Timanfaya National Park
Explore a surreal volcanic wonderland shaped by fiery eruptions, where the earth's heat cooks your food and camels roam lava fields.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid long queues
Timanfaya National Park
Best Time
Avoid long queues

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a surreal volcanic wonderland shaped by fiery eruptions, where the earth's heat cooks your food and camels roam lava fields.
"It truly felt like a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, like stepping into another world."
🚗 Beat the Car Queue
Book a guided bus tour to bypass lengthy car lines and access exclusive routes .
🎟️ Tickets On Arrival Only
Entry tickets for Timanfaya National Park are purchased at the entrance; no advance booking available .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ruta de los Volcanes Bus Tour
Main park loop
Journey through surreal volcanic landscapes, feeling like you're on another planet. A must-do!

Geothermal Demonstrations
El Islote visitor center
Witness the raw power of the earth as water turns to steam and fires ignite before your eyes!

Camel Ride Adventure
Camel parking area
Experience the unique terrain from atop a camel for a memorable and fun ride.

Volcanic-Cooked Cuisine
Restaurante El Diablo
Savor dishes cooked using the natural heat from the volcanic earth below.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Timing is Everything
Essential Park Access & Tours
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Beat the Car Queue
Book a guided bus tour to bypass lengthy car lines and access exclusive routes.
🎟️ Tickets On Arrival Only
Entry tickets for Timanfaya National Park are purchased at the entrance; no advance booking available.
🐪 Camel Ride Fun
Camel rides are affordable and a hit with kids, offering a unique perspective of the park.
🌋 Witness Earth's Power
Don't miss the geothermal demonstrations – they're a thrilling display of volcanic activity.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Beat the Car Queue
Book a guided bus tour to bypass lengthy car lines and access exclusive routes.
🎟️ Tickets On Arrival Only
Entry tickets for Timanfaya National Park are purchased at the entrance; no advance booking available.
🐪 Camel Ride Fun
Camel rides are affordable and a hit with kids, offering a unique perspective of the park.
🌋 Witness Earth's Power
Don't miss the geothermal demonstrations – they're a thrilling display of volcanic activity.
🍽️ Dine with a View
Try the restaurant that uses volcanic heat for cooking; a truly unique dining experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Timanfaya National Park for its breathtaking, otherworldly volcanic landscapes and unique geothermal phenomena. The bus tour is a highlight, offering a captivating journey through the lava fields, and many appreciate the opportunity to witness the earth's raw power firsthand. While queues can be long for self-drivers, the overall experience is described as unforgettable and highly recommended.
"I had an unforgettable experience at Timanfaya National Park—it truly felt like a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. The bus tour through the volcanic landscapes was both thrilling and a little bit scary, making it all the more exciting. Driving through the craggy lava fields, it felt like stepping into another world—black volcanic rock stretching as far as the eye can see, smoke gently rising from the earth, and the contrast of the bright blue sky above. As the day shifted and shadows grew, the landscape took on a mysterious, almost otherworldly beauty.
After the tour, we planned to try the restaurant famous for cooking food using volcanic heat. Unfortunately, it was closed when we arrived. However, the staff were incredibly kind and went out of their way to help us. They checked the kitchen and graciously prepared two plates of food just for us. I am especially grateful to the gentleman who made this wonderful experience possible.
Everywhere you look in Timanfaya National Park, the scenery is breathtaking—the interplay of lava, sky, and sunlight makes you feel like you’ve been transported to another planet. The combination of thrilling tours, incredible natural beauty, and warm, helpful people makes visiting Timanfaya an experience you will never forget. If you have the chance, you absolutely should go—you’ll be amazed."
Nathali L
"Great experience. Camel ride cost less than €12 for about 20 minutes up and down the mountain. Kids really enjoyed it. Would recommend. Camels looked very well cared for. Tour guide was a very pleasant man."
Karen Butler
"I joined a bus tour, and the guide mentioned we could skip the long car queue and head straight to the visitor centre. For this reason, I think a bus tour is the better option, especially in summer when car lines can be very long.
The scenery in the park is breathtaking — no signs of life, just volcanic rock and a profound, almost haunting silence. It’s a truly unique landscape you won’t find anywhere else."
Erin Y
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can drive your own car, but be prepared for potentially long queues, especially in peak season.
Alternatively, many tour operators offer bus excursions that often include hotel pick-up and can bypass car lines. Public transport options are limited, so driving or a tour are the most practical.Taking a tour is often recommended to avoid the significant car queues that can form at the entrance.
Tours also sometimes grant access to routes not open to private vehicles, offering a more comprehensive experience.There are parking areas available, but they can fill up quickly, and the queues to enter the park by car can be very long.
Arriving very early is key if you plan to drive.Public transport to Timanfaya National Park is not straightforward. While buses may go to nearby towns like Yaiza, direct public transport into the park itself is limited. Renting a car or booking a guided tour are the most common and convenient methods.
The 'Ruta de los Volcanes' is the mandatory bus tour within Timanfaya National Park. It takes visitors on a 35-minute journey through the dramatic volcanic landscapes that cars cannot access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
For non-residents, the entrance fee is approximately 22€ per person.
Prices can vary, so it's always best to check the official park information or inquire at the entrance.No, tickets for Timanfaya National Park cannot be purchased in advance online. You must buy them directly at the park's entrance.
The entrance fee typically includes access to the park and the mandatory 'Ruta de los Volcanes' bus tour.
Additional activities like camel rides or specific guided walks may incur separate charges.The park is generally open daily, with hours typically from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM, depending on the season. It's advisable to check the official Timanfaya website for the most current operating hours.
Discounts may be available for residents of the Canary Islands or for children. It's recommended to inquire at the ticket office or check the park's official website for any applicable discount information.
