Timanfaya National Park

Timanfaya National Park should always be included in a list of things to do on Lanzarote. If anything epitomises the beauty of Lanzarote – it is its stark but stunning volcanic landscape.

Formed by volcanic eruptions between 1730 and 1736, this park is very reminscient of a lunar landscape. In fact, several films and television series have been filmed there – including Spain Buddy Elle’s favourite, Doctor Who.

If you’d like to know more about where Doctor has visited in Spain – click the link below:

• They had Cybermen in Spain

You can book excursions from your hotel or resort… or drive to Timanfaya yourself. Once inside, you board a coach and are given a tour of the volcanoes (in several languages).

After the tour, you are invited to watch a short demonstration of the volcanic heat lurking just below the surface. There is also a restaurant (El Diablo – designed by César Manrique) where much of the menu is cooked using the heat from the volcano. There is also a small gift shop on site. Lots of photo opportunities here… and well worth a visit.

After the fire demonstration, walk forwards and follow the rocks a few feet to the left – here you will find rather tame geckos basking in the heat. We’ve been able to touch then several times – obviously be gentle!!!

Timanfaya Visitor Centre

We also highly recommend a visit to the Timanfaya Visitor Centre, which is on the same side of the road as the park itself, but further west. Inside are many exhibits and information points to help educate you even further. There is also an outdoor viewing point that stretches over the volcanic lava, a cinema where a short historic film is shown, as well as a demonstration. Don’t miss this place – it’s a treat. 

Riding camels

If you fancy riding a camel, then on the left just before the park entrance you can join the camel train which takes you for a short ride on a camel. A great way to see the volcanic landscape up close and tick off another bucket list item.

The camels are healthy and happy, extremely well cared for and are rotated regularly to ensure that they all get rest. The Lanzarote climate is pretty mild compared to their original desert habitat, so don’t worry if it is hot – they are used to it. 

Timanfaya tips

• Wear sensible footwear on this trip. We’ve seen tourists many times arrive in flip-flops, only to feel rather uncomfortable when viewing the fire demonstration at the end. 
• Bring a few extra coins with to tip the coach drivers. They work hard daily to ensure we all enjoy our visits to Timafaya – and often for little or no thanks. 

More information and to book a visit to Timanfaya

• We would like to thank CACT Lanzarote for all their help during our latest visit to Lanzarote. 

Elle Draper

Elle, along with Alan, is the owner of Spain Buddy and the busy web design business – Spain Web Design by Gandy-Draper.
Born a “Norverner”, she then spent most of her life “Dann Saff” before moving to Spain in 2006. Elle’s loves are Alan, the internet, dogs, good food, and dry white wine – although not necessarily in that order.