Fire beneath your feet – Timanfaya National Park from La Graciosa
Timanfaya is the opposite of La Graciosablack instead of beige, solidified instead of sandy, dramatic instead of gentle. 51 km² of solidified lava, formed by volcanic eruptions between 1730 and 1736. The area looks as though the earth has only just cooled down, which makes it unique.
What to see in Timanfaya
The guided bus tour through the lava field
You cannot explore the national park on your own – guided bus tours run through the lava field. Extraordinary views of craters, lava fields and volcanic cones in striking colours. You must not leave the vehicle – protecting the natural environment is a priority.
| Timanfaya – Practical information | |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | 09:30 to 15:45 (last admission) or until capacity is reached. |
| Admission to the bus tour | Adults €30 / Children (7–12) €15 |
| Duration of the bus tour | Approx. 35 minutes |
| Advance booking | Highly recommended – may be fully booked |
| Website | cactlanzarote.com |
The geysers: the earth as a hotplate
Right next to the entrance station, you’ll be impressed by geothermal demonstrationswater is poured into a ground vent and shoots back out as steam within seconds. No trick – the temperature in the ground here is between 100 and 600 degrees Celsius.
El Diablo Restaurant: cooking on the volcano
“El Diablo” by César Manrique is no ordinary restaurant. The food – meat, fish and vegetables – is cooked directly over a geothermal vent where the temperature reaches 400 degrees Celsius. Book in advance: the restaurant is very popular.
Echadero de los Camellos: Timanfaya from the back of a dromedary
Anyone who has explored Timanfaya by bus can see it again from a different perspective here: two metres above the ground, swaying gently, on the back of a dromedary. The camel station is located on the LZ-67 near the entrance to the national park.
Visitors are taken up and down the volcanic slopes of the Montañas del Fuego in small groups. It takes around 20 minutes, but it’s a view you won’t forget in a hurry. No prior knowledge required, no booking needed – just turn up and hop on. The dromedaries are used to it, and the surrounding lava landscape does the rest.
Getting there from La Graciosa
| Getting there | |
|---|---|
| Ferry | Caleta del Sebo → Órzola, ~25–30 mins |
| From Órzola | Hire a car towards Timanfaya, approx. 60 km / 1 hour |
| Total time | Approx. 1.5 hours from La Graciosa to Timanfaya |
| Hire car | Book in advance in Órzola or Arrecife |
Practical tips
- Take the early ferry: Timanfaya opens at 9.30 am
- Book the bus tour and a table at El Diablo restaurant in advance
- Timanfaya + Jameos del Agua = the perfect day out in Lanzarote
- Return journey: keep an eye on the last ferry back to La Graciosa
Not in the core area – only by bus. However, there are authorised guided walks led by rangers (advance booking required).
At least 2–3 hours: bus tour (45 mins), geysers, restaurant. Including lunch: 3–4 hours.
Conclusion
- Timanfaya: the most spectacular volcanic area in the Canary Islands – black, dramatic, unforgettable.
- Bus tour + geysers + El Diablo restaurant = the perfect itinerary.
- Book in advance, set off early, and don’t miss the last ferry to La Graciosa.
This article is based on on-site research by the go-la-graciosa.com editorial team. Last updated: April 2026
