del Agua
• Timanfaya National Park + Jameos del Agua + Cueva de los Verdes

To fully enjoy the park’s unique volcanic landscapes, I’d recommend staying in one of the nearby villages. Yaiza is probably the ideal base: this charming all-white village is just a few minutes from the park (to the south), with a very peaceful and typically Canarian vibe. Nearby, Uga is also a great spot, surrounded by lava landscapes and hills. It’s perfect for exploring the volcanoes, scenic roads, and southern beaches while avoiding the most touristy areas.

You can also look at El Golfo (to the southwest), a small fishing village by the sea known for its green lagoon and excellent fish restaurants—a perfect place to combine sea and mountains. A bit further north of the park, Tinajo and Mancha Blanca are excellent options if you’re seeking calm and proximity to the park. These villages immerse you in an authentic atmosphere and offer a few rustic accommodations with superb views over the lava fields. Finally, if you want a wider choice of lodging and dining (but in a much more touristy spot), Playa Blanca or Puerto del Carmen are excellent bases, located about a 30-minute drive from the park.

To go further, feel free to take a look at the map below: it will help you search for accommodations around the park based on locations.

This visit to Timanfaya National Park is coming to an end. I hope I’ve answered all your questions about Lanzarote’s number-one must-see. I’m sure you’ll enjoy your visit as much as I did!

I mentioned it a bit: I had the chance to take a guided hike in Los Volcanes Park. I’ll let you discover my story about it!

See you very soon for more adventures in Lanzarote,

Written by Laura CALLES

Thanks to Mélanie and Sylvain, I had the chance to discover the Canary Islands, specifically Tenerife and Lanzarote, so that I could share these island paradises with you. Two real favorites of mine!

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