Timanfaya Volcano Tour: Lanzarote National Park & Wine Tasting

Summary

Lanzarote Volcano Adventure: Timanfaya, El Golfo & Local Wine

You’ll get up close with Lanzarote’s wild volcanic landscapes—feel real geothermal heat underfoot, ride camels if you fancy it, see green lagoons and crashing waves, then finish with local wine among lava fields. It’s not just sightseeing; it’s feeling what makes this island different.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me stepping off the minibus at Timanfaya was the warmth rising from the ground—no joke, you can actually feel it through your shoes. Our guide, Marta (born and raised in Arrecife), handed us a handful of black volcanic gravel. Still warm to the touch. She showed us how they use the earth’s heat for cooking at El Diablo Restaurant—there’s nothing quite like seeing chicken sizzle over a hole in the ground while you sip a quick cortado and watch clouds drift by the panoramic windows.

We rolled along the Route of the Volcanoes next. You can’t get out here—strict rules to protect the park—but honestly, just watching those twisted lava fields and craters through the glass is wild enough. The bus windows fogged up a bit from all our chatter and excitement. Marta pointed out spots where steam sometimes rises after rain. It’s only about half an hour but feels like another planet.

At Echadero de Camellos, I couldn’t resist trying the camel ride (totally optional). The camels are surprisingly gentle, and their keepers crack jokes in Spanish and English as you sway along. If you skip it, there’s time to stretch your legs or grab a snack from a little kiosk selling local almond cookies.

Later we stopped at El Golfo—the green lagoon is almost unreal against all that black sand and red rock. There’s always a salty breeze here, and if you listen close you’ll hear gulls squabbling over fishing scraps by the tiny harbor nearby. We wandered down to snap photos; my shoes picked up fine black dust that stuck for days.

The drive along Janubio beach is quick but worth it for glimpses of old salt flats shining white in the sun. At Los Hervideros cliffs, waves crash so hard they send up spray that smells faintly of seaweed and minerals—you’ll want your camera ready for this one.

Before heading back, we pulled into La Geria for a taste of Malvasía wine. The vineyards look odd—each vine sits in its own hollowed-out pit surrounded by little stone walls to trap moisture from the wind. Our guide explained how this technique lets grapes grow in volcanic ash; I never knew wine could taste so crisp after a day in the sun.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Timanfaya Volcano and Surroundings

• Geothermal demonstrations at Timanfaya National Park
• Route of the Volcanoes panoramic minibus tour
• Optional camel ride at Castor of Camels
• Visit El Golfo and the Green Lagoon
• Panoramic tour along Timanfaya coast and Janubio beach
• Wine tasting and explanation at La Geria
• Walk and photo stop at Los Hervideros cliffs

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, we pick you up right at your hotel or accommodation—it’s all arranged when you book.

Can I skip the camel ride?

Absolutely! The camel ride is optional and paid directly on site. You can relax or explore nearby if you prefer.

How big are the groups?

The group size is capped at 25 people max for a more personal experience—sometimes even smaller outside peak season.

Is this tour suitable for kids or older travelers?

Yes! It’s family-friendly with infant seats available and not much walking required. Most ages do well on this route.

What should I bring?

I’d recommend comfy shoes (the ground can be uneven), sunglasses, sunscreen, and maybe a light jacket—the weather changes fast out here!

What’s included

This tour covers hotel pickup/drop-off, entrance tickets to Timanfaya National Park (no hidden fees), air-conditioned minibus with free WiFi onboard, certified local guides who know every corner of Lanzarote, plus a tasting of Malvasía wine in La Geria. Camel rides are optional and paid separately if you want to try them!