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Lanzarote Volcanoes – Tours + Origin + Photos (incl. Fire Mountains)

Last updated on March 13, 2023 by Claire / this article contains affiliate links (Info)

When visiting the Canary islands, the Lanzarote volcanoes are a bucket list item not to be missed, especially the Fire mountains of Timanfaya National Park. 
The island is covered in small or large volcanoes with different shapes and colours. It is fascinating.
Below is my guide with pictures and video, and give you some tips to plan your Lanzarote volcano tours, trips and walks.

Before all my tips + photos, here are my favourites for Lanzarote:

car rental

My favorite platform to rent a car in Lanzarote: Discovercars

boat

My favorite boat tour: Papagayo beaches by catamaran

bus

My favorite day trip in Lanzarote: Timanfaya + El Golfo + Los Hervideros + Wines

hotel

My favourite places to stay to explore the island :

  • Playa Blanca, close to Papagayo - my favourite hotel: Princesa Yaiza Resort or see best-rated hotels
  • Costa Teguise, convenient for exploring - my favourite hotel: Barcelo Teguise Beach or see best-rated hotels
  • Puerto del Carmen, the most active - my favourite hotel: Aqua Suites or see best-rated hotels
Fire mountains Lanzarote Volcano Tours -

Table Of Contents
Volcanoes in Lanzarote - Video
Main volcanic attraction - Fire Mountains Lanzarote
Other Volcanos around Lanzarote - Map
Attractions related to volcanic eruptions on Lanzarote
About the Lanzarote Volcanoes - Facts & History
Lanzarote Volcano Tours and Trips
Lanzarote Volcano Walks - Tips
Photos of the Volcanoes of Lanzarote

// In this article, no ads, no sponsored posts. Just some affiliate links.
If you purchase through them, I get a commission at no extra cost to you (Disclosure).


Volcanoes in Lanzarote - Video

Let's start with short video introducing the fascinating landscapes of Lanzarote which have been created by volcanoes. It will show you the Fire Mountains of Lanzarote as well as other volcanoes around the island:

Inspiring isn't it?


Main volcanic attraction - Fire Mountains Lanzarote

What are the Lanzarote Fire Mountains?

The Lanzarote Fire Mountains is the most famous part of the island. It corresponds to the volcanoes inside the Timanfaya National Park.
They are called Montanas del Fuego in Spanish. And it is a Unesco Biosphere reserve.

Those volcanoes are located on the West side of Lanzarote, in an area affected by the 6-year eruption from 1730 to 1736. It is famous because it has been one of the most spectacular eruption on Earth and it changed the shape of the island.

In the National Park, you can find many volcanoes of different colours. But a lot of them have a reddish colour, and when the sun rises or sets, they seem to be on fire.

Fire mountains Lanzarote

Fire mountains Lanzarote

Inside the Lanzarote Volcano Park (Timanfaya National Park)

The part of the island that is protected in a National park is accessible to visitor. However the main area can only be experienced from a bus that goes around a single road. Along the path you can see the smooth and rugged lava flows, and many craters.
There are few walks organized in other sections of the park, but spots are limited.
Learn more on my article about the Timanfaya National park.

Timanfaya National Park Fire mountains Lanzarote Volcanos

The main activity is really the bus tour. Despite not being able to stop anywhere along the road (to protect the environment), it is really worth doing. The views are very impressive. You can book a half day trip from all the resort towns. Learn more.

Timanfaya National Park Fire mountains Lanzarote Tour Volcanos

Lanzarote's "Volcano restaurant & Volcano grill"

The tour also includes 2 impressive experiences near the carpark. They show how hot it still is underground (reaching 600°C 10m below the surface): 

  • when they pour water into holes creating mini geysers
  • when they see how things catch fire

It is right by the famous Lanzarote volcano restaurant when they cook steaks and fish on a "volcano grill" using only the heat from the Earth.

Volcano restaurant & Volcano grill
Volcano restaurant & Volcano grill 2

Other Volcanos around Lanzarote - Map

Map - Volcanoes of Lanzarote 

However when talking about the volcanoes in Lanzarote, people tend to only mean the Fire mountains when the whole island is spotted by volcanic craters and mounts.
In the immediate vicinity of the National Park is the Los Volcanes Natural park. Where you have better access to several volcanoes with walks and hikes.

Here is maps of the main volcano area in Lanzarote (with the highest concentration of them), but there are more craters throughout the island.

Timanfaya Lanzarote Volcano map

Timanfaya Lanzarote Volcano map

My favorite - Montana Cuervo

My favorite of all the volcanoes is Montana Cuervo. I have a passion for everything volcanic. I love seeing the power of Earth and I really enjoy the colours and shapes created by lava.
As soon as I saw Cuervo, I fell in love with it despite the fact that it is the most visited after Timanfaya.
I think it has a beautiful shape and a very deep mesmerizing colour.