🎫 🌋 Onsite Experience
The 'Ruta de los Volcanes' bus tour is essential.
Also, don't miss the geothermal demonstrations at El Islote, the camel rides, and the unique volcanic-heat restaurant.Yes, the bus tour is highly recommended as it's the primary way to see the main volcanic landscapes and often includes access to areas restricted to private vehicles.
Some find it more valuable if they sit on the right side for specific views.At El Islote, staff pour water into holes in the ground, which, heated by the volcano, erupts as geysers.
They also demonstrate how dry brush ignites instantly when placed in shallow pits.Public access on foot is regulated and limited to specific trails like the Tremesana Route, which requires booking in advance. The main volcanic areas are primarily explored via the mandatory bus tour.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as you'll be exploring the visitor center and potentially short trails.
Layers are advisable as the weather can change, and bring sun protection like a hat and sunscreen.🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Restaurante El Diablo is located within the park and is famous for its unique cooking method, using the natural volcanic heat from below ground to roast food.
The restaurant primarily serves grilled meats, such as chicken, which are cooked using the geothermal heat. It offers a unique culinary experience tied to the park's volcanic nature.
While not always mandatory, booking a table at Restaurante El Diablo is highly recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure you can experience this unique dining opportunity.
Besides Restaurante El Diablo, there are usually snack bars or cafes at the visitor centers offering lighter refreshments and drinks. However, the restaurant is the main dining attraction.
Dining at Restaurante El Diablo is generally considered mid-range to slightly higher, reflecting the unique experience and location. It's a worthwhile splurge for many visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
Everywhere you look offers breathtaking views! The volcanic craters, lava fields, and the stark contrast with the blue sky are incredibly photogenic.
The bus tour route itself provides many stunning vistas.The dramatic landscapes are inherently photogenic. The main challenge can be the lighting, especially midday sun which can create harsh shadows. Golden hour light, if you can manage it, is spectacular.
Yes, you can take photos from the bus tour, but it's a moving vehicle, so you'll need to be quick or use settings that can handle motion blur. The windows might also cause glare.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the volcanic landscapes. A polarizing filter can help manage the bright sunlight and enhance the colors of the sky and rock formations.
Generally, photography is allowed throughout the park for personal use. However, always be mindful of any specific signage or instructions from park staff, especially in sensitive areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the bus tour is mandatory, it's a relatively short and visually stimulating journey through an alien landscape that most children will find fascinating. Consider packing snacks and drinks, as options within the park are limited to the restaurant and cafes. The sheer novelty of walking on a volcano and seeing its power firsthand makes Timanfaya an unforgettable family adventure.
🚗 Self-Drive Explorers
While driving offers flexibility in reaching the park, the experience within is largely dictated by the park's tour structure. Factor in the cost of fuel and potential rental car expenses. For a more seamless experience, consider if a guided tour might offer better value by including transport and potentially bypassing entry lines.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
For the best light, aim for early morning or late afternoon. The 'Ruta de los Volcanes' bus tour offers numerous viewpoints, but capturing clear shots from a moving vehicle can be challenging. Consider using a wide-angle lens to encompass the vastness of the scenery and a polarizing filter to enhance the sky and reduce glare. Be mindful of the midday sun, which can create harsh shadows.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Volcanic Heart of Timanfaya
Visitors can witness the ongoing geothermal activity at El Islote, where demonstrations highlight the intense heat beneath the surface. Water poured into boreholes erupts as geysers, and dry brush ignites spontaneously, offering a visceral connection to the earth's internal energy. This constant reminder of the volcanic forces at play makes Timanfaya a truly dynamic and awe-inspiring destination.
The park's stark beauty lies in its vast expanses of solidified lava flows, volcanic ash, and craters. The colors range from deep blacks and grays to ochres and reds, creating a dramatic visual spectacle, especially when contrasted with the brilliant blue of the Atlantic sky. It's a landscape that feels both ancient and alive, a powerful reminder of geological processes shaping our planet.
Navigating Timanfaya: Tours vs. Self-Drive
Opting for a guided bus tour, whether from a local operator or a package tour, often proves to be a more efficient and informative experience. These tours typically include transportation to and from your accommodation, bypass the long car queues, and provide expert commentary on the park's geology and history. Crucially, many tours can access specific routes within the park that are off-limits to private vehicles, offering a more comprehensive view of the volcanic landscapes.
For those seeking a more intimate experience, the Tremesana Route is a guided walking tour that requires advance booking and offers a closer look at the volcanic terrain. However, for most visitors, the 'Ruta de los Volcanes' bus tour, whether taken independently or as part of a larger excursion, remains the quintessential Timanfaya experience, providing stunning views and a memorable journey through this otherworldly landscape.
Unique Experiences: Camels and Volcanic Cuisine
Another highlight is the opportunity to dine at Restaurante El Diablo, a culinary marvel that harnesses the earth's natural heat for cooking. The restaurant's design cleverly incorporates a volcanic vent, allowing chefs to roast meats using the geothermal energy that lies just beneath the surface. This creates a truly unique dining experience, where the food is not only delicious but also prepared using a natural phenomenon.
While the restaurant is a must-visit for many, it's worth noting that it can be closed unexpectedly, as one visitor experienced. However, the staff's willingness to go the extra mile, even preparing food off-menu for guests, speaks volumes about the hospitality found in Timanfaya. These special experiences, from camel treks to geothermal dining, elevate a visit to Timanfaya from a sightseeing trip to an unforgettable adventure.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit