Timanfaya National Park: tips, information and visitor experience

Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Timanfaya National Park, a must-see destination in Lanzarote. With its otherworldly volcanic terrain, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped onto a distant planet. As you plan your trip to the Canary Islands, this guide will provide you with essential tips on how to visit Timanfaya National Park and helpful advice to enhance your experience.

While Timanfaya and "The Fire Mountains" often refer to the same area, it’s important to understand that the Fire Mountains specifically refer to the visitor-accessible section of the park, which is explored via a guided bus tour. In this article, we’ll delve into how to make the most of your visit, including options for exploring the park independently.

Timanfaya National Park is remarkable as the only geologically protected park in Spain, covering an impressive area of approximately 50 square kilometers on the western side of Lanzarote. It may be hard to believe, but this unique landscape was formed just a few centuries ago.

The striking fields of solidified lava, volcanic craters, and vibrant earth tones resulted from six relentless years of eruptions that reshaped the island. Between 1730 and 1736, Lanzarote experienced an inferno-like transformation, with the earth continually spewing forth fire and sulfur from its depths.

The last eruption occurred in 1824, further sculpting what we now recognize as Timanfaya National Park, making it one of the most extraordinary locations in the Canary Islands.

Getting to Timanfaya National Park

Accessing Timanfaya is straightforward via the only road leading to the visitor area: the LZ-67. This road runs from Mancha Blanca to Yaiza, with a turnoff for the Islote de Hilario Visitor Center, the main hub for your visit to Timanfaya (or "The Fire Mountains").

You can approach from either the north or south, depending on your travel plans. However, be cautious of potential traffic jams, particularly in the late morning. If possible, we recommend arriving from the north to avoid delays.

Upon taking the turnoff, you’ll quickly reach the access gate, where you can purchase your ticket (or validate a combined pass) either at the window without leaving your vehicle or by interacting with staff approaching your car.

Afterward, you’ll drive a short distance to the final stretch of road, where you may need to wait for parking spaces. Once given the go-ahead, park in the designated area next to the visitor center.

How to Visit Timanfaya National Park

Visiting Timanfaya National Park is a unique experience as the only way to explore the protected area is via a guided bus tour. Buses depart from the Islote de Hilario Visitor Center, taking you through the so-called “Route of the Volcanoes”, which showcases the heart of the volcanic eruptions.

After parking your car, head to the bus departure area and join the line. Buses leave approximately every 15 minutes, and the tour covers around 14 km, taking about 30 minutes with 5 to 6 stops at key viewpoints. An audio guide on board provides information in both Spanish and English about the park's history, formation, and interesting facts.

It’s essential to note that you cannot leave the bus during the tour. For the best views, we recommend sitting on the right side, which offers superior panoramic vistas, although one of the first stops is a volcanic crater visible from the left.

Following the bus tour, you can enjoy three geothermal demonstrations. The first is an impressive artificial geyser that surprises visitors; the second showcases the burning of brush in a shallow well due to contact with hot stones. The final demonstration involves a natural well that harnesses the earth's heat (which can reach up to 300 degrees!) for cooking delicious barbecues.

This well is utilized by the El Diablo Restaurant, where you can savor specialties cooked using volcanic heat. The restaurant, designed by renowned local artist César Manrique, also features facilities, a viewing area, and a souvenir shop.

Overall, the visit is comprehensive, and you won’t need to ride camels for any part of the experience. While the bus design could be improved for better views (similar to panoramic city buses), we commend the decision to restrict independent exploration.

Visiting Timanfaya on a Guided Tour

While renting a car is a fantastic way to explore Lanzarote at your own pace, guided tours are also available for those who prefer a more structured experience. Here are some recommended tours that include Timanfaya:

• Timanfaya and Jameos del Agua Excursion (10 hours) TOP!
• Visit Timanfaya, the Cueva de los Verdes, and Jameos del Agua (8 hours)
• Tour to Timanfaya National Park and La Geria (6 hours)

Cost of Entry to Timanfaya

The entry fee is €20 for adults and €10 for children aged 7-12. You can pay at the entrance or purchase tickets online through the official website (valid for 3 months with no date or time restrictions). This fee includes the bus tour departing and returning to Islote del Hilario, parking, and demonstrations.