Montana Cuervo - Volcano in Lanzarote

The advantage is that a path has been set up all around the volcano that offers great views of the lava flows, the crater and the surrounding volcanic area.
You can even take a detour to get inside the crater!

Inside a volcano in Lanzarote - Montana Cuervo

Inside a volcano in Lanzarote - Montana Cuervo

Large choice of volcanoes in Lanzarote - many shapes, colours & locations

And there are many more to choose from to organise you Lanzarote Volcano trip.

  • You can choose a white one such as Montana Blanca,
  • or climb to the top of another one for great views at Los Rodeos
  • If you love colours, head to Montana Colorada with its intense red face and volcanic bombs
  • In North Lanzarote, you will find a famous old extinct volcano. The one that created a long lava tube that goes underwater. It is called La Corona and reaches 609meters. 
  • While at the South End, off the beaten track, Montana Roja, offers views all the way to Fuerteventura...
  • And many many more...
  • Tours and Walks can lead you to visit some of those if you don't want to rent a car (see my tips). See in further sections of this article
Montana Blanca - Volcano in Lanzarote

Montana Blanca - white volcano in Lanzarote

Los Rodeos - Volcano in Lanzarote

Los Rodeos

Montana Colorada - Volcano in Lanzarote

Montana Colorada

La Corona - Volcano in South Lanzarote

La Corona Volcano Lanzarote

All my favorite volcanoes and their walks are included in my eBook:

Plan your perfect trip around Lanzarote!

Lanzarote ebook cover small
  • 7 easy-to-plan maps
  • 55 Scenic locations in Lanzarote
  • 19 Scenic locations in Fuerteventura
  • Planning tips + Best times
  • 140+ large photos to decide where to go
  • GPS coordinates direct to the carparks

LEARN MORE


Attractions related to volcanic eruptions on Lanzarote

When there are volcanoes, you can also discover amazing volcanic features. They are sometimes even more fascinating than the crater themselves. Below are a few examples of what you can find on the island of Lanzarote.

Jameos del Agua Lanzarote

Jameos del Agua Lanzarote - Restaurant

One of the most famous things to do in Lanzarote is visit Jameos de Agua.
It is a lava tunnel where some sections have collapsed creating open caves or 'jameos'. César Manrique re-imagined the space and it has restaurant, a lake with white crabs, a swimming pool and an amphitheater.
Architecture is perfectly integrated with Nature. One of the most unique places I have visited in the World.
Learn more on my article about Jameos del Agua.

Green Caves Lanzarote

Green Caves Lanzarote

Another part of the same lava tube has remained wilder with only lights set up by the artist Jesus Soto.
The lava tube was created by the eruption of Montana Corona. It is 6km long and end up underwater. 
It is a completely different experience, since it is completely closed off underground. The Green caves are fascinating!

Los Hervideros

Los Hervideros Lanzarote Volcano Lava

One of my favorite landscapes in Lanzarote is at Los Hervideros. It is a place South of Timanfaya where the flow of lava has met the ocean creating fascinating shapes and cliffs.
Plus the erosion has also done it works and you can admire the caves and explore the lava.
More photos on my article about the Los Hervideros lava cliffs.

Lanzarote volcanic vineyards

Lanzarote vineyard

Another big Lanzarote excursions that is unique due to volcanic landscapes are the vineyards.
Because of the eruption, a lot of the soil has been covered with lava which is not great for farming. Especially has it rarely rains on Lanzarote.
However the locals discovered a way to grow grapes using the picon (small volcanic rocks like gravel). It capture the humidity and provide water to the plants even if it does not rain.


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About the Lanzarote Volcanoes - Facts & History

Origin of the volcanos in Lanzarote

  • Over the history of Lanzarote, several eruptions have shaped Lanzarote
  • La Corona, which is now extinct was created 4000 years ago
  • But many have appeared because of the famous 6-year long eruption that happened between 1730 and 1736. It destroyed 26 villages and hamlets, as well as many farms

How many volcanoes in Lanzarote? 

Lanzarote is sometimes referred to as the Island of the 1,000 volcanoes. Because everywhere you look, here they are. Well 1000 is not the number.
And it depends what you call a volcano, how you count the small mounts and all.
It is more in the hundreds

Lanzarote Volcano Map

Fun Facts about the volcanoes of Lanzarote

Lanzarote has been used has a backdrop for scenes in several movies and TV shows, such as Doctor who's, Moby Dick, One million year BC, Krull...

How many volcanoes in Lanzarote

Lanzarote Volcano Tours and Trips

OK Now let's talk planning;
Do you want to explore some of the volcanoes?

OPTION 1 - Make your own Lanzarote Volcano Trip (Self-drive)

The best way to explore the island of Lanzarote and its volcanoes is the rent a car and get around at your own pace.
This way you can complete entire hikes and stop whenever you want.
You can find all my favorite volcano views and walks in my Lanzarote travel guide eBook here.

Need to rent a car in Lanzarote?

