Plizio Visual Lab
Timanfaya National Park
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
park
Timanfaya National Park on the Canary Island of Lanzarote is a fascinating, almost apocalyptic landscape shaped by some of the most violent volcanic eruptions in recent geological history. Between 1730 and 1736, the so-called 'Mountains of Fire' (Montañas del Fuego) continuously spewed lava, burying fertile villages under a thick layer of basalt and ash. Today, the park presents itself as an untouched open-air laboratory of geology, where over 25 inactive volcanic cones create an impressive interplay of black, red, and ochre colors. Beneath the surface, however, the volcanism is merely sleeping: in some places, such as the Islote de Hilario viewpoint, ground temperatures just a few meters deep already reach 400 to 600 degrees Celsius. The sparse flora consists mainly of lichens that tenaciously settle on the bare volcanic rock.
- Location: Galicia, Spain
- Top sights: Ayuntamiento de Yaiza · Iglesia de San Marcial de Rubicón · Laguna Verde
- Nearby: Puerto del Carmen (15 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 18 | 17 | 18 | 18 | 19 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 21 | 19 |
| Rain mm | 13 | 18 | 9 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 16 | 20 | 17 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
The primary entry point is usually via the well-marked main road on Lanzarote, where visitors are typically guided towards the central reception area.
Best season
The region can be visited comfortably year-round, although the winter months generally offer a milder climate compared to the very hot, dry summers.
Terrain & paths
Movement is highly restricted to preserve the extreme volcanic landscape. Independent hiking is generally not allowed, with access mainly by authorized bus tours.
What to bring
Even on guided bus tours, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, and adequate sun protection are highly recommended due to the strong sun reflection.
Parking
There is an organized parking facility available at the visitor center, where visitors typically leave their vehicles to join the official guided tours.
Safety
Do not attempt to walk on the lava fields, as the ground can be extremely hot and unstable just below the surface, presenting a severe burn hazard.
Time needed
Most guided visits, including the standard coach tour through the main volcanic route and demonstrations, normally take between two and three hours.
Geography
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Timanfaya National Park (16)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Why does it look like Mars there?
The volcanic landscape was created by massive eruptions in the 18th century.
Can you drive your own car through the park?
No, the core area is only accessible via the official buses (Gaugas).
What are the geothermal demonstrations?
They demonstrate how hot the ground still is by turning poured water into geysers.
What is the El Diablo restaurant?
A restaurant designed by César Manrique that grills meat using volcanic heat.
Is hiking allowed on the volcanoes?
Only on very few, guided routes, such as the 'Ruta de los Volcanes'.
Timanfaya National Park: where is it located?
Timanfaya National Park is located in Galicia, Spain.
Timanfaya National Park: what is there to see?
Highlights include Ayuntamiento de Yaiza, Iglesia de San Marcial de Rubicón, Laguna Verde.
Timanfaya National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Nov.
Timanfaya National Park: why is it worth visiting?
Timanfaya National Park on the Canary Island of Lanzarote is a fascinating, almost apocalyptic landscape shaped by some of the most violent volcanic eruptions in recent geological history.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Spain →
Nearby cities
Seville
Seville is the capital of Andalusia and sits on the banks of the Guadalquivir River.
Málaga
Málaga is a port city on the Costa del Sol in southern Spain.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Las Palmas is the largest city in the Canary Islands, located on Gran Canaria.
Jerez de la Frontera
Jerez de la Frontera is located in Andalusia and is world-famous for its production of Sherry wine.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Santa Cruz is the capital of the island of Tenerife.
Almería
Almería is a port city in Andalusia, known for its arid landscape and the massive Moorish fortress of Alcazaba.
Marbella
Marbella is a well-known resort city on the Costa del Sol.
Badajoz
Badajoz is located in western Spain, right on the border with Portugal.
Huelva
Huelva is located in southwestern Andalusia, between the mouths of the Tinto and Odiel rivers.
Jinámar
A densely populated neighborhood on Gran Canaria, situated between Las Palmas and Telde.
Telde
Telde, in Gran Canaria, is a city that blends rich pre-Hispanic history with beautiful coastal landscapes.
Dos Hermanas
Dos Hermanas is a large city located near Seville.
Algeciras
Algeciras is located in the Bay of Gibraltar in the far south of Spain.
Cádiz
Cádiz is considered the oldest continuously inhabited city in Western Europe, perched on a narrow peninsula in the Atlantic.
Jaén
Jaén is located in northeastern Andalusia and is known as the 'World Capital of Olive Oil'.
History & landmarks
Mérida
The former Roman capital of Lusitania, home to some of the world's best-preserved ancient ruins.
Plasencia
An elegant city on the Jerte River, known for its two cathedrals and its well-preserved medieval city walls.
Úbeda
A UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its exceptional Renaissance architecture and significant pottery tradition in the heart of Jaén.