Exploring The Fire Mountains of Lanzarote in the Canary Islands

The Canaries are Europe’s closest winter sun destination – enjoying temperatures that average out at around 23 Celsius -while boasting fantastic beaches and high standards of holiday accommodation. Lanzarote is the most easterly link in the chain and enjoys UNESCO protected biosphere status, designed to preserve the islands unique volcanic interior – which was forged by massive eruptions in the 1730s and again in the 1820s.

These episodes left around one third of the island covered in a sea of lava, punctuated by spent volcanic peaks. This has created a surreal landscape that has served as backdrop for numerous science fiction films such as One Million Years BC and Krull.

The terrain here is certainly other worldly – and has often been likened to the surface of the moon. Indeed Apollo 13 astronauts were shown visuals of these volcanic vistas before making their own lunar landings.

Today the entire region is one of Spain’s most popular National Parks – and is known as Timanfaya or The Fire Mountains.

As well as being able to tour the entire park on coaches visitors are able to enjoy a number of demonstrations of the geothermal power still locked just below the earth’s surface. Park wardens pour cold water into bore holes – which is then expelled in huge steamy jets just seconds later. Whilst chefs cook chickens over the heat emanating from a dormant volcano on massive grills in a restaurant called the Devils Diner, situated in the middle of the park, enjoying 360 degree panoramic views of the lava fields.

Over 900,000 tourists visit Timanfaya every year and the Park is open daily from 10.00 to 18.00. Admission costs €8 for adults and €4 for children.

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