Besides beach vacations, most travelers fly to Lanzarote to appreciate the aftermath of the volcanic cataclysm and to wander the lunar landscapes in Timanfaya National Park.
The park is the result of a 6-year process of volcanic eruptions that took place on the island from 1730 to 1736. About 48 million cubic meters of lava were ejected per day on Lanzarote, destroying vegetation and settlements of the islanders in its path. At the end of the eruptions, more than 200,000 kilometers of Lanzarote were devastated.
In the national park you can take a tour by bus, camel or pre-book a separate guided walking tour on the website. Tourists note the high level of organization of the hiking excursion, designed for up to 8 people, which is conducted along a unique route. It is forbidden to wander independently in this area. In addition, going to the park you need to wear special shoes, closed clothing and be sure to take water with you.
The Montañas del Fuego Fire Mountains are another attraction of the island. They are located in the heart of the national park at 51 square kilometers. The cost to visit the El Islote de Hilario area is 8 EUR for an adult and 4 EUR for children. The area is accessible from 09:00 to 17:45. The last tour starts at 17:00.
On the peak of the mountain there is a viewing platform designed by famous architect Cesar Manrique and Restaurant del Diablo. This is where they cook kebabs right in the center of an active but dormant volcano. If you put your hand on the soil and hold it for a few seconds, you feel some serious warmth.
A few centimeters deep, the temperature reaches 100 degrees Celsius, and at 10 meters, the temperature is already 600 degrees Celsius. There is a hole near the observation deck, which, when water enters it, pushes out a powerful geyser in seconds. The reason for this is a magmatic hearth at a depth of 4 kilometers underground. The restaurant is open until 15:30. The cost of a portion is 15 EUR.
Also, in the national park, you can ride tour buses along a spectacular 14-kilometer area of volcanoes whose eruptions were described by local priest Don Agustin Cabrera. Buses leave every hour, the trip takes about 30 minutes. There can be long lines at the park entrance at around 10:00am.
North of the park, along the same road, is the Mancha Blanca Center, which has audio-visual and informational displays about the park; a volcanic eruption is also simulated here. Camel rides are available nearby Mancha Blanca. The cost of the ride is 12 EUR for 20 minutes.
To relax, after a stroll through the cosmic craters and volcanoes, you can take in the atmosphere of the small local villages by stopping by the fishing village of Arrieta on Playa de la Garita beach. Right on the main road by the beach is the Almanecer restaurant with a terrace overlooking the sea. The cost of a meal is 810 EUR. Here they cook the day's catch, often sea bass and blue marlin.
