So many national parks in the world, yet so little time to visit them all. Have you already found the most amusing one? You know, most protected areas seem to have rich flora and fauna, deep green parts, various types of natural features and other everyday things. However, many examples show how national parks can be something entirely different than all this. And still visiting them can provide you with some amazing experience. On that note – have you thought about visiting Timanfaya National Park?
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Find out more about Timanfaya National Park
Located in the enchanting country of Spain, which can be found in the south-western part of Europe, there’s this incredible national park that will remind you of no other. It is situated in the southwestern part of the island of Lanzarote, on the magnificent Canary Islands and it is known to be a destination that is found on many tourists bucket lists. Attractive and easily accessible, it is known to be covering parts of the municipalities Tinajo and Yaiza. But no matter how much you tend to read about it, Timanfaya always finds a way to surprise you.
The first thing you probably need to know is that the parkland is entirely made up of volcanic soil which makes it quite authentic. The area of the park accounts for 51.07 square kilometers, with a bay that is touching the waters of the North Atlantic Ocean. And like many other national parks, Timanfaya also has many natural features that create the overall spectacular landscape of this part of the island. The main question is – do you have the right adventurous spirit to explore the wonders of “Parque Nacional de Timanfaya”?
Discover the Fire Mountains
Also known as the Montañas del Fuego, the Fire Mountains of Lanzarote are quite a phenomenon. Their creation is connected to the period between 1730 and 1736 when more than 100 volcanoes rose up and destroyed the part of the island where the national park is located and some nearby villages. Of course, these events weren’t at all pleasant, but after the several additional eruptions, the area was declared to be a national park, which happened in the year of 1968. The conditions of this part of the island affect the creation of geysers of steam, which are proven to be quite an attraction for the tourists. Nevertheless, nowadays there is only one active volcano and that is Timanfaya, apparently after which the park was named. And if you discover the “El Diablo” statue during your tour, then have in mind that this creation by César Manrique is the symbol of the Timanfaya National Park.
Ride a camel
The walking routes are exciting and provide you with some stunning sights of the volcanic landscape. There are one or two footpaths, and the walking areas are somewhat limited to protect the delicate flora and fauna. However, there’s an even more interesting way to discover the park and this, of course, includes the fun of having a ride on a camel through a popular short route. Most of the visitors immediately sign up for the camel tours, which turns out to be one of the most enjoyable experiences while visiting Timanfaya. Nevertheless, if you’re also interested in having a camel ride then remember that this is not included in the price of the entrance ticket, but you have to pay for the service additionally. Other than that, you can move through the area with special vehicles provided by the tours offered in the Timanfaya National Park. Catch as many sights of the incredible volcanic landscape as you can – you shouldn’t miss all those stunning shapes created by the lava.
Your guide to visiting Timanfaya National Park
What you need to know if you plan on visiting this national park is that you have to pay an admission fee at the entrance, which also covers the guided bus tour. The guided bus tours offer commentaries in English, German and Spanish, which take you around the volcanic landscape and provide the tours every day from 9 am until 5 pm. Driving by yourself or walking around where you’re not allowed to is forbidden, and you should avoid doing that if you don’t want to get into trouble since you never know when you will come across to some “hot holes” in the ground.
Try something delicious at “El Diablo”
The famous restaurant “El Diablo” which is found within the park has a great way of showing its visitors how hot the ground in this area is. The food served in the restaurant is even cooked on the naturally hot rocks, which is something you have to try out. However, the food is not all that is great about this restaurant. “El Diablo” has an awesome location which perfectly fits with the dramatic landscape of the surrounding. From the point of the restaurant, you can have a fantastic panorama of the Timanfaya National Park that will bring your “lunch with a view” fetish to a whole new level. On the other hand, the volcanic hole on the ground which is the primary tool for cooking the meat in the restaurant brings its visitors to question their safety. However, fear not as “El Diablo” and its traditional technique will provide you with an excitingly delicious meal and an excellent service while collaborating with the dormant volcano.
Explore as much as possible
Sometimes a destination is so strangely amazing that you have the wish to visit it more than once in your life. The Timanfaya National Park is hard to be fully explored in just a day, so make sure to arrive and catch the tours as early as possible. Otherwise, it might get warmer and harder for you to enjoy the incredible sights while everything around you feels like you’ve been put into flames. Take your time to absorb the amazing “Martian” landscape that will make you feel like you’re on another planet.
