Nature SpotParque Nacional de Timanfaya

TIMANFAYA HISTORY
Over 300 years ago the earth opened and showered a small island in volcanic ash, red hot, bubbling, flowing lava and toxic fumes. Huge mountains rose from the ground and formed the area we now know as ‘Montanas del Fuego (The Fire Mountains). The lava devastated the villages in its path. The eruptions lasted 6 long years were one of the longest volcanic activity recorded in history.

The area has been well protected and due to low rainfall has not suffered erosion or damage. The views we can see today are as they were 300 years ago.


NATIONAL PARK
In 1968 the area was declared a ‘National Park (Parque de Nacional) and is protected by local laws. The 100 volcanoes that erupted covered more than 50km square of the island; this area is known as the national park of Timanfaya.

The Park can be recognised by the ‘Devil who is stood on the name ‘Timanfaya holding up a sign with the words ‘Parque Nacional.

The lunar landscape is a really awesome sight. When I first saw the landscape in 1994 my jaw dropped to the ground. I was only 9 and had never seen something as amazing as miles of lava rock. I still visit Lanzarote today and find myself looking for miles at the barren landscape where nothing grows or survives. This part of the island is a must for any visitor because of its 'Martian' landscape and rare plant species that have evolved to exist.


GETTING THERE
The park is open between 10am and 6pm everyday. It can get a little busy later in the day so for less queues and more chance of hearing and seeing the display you may want to plan for an early visit. I would aim to get there at opening 10am for the best opportunities.

Car: Many holidaymakers decide to hire a car. Timanfaya is well signposted and represented on a map. The obvious benefits of taking a car are that you will not have to wait for the ‘slow person who has got lost, you can time your trip to suit you and you can obviously stop along the way for the amazing photo opportunities. The National Park is situated North of the town of Yaiza.

Coach: If you decide to go by coach you will need to book yourself onto a specialist excursion. The excursions are usually organised by ‘Last Minute Excursions and will provide transport to the National Park and entry to the park and its displays. Some excursions include a camel ride across the rocky terrain.


PARKING
On entry to Timanfaya the queues are usually stretching up the road so a short wait is required. The entrance to the park is via a small lava rock booth. Here you pay for your ticket and proceed up the hill towards the visitor centre.

The drive up to the visitor centre is a windy one. The roads are snake-like in form and are very narrow. It is for this reason that a coach that has been designed for the terrain is available to take visitors out into the depths of the volcanoes and mountains.

At the top a car park assistant will usually show you to your space, and will then usher you up the hill to get on a coach.


VOLCANIC TOUR
A special coach will take you around the amazing volcanoes. This is included in the entry fee. The tour features an audio commentary as the coach twists and turns around the narrow road. The lava overhangs the road adding to that special experience. The patterns and direction of flowing lava can still be seen. The permanent effects of that fateful night when the earth opened can still be experienced today. The excerpts from the diary of an eyewitness, the local priest can be heard.

It is easy to sense the fear and doom felt by the priest as the ash and dust was scattered over the island. The coach will stop hanging over the depth of a volcano. A mountains side was blown off and the few plants that have adapted to grow in the rough, barren terrain.


DISPLAYS
Up the top of the visitors car park you will probably see a crowd of people followed by a puff of smoke then gasps of ‘ahhh or ‘oooooh or ‘woooow. If this is not enough to get you all excited or amazed then I am not sure what will.

You have the chance to witness several demonstrations of 'how hot' the area really is. The temperatures can range from anything between 400°C and 600°C only a few meters below the ground. Its hard to believe until you witness in amazement the first of the mighty demonstrations.

A man stands eagerly waiting for a crowd to build up then will tip a small amount of water down a hole. The crowd gasps in amazement getting ready to walk onto the next one, the man then pours a whole bucket into another hole and a jet stream of steam/water vapour is thrusted up through the ground. The mini geyser is a sight to behold and a real bugger to film/photograph. Luckily for me the man was seeing my frustration and helped me take an amazing photo that will take pride of place in my album.

The second demonstration amazingly shocked me, despite knowing what would happen I nearly lost my camera in the abyss. A piece of dry gorge/brush is lowered into the ground igniting immediately. The searing heat was enough to knock you out with shock. The puffs of smoke and gasps of horror were certainly an experience I could never forget.


RESTAURANT
The El Diablo Restaurant was designed by the islands famous artist/architect Ceasar Manrique. It is situated on the top of the volcanic mount and provides an amazing volcanic backdrop. The restaurant sells a variety of food including the famous Canarian potatoes. The food is cooked using geothermal heat over the top of a volcano.

The restaurant is a great look out and is a beautiful place to eat. The prices are reasonable and the quality of food is great. The restaurant closes quite early (about 2pm-3pm) so if you are hoping to sample some of the great food its best to arrive early.


COST
So what will this little lot cost me I hear you ask? Well this whole experience mentioned above will set you back 8 Euros. Not a lot really when you consider the experience you will get. The coach trip, demonstrations and parking for as long as you wish. In pounds this is about £5.50. Further down the mountainside you can have a ride on a camel for a further 8 Euros another experience you cant miss.


SUMMARY
You cannot go to Lanzarote without visiting the Fire Moutains (Timanfaya). The experience of standing on a volcano or the encounter of being perched overlooking a enormous crater is awesome. The rugged, barren landscape that has been used as a backdrop for many lunar films is to me one of the most wonderful sites I have ever seen. I would strongly recommend a visit to this part of the world for a precious experience and amazing holiday.