Previously, there was a tourist pass that provided discounted access to various attractions in Lanzarote, but it appears to have been discontinued.

→ More information about tickets for attractions in Lanzarote.

Visitor Center and Interpretation Center at Mancha Blanca

Before or after your visit to Timanfaya, consider stopping at the visitor center located just 2 km south of Mancha Blanca (location on the map). Here, you’ll find fascinating exhibitions about volcanic formation, an impressive model of the park, a lookout balcony overlooking lava flows, and an engaging activity that recreates a volcanic eruption. To participate, sign up at the entrance, with sessions held hourly.

You can also ask any questions regarding Timanfaya or the rest of the island. The center operates from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

La Escultura de ‘El Diablo de Timanfaya’

The "Devil of Timanfaya" sculpture is an iconic symbol of the national park and one of Lanzarote's most recognizable landmarks. Designed by César Manrique, this whimsical figure holding a sign can be found at various points as you approach Timanfaya. The most notable is at the turnoff to Islote de Hilario, with others located near Yaiza and the Mancha Blanca Visitor Center.

Before stopping, ensure that your parking doesn’t obstruct traffic, and be cautious when stepping onto the roadside as the drop can be significant, potentially damaging your vehicle.

Additional Tips for Visiting Timanfaya

Plan your visit to Timanfaya National Park with these helpful tips:

• As one of the most popular tourist destinations in Lanzarote, it’s crucial to arrive early. The park's hours are from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last bus departure at 4:00 PM. If possible, arrive first thing in the morning to avoid crowds. Verify operating hours before your visit.
• Can you enjoy Timanfaya without riding camels? Absolutely!
• As previously mentioned, the right side of the bus offers the best views.
• The souvenir shop features unique items, more appealing than those found in other tourist shops across Lanzarote.
• Official website of Timanfaya National Park

Free Hiking Trails in Timanfaya and Surroundings

While the only way to access the main area of Timanfaya is via the bus tour, there are options for hiking, such as the trail leading to Volcán Tremesana and the coastal route, though the latter requires a guide and prior reservation.

Lanzarote also boasts the Natural Park of the Volcanoes, which, while not officially part of Timanfaya, shares similar landscapes and offers opportunities for independent hiking. Here are some recommended trails in the vicinity:

› Tremesana Trail

This short 3 km trail crosses a restricted area of the national park and requires a guide with prior reservation. You can inquire at the Mancha Blanca Visitor Center or call for more information. More info.

› Coastal Route

This unique trail runs along the coast, where land and lava converge. It starts from the northern part of El Golfo and measures about 6 km, with options for extension. Unlike the previous trail, this one can be done with or without a guide. If you choose to go on your own, be prepared as it can be challenging. More info.

› El Cuervo Volcano Trail

This straightforward trail leads you into the crater of the volcano. From the parking area, it’s a 1.5 km walk, with the option to return or take a circular route around the volcano (totaling approximately 4.5 km).

› Caldera Blanca Trail

Possibly the most extensive and rewarding route, this trail ascends to the largest crater in Lanzarote. It spans around 11 km but be aware that it can be demanding, and strong winds are common at the summit.

→ Information and tips on the Caldera Blanca route

On all trails, ensure you only walk on marked paths and avoid picking up or disturbing volcanic rocks.

Map of Timanfaya National Park

Here’s a map highlighting the key points to plan your visit to Timanfaya:

Are you now clearer on how to visit Timanfaya? We hope our tips help you have a spectacular day in one of the most magical places we’ve ever experienced!

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