South Tour: Timanfaya National Park

South Tour: Timanfaya National Park — An In-Depth Look at Lanzarote’s Volcanic Wonder

A trip to Lanzarote isn’t complete without experiencing its volcanic soul. The South Tour, priced at $82 per person and lasting about 8 hours, offers a well-rounded glimpse into this extraordinary island. It takes you from the volcanic craters of Timanfaya to the colorful coast of El Golfo, finishing with a taste of the island’s renowned wines in La Geria. The tour is operated by Canary Trip Booking and includes transportation, a guide, and a full-day itinerary designed to showcase the island’s most striking landscapes.

Two things stand out right away. First, the timing and structure mean you get to see several highlights without feeling rushed — the guide’s explanations and the scenic drives work well to make each stop meaningful. Second, the wine tasting in La Geria is a rare treat. The region’s unique volcanic soil produces some truly delicious wines that are well worth trying.

However, it’s worth noting that some stops can feel a bit brief, and the tour’s commercial side might not be for everyone. Still, if you’re eager to get a taste of Lanzarote’s natural and cultural highlights in one day, this tour offers solid value.

This experience suits travelers who want a structured, informative day with plenty of photo opportunities and a focus on natural beauty. It’s especially good for those interested in geology, landscapes, and local food and drink, but maybe less ideal for travelers seeking a more leisurely, unstructured exploration or mobility-challenged visitors.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering volcanoes, coastlines, and vineyards in a single day
• Guided experience with a bilingual guide providing context and history
• Includes transportation and entrance tickets for convenience
• Wine tasting in La Geria adds a flavorful local touch
• Duration of 8 hours allows for a full, well-paced day
• Some stops are brief, so planning for limited time at each site is wise

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Tour Experience: What to Expect

Starting Point and Transport

The tour begins with pick-up options from four locations: Costa Teguise, Playa Blanca, Arrecife, or Puerto del Carmen. This flexibility is helpful, though you’ll need to check your exact pickup time and location after booking, as the provider reconfirms these details. The journey is comfortably handled by an air-conditioned bus, which makes the long drives between sites quite pleasant.

El Golfo and Coastal Beauty

Your first stop is the charming village of El Golfo, famous for its striking Green Lagoon — a vivid, emerald-colored crater lake contrasting sharply with the dark volcanic surroundings. Spending about 20 minutes here gives you enough time to snap photos and soak in the scenery. This spot is one of Lanzarote’s most photogenic, and it’s a favorite among travelers for its surreal beauty.

Los Hervideros and Salinas de Janubio

Next, the tour briefly visits Los Hervideros, a rugged coastline where volcanic rocks meet the Atlantic. The waves crashing against the volcanic formations create dramatic scenes, perfect for taking photos. Just a short stop of about 10 minutes lets you appreciate this natural spectacle without spending too much time in transit.

Following that, the Salinas de Janubio salt flats provide another unique landscape — expansive, colorful, and an important part of Lanzarote’s history. Here, you’ll see salt harvesting in action and learn about its significance.

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Timanfaya National Park: The Heart of the Tour

The core of the excursion is the Timanfaya National Park. With a guided tour lasting about 70 minutes, you’ll explore the volcanic landscape that erupted in the 18th century. The guide will explain the eruptions and volcanic formations, highlighting the striking reds, blacks, and browns of the terrain. You can witness the geothermal demonstrations, where water is poured into holes and erupts as steam — a reminder of the island’s fiery past.

While the guide provides insights, some travelers find the stops here are a bit brief — you get a good overview but might wish for more time to soak it all in. Still, the landscape here truly feels otherworldly, almost like a scene from Mars, and it’s every bit as impressive as it sounds.

Note: The tour mentions the option to ride a camel, but this activity isn’t included in the cost. Many travelers enjoy the idea of a camel ride, but it’s worth planning separately if you’re interested.

La Geria: The Wine Region with a Twist

The final highlight is La Geria, a volcanic wine region where the unique landscape has shaped the way grapes are cultivated. The method involves planting vines in shallow, circular stone enclosures to protect from the wind and retain moisture — a clever adaptation to the volcanic soil.

