Get to know the Timanfaya National Park
Lanzarote is a harmonious mix between the moon and the earth. Its mystical volcanic landscape inspires restlessness and calmness with the blessing of Unesco, classified as a Biosphere Reserve. In this paradise, you will find places of great natural beauty that seem to have emerged from a canvas. This is the case of the Timanfaya National Park, to the southwest of the island, a place where the force of nature has chiseled at will emerging from its multiple volcanoes. Without a doubt, it is a park worth seeing and protecting due to the symbolic and natural ambiance it represents. It is a must-see if you pass through Lanzarote. Suitable for all ages.
A Little History
At the beginning of the 18th century, a strong volcanic eruption happened around the town of Yaiza. From among the stones, a new mountain emerged, bursting into fire and lava that destroyed much of its surroundings. The destruction lasted about six years, rivers of lava and ash evaporated about thirty towns from the map, marking the end of a chapter and starting a new era for Lanzarote.
Most of the islanders had to emigrate to neighboring islands or to the mainland. As time passed, it was observed that the new land of Lanzarote was once again fertile thanks to the volcanic ash and the tremors.. So gradually, the island came back to life. After death, the island was reborn into something new with unusual beauty. At the end of the 20th century, in 1974, Timanfaya was finally declared a National Park, with its more than 25 volcanoes and an area slightly greater than 50 square kilometers.
Fauna and Flora of the Timanfaya National Park
In the Timanfaya National Park, visitors will find more than 200 different species. Among them, more than twenty are protected. Some of the animals that you can see are the Canary shrews and various species of lizards and salamanders. Among the birds, partridges, turtle doves, and owls stand out.
Regarding the flora, you should not be fooled by the impression that you will take in at first sight in front of the almost lunar landscape of Timanfaya. Plants have managed to thrive in these adverse conditions where water is scarce, and the sun is extremely hot. Among the plants that inhabit the Timanfaya National Park, there are endemic and protected species of great botanical value.
What Can I Do in One Day Visiting the Timanfaya National Park?
Well, first things first, we recommend you access the area by car and park at the Montañas del Fuego Cultural and Tourist Center. Once there, you can visit the museum to learn deeper into the history of the region, the natural processes that caused the eruptions, and their consequences. Also, at the Cultural Center, you can see free demonstrations of the geothermal forces that dominate the subsoil as a fire eruption or a water geyser. The Diablo restaurant itself takes advantage of the heat of the stones to make a great grill.
You will not be able to explore the National Park with your own cars. Buses – known locally as guaguas – depart from the same center, taking a path of about 14 kilometers along the so-called Ruta de Los Volcanes. Without a doubt, this is the most common excursion made in the Park and with which you can get a first impression of this magical place.
Access to the Timanfaya National Park is quite limited. If you want to hike among volcanoes, to enjoy their beauty on foot, and take photos, you will have to ask permission. Beyond the Fire Mountains, where the tour is done aboard a bus (from which visitors cannot get off), the only option to come into direct contact with the park is by reserving a place on this website for one of the two Free official guided routes that are currently offered: the Tremesana Route from Yaiza and the Littoral Route from the Gulf.
Schedule
Timanfaya National Park opens its doors every day of the year from 9 in the morning to 5:45 in the afternoon *. The last bus leaves the center at 5 pm. During the summer months (July, August, and September), the schedule is extended until 7 in the afternoon, with the last bus leaving at 6 pm. * Please check the schedules regularly as due to the current situation, they may change.
Camel Ride in Timanfaya
Life is made of experiences, and if you have not yet experienced a camel ride in a desert, in Timanfaya, you have the opportunity to do so. This is a special activity for families, and it may be one of the most remembered adventures among the youngest members of the family when they return from vacation.
The ideal place to carry out this activity is in El Echadero. It is located on the way between Timanfaya and Yaiza. The route is usually around € 12 per 2 people.
The Best Time to Visit Timanfaya
Both Timanfaya and Lanzarote enjoy a similar climate throughout the year, so any time is good to visit the National Park. In general, summers do not usually exceed 30 degrees, and we experience mild winters with little rain where the temperature is around 20 degrees.
Is it Safe to Travel to Lanzarote?
Lanzarote is one of the least affected areas by Covid-19 in the world, making the island one of the safest destinations to visit with the highest safety and hygiene conditions. Hotel establishments are gradually beginning to recover, and the main tourist attractions, shops, and restaurants are already operating. Since Sunday, June 21st, it has been possible to travel to Lanzarote from any country in the Schengen area without carrying out any kind of quarantine (remember to check the conditions of your country when you return from your vacation).
Accommodation
Sandos Papagayo and Sandos Atlantic Gardens
At our hotel, Sandos Papagayo, you will have the possibility to spend a family vacation surrounded by nature and, in addition, discover the fabulous Timanfaya National Park with its routes, including our fabulous excursion to Los Ajaches that is included in the Live the Nature experience Experience.
Depending on your needs, you can enjoy one type of pension or another. You can check them here:
You can also check the safety and hygiene measures that we have established in our accommodation here.
Also, remember that we have different offers depending on what you need. If you travel alone, as a family, with a partner, or if you are over 55 years old, you will find offers and promotions so that you can enjoy your next vacation at the best price.
If you are a fan of nature and you like to dive, Lanzarote is your destination. Do you dive? Your new spot is Lanzarote. Discover everything that the island offers you under the sea. If you are a lover of hiking, do not miss our article Hiking in Lanzarote: the Definitive Guide.
At our hotel, Sandos Atlantic Gardens, you will find the peace and tranquility necessary to enjoy an unforgettable vacation in an idyllic and natural environment where you can disconnect and reconnect with yourself. You will have the possibility to spend a romantic vacation surrounded by nature and, in addition, discover the fabulous Timanfaya National Park with its routes, including our fabulous excursion to The Red Mountain that is included in the Live the Volcano Experience.
You can also check the safety and hygiene measures that we have established in our accommodation here and travel safe since the Canarian government has reinforced its commitment to the safety and tranquility of travelers by offering guaranteed travel coverage that covers medical expenses, medical repatriation or extension of the stay in quarantine for 15 days. Look here for more information.
Also, remember that we have different offers depending on what you need. If you travel alone, with a partner, or if you are over 55 years old, you will find offers and promotions so that you can enjoy your next vacation at the best price. See Offers