Volcanoes of Timanfaya
Lanzarote 1 : Volcanoes of Timanfaya
Lanzarote 2 : Diving Puerto del Carmen
Lanzarote 3 : Hiking Caldera Blanca
Lanzarote
Emergency Numbers - Arrecife
Policía Local (+34) 928 811 317 Policía Nacional (+34) 928 597 117 Guardia Civil 062Emergency Numbers - Puerto del Carmen
Policía Local de Tías (+34) 928 834 101 Guardia Civil de Tías 062Timanfaya Lava Fields
The lava fields of Timanfaya (Geosite LZ27) cover almost a quarter of the island of Lanzarote and are the result of a near-continuous string of volcanic eruptions that occurred between the years of 1730-1736 CE. The constantly juxtaposed lava from more than a hundred volcanoes flowed in all directions over a period of more than five years, and consumed everything in its path, from vegetable crops to entire villages, ultimately covering an area of almost 200 square kilometres.
Historical Account
On the first day of September, 1730 between nine and ten o'clock at night, the earth suddenly tore open near Timanfaya, two leagues from Yaiza. An enormous mountain emerged from the ground with flames coming from its summit. It continued burning for 19 days.
Some days later, a new abyss developed and an avalanche of lava rushed down over Timanfaya, Rodeo and part of Mancha Blanca. The lava extended over to the northern areas, running as fast as water, though it soon slowed down and ran like honey.
On September 7, a great rock burst upwards with a thunderous sound and the pressure of the explosion forced the lava going northwards to change direction, flowing then to the north west and west north west. The lava torrent arrived, instantly destroying Maretas and Santa Catalina in the valley. On September 11, the eruption became stronger. From Santa Catalina lava flowed to Mazo, covering the whole area and heading for the sea. It ran in cataracts for six continuous days making a terrible noise. Huge numbers of dead fish floated about on the sea or were thrown on the shore. Then everything quietened, and the eruption appeared to have come to an end.
But on October 18, three new fissures formed above Santa Catalina. Enormous clouds of smoke escaped, flowing over the whole island, accompanied by volcanic ashes, sand, and debris. The clouds condensed and dropped boiling rain on the land. The volcanic activity remained the same for ten whole days with cattle dropping dead, asphyxiated by the vapours.
J.C. (2014) The 1730–1736 Eruption of Lanzarote, Canary Islands. In: Gutiérrez F.,
Gutiérrez M. (eds) Landscapes and Landforms of Spain. World Geomorphological
Landscapes. Springer, Dordrecht'
Getting There
Unfortunately, the only way to really get to Timanfaya National Park is to rent a car or a motorcycle. Cycling is not really a feasible option unless you are an experienced cyclist--the distances involved are fairly large, the trade winds that whip across the island are fierce, and the mountain slopes are pretty brutal. Lanzarote can also be quite dusty due to the arid climate and the winds, and is also very exposed, so be sure to cover up if you do decide to cycle. Bear in mind that once out of town, there are not many places where you can lock your bicycle safely.
Driving, on the other hand, is relatively straightforward: From Puerto del Carmen, you need to take the LZ-504 northwards towards the town of Macher, then turn west to Yaiza along the LZ-2. There will be a turnoff on the right after 9 kilometres that will bring you along the LZ-67. You will head north-east for just under 7 kilometres before seeing the 'El Diablo' logo that marks the turnoff into the park. The entire journey from Puerto del Carmen should take you just under half an hour.
Other Geosites
There are several other geosites that can be visited on the way to either Timanfaya National Park or to La Calderetas (Geosite LZ19). Continuing north from Macher via La Asomada, for instance, will take you through the huge wine-growing region of the valley of La Geria (Geosite LZ36). Here you will see vast black volcanic ash fields that are pockmarked with dimple-like craters called 'zocos', that protect the sweet Malvasia grapes (Vitis vinifera) from the fierce trade winds. Continuing north from there will bring you past the collapsed Los Cuervos caldera on the left (Geosite LZ28) and the distinctly red volcano of La Montaña Colorada (Geosite LZ43) on the right.