|
Timanfaya National Park
The Montañas del Fuego (Fire Mountains) were created between 1730 and 1736 when more than 100 volcanoes, covering more than 50 km², rose up and devastated this part of the island (including several villages). The last eruptions were in 1824, however due to the low rainfall (and therefore lack of erosion) this area appears much the same as it did just after the eruptions. In 1968 the area was declared a national park, Parque Nacional de Timanfaya.
This part of the island is a must for any visitor to the island because of its unique 'Martian' landscape and rare plant species.
After you arrive at the visitors Car Park you will witness several demonstrations of 'how hot' the area is (temperatures just a few metres below the surface reach between 400°C and 600°C).
Dry brush thrown into a hole in the ground catches fire immediately, while water poured into a bore hole erupts seconds later in the form of steam – like a mini-geyser.
The 'El Diablo' restaurant provides an impressive backdrop to all of this and serves Canarian food which is cooked using geothermal heat (A cast-iron grill placed over a large hole in the ground). It is advised to arrive here early if you would like to sample the food, since the Kitchen closes at 3.00pm.
While it is not possible to just wander freely around the Volcanoes, a Coach Trip around the National Park (La Ruta de los Volcanos) is included in the entry fee. The Tour features an Audio Commentary that includes excerpts from the diary of a local Priest who was an eyewitness to the devastating Eruptions.
It is also possible to take a Camel ride across the Volcanic landscape (not included in the entry fee).
Admission: €8 Euro (Includes Coach Tour around the National Park)
Opening Hours: Everyday 10.00 - 18.00
Telephone: +34 928 840057
Restaurant: +34 928 173105
|
|
|
|