See the best deals on my favorite platform

Renting a car Lanzarote tips

or See my 36 practical tips
to choose the best car to rent
for the roads in Lanzarote

+car rental deals

OPTION 2 - Organized Lanzarote Volcano Tour

If you don't want to rent a car, and just want to sit back, relax and learn more about the environment, many half-day excursions or full day tours are geared towards the volcanic landscapes of Lanzarote. They depart from all the main resort towns: Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise (check ou my article about the best areas to stay in Lanzarote)

  • Half day trip to complete the bus tour around Timanfaya National Park (I recommend sitting on the right side of the bus) - Check out the program and Book
  • Full day trip combining the Fire Mountains of Timanfaya with Los Hervideros and the Green Lagoon inside another volcanic crater - Check out the program and Book
  • If you don't mind walking a little, there is also a tour that covers the beginning of the Montana Cuervo walk, as well as the beginning of the Montana Colorado walk. A great combination - Check out program and Book
  • And if you are more interested by the lava tube, you can chose a day trip that combines Timanfaya with both Jameos del Agua and the Green caves - Check out program and book
Lanzarote Volcano Tours

OPTION 3 - Guided walking tours of volcanoes in Lanzarote

If you like walking, some Volcano tours in Lanzarote are proposed with a guide and with pick up in the main tourist hubs, for example:

  • Monte corona volcano and cliff hike in the North with views of La Graciosa - Check out program and book
  • or a 4h hike with several volcanoes starting with Volcan del Cuervo but going further to other craters - Check out program and book
  • Or, if planning in advance, you might get a spot in one of the Rangers' Timanfaya walks
Lanzarote Volcano Walks

Lanzarote Volcano Walks - Tips

  • As I wrote before, the ground is mostly covered with solidified lava. Do not leave the path! Do no walk on lava! First is is edgy and you can't stand well. Second there might be caves under the lava and you are at risk of dropping suddenly
  • Wear proper shoes. A lot of the time the path is made of picon, so it feels between sand and gravel and it can be tiring on the leg. High covering shoes might even be better so that the small rocks do not enter your shoes. I kept stopping to remove them from mine...
  • Cover your head and apply sunscreen. The sun is really really harsh. I forgot the first day and was burnt very quickly
  • Bring plenty of water. The walk can be strenuous and there is no shade at all
  • But it is all worth it!!!!
Lanzarote Volcano Trips

Eruption risk

With all that I wrote, you might be wondering: will Timanfaya erupt again? What is the risk of eruption in Lanzarote?

Timanfaya is currently classified as dormant.

However both Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are locate on the African Rift. It is thought that "If an eruption would be coming, the volcanologists would be able to warn about it in advance, but there would be a problem telling where on the island the eruption would happen." (from the volcanocafe)


Where to stay in Lanzarote?
My tips:

  • Most enjoyable Resort Town - Playa Blanca - see best rated accommodations
  • Main resort town (without car & nightlife) - Puerto del Carmen - see best rated accommodations
  • Best location to be able to explore Lanzarote - Costa Teguise - see best rated accommodations
  • Coastal Charm and Quiet - Punta Mujeres - see best rated accommodations
  • Scenic Views - Famara Beach - see best rated accommodations
  • Original & isolated - La Graciosa - see best rated accommodations

More tips on my article about where to stay in Lanzarote


Photos of the Volcanoes of Lanzarote

And below are some extra photos fo the Lanzarote volcanoes that seem surreal but I promise this is what I saw!

Lanzarote volcano Photo 1
Lanzarote volcano Photo 2
Lanzarote volcano Photo 3

Montana Colorada has really fascinating colours with a red side, and one that seems to change depending on the light:

Lanzarote volcano Photo 4

Plan your trip to Lanzarote:

tips key
  • My itineraries : 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 1 week, 10 days
  • 36 tips to rent a car in Lanzarote
  • Guide to driving in Lanzarote
  • Where to stay in Lanzarote
  • Playa Blanca or Puerto del Carmen or Costa Teguise: where to go?
  • Best tours in Lanzarote
  • Best things to do in Lanzarote

Want to see more of the best Lanzarote has to offer?

  • 21 Best things to do in Lanzarote - read article
  • Best Lanzarote Photography Locations - read article
  • Lanzarote Attractions by César Manrique - read article
  • 10 hidden gems in Lanzarote - read article
  • Best Beaches in Lanzarote - read article
  • Timanfaya National Park Lanzarote - read article
  • Lanzarote or Fuerteventura? - read article

Planning a trip to Lanzarote?

Check out my travel guide to help you plan:

Lanzarote ebook cover small

Plan your ideal trip to Lanzarote with:

  • 7 easy-to-plan Maps
  • 44 Scenic locations in Lanzarote
  • 19 Scenic locations in Fuerteventura
  • Best times to visit and photograph
  • GPS coordinates and planning information to make the most of your time

LEARN MORE

And keep track of your own trip!

Lanzarote travel Journal

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BEST BEACHES IN LANZAROTE

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