The warm climate of 23°C throughout the year, which characterizes the Island, makes it the perfect place to practice outdoor activities. You will think you are walking on the Moon!
A trip to Lanzarote would not be complete without visiting the Timanfaya National Park and all that it offers to people who love hiking. Its varied fauna and its captivating geological locations make the Island a great destination for those who enjoy going on excursions, discovering new routes or hiking on the trails.
Timanfaya: the only National Park of Lanzarote
On this lunar landscape, hiking activities are organized, where you can learn about the different types of lava or volcanic tubes. In addition, you have the possibility of visiting the Fire Mountains, the Corazoncillo Caldera or the Rajada Mountain among other natural landscapes of the Island.
Timanfaya is one of the protected natural spaces of Lanzarote, also with the highest level of protection at the state level. The national park encompasses natural areas, which exhibit primitive ecosystems, that is, those which have not yet been affected by human action, and in which the fauna and flora are preserved by the entities of Yaiza and the Cabildo de Lanzarote.
Surround yourself with an extraordinary “lunar landscape”
The eruptions of Timanfaya, between 1730 and 1736, changed the future of the island of Lanzarote, creating a landscape that is often referred to as a “lunar landscape“. The ground of Lanzarote has been affected by these volcanic eruptions, creating shades of red, grey and black, and establishing ash fields that bear an uncanny resemblance to those seen on the moon. In fact, many scientists believe that the rocks found on Lanzarote are similar to those collected during the Apollo 14 mission. Moreover, recent studies have shown that many of their characteristics are so similar that they come from similar origins.
Route of the trails in Timanfaya
Timanfaya is an ideal place for those looking to explore nature and go on exciting excursions. The layout of its trails has something special, to suit all tastes. From easy hikes through breath-taking landscapes to more demanding trails in remote areas of the island. Curious explorers will have no shortage of opportunities to explore the unique terrain of the trails in Timanfaya National Park for approximately 3 hours.
Route of the Volcanoes
The route of the volcanoes of Timanfaya starts from Islote de Hilario and is included in the price that visitors pay at the entrance of the Tourist Centre of the Cabildo Insular de Lanzarote. Along a 14 kilometre route (can only be visited by bus), you will see some of the most exceptional volcanic eruption formations. This extraordinary excursion offers a view of two different types of lava: “aa” (or malpais) and “pahoehoe” (smooth and corded).
As you walk along this wonderful trail, you can observe unique hornitos, characteristic volcanic tubes and pyroclastic fields found in Valle de la Tranquilidad. In addition, this route also takes visitors to some of the highest points of Timanfaya, with remarkable craters such as Ti. Indeed, these views will remain etched in the mind of anyone who sets out on this extraordinary hiking adventure.
Throughout this memorable experience, visitors can delight in admiring a wide range of geological wonders such as pumice stones scattered everywhere, ash mixed with sand and thousands of lava fragments from nearby volcanoes.
The Volcanoes Route culminates in majestic panoramas of immense beauty for those who are fortunate enough to make the journey around the island. It is, without a doubt, an unforgettable journey that will awaken your imagination and fill it with wonder all along the way.
Termesana Route
The Termesana Guided Walking Tour is a great experience of Timanfaya National Park. This excursion offers a magical sight for lovers of natural scenery, as the area reveals a myriad of recent volcanic structures, and a guide from the National Park will explain the geomorphology of the route in detail.
It takes place on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings. On the other hand, visitors are transferred to the starting point of their route by the Timanfaya National Park’s own vehicles. To be able to do this route it is compulsory to book the day through the official website of the National Parks.
Coastal route
The Coastal Route in Timanfaya is a spectacular trail that gives visitors the chance to explore the public coastal domain. For those who want a guided tour, you can book it in advance via the National Parks website, while for those who prefer to go on their own, you can do so at your own pace.
This 9 km hike follows a very rugged terrain of lava and badlands. Following the coastline of the park, you will have a great opportunity to observe and learn about the processes of beach formation, as well as a variety of geomorphological structures, intertidal zones, cliffs and associated fauna. You may even have the chance to spot seabirds and even crabs.
We recommend that when you take the coastal route in Timanfaya, if you decide to do it on your own, you take into account these considerations:
- This route is very difficult, so it is essential to be well equipped with sturdy boots or other sturdy footwear.
- Take enough water and some food to replenish your energy along the way.
- It is important not to engage in activities that endanger the conservation of the environment and its wildlife species.
- It is recommended to take out the rubbish produced during the visit and dispose of it at a suitable disposal point.
This will help to preserve this beautiful landscape for future generations.
When should you go to Timanfaya National Park?
With its sunny climate and almost no rainfall, Lanzarote has no specific tourist seasonality. Therefore, it is a great holiday destination all year round. The peak seasons are the summer months and the Christmas and Easter holidays.