During a 20-minute visit, you’ll learn about the peculiar harvesting style and the region’s history. Then, you get to taste some of the award-winning wines, which many visitors find surprisingly good considering the harsh environment where they’re grown. This part adds a delightful local flavor to the day.

Returning and Drop-offs

After a full day, the bus drops you off at your original pickup point. The return journey is about 15 minutes, giving your feet a break after a busy day.

Practical Details and Considerations

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour price covers all transportation, entrance fees, a guide, and a lunch — a significant value for a full-day guided experience. The only notable extra expense is the camel ride, which is not included but can be booked separately if you’re interested.

Comfort and Accessibility

The bus is air-conditioned, making the long drives comfortable. However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and travelers with mobility issues might find some stops challenging. Buses are not adapted for wheelchair users, so plan accordingly.

What to Bring

Comfortable shoes are essential because you’ll be walking at each stop. Sunglasses and a camera are also recommended to capture the vistas. Sunscreen is wise too, given Lanzarote’s bright sun.

Criticisms and Caveats

Some reviews mention that stops can be too short and overly commercial, which might leave some feeling rushed or wishing for more time at each site. The tour’s multi-language presentation can also be a bit overwhelming, with several languages spoken simultaneously, which might dilute the experience for some.

The quality of the included lunch has been described as poor by some travelers, so if you’re a foodie expecting a gourmet meal, this might not be your highlight. However, for most, the focus remains on the landscapes and local wine.

Who Should Take This Tour?

This tour is ideal for travelers eager to see Lanzarote’s most iconic landscapes without the hassle of planning. It’s perfect if you appreciate geology, scenic coastal views, and local wine. If you’re comfortable with a somewhat packed schedule and brief stops, you’ll enjoy the highlights and the overall experience.

It’s less suitable if you’re looking for a more leisurely exploration or have mobility issues, given the tour’s pace and transportation limitations.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For the price, this tour offers a solid introduction to Lanzarote’s volcanic heart and coastal beauty. The combination of landscapes from the Green Lagoon to the fiery craters of Timanfaya provides a visual feast, while the wine tasting in La Geria adds a tasting experience you won’t forget. The guides generally perform well, and the included transportation makes it straightforward to cover a lot of ground.

While some stops are brief and the tour can feel a little commercial at times, the overall value remains high, especially for those wanting a comprehensive, guided day with minimal fuss. The highlight for many is the chance to see Lanzarote’s volcanic terrain up close and sample its unique wines.

If you’re after an organized, informative day that balances natural wonder with local culture, this tour will serve you well. Just be prepared for a busy schedule and short stops, and you’ll come away with a real appreciation for this extraordinary island.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes air-conditioned bus transportation to all the stops and entrance tickets for Timanfaya National Park.

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 8 hours, with a full day of sightseeing and driving.

Do I need to bring my own lunch?
Lunch is included in the tour, so you don’t need to worry about bringing food — just come hungry.

Can I ride a camel?
Camel rides are not included in the price; they are available as an optional activity if you wish to book separately.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are essential, along with sunglasses and a camera. Sunscreen is recommended due to Lanzarote’s bright sun.

Are there any accessibility issues?
Yes, buses are not adapted for wheelchair users, and the tour may be challenging for travelers with mobility impairments.

Is the tour bilingual?
Yes, guides speak Spanish, English, and German, often presenting information in multiple languages simultaneously.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How long do stops last?
Most stops range from about 10 to 20 minutes, which may feel brief but allows for quick exploration and photography.

Is the experience suitable for families or kids?
Yes, but keep in mind the brief stops and the long bus rides. It’s a good choice for families with older children interested in geology and landscapes.

To sum it up, the South Tour of Timanfaya National Park offers a well-rounded, scenic, and culturally rich experience of Lanzarote’s volcanic landscapes. With an emphasis on natural beauty, local wine, and efficient logistics, it’s a strong choice for travelers wanting an authentic taste of the island in a single day. Just be ready for some quick stops and lively guides — and you’ll come away with memories of a truly unique landscape.

You can check availability for your dates here: