Timanfaya National Park
Park Lanzarote park of volcanic landscapes and geothermal activity
On Lanzarote, Timanfaya National Park showcases volcanic fields and lava formations; guided coach routes and geothermal demonstrations explain recent eruptions and the island’s lava-made terrain.
Timanfaya National Park is a protected volcanic landscape on the southwest of Lanzarote in the Canary Islands, Spain, established as a national park in 1974 and covering roughly 51 square kilometres. The terrain is dominated by recent lava fields and the Montañas del Fuego - the Fire Mountains - formed mainly during the eruptions of 1730-1736.
The park’s main attraction is its stark volcanic scenery - miles of lava, conical scoria hills and multicoloured ash fields. Visitors experience the heart of the reserve via the 14-kilometre guided coach route that passes key viewpoints and lava formations. Short on-site demonstrations show strong geothermal heat at shallow depths and there is a viewpoint restaurant by César Manrique that uses this heat for live displays.
Major eruptions between 1730 and 1736 reshaped large parts of southern Lanzarote and produced most of the park’s present landscape; smaller eruptions followed later. The area was set aside for protection in the 20th century and declared a national park in 1974 to conserve its volcanic geology and unique ecosystems.
The park sits on the southwestern coast of Lanzarote, between the villages of Yaiza and Tinajo, with the nearest larger town about 10-15 kilometres away. The landscape is arid and volcanic, with the nearest airport at Arrecife around 25 kilometres to the north-east.
- Access rules: Private vehicles are not allowed on the park roads; access to the interior is by official park buses or guided tours.
- Geothermal demos: Geothermal demonstrations are shown near Islote de Hilario - park staff pour water into shallow holes to produce steam and small eruptions.
What to See #
- Ruta de los Volcanes: A closed coach route through the park that traverses the main lava fields and the Montañas del Fuego - the guided circuit is the only way visitors may view the core volcanic area by road.
- Islote de Hilario / El Diablo restaurant: A hilltop service area and restaurant designed by César Manrique that sits on a lava outcrop and uses visible geothermal heat for demonstrations.
How to Get to Timanfaya National Park #
Timanfaya National Park is on the island of Lanzarote (Canary Islands) and is most easily reached by car. From Arrecife (the island’s main town/airport) the park is roughly a 30-40 minute drive west/southwest; follow the island roads toward Yaiza/Tinajo and the clearly marked park entrances (the main access road is the LZ network serving the south-western part of the island).
There are also organized tours and buses from major resort towns that stop at the visitor centre if you prefer not to drive.
Tips for Visiting Timanfaya National Park #
- Arrive early (park opening) to secure parking and beat the busiest tour-bus arrivals; mid‑day sees the biggest crowds and hottest temperatures.
- Access inside the park is tightly controlled - the recommended sightseeing is by the official bus route (Ruta de los Volcanes) and short supervised demonstration areas such as the Islote de Hilario; follow park rules and stay on designated routes.
- Stop by the visitor centre/El Diablo restaurant area for the geothermal demonstrations - many visitors rush past this easily accessed display when focused only on the bus tour.
Best Time to Visit Timanfaya National Park #
Visit in spring or early autumn for mild weather and smaller crowds when exploring the volcanic landscapes.
Weather & Climate near Timanfaya National Park #
Timanfaya National Park's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with warm summers (peaking in September) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 13°C to 26°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 20°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 13°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 15°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 17°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 18°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 19°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is the warmest month with highs of 26°C and lows of 19°C. Almost no rain.
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October
October is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 17°C. Light rainfall.
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November
November is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 14°C. The wettest month with 33 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
