Arrecife/Playa Blanca: Timanfaya National Park Area Day Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Lanzarote, a guided day tour around the Timanfaya National Park and the southern highlights of the island can be a great way to experience its volcanic wonders without the hassle of self-driving. While I haven’t personally taken this exact tour, based on numerous reviews and descriptions, it offers a solid mix of scenery, culture, and ease of access.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it covers some of Lanzarote’s most iconic sights in just one day, with knowledgeable guides making the experience both educational and fun. Plus, the inclusion of a winery visit and free time in a charming village adds a touch of local flavor.

On the flip side, some travelers mention that the schedule can feel a bit rushed, especially if you’re keen on spending more time in each spot. If you’re someone who loves plenty of relaxed exploration or doesn’t enjoy busy group tours, this might feel a little quick. Still, for those who want a comprehensive snapshot of the south of Lanzarote, this tour hits many of the key points.

This experience seems best suited for travelers who want to see the highlights efficiently, enjoy stunning volcanic scenery, and learn about the island’s unique geology and culture without the stress of planning every detail themselves.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary: Visits to Timanfaya, La Geria, El Golfo, Green Lake, and more.
• Expert-guided tour: Guides provide informative commentary, making the trip educational.
• Value for money: At about $60, it includes park admission, winery visit, and stops with free time.
• Flexible options: Pickup from key locations in Lanzarote makes it convenient.
• Busy day, quick pace: Some reviews mention it can feel rushed, especially at popular sites.
• Suitable for those wanting a hassle-free experience: No need to navigate the island alone.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience

The Itinerary and Highlights

This 7-hour bus tour packs in a lot, starting early with pickups from Costa Teguise, Arrecife, or Puerto del Carmen. The core of the trip is Timanfaya National Park, which is often described as the star attraction. Known for its lunar-like landscape created by volcanic eruptions in the 18th century, Timanfaya is a visual feast. The terrain was so striking it’s been used as a filming location for movies and even to mimic other planets’ surfaces, which speaks to how surreal this landscape is.

Inside the park, you’ll witness geothermal demonstrations at the Islet of Hilario, where the heat from the earth still manifests in steam and fiery displays. This really gives you a tangible sense of the island’s volcanic activity. The tour also includes a drive along the famous Volcanoes Route, offering panoramic views of lava fields and craters that stretch as far as the eye can see. One of the more popular stops is Los Hervideros, where the waves crash into volcanic formations, creating natural water slides and plunges—an Instagram-worthy scene.

Next, the tour takes you to El Golfo, a tiny fishing village famous for its green lagoon, Green Lake, which is a striking contrast against the black volcanic landscape. Expect some time here to take photos and soak in the scenery. Depending on the day, there might be an optional camel ride at El Camacho, which many find a fun addition, though it’s not included in the base price.

The Wine and Village Stops

Switching gears from volcanic terrain, the tour visits La Geria, a vineyard region renowned for its unique grape cultivation method. Here, you’ll visit a local winery, learn about the Malvasia grapes that thrive in the tough volcanic soil, and sample some wines. Many reviews highlight how much they enjoyed this stop, especially wine tasting with panoramic vineyard views. It’s a taste of local craftsmanship and a chance to unwind after a busy morning.

Later, there’s a stop at Mancha Blanca, where you get some free time for lunch. The tour typically offers a buffet lunch, which some find acceptable for the price—though a few mention it can be crowded and a bit rushed, especially during busy periods. If you prefer to explore local cafes or have specific dietary needs, you might want to plan for that independently.

Practicalities and Pacing

The tour includes transportation in a comfortable coach, guided explanations in multiple languages (English, Spanish, German), and some free time at select stops. Reviews point out that the guides are generally very knowledgeable and speak excellent English, making the experience accessible for international travelers.

However, some reviews note that the schedule can be tight. Queues at certain sites, like the park center, can eat into your time, so booking a guided tour is a smart way to skip long waits. Several travelers appreciated the priority access that the bus provided, saving hours compared to self-driving.

The lunch buffet usually costs around 12-15 euros and is described as decent, though not gourmet. For an added cost, some choose to skip it and find a local cafe instead, which can be cheaper and more authentic. Do note that the camel ride is not included in the price, but many find it worthwhile if they’re looking for a fun experience.

