Lanzarote Guide

Timanfaya
National Park

Lanzarote's most iconic excursion — a practical, first-timer guide to the Fire Mountains, the volcanic bus tour and El Diablo restaurant.

Quick tip: Timanfaya is 35 minutes from Costa Teguise. Stay at Selectum Lanza, leave by 08:45 and you'll beat every coach tour on the island.

What is Timanfaya National Park?

Timanfaya — the "Fire Mountains" (Montañas del Fuego) — is a 50 km² protected volcanic landscape created by six years of continuous eruptions between 1730 and 1736. It's one of Spain's most surreal national parks and Lanzarote's #1 attraction.

Entry Fee & Opening Hours

  • Adults: €12
  • Children (4–12): €6
  • Open: 09:00 – 17:45 daily (last entry 17:00)
  • Included: Ruta de los Volcanes bus tour + geothermal demonstrations

The Volcanic Bus Tour (Ruta de los Volcanes)

A 14 km circular route through the heart of the eruption zone, inaccessible on foot. The 40-minute coach tour runs continuously from the Islote de Hilario visitor centre, with commentary in English, Spanish and German.

How to Skip the Queues

This is the single biggest complaint about Timanfaya. Cars queue at the park gate, not at the ticket booth — once inside, you park and board immediately.

  • Best: Arrive before 09:30 (opens 09:00)
  • Also good: Arrive after 15:00
  • Avoid: 10:00 – 14:00 (coach-tour peak, 45–90 min waits)

El Diablo Restaurant

Designed by César Manrique and perched over the geothermal vent at Islote de Hilario. Meat and fish are grilled directly over the volcano's natural heat (around 400 °C at 6 m depth). The panoramic dining room has 360° views of the Fire Mountains.

Book on arrival at the visitor centre — walk-ins for 13:00 usually fill by 11:30.

Geothermal Demonstrations

Before your bus tour, watch the park rangers pour water into a borehole (it erupts as a geyser within seconds) and set dry brushwood alight in a shallow pit using only the ground's heat. Free and included with entry.

Getting There from Costa Teguise

The drive from Selectum Lanza is 32 km (about 35 minutes) via the LZ-20 and LZ-56. Free parking at the park entrance. No public transport reaches the park.

Where to Stay for Timanfaya

Costa Teguise is the ideal base — central to the island, close to the airport, and 35 minutes from Timanfaya. Selectum Lanza is a private 2-bedroom apartment with ocean views, perfect for a Lanzarote road-trip week.

Book direct to avoid Airbnb fees and lock in the best price.

Frequently Asked

Quick answers.

How much does Timanfaya National Park cost?+

Entry is €12 per adult and €6 per child (4–12). The price includes the Ruta de los Volcanes bus tour and the geothermal demonstrations at the Islote de Hilario.

What is the best time to visit Timanfaya to avoid queues?+

Arrive at the park entrance before 09:30 or after 15:00. Coach tours peak between 10:00 and 14:00 and waits can exceed an hour.

Can you walk in Timanfaya National Park?+

The core Fire Mountains area can only be visited on the official bus tour. Guided walks (Ruta del Litoral, Tremesana) must be booked in advance with the park's visitor centre.

Is El Diablo restaurant worth it?+

Yes — it's the only restaurant in the park and food is grilled directly over the geothermal heat of the volcano. Book a table for 13:00 or 14:00 on arrival.

How far is Timanfaya from Costa Teguise?+

About 35 minutes by car (32 km) from Selectum Lanza in Costa Teguise — the easiest base for a day trip.

Book Direct

Staying nearby makes exploring easier — check availability at Selectum Lanza.

Best Price Guaranteed · Limited availability — book early.