Timanfaya National Park
You know, there's this place on Lanzarote that never ceases to amaze me – Timanfaya National Park. It's not just any park; UNESCO recognizes it as a biosphere reserve. Nestled in the northwestern shoulder of the island, Timanfaya offers a mesmerizing window into the volcanic tales that have shaped the Canary Islands.
The Volcanic Eruptions - are they likely?
Good question. The most extensive recorded eruptions transpired between 1730 and 1736. The volcanic activity persists, with the surface temperature in the core ranging from 100 to 600 °C at a depth of 13 metres.
They do a little demonstration of the geothermal activity by pouring water into the ground, resulting in a geyser of steam, stand back!
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The Aftermath
The volcanic eruptions resulted in a landscape entirely made up of volcanic soil, covering an area of 51.07 square kilometres.
The parkland includes parts of the municipalities Tinajo and Yaiza, and the statue "El Diablo" by Cesar Manrique stands as its symbol.
A Journey Through Geological Time
Timanfaya National Park appears otherworldly, with its rugged terrain, variety of colours, and silhouettes of the volcanoes along the jagged coastline.
You would think that the absence of vegetation would make this place a little boring, but actually, it makes it really interesting, after all, it is one of the most unique national parks in Spain.
The Volcanic Landscape
The park's landscape is marked by volcanic cones and tubes, willful lava flows, and red pyroclasts.
These geological features are getting colonized by lichens, signifying the start of the slow process of life taking root in this harsh environment.
The Geological Marvels
The park houses several geological marvels. The most iconic include Montaña de Timanfaya, Montaña Rajada, Caldera del Corazoncillo, Volcan Nuevo del Fuego or El Chinero, and the Calderas Quemadas.
Famous TV series filmed in this area on several occasions
A bit of interesting TV history, Doctor Who was filmed twice at Lanzarote.
My personal favorite instance was back in 1984, during the "Planet of Fire" episode. What’s unique about it? Lanzarote didn’t just stand in for some far-off alien location – it played itself and also the otherworldly realm of Sarn.
Then, fast forward 30 years to 2014, and Lanzarote’s striking desert terrains were back on our screens, this time representing the moon's surface in the "Kill the Moon" episode.
Look out for the landscape next time you watch Dr. Who.
The Volcanic Landscape
The park's landscape is marked by volcanic cones and tubes, willful lava flows, and red pyroclasts.
These geological features are getting colonized by lichens, signifying the start of the slow process of life taking root in this harsh environment.
Discovering the Treasures of Timanfaya National Park
Exploring the park is really interesting and I always learn something new on each visit. There are many ways to enjoy a day on this baron part of the island. So it is well worth a visit.
Visitor Centre
The Visitor Centre located in Mancha Blanca is an excellent starting point. It offers an interesting overview of the Park through an exhibition and an audiovisual programme in multiple languages.
Montañas del Fuego
The Montañas del Fuego (Mountains of Fire to me and you) are a breathtaking experience in the world of volcanoes.
You start off from Taro de Entrada, where the entrance fee is paid. You will have to pay 12 euros (can be different depending on the time of the year) and includes parking, geothermal demonstrations, and a tour of the Ruta de los Volcanes (known as the Volcano Route) by coach.
Take a Camel Ride
You either love them, or in my case keep away, but a camel ride could be a great experience for you. One unique way to explore the park is by camel rides. Head to the Echadero de Camellos as this is the place where visitors can go for a ride on a camel, providing a unique perspective of the volcanic landscape high up on a camel.
The Ecological Value of Timanfaya National Park
The park is a vital ecological space. Its public access is strictly regulated to protect its delicate flora and fauna.
The Impact of Tourism
With the rise of tourism in the 1960s, Lanzarote saw an increase in urban development, leading to the uncontrolled extraction of aggregates. This destruction of the landscape led to different locations on the island getting protection status, including Timanfaya National Park.
Conservation Efforts
The park was declared a National Park in 1974 and reclassified in 1981.
It represents the recent volcanism in the Canary Islands and covers almost a quarter of the area affected by the eruptions during the years 1730 to 1736.
Navigating the Timanfaya National Park
There are so many different experiences visitors to Timanfaya National Park are treated to.
These include trekking on the lava of Timanfaya, dining at a volcanic grill house, seeing artificial geysers, taking a camel ride through the Fire Mountains, experiencing a volcanic eruption, and learning about the history of volcanoes in Lanzarote.
Conclusion - Are you going to take a trip?
Ah, Timanfaya National Park! It doesn't matter if you're someone deeply enchanted by nature, a curious soul with a passion for history, or a wanderlust-driven adventurer seeking those one-of-a-kind moments.
Truly an experience you won't soon forget! So, when you plan your next trip to Lanzarote, make sure to include Timanfaya National Park in your itinerary.
For more information on trips and tours at Lanzarote, and things to do at Lanzarote, including a visit to Timanfaya National Park, please refer to the official websites to stay updated on the prices and schedules.