The Timanfaya Volcanoes of Lanzarote
The Canary Island of Lanzarote is known for its moonlike landscapes and volcanoes of various ages. The great eruption in the southwest of the island, known as the Timanfaya eruptions (1730 – 1736), covered almost a quarter of the island with lava, ash, and lapilli (locally called “Picón”). During the eruptions, 30 new volcanic cones formed, aligned along a NE – SW axis. Huge lava flows poured into the sea, increasing the island’s surface area by 7%.
The immense lava fields are up to 100 meters thick and are called “Malpaís” (badlands) by locals, as they are unusable for agriculture. Despite the enormous scale of the Timanfaya eruption, only one fatality was recorded. However, the lava destroyed 8 villages and around 15 hamlets (“Caserios”) and covered much of Lanzarote’s most fertile farmland. Today, several volcanoes bear the names of the villages that were lost to the lava: Chimanfaya (later Timanfaya), Santa Catalina, El Rodeo, and Mazo were originally settlement names.
The affected population of around 2000 people (out of a total population of about 5000) was forced to rebuild their lives in the north of the island or emigrate to other Canary Islands or to the Americas.
Today, the bizarre beauty of the volcanic landscape attracts a large number of visitors. Timanfaya National Park, located at the geographical center of the eruptions, receives around 850,000 visitors a year. Unfortunately, the offerings are almost exclusively limited to a bus ride through the moonlike terrain. However, since the national park only covers about a third of the entire eruption zone, alternatives such as mountain biking and hiking remain attractive options for tourists and locals. Volcanoes like El Cuervo, Montaña Colorada, and Caldera Blanca are relatively easy to visit on foot, and the surrounding lava and ash fields are impressive. Mountain bikers should opt for a guided tour, as trails through the lava can be risky.
The areas surrounding Timanfaya National Park are also protected and declared nature parks (e.g., Parque Natural de los Volcanes). In principle, this means hiking is allowed on existing trails. However, trails should not be left, no materials (stones, plants, etc.) should be taken, and the fauna should not be disturbed. In recent years, hiking has been prohibited in parts of these nature parks, so it is best to rely on official information centers or hiking companies. Olita Trek & Bike offers a guided hike in small groups through the Timanfaya volcanoes. The guides are experts in volcanology and can convey both the facts and the fascination of the Timanfaya volcanoes to participants.
Bus, rental car, Mountain Bike, or by foot – no matter how, a visit to the Fire Mountains of Timanfaya should be a must for every visitor of Lanzarote!