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What Do the Reviews Say?

The reviews are generally very positive. Many travelers comment on how impressed they were by the landscape—the volcanic scenery truly leaves an impression. Several mention their guides, like Paul or Antonio, as being informative, friendly, and entertaining.

One review notes, “The tour was great—only feedback would be less languages would be nice,” pointing out that seeing the tour translated into three languages sometimes makes it feel a bit rushed. But overall, most travelers felt well-informed.

Food and wine tastings are also well-loved. “The wine tasting in La Geria was a highlight,” one reviewer shared. Others appreciated the value for money, considering that the tour includes park entry fees, stops, and guiding.

Some travelers did find the pace to be swift, especially in peak seasons when crowds are large, but most agree that having a guide and a set schedule is a plus if you want to see a lot without the hassle of planning every detail.

The Downsides

The main considerations seem to be the schedule’s busy nature and the fact that some stops can feel rushed. If you’re someone who prefers to spend more time at each site or explore independently, this tour might feel limited. Also, the lunch buffet can be crowded, with some reviews suggesting that wandering off to a nearby café might be a better option if time permits.

Another small note: while the camel ride is optional and not included in the price, it’s often highlighted as a fun add-on, so if that’s something you really want to do, plan for extra.

Is It Worth It?

Given the price point of around $60, this tour offers a well-rounded snapshot of southern Lanzarote’s highlights. It covers the volcanic landscape, cultural stops, and local wine, all in one day, which is particularly valuable if you’re short on time or prefer not to navigate the island on your own.

It’s particularly suited for travelers who enjoy engaging guides, want a hassle-free way to see the major sights, and don’t mind a packed schedule. It’s also a good choice if you’re not comfortable driving or simply want someone else to handle logistics.

Final Thoughts

This tour is a solid pick for anyone wanting to experience Lanzarote’s volcanic terrain without the stress of planning or driving. The combination of timeless landscapes, engaging storytelling from guides, and local wine tasting creates a memorable day out. The price is reasonable for what you get, especially with fast-track access and expert commentary.

If you’re someone who appreciates a structured tour that hits the main highlights, this trip will serve you well. Just prepare for a busy day and some quick stops. It’s ideal for curious travelers eager to learn about the island’s geology and culture in one go.

For families, couples, or solo travelers who like organized trips with a relaxed pace, this tour offers a good balance of sightseeing and comfort. If more time at each stop or independent exploration is your priority, you might want to consider a different approach, but for most, it’s a reliable, enjoyable way to see Lanzarote’s highlights.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from designated locations like Costa Teguise, Arrecife, and Puerto del Carmen, with transportation in a comfortable coach.

What’s the duration of the tour?
It lasts about 7 hours, with starting times varying based on availability. Be prepared for a full day of sightseeing.

What languages are the guides available in?
Guides speak English, Spanish, and German, ensuring clear explanations for a diverse group.

Are there any extra costs not included in the price?
Yes, the camel ride is an optional activity that isn’t included. The buffet lunch costs around 12 euros if you choose to partake.

Can I skip the lunch?
Yes, you can opt out of the buffet and explore local cafes nearby or bring your own snacks.

Is the tour suitable for families?
While not explicitly designed for children, families who enjoy guided excursions and quick-paced sightseeing will find it appropriate. The stops are mostly outdoor and scenic.

How much free time do I get?
You’ll have some free time in Mancha Blanca for lunch and in El Golfo for photos, but overall, the schedule is quite full.

What if I don’t want to do the camel ride?
It’s optional and not included in the tour price, so you’re free to skip it and enjoy other activities or simply relax.

Is the tour good if I want to learn about Lanzarote’s geology?
Absolutely. Many reviews praise the guides’ informative commentary, especially about the volcanic history and landscapes.

How many stops are there?
Key stops include Timanfaya National Park, La Geria wineries, El Golfo, and Mancha Blanca, with some additional stops possibly depending on the day.

If you’re after an organized, value-packed day to see Lanzarote’s volcanic beauty, cultural highlights, and enjoy some local wine, this tour offers a lot for its price. Just remember it’s a full, sometimes hurried day—perfect for eager explorers and those keen to tick off major sights efficiently.

You can check availability for your dates here: